If you are planning a trip to Israel let me first say how EXCITING! Secondly, this post is for you; here you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling in Israel before you plan out your trip and board that plane ~ Read & Save!

When I speak with people about traveling to Israel, heaps of questions arise regarding safety issues, for example, and what visitors should expect when they arrive, once I was even asked if we still use camels as means of transportation...true story! I admit that one blew my mind.

Israel is a wonderful country to visit ~ It is modern, vibrant, interesting, spiritual, and full of surprises!

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PRO TIPS!

Click these hyperlinks for more about different city trips activities to do and itineraries in Israel!

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In this post, I will answer questions for first-timers combined with bonus Israel travel tips & hacks!

When to visit

Springtime starting from late March to June is a great time to visit! Everywhere is green and blooming and the temperature is warm and comfortable to be outside exploring. Everything just feels so fresh after the winter hibernation. The fall months (October-November) are very pleasant as well.

The summer months from late June to early September are very hot indeed so I would advise first-time tourists against coming to Israel during these months.

Traveling around the country in such high temperatures and humidity is tough. The only thing you’ll want to do is be on the beach somewhere that is, of course, an awesome plan as we have grandiose beaches. Having said that, Israel has so much to offer, it will be a shame not to see and experience it all. It will not be as enjoyable to travel around in 35-degree heat. In any case, don’t forget your sunscreen!

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Is Israel expensive for tourists?

Israel is ranked eighth on the most expensive list. Yes, it is expensive, having said that, you can still explore Israel on a budget. All you need to do is research and plan in advance, there are hacks to help you save money. Some parts of your trip will remain expensive, however, such as dining out in style in Tel Aviv for example. Tel Aviv has a variety of culinary hotspots to enjoy but they don’t come cheap. How much you spend depends on you and your travel style.

Traveling around Israel

I personally believe that there is no better way to explore Israel than by car. Israel is a small country easy to drive and navigate in, and all road signs are in English if you don’t have a GPS with you. By driving yourself you can see so much more of Israel and have a proper chance to explore off the beaten track as well.

You can hire your car at the airport upon arrival however depending on your plans; it might not be the best way to go as parking can be a bit of a nightmare in the big cities. If the city is where you start out hire yours later.

BEWARE: DO NOT drive to the Palestinian territories, the West Bank, or Gaza. Make sure you pay attention to road signs and warning around you and not just your GPS, they are known to make mistakes especially in the area of Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, you can travel around by using The Jerusalem Light Rail: This is an above-ground train with a route stretching from Pisgat Ze'ev in the North to Mount Herzl in the West, with stops along the way.

Using public transportation is another good way to go; trains and busses, usually reliable and on time. IMPORTANT: On most buses, you will need a Rav-Kav; this is an electronic card used on public transport that can be loaded using cash or credit card. These cards can be used on trains as well.

More details about public transport

Consider using service shuttles (moniyot sherut in Hebrew) to move around/travel between cities, they stop at the bus stops to pick people up and their fare is usually the cheapest as you share your ride with others. If you use taxis, make sure you ask for the price in advance as some destinations have a fixed price!

The Sabbath ~ Shabbat

Shabbat is our day of rest; it comes in just before sundown on Friday and lasts until the first three stars appear on Saturday evening.

It is important to know that in Israel unlike other countries religion and state are not separate, which means that everything shuts down earlier on Fridays and remains closed throughout; there is no public transportation running throughout the Shabbat (with the exception of a couple of places), street shops will be closed and most malls too, kosher restaurants will be closed, and other activities will be shut during the weekend. Planning in advance is vital!

This is a holy day for the Jewish people so please, be respectful! During Shabbat, you are not allowed to drive a car so going to religious/orthodox cities or neighborhoods by car is not advisable, it will be frown upon in a religious environment, and in some places, the road will be closed off to traffic. Do your research before heading out so you are prepared.

IMPORTANT: Religious holidays are considered Shabbat and the same rules apply so if you’re visiting during any of the holidays, make sure you have checked the time frame and adjusted your travel plans.

Soldiers gathering in the Western Wall for a ceremony.

Security

Israel is a safe country to travel through and explore, don’t believe everything you see on the news, use your common sense and be aware of where you are the way you would when visiting any other destination, and you’ll be fine!

Be prepared for strict security at the airport upon arrival as well as departure and please, don’t take it personally! I know many visitors at times struggle with this and find it invasive, however, that is not the intention behind it. Taking into consideration our history, geographical situation, and constant threats we need to be on the defense at all times. Be patient and understanding and stay calm.

NOTE: Your passport will not be stamped so make sure to keep your entry slip/paper with you.

Soldiers are a part of daily life here: It is mandatory for all Israelis, boys as well as girls to enlist in the IDF from age 18 through 20 if you’re female and 21 if you’re a male. This is something we all grow up with and are very used to seeing around us. You will see soldiers throughout your time in Israel, don’t be put off by it or be scared, this is one of the precautions we take to keep everyone safe.

Practical tips

It is handy to know when packing that Israel has micro-climates so make sure you are prepared. During summertime for example Tel Aviv and the coast are hot during the evenings as well however, spend the evening in Jerusalem and you might need a long-sleeved shirt. If you plan to spend a few days in the desert, the evening will require warmer clothes.
Wear appropriate clothes when visiting the holy sites or orthodox neighborhoods! To be clear, Israel is a modern and liberal country you can wear whatever you like. When you’re visiting holy places like the Western Wall in Jerusalem or the city of Sefat for example, visitors are expected to be respectful as you would be when entering a church or a mosque, please wear modest clothes.
PRO TIP: Ladies, when exploring a religious city have a big scarf with you that you can use, it will come in handy especially during the summer months when the heat is on. You can also purchase a pickpocket-proof scarf to help you cover up and hide your valuables for a two-in-one investment!
Have a pair of comfortable shoes with you because walking around is the best way to explore a city.
Water is safe to drink right from the tap.
Have a reusable water bottle with you when you are on the go! You will need to drink plenty of water and this is not only comfortable but also a cheaper and more sustainable way of traveling. Shop your favorite design directly
Have an adaptor with you for your electrical devices just in case.
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages in Israel but don’t worry if you don’t speak either language, English is spoken throughout the country.
I advise you to carry some local currency with you for when you’re visiting markets and food stands for example. Credit cards of all major companies can be used almost everywhere.
We are a friendly and hospitable nation if I may so myself. We love to share real Israel with tourists so don’t be afraid to chat and ask questions when interacting with Israelis.

Food

The food in Israel is amazing! There are so many lovely dishes to taste and experience from classic hummus and sabich to delicacies such as bourekas to Michelin star cooking. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on an Israeli breakfast! It’s quite the treat and nothing like you’ve had before.

Bonus Israel Travel Tips & Hacks

Tel Aviv is unlike any other city in the world or Israel for that matter, it has an NYC-type vibe and yet it is unique in its own way, it’s on 24/7. Tel Aviv is modern and dynamic with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and golden beaches and it is oh so cool!
Explore the different markets, stroll through neighborhoods like Neve Zedek and Florentine, have a drink and a meal in one of the trendy bars and restaurants, visit a museum or two, and hang out on the beach.
TIP: Evenings on the beach during the summer are magical!
Apply beforehand for The Secret Tel Aviv VIP Card This is a FREE card with special offers and discounts at Tel Aviv’s best bars, restaurants, and other businesses.

All you need to know about Tel Aviv

Enjoy the beautiful nature parks of Israel: Arrange beforehand your Israel pass card for discounts for entries to national parks.
More information about the best national parks of Israel.
The cheapest way to have the internet is by purchasing an Israeli SIM card for your phone. There are different data packages you can choose from depending on the length of your stay, schedule, and needs. It is important to have internet and not just for sharing beautiful travel pics on your social media.
It is necessary also for navigation, online ticket purchases, paying for parking, and safety reasons. After all, who wants to be stuck on the side of a road, when their car has broken down, without having a possibility to call triple A…
Parking: You will need internet to pay for parking as in most cities paying with cash is no longer possible. The colors painted on the curb determine whether you need to pay and whether it is allowed to park there, always check the road signs as well!
Blue-white: Paid parking.
Red/white: Parking is prohibited.
Gray: Free to park.
Red/yellow: Taxi-Bus stop- parking is prohibited.
NOTE: In the major cities during the evenings white and blue/white-colored pavements are reserved for residents only. You will see signs at the beginning of the street indicating that.
Rent a bike or an electric stepper for the day when you are exploring Tel Aviv, it is free/cheap and fun!
Take free walking tours in the big cities there many different options available.
Arrange your Rav-Kav card if you plan to use public transport.
Arrange your JLM CityPass to experience Jerusalem for less.
This ‘six museums in one card will offer you special rates and free entry to museums throughout Israel so if you love art and culture…Get your card here