Israel Tour Planning Amidst a Pandemic
Living in this new COVID-19 world has made it difficult for us to do everyday life the way we were used to. Going to the movies, a restaurant, a concert, sporting games and so on. The fact that COVID-19 has seen to the demise of many good restaurants and small businesses is terrible and beyond sad.
I was living in Colorado at the time COVID-19 made its debut. During the first year, 2020, some of my favorite spots were permanently closed down. The small business owners just could not weather the pandemic ride. What’s worse, is upon reopening and trying to get back to some semblance of normalcy, many establishments weren’t able to due to the fact that they weren’t able to hire people. You simply can’t run a business without staff.
What COVID-19 has done to the tourism industry in Israel is nothing but devastating. In March 2020, myself and a group of 50 others were all ready to leave for Israel for our Spring 2020 tour. Five days before departure the borders were being closed. Tour agents were desperately working to get tourists back home and out of the country in preparation for lock-down. Our tour was “postponed” and I was in a frenzy wondering how I was supposed to navigate this situation with all those who paid to go on this tour.
The airline was stating that the flights weren’t being canceled but only postponed. This meant no refunds, just hold tight and we will reschedule you for a later date. That was a bit laughable because how do you tell 48 people, “Oh, don’t worry, your very expensive trip of a lifetime is not canceled just postponed for a later date.”? Laughable or not, that’s exactly what I had to do.
Due to travel restrictions warranted by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, and through several series of events, the Spring 2020 Israel Tour has become the Spring 2022 Israel Tour.
Do I still have 50 people going with me? No. Two years is a mighty long time to wait. Life continues and things happen. Some of those initially going are now facing health issues, loss of loved ones, going through marital issues and some are just not wanting to take a vaccine. The vaccine debate is not a new topic and for some it is a sore subject. The fact of the matter is that it is a personal choice and should be respected. The sad reality is that COVID-19 has changed our world and is here to stay.
I am excited to be taking a group of twenty-three people with me to Israel in just four short weeks. It has been a logistical nightmare trying to get this all planned. I’m still working with the airline and Land Agent on finalizing refunds, but through it all I know that we will have an awesome tour this year. Trial by fire always produces the most exquisite results. I am looking forward to what God has for this group of people. I cannot wait to experience this trip of a lifetime with them and to be able to see their responses and reactions. I can’t wait to be reunited with our Land Agent and staff. I can’t wait to see David, our bus driver and meet the guide who will, I’m sure, dazzle everyone with his expertise in all things Israel!
If you’ve never been to Israel, I implore you to plan your next vacation with us. Go to Israel because I promise you, you will never be the same again!
L’hitraot v’shalom!
Good-bye for now and see you soon!
