Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Holy Land Trip to Israel

A pilgrimage to Israel—to walk where Jesus walked—is a monumental, life-changing experience for any Christian. The weight of history, the power of the biblical sites, and the rich culture of the region are truly awe-inspiring.

However, like any major international trip, a first-time Christian tour to Israel comes with potential pitfalls. Knowing these common Holy Land mistakes in advance is the key to ensuring your first-time traveler experience is one of spiritual depth, not logistical stress.

Here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid on your first Christian tour to the Holy Land, ensuring you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

 

1. Mistake: Focusing Only on Sightseeing, Not Spiritual Preparation

Many first-time pilgrims treat the trip like a museum tour, checking off biblical sites without preparing their hearts. The greatest treasures of the Holy Land are the spiritual encounters that happen when your heart is ready.

How to Avoid It:

• Prioritize Scripture: Before you go, read the Gospel accounts and Acts, highlighting the places on your itinerary. Visualize the events.
• Journaling & Reflection: Dedicate time each day before your trip to pray and journal about what you hope to experience. While on your tour, make sure to find quiet moments for reflection at sites like the Sea of Galilee or the Garden of Gethsemane.

2. Mistake: Wearing Unsuitable Footwear

You will walk miles—up hills, down cobblestones, through ancient ruins like Masada, and across dusty paths. Stylish, new, or thin-soled shoes are a recipe for blisters and exhaustion.

How to Avoid It (Practical Tip):

• Invest in Quality: Buy sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or light hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Bring Multiples: Pack at least two comfortable, durable pairs so you can alternate them daily, letting each air out.

Read our Holy Land Tour Packing Guide

3. Mistake: Ignoring the Importance of Modest Dress

The Holy Land is home to some of the world’s most sacred sites for three major faiths, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Disregarding dress codes is a sign of disrespect and may prevent you from entering important religious venues.

How to Avoid It (Practical Tip):

• Cover Up: For both men and women, keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting churches, mosques, and other holy sites. Women should carry a lightweight scarf to cover their heads or shoulders when necessary.
• Dress in Layers: This is practical for the fluctuating weather and for quickly adjusting your attire before entering a sacred space.

4. Mistake: Only Bringing Foreign Currency and Relying on Credit Cards

While major hotels and shops in tourist hubs accept plastic, you’ll need local currency (Israeli Shekels – ILS) for small purchases, local markets, tips, and restroom fees. High credit card foreign transaction fees can also add up.

How to Avoid It (Money Tip):

• Use a No-Fee Debit Card: Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport or a major bank in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for the best exchange rate.  A Revolut card is also a popular option.
• Carry Small Bills: Keep a good supply of small Shekels for tips, street vendors, and markets.

View our Holy Land Pilgrimage Cost Guide

5. Mistake: Trying to See Too Much in One Day (The “Checklist” Mentality)

A packed itinerary might seem efficient, but rushing through major sites diminishes the spiritual impact. You won’t feel connected if you’re constantly looking at your watch, especially when visiting sites like the ones in the Galilee area.

How to Avoid It (Spiritual Focus):

• Choose Depth Over Breadth: If possible, pick a tour that allows for at least two nights in major hubs like Jerusalem and Galilee.
• Ask Your Guide: Don’t be afraid to ask your guide for an extra few minutes of quiet at a particular spot that moves you. This is your pilgrimage.
• Choose the right tour: don’t book a large group tour that rushes people from site to site and focuses on shopping more than meeting with Jesus

Read our post on Faith based tour of Israel

6. Mistake: Being Careless with Water and Food

Getting sick mid-pilgrimage is a common Holy Land mistake that can ruin the entire experience. While tap water in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is generally safe, it’s different enough to cause mild upset for some travelers.

How to Avoid It (Health Tip):

• Bottled Water is Recommended: Stick to sealed, bottled water throughout your trip.
• Hand Sanitizer is Your Friend: Use it often, especially before eating and after visiting crowded sites.
• Be Wary of Street Food: While delicious, it’s best to stick to reputable restaurants, particularly in the first few days.

 

7. Mistake: Underestimating the Sun and Heat

Israel is hot and sunny, particularly from late spring through early autumn. Sunburn and dehydration can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, which is a particular risk when exploring the Negev Desert or the Dead Sea region.

How to Avoid It (Health Tip):

• Sun Protection is Crucial: Apply high-SPF sunscreen daily, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and keep sunglasses handy.
• Hydrate Constantly: Carry a refillable bottle and drink water, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Your tour bus will likely have water available.

 

8. Mistake: Forgetting to Pack Essential Personal Medications

Prescriptions are often difficult or impossible to refill abroad, and trying to secure them can take valuable time away from your tour.

How to Avoid It (Practical Tip):

• The 3x Rule: Pack enough of your essential medications to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days, and divide them across three places (carry-on, checked bag, personal item).
• Doctor’s Note: Carry a copy of your prescription and a brief, signed note from your doctor explaining what the medication is for.

 

9. Mistake: Not Engaging with the Local Messianic and Arab Christian Communities

A pilgrimage is about connecting with the past, but it’s equally important to engage with the present. The local Christian communities—both Messianic Jews and Arab Christians—are a vital part of the Holy Land, often referred to as the “Living Stones.”

How to Avoid It (Spiritual Focus):

• Support Local Ministries: Seek out opportunities to visit local Christian organizations, schools, or craft shops.
• Ask Your Guide: Inquire about opportunities to meet and hear from local believers. This is an act of solidarity that enriches your experience and supports their continued presence in the region.

 

10. Mistake: Waiting for “A Better Time” Due to Safety Fears

Concerns about safety are a natural and common anxiety for a first-time traveler to the Middle East. However, the areas visited by Christian tour groups in Israel are generally safe and closely managed.

How to Avoid It (Mindset Shift):

• Trust Your Operator: Choose a reputable tour company like Elbow Holy Land Tours with a long history and strong relationships with local guides. They are experts in navigating the region safely and have contingency plans.
• Stay Informed, Not Afraid: Monitor official government travel advisories, but don’t let sensational news headlines rob you of the experience. Many pilgrims who travel say they feel safer on the highly-protected tourist routes than they do in some major Western cities.

Is a Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Safe? Your Questions Answered