Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for your trip should be part of the excitement! We’ve gathered answers to common questions about choosing a program, registering, arranging flights, packing, and traveling with us. Select a category below to jump to the information you need. These answers offer general guidance, so please check your program’s itinerary and tour conditions for specific details. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our office is happy to help.
Choosing Your Trip
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Our programs are active, but designed to be enjoyable for travelers who are comfortable with regular walking. Most touring days involve approximately 5,000 steps spread throughout the day, with bus rides and stops between visits. Fuller sightseeing days may involve 8,000–10,000 steps.
Historic and archaeological sites often have uneven pavement, stone pathways, stairs, and hills, sometimes without handrails. You should be comfortable walking and standing for periods of time, as well as getting on and off the motorcoach.
Most programs do not involve hiking, though the terrain and pace can make some days more demanding than others. If you need to sit out an activity, coordinate with our staff to remain on the bus or wait at an arranged location.
Age alone doesn’t determine whether a program is right for you. If you have mobility concerns, use a mobility aid, or anticipate needing assistance, please contact our office before registering so we can discuss your specific program.
Our goal is to give you time to learn, reflect, and enjoy these remarkable places. Building a regular walking routine before departure can help you feel more comfortable and get more out of your experience!
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Most CTSP programs are designed for adult learners. Full days of travel, walking, and in-depth teaching can be difficult for children’s schedules and attention spans, so we generally discourage bringing children on our standard study programs.
We do offer some programs designed for high school or college students, as well as occasional intergenerational trips. We love seeing younger travelers connect with the world of the Bible, and we want them to have an experience suited to their needs.
Please contact our office before registering a child. We’ll help you determine whether the program you’re considering is a good fit.
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Most of our groups have between 30 and 55 travelers, with a usual minimum of 25 participants. Group size varies by program, so contact your group leader or our office if you would like to know how many travelers are expected on your trip.
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Your safety is a central consideration in how we plan and operate our programs. We follow U.S. Department of State safety precautions and do not travel to destinations under a Level 4 travel advisory.
Our experienced ground agents stay aware of local conditions and keep us informed of changes that may affect your program. If a relevant change occurs before departure, we notify the group by email. During your trip, our staff communicates updates in person.
When we believe travel can proceed safely but a substantial itinerary change is needed, we work with the group leader to discuss the arrangements. No travel experience is entirely without risk, and we adjust our plans when circumstances require it.
Please review your program’s tour conditions for information about itinerary changes, rescheduling, cancellations, and refunds.
If a relevant change occurs before your departure, we notify the group by email. If you are already traveling with us, our staff communicates updates in person.
When we believe travel can proceed safely but the itinerary needs to change substantially, we work with the group leader to discuss the arrangements. No travel experience is entirely without risk, and we adjust our plans when circumstances require it.
Please review your program’s tour conditions for the provisions concerning itinerary changes, rescheduling, cancellations, and refunds.
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CTSP study programs are a traveling classroom, bringing you to the places where the Bible unfolded and Christianity took root. Dr. Randall Smith draws on a lifetime of study and firsthand experience to connect what you see with the historical and cultural background of Scripture. The goal is to help you understand your Bible more deeply, with insights you can carry home and continue using.
Our programs typically last 9–11 days and offer an in-depth educational experience. You don’t need an academic background or extensive Bible knowledge to join us, just curiosity and a willingness to learn!
If you see a “Pilgrim’s Path“ Program, those are led by Aaron and Larissa Smith and are a separate company within the CTSP brand. Its programs offer a shorter, approachable, devotional-style adventure, often lasting about a week. A pastor typically leads the core teaching, while we provide supporting context and coordinate the travel experience.
Pilgrim’s Path programs generally cost less, reflecting their shorter duration and different included amenities. They were developed with busy schedules, limited vacation time, and family responsibilities in mind, though travelers of different ages can enjoy either approach.
Choose CTSP if you’re looking for sustained, in-depth study while traveling. Consider Pilgrim’s Path if a shorter, pastor-led devotional experience better fits your interests and schedule.
Registration, Payments & Insurance
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Start with the page for the program you would like to join. Review the itinerary and tour conditions, then follow the registration link to complete your information and make the required deposit.
Deposit amounts, payment schedules, and available travel options vary by program, so please read the details carefully before registering.
If you need help, call 1-800-371-4485, extension 1 for Customer Service.
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Your program’s itinerary and tour conditions explain what is included. Programs generally include accommodations, scheduled sightseeing, an English-speaking local guide, entrance fees for listed sites, and tips for group services.
Breakfast is included on touring days, along with other meals as specified in your itinerary. Look for the letters B, L, and D, which indicate included breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. For example, (B,D) means breakfast and dinner are included that day, while (B,L,D) means all three meals are included.
Airfare is included only when explicitly offered and purchased as part of a full package.
Plan for personal expenses such as meals not listed as included, additional drinks, laundry, and personal purchases. In most countries we visit, water is provided at breakfast and dinner at no additional charge. Travel insurance and transfers outside the group arrangements are separate personal expenses.
Please review your specific program’s inclusions when budgeting, since arrangements differ from one trip to another.
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A nonrefundable deposit is due when you register.
Your next payment is due six months before departure, with your remaining balance due three months before departure. Please refer to your invoice and program’s tour conditions for the amount due at each stage and any applicable late-payment fees.
If you have questions about your balance or payment schedule, please contact Larissa.
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Your nonrefundable deposit is paid online when you register.
For additional payments, our preferred method is ACH bank payment directly through your invoice. This allows you to submit your payment electronically without an additional processing fee or mailing a check.
If you prefer to pay by card, please contact Larissa with a completed credit card authorization form. Additional payments made by card incur a 3.7% processing fee.
Checks and time-sensitive correspondence can also be mailed to:
Christian Travel Study Programs
PO Box 86
Bat Cave, NC 28710Please include the traveler’s name and program number with your check, and allow enough time for it to arrive by the payment deadline.
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Checks and time-sensitive correspondence can be mailed to our North Carolina office:
Christian Travel Study Programs
PO Box 86
Bat Cave, NC 28710Please include the traveler’s name and program number so we can apply your payment to the correct reservation. Allow enough mailing time for your payment to arrive by its due date.
For payment questions, call 1-800-371-4485, extension 2 for Billing.
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Yes! We accept all major credit cards. You can pay your initial deposit by card through the online registration payment form, and CTSP absorbs the processing fee for that initial payment.
Our published program prices reflect a discount for payment by check. Under our current payment policy, a 3.7% processing fee is added to second and final payments made by credit or debit card.
To make a second or final payment by card, please call 1-800-371-4485, extension 2 for Billing. Have your card and billing information available when you call.
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We understand that unexpected circumstances can change your plans. However, funds committed to hotels, transportation, and other program arrangements may not be recoverable.
Your deposit is nonrefundable, and additional cancellation charges may apply according to the schedule in your program’s tour conditions. As departure approaches, those charges can increase to the full program price.
Refund requests must be submitted to CTSP in writing. Your program’s terms may also make you responsible for a single supplement if your cancellation leaves your roommate traveling alone. There is no refund for services you choose not to use.
Please review your specific cancellation terms before registering. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, but any reimbursement depends on the policy purchased and the circumstances of the claim.
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All CTSP reservations are non-transferable. We understand that plans can change, so if you are unable to travel, please contact our office. We’ll help you understand the cancellation terms that apply to your program and answer any questions about the next steps.
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An unexpected illness, injury, or other disruption can affect your plans, even shortly before departure. By that point, CTSP may have committed funds that cannot be recovered, and your program’s cancellation charges will still apply.
Travel insurance may help protect against certain covered losses. Benefits, exclusions, and reimbursement depend on the policy you choose, so please read the terms carefully and direct coverage questions to the insurance provider.
We encourage you to consider insurance promptly after making your deposit. Some benefits have time-sensitive purchase requirements, including certain pre-existing-condition waivers and optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
You may purchase insurance from a trusted provider of your choice. Choose a policy suited to your circumstances, destination, and program cost, and make sure you understand what it does and does not cover.
Flights, Arrivals & Transfers
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Yes! If you prefer to arrange your own flights, select the “land only” option when registering. Some programs are offered exclusively as land only, so check your program’s details carefully.
Booking independently gives you more control over your airline, route, cabin, and available seating options. It may be a good fit if you want to use points or miles or make travel plans that differ from the group’s schedule.
You do not need our office’s approval before purchasing flights, but you are responsible for choosing flights that fit your program’s arrival and departure requirements. Remember to account for overnight flights and time-zone changes.
Once booked, please email your flight itinerary to Larissa. Be sure to notify her if your flights change.
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Arrange your flights to fit your program’s schedule, then email your flight itinerary to Larissa. Include your name and program number, and send an updated itinerary if your flights change.
Please send your information once your flights are booked. Most travelers have their flights confirmed approximately 30 days before departure, but there is no set submission deadline.
If you would like to join the group’s airport transfer, let Larissa know in advance. You may use the arrival transfer at no additional charge only if your flight arrives before the group’s flight and you are ready to leave with the group. The group transfer cannot wait for land-only travelers.
If your arrival does not fit those arrangements, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the hotel. Contact Larissa about departure-transfer arrangements for your particular program.
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Group airport transfers follow the group’s travel schedule. If you booked land only and want to join the arrival transfer, please arrange this with our office in advance.
There is no additional charge to join that transfer, provided your flight arrives before the group’s flight and you are ready when the group departs. The transfer cannot be delayed to wait for land-only travelers.
If you arrive separately or cannot meet the group’s transfer schedule, you are responsible for arranging and paying for your transportation. One option is to reserve a private airport transfer through this service, which CTSP has used and found reliable.
Review the provider’s price, pickup instructions, luggage allowance, and change and cancellation terms before booking. Keep your confirmation and the hotel’s name and address with your travel documents.
For questions about joining a group transfer, including your return to the airport, please contact Larissa.
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Group airline reservations work differently from individually purchased tickets. We do our best to accommodate requests, but seating choices may be limited, and CTSP cannot guarantee a particular seat or seating arrangement.
If seat selection or a particular cabin is especially important to you, consider choosing land only and booking directly with your preferred airline. That generally gives you more control over the available options, although the airline may charge for seat selection and can change assignments.
Please contact our office before registering if you have a seating need that may affect your ability to travel comfortably.
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If a cancellation, delay, or missed connection affects your journey, contact your airline or ticketing agency promptly for help with your flight arrangements. Also notify CTSP if the disruption will affect when or where you meet the group.
For an urgent problem while in transit or during your program, you can reach Dr. Smith on WhatsApp at:
Include your name, program number, flight details, current location, and a brief explanation of what has happened. Please use this number for urgent travel issues, keeping in mind that Dr. Smith may be in a different time zone.
For routine questions before travel, call 1-800-371-4485, extension 1 for Customer Service.
Preparing & Packing
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Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you begin planning your trip. CTSP’s preparation guidance calls for at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. However, actual entry requirements vary by destination and nationality, so don’t assume that passport validity is the only requirement.
Depending on your itinerary, you may also need a visa, electronic travel authorization, or a certain number of blank passport pages. Check requirements for every country you will visit and any applicable transit requirements.
U.S. passport holders can start with the U.S. Department of State’s international travel checklist. Travelers using another country’s passport should consult the relevant destination authorities.
If your passport is nearing expiration or you are unsure about your documents, contact our office early so there is time to address your questions.
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Weather depends on your destination, travel dates, and the places included in your itinerary. Coastal cities, mountain areas, and desert locations can feel quite different, even on the same trip.
Look up typical seasonal conditions while planning, then check the forecast for several of your itinerary’s stops shortly before departure. Pay attention to evening temperatures and the possibility of rain, rather than packing only for the warmest part of the day.
Layers are usually the most practical choice. A light sweater or jacket can be useful on the plane, on the bus, and during cooler mornings or evenings.
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Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for most touring days. Choose clothes that allow you to walk comfortably, adjust to the weather, and visit places of worship respectfully.
Many religious sites require covered shoulders and knees, and some have additional requirements. Bring clothing that makes it easy to comply. Our staff will advise you about dress expectations for the day’s visits.
Comfortable, already broken-in walking shoes are essential. Plan for long days on your feet, and avoid making the trip the first outing for a new pair!
A slightly dressier outfit may be useful for hotel dinners or evenings out. Dining-room dress requirements vary, so follow any guidance provided for your program.
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Pack as lightly as you reasonably can. Although porterage may be included at your hotels, there will be times when you need to manage your own luggage, particularly at airports and during transfers.
Useful essentials include:
Comfortable clothing that can be layered.
Broken-in walking shoes.
Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
A small day bag for items you need while touring.
Toiletries and personal supplies you rely on.
Chargers and suitable plug adapters.
Travel documents and important contact information.
A notebook and pen for teaching notes and reflections.
Laundry access may be limited. If you plan to wash clothes by hand, choose quick-drying items and test them at home first.
Small comforts such as earplugs, an eye mask, or a travel pillow can be helpful, but remember that you’ll be carrying everything you bring. You can also browse our Recommended Travel Gear for ideas.
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Follow both your program’s baggage instructions and the allowance for your actual airline ticket. The number of bags, dimensions, weight limits, and fees can vary between airlines and flights. Don’t assume every ticket includes a checked bag.
Choose luggage you can manage comfortably, and label it clearly. A distinctive strap or tag can help you recognize it and reduce mix-ups. Take a photo of your suitcase before leaving home.
Keep your passport, travel documents, medications, valuables, essential toiletries, and at least one change of clothing in your carry-on. That way, a delayed suitcase won’t leave you without the basics.
Spare lithium batteries and power banks must remain in your cabin baggage, with battery terminals protected against short circuits. If your carry-on is checked at the gate, remove them first. Check your airline’s current limits and the FAA’s battery-packing guidance before flying.
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Check the input label on each device or charger before packing it. Many phone, tablet, and camera chargers accept a range such as “100–240V,” but not every appliance does.
A plug adapter changes the plug’s shape so it fits the outlet. It does not change the voltage. A device that does not support the destination’s voltage may require a suitable converter or may be best left at home.
Hair dryers, curling irons, and other heat-producing appliances need particular attention. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming a travel adapter will make them compatible.
Plug types vary between countries, so choose adapters for every destination on your itinerary. A single round-prong adapter will not work everywhere. This guide to international plugs and voltage can help you identify what to check
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Report the problem to your airline’s baggage-service desk as soon as you discover it, preferably before leaving the baggage-claim area.
Ask for a baggage incident report, often called a Property Irregularity Report or PIR, and keep the reference number. Save your baggage tags and take a photo of the report if necessary.
Give the airline accurate contact details and explain that you are traveling with a group that may change hotels. Share the report and reference number with your CTSP staff member so we can help coordinate with the airline while you continue on the program.
If you need to purchase essential replacement items, keep your receipts and ask the airline about its reimbursement process. You may need to submit a separate claim in addition to the initial baggage report, and deadlines apply. Your travel insurer may also have its own reporting requirements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s baggage guidance explains the distinction between reporting a missing bag and requesting reimbursement.
Keeping essentials and a change of clothes in your carry-on can make the disruption much easier to manage.
During Your Trip
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All payments and any time sensitive correspondence can be sent to our North Carolina office: PO Box 86 Bat Cave, NC 28710
All other correspondence can be sent to our main office in Florida: 2720 Lakeview Dr. Sebring. FL 33870
Feel free to call if you need any assistance: 1-800-371-4485. Extension #1 is Customer Service, Extension #2 is billing.
In emergencies while on tour or if you are in transit and have a flight problem, you can reach Dr. Smith on WhatsApp at 1-863-214-5760. Please use that number carefully, as he is often in a different time zone than you are!
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If you are arriving apart from the group, you may want to book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. This company works in many countries and we have found them to be very professional and reliable. Click Here to reserve your transfer. The service, like Uber, is paid in advance at the time of reservation with 100% changeable and cancellation is without penalty.
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It is very important that you understand your passport must be valid for six months AFTER your dates of travel. To see the rules as they are today, here is a company that sells expedited passport delivery. We are NOT trying to endorse their service (we don’t know them), but we want you to see how they explained the rule, because it seemed well worded. That company link is HERE.
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You likely won’t have access to laundry, so pack what you need or bring clothes that are easy to wash by hand. Experienced travelers pack light. If you plan to hand wash, test your clothes at home first. The lighter your bag, the easier your travels.
Dress for the tour is usually casual but should be modest. We often visit places of worship with dress codes: no shorts (knees covered), no tank tops (shoulders covered), and no tight-fitting clothes. We’ll update you on the dress code for each day. Some women bring a skirt to wear over shorts for quick changes. Capris and jeans are fine.
Try to limit shoes to two pairs: one for walking and one for evening. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and already broken in. Many travelers bring tennis shoes or sturdy sandals. Don’t forget a sweater for the plane!