Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

American Friends of the Hebrew University Centennial Mission to Morocco and Israel
June 7 – 17, 2025

HEALTH INFORMATION & IMMUNIZATIONS

Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into recommended immunizations for your time in Morocco and Israel. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:

  • CDC Guidance: Visit the CDC website for Morocco (click here) and Israel (click here) to read recommended vaccines and medicines, travel health notices for the region, and other tips for staying healthy and safe.
  • Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots.
  • Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance in Morocco for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in both Morocco and Israel. If it does not, you will need to purchase a supplemental medical insurance policy that does (see Pre-Departure Tab for more information).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers have a moderate level of fitness and agility. Travelers on this trip should be able to:

  • Walk at least one mile without difficulty on uneven surfaces
  • Spend extended periods of time on their feet
  • Climb sets of stairs without assistance
  • Keep pace with an active group of travelers
  • Spend time outside in warm, dry weather
  • Ride comfortably in a vehicle on bumpy roads for extended periods of time
  • Maintain a flexible and positive attitude in the case of sudden changes to the itinerary or weather – expect the unexpected!
HEALTH & SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Your guide will give you current briefings on safety while in-country, but here are some basic ground rules for safety while traveling:

  • Israel Safety Instructions
    • Air raid sirens are a common occurrence in Israel. It is essential that you calmly listen to the guide’s instructions about where to proceed should they occur.
    • If you need to shelter in place, remain calm and listen to your guide who will instruct you on where to go for safety, whether that be an enclosed bomb shelter or outdoors.
  • Keep all valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Avoid flashing money. Be mindful of your belongings at all times. Keep bags in front of you in crowds, and on your lap when at restaurants.
  • Pay attention: avoid walking around with your smartphone in hand.
  • Be vigilant when crossing roads.
  • Stick with the group.
  • Always make sure that others know of your whereabouts and movements.
  • Avoid street protests or large gatherings.
  • Do not wear expensive or sentimentally valuable jewelry while traveling.
  • Let a staff person or your guide know if you have any safety concerns.
  • Always wear sun protection in the form of lotion, a hat and/or a scarf to cover your shoulders, especially during the peak of the day.
  • If you have time-sensitive medication including epi-pens and inhalers, keep them on you at all times.

SAFE TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits in case of an emergency while abroad:

  • You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions at your destination.
  • Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.