Archive for January, 2010

Big Ben London

Time is Running Out to secure group airfare savings and join with Mormon Heritage Association for two unique tours this May!  Our one-of-a-kind England & Wales tour and our Awesome Israel tour are sure to inspire and satisfy. 

Register by Feb 1 for the England & Wales tour to secure your group airfare savings!  Register by April 19 for best availability for our Awesome Israel tour.  Visit our tour pages or call 801-272-5601 or toll free 1-866-335-5601 for more information on these amazing opportunities.  After Feb 1, prices subject to air seat availability and likely higher prices as offered by the airlines.

Money well spent?

With Winter blahs hitting, it seems the travel bug comes right along with it!  The new year brings out the calendars in most of us and many are starting to schedule their vacations for the year.  It’s a good time to do so!

Price is always one of the most important aspects in deciding on a vacation.  Then, after deciding upon a budget, it seems that’s when people ask themselves what sort of “experience” they would like to have.

When searching your travel options, be sure to ask all the pertinent questions:

-Is this something we can afford?

-Am I getting the best value for my dollars?

-Will this travel be just “for fun” or will it be a “life-changing experience?”

After you have answered these questions, it’s time to select a provider of all the needed services.  Whether you use a travel agent, tour operator, or you do-it-yourself with web arrangements or phone, we hope you will remember these additional key questions:

- Exactly what is included in this price?  (airfare? lodging? meals? entertainment? ground transportation? resource helps? well-trained guides? written materials?)

-Are there additional fees/taxes/surcharges not already mentioned? (air taxes or surcharges? luggage fees?)

-Are there any additional required items to purchase?

-Is there a non-refundable booking fee?

-If I have to cancel, what are my options for refunds?

-Does the provider have references of satisfied customers?

-Will I have the over-all experience I am seeking?

There are certainly more questions that could be asked, but this is a good starting-off point to get the questions and ideas rolling for a very satisfactory experience.

Preston Temple

Over the last several months Mormon Times has been spot lighting British Isles’ Early Church History Sites.  Many of which are visited in our England and Wales Tour.  Why not join us and visit the actual places where these amazing events took place?

Click here to learn more!

I was so grateful to be able to experience the Christmas season in Israel.  It was so great!  Here are a few of my favorite highlights. - Janelle

I learned a lot more about the temple mount this year, helping me develop a great love and understanding of the temple.

Here are the East Gates-- now sealed up, someday Christ will return!

A group outside the Garden Tomb. What a lovely place and a powerful spiritual feeling.

This is inside the traditional Lazarus tomb site.

Steps that date 100 B.C. to about 100 A.D. Awesome to walk on them and think who may have walked on them in history!

Yum, yum!  Actually, it tasted much better than it looked. –Margaret

Cheerful, welcoming sunrise over the Sea of Galilee as seen from hotel room balcony

Two MHA groups had the incredible opportunity to visit Awesome Israel toward the end of 2009.  Ninety-nine people were able to attend and had amazing experiences every day.  We all had so much fun getting to know new friends, as well.  The sites are incredible, the history is vast and inspiring, and the people were most welcoming and happy to see us.  We read scriptures at the sites of miracles and gospel principles.  We visited incredible ruins that testify of the ancient people who occupied the land.  We were amazed, humbled, and encouraged at Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Garden Tomb where our Savior atoned for our sins and was crucified and resurrected in triumph.  We return home with a new appreciation for life and great prophecies yet to be fulfilled.  We look forward to the Savior’s return with great anticipation!

- Patty Steadman

Three new friends at the Precipice Mount near Nazareth, overlooking Jezreel Valley

Sailing on the beautiful Sea of Galilee

Dancing to “Hava Nagillah” on board the boat on the Sea of Galilee

More dancing on board the boat on the Sea of Galilee

Peaceful “Yardenit” Jordan River baptism site

“Yardenit” Jordan River baptism site

Tour group at Masada.

Looking downward at remains of the earthen ramp built by the Romans to re-capture Masada from Zealots.

Camel on hilltop just outside Jerusalem

Modern freeways

Wonderful, old olive tree transplanted to the BYU-Jerusalem Center

Sunset over Jerusalem as seen from the Mount of Olives

Jerusalem markets/bazaars.

Jerusalem markets/bazaars.

Very emotive walk on these remains of ancient steps leading to the Kidron Valley from “upper” Jerusalem next to Caiaphus’ House. It is likely that Jesus walked these steps so many times on his way to Gethsemane and lastly on his way to Golgotha after being scourged in the dungeon here.

Sheepfold cave at Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem. Quite typical of “stables” of the time when Jesus was born.

Modern-day Bethlehem streets

Our deluxe, beautiful tour bus

Garden of Gethsemane, just outside Jerusalem

3 new friends at the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem.

Reverent, peaceful feelings while visiting the Garden Tomb

THE Message of all messages.