IsraelTravelBlog.com

Information, insights, advice, reviews, and recommendations about travel to and around Israel

Whitney O'Halek

Is it Safe to Visit Israel?

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It’s probably the #1 question you’ll be asked when you start to tell people you’re planning a trip to Israel: “Is it safe?” And then they’ll ask, “Aren’t you afraid?” And finally, the incredulous, “I would never go there!”

The good thing is the those who are afraid don’t have to go, but they don’t have to ruin your trip of a lifetime either! But the question remains: Is it safe?

The short answer is: Yes!

The comprehensive answer is more complicated than that. Yes, Israel is safe for tourists to visit. The general media makes it their business to play up any conflict, anywhere in the world, especially anywhere in the Middle East. And while it’s true that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades – and yes, there are still some acts of terror or provocation – Israel and the West Bank are remarkably safe to visit. 

Israel does security incredibly well. Every Israeli citizen – men and women, with a few exceptions – has to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). That means almost every adult citizen walking around has not only served, but they also know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. The IDF is also one of the most well-trained military forces in the world, with the most hands-on experience as well. Along the same lines, the IDF does not hesitate to defend itself and fire back as needed to protect everyone within Israel’s borders. 

Also reassuring is the fact that both Israel and the Palestinian Authority depend on tourism from the same groups of people. Putting tourists in the crossfire doesn’t serve anyone, and neither side wants to harm visitors. You will certainly be safe with a tour group, even a small or private one, or under the care and logistical guidance of a good tour operator in Israel. If you’re traveling on your own, you’ll also be perfectly safe if you just follow the rules and laws and don’t wander into areas where the government doesn’t permit or recommend that you go.

Just to put it in perspective, it’s so much less common to hear about a tourist in Israel or the West Bank being injured or killed than it is to hear about it in New York, D.C., Chicago, L.A., or any other major American or European city. That almost sounds ridiculous, but any way you look at the numbers, that is a fact. You wouldn’t hesitate to go to any of those cities if you wanted to, so you also don’t need to hesitate to visit Israel either. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Israel and the Holy Land?

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A trip to Israel is a trip of a lifetime. People literally wait all their lives to visit Israel and the Holy Land, and when they finally make it happen, they understandably want to do it right! You want to avoid the heat of summer, but you might not think about the possibility of avoiding the cold in winter. And then there are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian holidays to contend with. So when should you actually visit Israel and finally fulfill your lifelong dream of seeing the Holy Land?

The Ideal Times to Visit Israel

To help you sort through all these factors, here is everything you need to know about finding the right time to visit Israel and the Holy Land.

The Best Time is the Time You Have

This is really the most important thing to keep in mind. If your choice is to go to Israel at a less-than-perfect time of year, or to not go to Israel at all, definitely go to Israel! The best time to go is the time you have available, whenever that may be. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time when the time you have is a good time for you.

Nice Weather: Mid-Spring or Mid-Fall

If you’re particularly sensitive to temperature, or if you want to avoid Israel’s limited rainfall or extreme dryness, plan to travel in spring or fall. The winter rains in February and March make much of Israel’s landscape green and beautiful by the time April and May roll around, and temperatures are mild at this time as well. Or if you don’t mind terrain that’s a little more brown, October and November have the benefit of cooler temperatures after the summer heat. 

Lower Crowds: Off Season

For those looking to avoid crowds above all else, consider visiting in the winter months, from January-March. This is the low season for Israel and the Holy Land in general. It can be quite chilly in these months, and there is a higher likelihood of rain. Average temperatures fall to the 40s Fahrenheit overnight, but can rise into the 50s or low 60s in the day time. Bring a light jacket and avoid the high season.

Less than Ideal Times to Visit Israel

As previously mentioned, the time you have available is the best time to visit Israel. If you can avoid these key events, however, you can more easily avoid crowds, weather issues, and other inconveniences.

The Summer Months

The heat alone is enough to put this on the no-go list for many! Summer temperatures can soar into the triple digits (Fahrenheit) in much of Israel. Aside from the discomfort and occasional dangers of extreme heat, some hiking trails and outdoor sites can close due to temperature. If those are important to you, try not to visit in the summer.

The Month of Ramadan

The Muslim population in Israel and the Palestinian Territories celebrates Ramadan for a full month, but the dates change by 11 days (earlier) each year, making it difficult for non-Muslim visitors to track its exact dates when making their travel plans. Additionally, Muslims fast during the day throughout Ramadan, which means that some Muslim-owned restaurants may be closed, making it challenging to find places to eat breakfast or lunch in some Muslim-majority areas. 

The bigger issues for visitors, however, is that non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock during the 10 days prior to Eid, at the end of Ramadan (nor on Friday of every week, since this is the Muslim holy day, or the Muslim version of Sunday, if you will). If you want to make sure you can visit the Temple Mount during your trip, you will want to plan to avoid travel during this time. A quick Google search will tell you when Ramadan falls each year, so always check if you’re unsure when Ramadan will fall during your year of travel.

Over Jewish Holidays

Israel observes all Jewish holidays, which is probably not a surprise! What may surprise you is that many businesses and even public transportation can completely shut down, and Jewish people in the tourism industry do not work during the most important holidays. The Jewish calendar is different from the traditional calendar, so dates for these holidays change annually.

If possible, avoid travel that falls on Yom Kippur, Chanukkah, Purim, Rosh Hashana, Passover, and Israeli Independence Day, although it can also be really neat to see the display of patriotism and national pride over this last holiday. Or if you cannot avoid these periods in your travels, at least try to plan so that you don’t absolutely need to get somewhere across the country on one of these days. Instead, just chill for a day or two wherever you are along your journey and enjoy seeing how Israelis celebrate these Jewish holidays.

Additionally, Shabbat (the Sabbath) begins every Friday at sundown and lasts until sundown on Saturday each week. You will likely be in Israel on a Shabbat, but don’t worry! You will still be able to do some touring and dine out as you like.

Around Christian Holidays, Unless…

It seems like the dream to be in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, or in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday. If that will make your trip the most meaningful to you, plan early—hotels are at their most expensive and sell out quickly for these dates, as these are definitely the most crowded times to visit these sites. 

It’s also worth noting that security is on high alert during the holidays mentioned above for all three religions, which many visitors find to be uncomfortable. There is no need to worry about this; it’s just something to know for your own situational awareness.

Again, the best time to visit Israel and the Holy Land is the time you have, so just go, enjoy, and have the best time visiting Israel while enjoying all of the unique features, quirks, nuances, and surprises that this bucket-list country has to offer.

How a Visit to the Holy Land will Elevate Your Faith

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A trip to Israel and the Holy Land is on nearly every Christian’s bucket list. We want to walk where Jesus walked, stand on the Mount of Olives, and see the crumbled walls of Jericho. Faith is believing in what you can’t see, but there is something to be said for physically seeing what you profess to believe. Here’s how a trip to Israel and the Holy Land will elevate your faith. 

The Bible Will Become More Real

Jonah and the Whale. David and Goliath. Mary and Joseph being turned away at every inn in Bethlehem. Whether you learned about these events in vacation Bible school or read about them for the first time as an adult, it’s wild to think that those are real places, those events really happened, and that those are places you can actually visit. It’s one thing to read about these places, or even look at them on a map, but it’s a totally different experience to be there, stand where the people in the Bible stood, and see what they saw.

One of the best things you can do as a Christian visitor to the Holy Land is to bring your Bible with you while touring, or download your preferred version on a Bible app. When you come to a place mentioned in the Bible, stop and find that passage, then read it in that place, either out loud or to yourself. The verses you’re reading will become more than just a Bible “story” to you because you’re there, experiencing the place for yourself. 

You Will Gain a Deeper Understanding of Your Own Faith

Israel and the Palestinian Territories are home to some of the most hotly contested land in the entire world. Jews, Muslims, and Christians all consider this land holy and of utmost importance to their respective faiths. You will inevitably learn something new about a different faith, which will likely give you a sense of empathy you didn’t know you needed.

It may seem counter-intuitive living in today’s world culture, but that’s the essence of Jesus’ teaching. Being exposed to and learning about a different faith can give you a deeper understanding of your own faith, maybe because learning about a different faith will prompt you to put into words why you believe the way you do. 

The Spiritual Experience You Have Will be Uniquely Yours

The experience you have in Israel and the Holy Land will change the way you live your faith for the rest of your life. Being in the Garden of Gethsemane and reflecting on Jesus’ prayers there may change the way you pray in your own life. Touching the water in the river where Jesus was baptized may give you the confidence to confirm your own commitment to your faith. Reading or listening to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus spoke it himself may change the way you see yourself or the way you feel toward others. 

However God intends to use this trip for you, it will be for your good, your benefit, and your spiritual life. You may feel that as soon as you step off the plane, or you might not have your own spiritual experience until you’re back home and able to let it all sink in. Your trip to Israel and the Holy Land will be what God needs it to be for you and your faith. 

Recommended Reading Before Your Trip to Israel

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Ready to plan your trip to Israel? That’s great news! We are here to help you do just that. And to further help you prepare for your life-changing, faith-elevating trip to Israel, here are a few books to consider reading before you arrive. 

The Christian Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land

by Charles H. Dryer and Gregory A. Hatteberg

This is a resource that covers all of the Holy Land, including sites in Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. It includes a 40-day pre-trip Bible study as well, which many travelers may find helpful. Entries include both Old and New Testament sites, the vast majority of which are found in Israel. It’s an excellent introduction of the region from the Christian perspective. 

Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses

by Bruce Feiler

This book includes Biblical sites both within and outside of Israel, from the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The author talks about his personal experiences visiting each of the places referenced in these books, which Jesus would have learned about as a Jewish child growing up in Israel. It’s an excellent resource for those seeking to understand Jesus’ faith and the history he learned growing up in Israel. 

Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth

by Noa Tishby

There are plenty of high-level, academic books about Israel, Palestine, and the conflict in the region. However, those are often challenging to read all the way through. This book, written by an Israeli actress who is also an American film producer, explains the conflict and complexities in an approachable way for non-Israelis. It’s a good introduction for anyone who does not live with the conflict in their everyday life, which is anyone who is living in neither Israel nor the Palestinian Territories. 

Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories

by DK Eyewitness Travel

If you’re lookingfor short, concise information with lots of pictures to help give you a visual, this guidebook will provide that for you. It’s well-organized, giving readers both an overview of the sites and details where appropriate. Going beyond just the sites, this travel guide also explains some of Israel’s history, culture, food, and customs, as well as practical information such as language, money matters, safety tips, and religious holidays, which effect opening times for many businesses. 

The Bible

This one sounds obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning! There are many plans guiding readers through the entire Bible in a year, but if that’s a bit overwhelming, start with the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four perspectives of the life of Jesus will take you through his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection from the point of view of four out of the twelve disciples. 

As you read through the Bible to prepare for your trip, you’ll start to recognize place names: Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, etc. These are all places you can actually visit on your trip to Israel, and the Bible is the reason why we know so much about their significance. Does your Bible have footnotes? If so, each time you see a footnote in reference to scriptures in the Old Testament, go to that scripture and read it. This will give you a greater understanding of Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Israel

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We are so glad you’ve decided to come to Israel with us! One of the most common concerns about travel in Israel is what to pack for the trip. Israel is in the Middle East, and in most of the country, it’s appropriate to dress more conservatively.But Israel is also the most progressive country in the Middle East, and practically anything goes in Tel Aviv!

Here are a few guidelines and suggestions to keep in mind when you’re packing. And as always, feel free to reach out with questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help you have your best possible trip!

General Guidelines:

Comfort is Key

Your trip to Israel will include plenty of time in the sunny outdoors, lots of walking on uneven ground, and quite a bit of standing. Comfortable clothing is essential, especially when it comes to footwear. If an article of clothing is too tight, hard to walk in, or gives you blisters, it’s not going to be comfortable on your trip. Pack with comfort in mind. 

Natural Fabrics are Helpful

Summers in Israel, and even late spring and early fall, can be quite hot. This is definitely true in the Negev Desert, so if you’re planning a day trip to the Dead Sea, Masada, or Eilat, be sure to keep this in mind. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton will help you stay comfortable, even in the heat. It’s also a good idea to stay covered in the sun, so consider bringing along some long sleeves and pants for your trip. 

Winters are Chilly

You may expect that summers in the Middle East would be hot, but you may be surprised that the winter, early spring, and late fall can be brisk! While it doesn’t get truly cold in most of the country, temperatures can dip into the 50s Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), so pack accordingly. Layers are a good idea.

Suggested Items:

Close-toed shoes

Your idea of comfortable may include sandals or even flip flops, but neither is ideal for a trip to Israel. As previously mentioned, there will be a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, but also opportunities to hike (whether you really intend to hike or not!). You can plan to walk around 15,000-20,000 steps per day, so make sure whatever shoes you bring are equal to the task.  

Jacket or Scarf

Whatever season you might be visiting, you’ll want to bring a jacket or a scarf with you. Nights can be chilly, especially in the desert areas, but it’s also helpful to have a jacket or scarf to cover your arms and shoulders when appropriate. They will also come in handy on your flights to and from Israel as well. 

Bathing Suit

This is something you might not think to bring with you to a conservative, Middle Eastern country, but you’ll want one! If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, Eilat, or the beaches in and around Tel Aviv, you’ll be glad you brought a bathing suit. It doesn’t have to be ultra-conservative, but a modest cover-up is a good thing to pack as well. 

Water Shoes

If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, water shoes will be an essential item to pack. The salt deposits and sand can be rough on your feet, and if you get a cut, there will be literal salt in your wound. Avoid this altogether and bring a pair of water shoes with you!

Pepto-bismol (or similar)

Israeli food is some of the best in the world. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, but if you’re unfamiliar with the flavors and seasonings of Middle Eastern cuisine, your stomach might experience a bit of a shock. It never hurts to bring along some Pepto, Imodium, or your preferred stomach-settling medication, just in case!

Seven Things to Expect on Your First Trip to Israel

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Israel is unlike any other travel destination on earth. Not only does it hold a cherished place in the hearts, histories, and beliefs of three of the world’s major religions, but visiting this tiny but beautiful country along the eastern Mediterranean coast is a top bucket list item for hundreds of millions of people across the world.

However, unlike other countries you and/or your loved ones may have visited before on your travels, Israel serves up unique and exciting surprises at every turn. Along those lines, here are seven things about traveling to Israel for the first time that are good to know about in advance of your journey.

 1. You will Do a Lot of Walking

What’s a lot of walking? Think 15,000-20,000 steps per day. You may think, “Well, it’s just walking. I can handle that.” And you certainly can. However, the terrain anywhere in Israel is not flat. There are cobblestones, uneven stairs, hills, etc., all of which will create more of a challenge than you may expect. Add to that the 300+ days a year of direct sunshine, and you’ve got a recipe for some exhausting touring days. Wear good walking shoes, and remember to hydrate!

 2. There is a Stark Contrast Between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Jerusalem is an undeniably holy city. It’s solemn, relatively quiet, and the definition of historic. It’s not a party city, it’s a reverent and conservative city. By contrast, Tel Aviv is bright, vibrant, and exciting. Tel Aviv is the place to go for an avant-garde art scene, fusion cuisine, beaches, nightlife, and watersports! It’s a bit of a shocking contradiction with just an hour’s drive between the two, but no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of these two, world-famous cities. 

 3. People at Home will Tell You it’s Not Safe (but they’re wrong)

It’s true that present-day Israel has been in the midst of conflict since its inception, but it’s not true to say that Israel is an unsafe place to visit. One thing to keep in mind when you hear the (sometimes) well-meaning safety concerns of others is that usually, the person saying it has never been to the country in question, and probably not even the region. Israel is just as safe as anywhere in the United States, and generally even safer than many large cities around the world.

Don’t let someone else’s unfounded concerns talk you out of your trip of a lifetime to Israel and the Holy Land. 

 4. Everything Stops for Shabbat (and various other holidays)

Shabbat, or the Sabbath, is a day of prayer for the Jewish people. Practicing Jews are not allowed to work on Shabbat, which means that shops, restaurants, and other businesses will be closed throughout the country, particularly in Jerusalem and other more conservative areas. This is important for visitors because Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and lasts through Saturday. It takes some forethought and planning to be in the country on a Saturday. 

You can plan to be in Tel Aviv for Shabbat, where you will find more open restaurants and businesses than other cities in Israel. Or, you can go local and use Shabbat as a day of rest for yourself as well. 

 5. Some Restaurants will only Serve Kosher Meals

You may start to notice that some restaurants keep kosher, while others do not. For a non-Jew or non-practicing Jew, this doesn’t make much difference, but you might be curious. “Kosher” means that the food has been prepared according to Jewish law. Meat and milk products are not mixed together, meats from non-kosher foods (pork, shellfish, rabbit, etc.) are not consumed at all, and all meats that can be eaten are butchered in a certain way. Plan to have a kosher meal while you’re in Israel, and feel free to ask questions if you want to understand more.  

 6. You will Learn New Things about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

No matter how much you know about these three religions, there is a good chance that you’ll learn something new about one or all three while you’re in the Holy Land. The entire country holds special meaning to all three religions, but Jerusalem in particular is one of the holiest cities for each. As a result, there is a plethora of history to see, experience, observe, and learn about all three. 

 7. Your Visit will Grow Your Faith

If you’re religious, a trip to Israel is often intended to deepen one’s faith. This is one case, however, where reality exceeds expectation. You can read up on the sites, learn about the history, and look at photos all day long, but the actual experience of walking the same streets as Jesus, standing in the Garden of Gethsemane and reading about his prayer there in Matthew 26, and sailing on the Sea of Galilee where he walked on water will all move you in unexpected, life-changing ways. 

The miracles you read about in the Bible will take on new meaning, and you’ll go home with a fresh understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s a feeling you can’t quite have until you visit for yourself.