FAQs

1. How long should I go for?
For psoriasis treatment, it is best to go for at least 3 weeks to obtain the maximum benefit from the trip, and 4 weeks for eczema. The skin will begin to heal well after a few days (although some people find their skin gets worse before it starts healing) and some people think that after a week or two, their skin is clear, therefore that is long enough but in fact, the longer the skin is exposed to the sun, the longer the psoriasis will stay away for.

2. When is the best time to travel?
For psoriasis treatment, the best time of the year to travel is mid March-early November but try to avoid the very hot summer months. For eczema, the best time to travel is November-March when the temperatures are lower.

3. Is it ok to travel on my own?
A lot of people travel on their own because their partners find it rather boring lying in the sun all day with little else to occupy themselves. As soon as you arrive at the Dead Sea, you immediately feel a sense of acceptance as there are so many other people with skin problems. In the past, you may have felt embarrassed to wear just swimwear in front of other holiday-makers, here at the Dead Sea, everyone is in the same boat and relief of being able to expose your skin and start the healing process is enormous. People strike up wonderful long-lasting friendships at the Dead Sea because they immediately relax and let their guards down.

4. What clothes should I take with?
Israel is a very casual country and at the Dead Sea, where it is generally very hot, all you need are shorts and t shirts by day and casual clothes for the evening, with maybe a cardigan or jumper if you take a stroll out of the air-conditioned hotels in the evening. Ties and jackts are not needed. On a Friday night (Shabbat), people often dress smartly but still informally.

5. What money should I take with and how much will I need?
The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel and there are approximately 7 to the £ sterling. We recommend taking either Shekels or US$. You will not need much currency as all you will need to buy are snacks for lunch, drinks etc. Your hotel will be on half board basis (buffet breakfast and buffet evening meal – both very large and varied). All hotels take major credit cards. Please note, there are no banks in the area although hotels will exchange currency and traveller cheques for you.

6. What is the food like in Israel?
The food in Israeli hotels is very varied and vast. An Israeli buffet-breakfast will consist of different types of breads, cereals, salads, eggs and fruit. Dinner is again served buffet-style and will be varied, offering a themed evening of Chinese, Italian or maybe Mediterranean food with vegetarian choices. On a Friday night (Shabbat), the evening meal is usually a typical Friday night affair, offering chicken soup, roast chicken with all the trimmings and lots of desserts. In Israel, the restaurants/dining rooms with offer either dairy (breakfast) or meat (dinner), never mixing the two.

7. How far is it to get from the airport to the Dead Sea?
It takes approximately 2 hours to travel to the Dead Sea. A lot of people arrive very early in the morning after an overnight flight from London. Please note, the hotel room is not usually available until approximately 2pm unless you request the room to be booked from the night before.

8. Can I extend my stay once in Israel?
You can extend your stay (subject to availability of flights and hotel accommodation). The airline will charge a fee (usually approximately £60) to change your airline ticket.

9. Who do I contact in Israel if I have any problems?
Our agents in Israel, Health Vacation, are based in Tel Aviv and Amalia is in constant contact with our clients to ensure they are receiving the best treatment throughout their stay. You will receive a full itinerary with contact details, with hotel voucher and airline e-ticket.

10. Can I get assistance at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival to the desk for my shuttle to the Dead Sea?
There is assistance available at the airport at a cost of £20 per person where you will be met when you come through customs and taken in the elevator up to the 1st floor where the Seshir transfer desk is based. Please mark clearly on the booking form if this is required. Please note, an orientation map is provided to all those taking the Seshir transfers.