Ever wonder about tips for a trip in Israel? When people prepare for a trip, there are some things that are easy to forget. Sometimes we get so excited, and wrapped up in the trip it makes sense some stuff falls in between the cracks. Or sometimes it is our first trip abroad and we simply don’t know; how would we know? And sometimes we have perceptions of places based off of what we see in the news or from cultural interactions between the country we are from and the country we are traveling to. People certainly have perceptions of Israel. And with that, I want to offer tips for a trip in Israel, so you’re ready for the best trip and vacation ever!
#1: Bring all the right toiletries, including SUNCSREEN!
This may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget. This includes shampoo, soap, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Now you don’t have to pack up all of these toiletries. After all, you can buy everything here if you need more, so no worries there. But what’s important about this is that it can be easy in the winter season to forget to put on sunscreen. And then we walk around all day and get sunburned. Need some help with packing? Check this packing list for some ideas.
#2: Bring a water bottle and Drink A LOT of water.
Israel’s climate is MUCH warmer than most of the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. So when you come, no matter what time in the year, you must drink a lot of water. In the summer it can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Along the shore, it can be very humid, while in the desert is very dry. During the summer and warmer season, it will be easy to remember to drink. But during the winter, it will be harder to remember. Why? Because when you get to Israel and it’s warmer and so enjoyable. So it’s easier to forget to drink water. SO DON’T FORGET TO DRINK WATER!!
#3: Know a few places (at least) where you want to see
When you prepare your trip, search and look up some places that interest you. And not just places like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but specific places in the cities that relate to your interests. If you like histories, find some museums that connect to history. If you are interested in music and/or theatre, find some concerts and plays to attend. This way you have something to really see in, some Israeli culture to really taste. Knowing some specific sites, and what types of sites interest you can also help a tour guide or tour agency create itineraries that best suit you.
#4: Taste everything… literally everything!
Ok, so if you have allergies or sensitiveness, don’t eat everything. But otherwise, taste the local food- shawarma, falafel, humus, everything. Don’t eat at the American food restaurant just because it’s similar. And while you’re at it, talk to the Israelis around you. They are very friendly people, and this will give you a taste of what Israeli society is really made up of.
#5: See as many parts of the country as possible.
When you see all these regions of the country, you will see that the Golan Heights is different from the Negev Desert. The Galilee is different from Coastal Plain. And it is a wonderful experience to see all of these corners of the country. What better way to see the country better than to explore every corner?!
So how are we doing? We’re all good? Want some more tips for a trip in Israel?
#6: See an archeological site from every period of history.
There are sites from every period of history in the country, even one site from when homo sapiens and Neanderthals lived together. There are sites from the Biblical Period, the 1st Temple Period, the Crusaders, the Ottoman Period, the British Mandate, and everything in between! Whether it be the City of David, Megiddo, or the Old Train Station in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, there is just so much to see. And you can see all of it in the country the size of New Jersey! So plan a different sight from each historical period unfold in front of your eyes!
#7: Visit as many minority sites as possible.
While Israel is a Jewish State, there are many kinds of people live here. There are places to see how these people live and explore their sites. There is the Baha’I Gardens in Haifa, Druze villages in the north, Bedouin villages in the Negev, Muslims communities and Christians. All these communities make up parts of the mosaic of Israel. Without visiting these communities, we can’t see the real Israel.
#8: Safeguard your valuables.
Israel is a safe country, but it is important to remember to keep your valuables safe. Whether it is your passport or your watch, cell phone, or wallet. Don’t put down your wallet or other valuable on the table, counter, etc. It is too easy to forget it and lose it. Also, don’t bring valuables that you don’t really need for the trip. If you have a nice watch or piece of jewelry, it is better to leave them at home. Inquire about safes at the hotel for your other valuables that you don’t need during the day.
#9: Get enough sleep.
Although you are on a trip and a vacation, it is easy to want to wake up early and stay up late in order to see and experience it all. But it is especially important to get enough sleep while you are a trip in a different country. So get 6-8 hours of sleep a night, eat well, and take care of yourself.
#10: Take pictures!
Take pictures of your experiences! You won’t want to forget your experiences, so take pictures of the places you go to. It will help you remember, tell your stories to friends back home, and remember where you want to go next time you come back. And watch out to make sure you don’t lose it.
#11: Spend money on experiences, not on things.
This tip I got from my father gave me before studying abroad. Instead of buying too much stuff and risking your luggage being too heavy, use your spending money on tickets to museums, concerts, and experiences that will make your time in Israel truly unique.
The last of my tips for a trip in Israel.
#12: HAVE FUN!
No matter what happens, have fun! You’re on vacation and on a trip of a lifetime! So go have fun, explore, and enjoy your time in one of the most amazing trips places in the world. Look into every corner you can find, see whatever you can. See these wonderful places, ask questions, smile, LAUGH! It’s your trip, and at the end of the day you’re coming to have fun. Don’t forget that!
So I hope these tips for a trip in Israel were helpful. For any questions, comment below, or contact me! Have a wonderful, wonderful week!
