Please take note of the following information concerning all Jahalin Tours.
A little bit about culture...
General: Many things here are not as you are used to. Please, be respectful of the different culture and/or codes of conduct of people you may meet.
Planning in the Arab world is different than in the west; plans could change. In addition, Arab culture is less strict as regarding timing than western cultures. So, please, be patient and flexible.
Conversation may touch on political issues; please, respect other points of view. Also, note that in Palestinian culture, a good story is often more important than facts. Also, direct questions may not always be appreciated and many of these could be experienced as an interrogation.
Taking pictures of people is sensitive; please, ask in advance when you want to make a picture of a person. Taking pictures of local women is delicate. Moreover, in this environment, many do not want their image to be posted on social media. If you would like to share someone's picture, please ask permission. In addition, pictures of checkpoints and other military buildings are forbidden.
Gender roles are conservative, and mingling of men and local women is unaccepted (apart from close family). Having this in mind, some local men may shy away from foreign women and local women usually refrain from contact with foreign men.
And about conditions...
General: Group tours take place on condition of a minimum of six participants, and may be canceled also on grounds of security and other conditions.
Passport and visa: Tours take place in the Palestinian Authority; please, bring with you a passport and your visa (this small piece of paper you received at the airport) or Israeli identity card.
Transport will be with private cars (to be arranged by us), mostly - but not always - on paved roads.
Clothing needs to be comfortable, and may get dirty. Also, note that in Bedouin (or Palestinian) culture it is perceived as improper to appear in public less than fully dressed. There will be some walking; take care you wear comfortable shoes.
Climate: On summer days it can be very hot. You may want to bring with you water, a hat and/or sun lotion.
Toilets may not be available everywhere; we suggest to make use of those where available.
Language: Tours are guided in simple English and/or simple Hebrew, with translation if needed. Among the locals there is variety in their command of languages. Palestinians will speak Arabic, though some may know some English or Hebrew.
In addition...
To get most of our tours, you may want to prepare yourself in advance through our Resources .
If you have any questions, just ask us, and we'll be happy to answer.