{"id":646419,"date":"2022-01-24T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=646419"},"modified":"2022-01-21T17:32:52","modified_gmt":"2022-01-21T16:32:52","slug":"trip-israel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/trip-israel\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I plan a trip to Israel?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the coastal city of Tel Aviv to the ancient Old Town of Jerusalem to the salty Dead Sea, Israel<\/a> is an incredible country with endless treasures to explore. If you\u2019re wondering how to plan a trip to Israel, we\u2019ve got you covered. From where to go and what to wear to the language, currency and travel safety tips, here is everything you need to know to start planning your trip to Israel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Israel<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best places to visit in Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tel Aviv<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This amazing coastal city is a must-see on your trip to Israel. Head to Neve Zedek, the first neighbourhood of Tel Aviv and wander down Rothschild Boulevard. Explore the ancient ruins of Old Jaffa and the biblical stories of the Old Port. See the city light up at night with hundreds of bars and restaurants to kick back with a drink. When you travel with Trafalgar, we\u2019ll even introduce you to a local in the Ajami neighbourhood and you\u2019ll share lunch as you learn what it was like to grow up in a Jewish, Muslim and Christian area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: 8 places to add to your Israel bucket list<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jerusalem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As one of the holiest places in the world<\/a>, you can\u2019t miss visiting the sacred city of Jerusalem on your trip to Israel. Wander through the Old City of Jerusalem to see the Mount of Olives, the Jewish Quarter and the Wailing Wall, and the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ along the Stations of the Cross to the 4th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit Yad Vashem to pay tribute to the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust during World War II. And explore the Israel Museum to see the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Land of the Gods<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bethlehem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visit the little town of Bethlehem with Trafalgar to see the Manger Square and meet a local at the Church of Nativity. It was built on the site thought to be the birthplace of Jesus and it\u2019s a truly moving place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dead Sea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t miss visiting this icon on your trip to Israel. We\u2019ll travel to the lowest point on earth to float in the famously salty waters of the Dead Sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Why you float in the Dead Sea and other fascinating facts about Israel<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lower Galilee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This region in Israel is home to some of the best places to visit in the country. Stop by Nazareth and the sacred Catholic Shrine of the Church of Annunciation, where Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary to share the blessing that she would give birth to the Son of God. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to visit the 1st-century Jesus Boat. And visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the sacred Sermon on the Mount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Israel and Jordan with Dead Sea Extension<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customs and etiquette in Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everything is closed on Saturday<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saturday is Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. That means most businesses are closed every Saturday and there is little public transportation, although you\u2019ll find buses running in Haifa and Monit sherut (service taxis) running in Tel Aviv. If you\u2019re travelling outside Tel Aviv on a Saturday in Israel, don\u2019t expect to find anything open. It\u2019s best to embrace the peace and silence and enjoy a day of rest too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also handy to know that Israeli weekends are on Fridays and Saturdays (the working days are Sunday to Thursday) and the Sabbath starts at sunset on Fridays. So be prepared for everything to close by Friday evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: 5 awe inspiring experiences that will make you want to visit Israel<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visiting religious communities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to know how to dress and behave when visiting Israel’s religious neighbourhoods, or Jerusalem as a whole. You will need to dress conservatively and both men and women should cover their legs. Women will also need to cover their arms and sometimes wear a headscarf. Men will also need to cover their heads with a kippah when visiting Jewish religious sites, and you\u2019ll see signs indicating when this is required. Be sure to avoid any public displays of affection and do not take photos of people without permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Exploring the Holy Lands \u2013 7 Christian tours you can take with Trafalgar<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Respect the cultural diversity in Israel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Israel is home to a range of cultures, religions and lifestyles, from conservative religious communities to liberal cities. For example, while Jerusalem is considered holy to many major religions including Judaism, Islam and Christianity, the capital Tel Aviv is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world. It\u2019s important to respect all the unique traditions and customs you encounter all over the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sensitive to political tensions in Israel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you may find some people are keen to discuss religion, politics and other contentious topics, it\u2019s best to avoid discussing these topics and remain sensitive to political and cultural tensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Israeli hospitality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Israelis are famous for their warm hospitality and if you\u2019re welcomed into someone\u2019s home, you\u2019re likely to be met with drinks, snacks and anything else you need. Be sure to say “toda raba” (\u05ea\u05d5\u05d3\u05d4 \u05e8\u05d1\u05d4), or \u201cthank you very much\u201d to ensure your hosts feel appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Where to eat in Tel Aviv, Israel\u2019s blossoming food capital<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kosher food<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As Judaism is the dominant religion in Israel, you\u2019ll find most restaurants offer Kosher food. Kosher food<\/a> means that the animal was killed in the least painful way possible in accordance with Jewish law. Jewish people also do not eat dairy with meat. While travellers do not have to strictly follow this religious rule, it\u2019s good to be aware of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When eating out in restaurants, you\u2019ll be expected to tip between 12 and 15%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best time to visit Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best time to visit Israel for warm yet bearable temperatures is October to November and April to May. If you love the hot weather (think up to 40\u00b0C) and want to hit the beaches, the best time to visit is between June and September. And if you can\u2019t stand the summer months, you\u2019re better off visiting in winter (December to March) when the weather is mild and more comfortable for exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Eat your way around Africa and the Middle East with these 15 dishes<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear on your trip to Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Casual clothing is appropriate in almost any setting in Israel. You can wear shorts, t-shirts and jeans almost anywhere! The only major exception is sacred sites and religious areas, where you\u2019ll need to dress modestly and cover heads where indicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear at religious sites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women should wear long trousers or skirts covering the knees and tops covering the shoulders and chest. Men should wear trousers or shorts below the knees and shirts covering shoulders. Women should bring a scarf for sites that require them to cover their hair, while men will be advised if they need to wear a kippah at Jewish religious sites such as the Western Wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: How to dress appropriately when travelling to Africa and the Middle East<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the currency in Israel?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). It\u2019s best to arrive in Israel with some shekels in cash and a credit card to withdraw more money from ATMs. You\u2019ll find ATMs all over the major cities and most accept foreign cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security & safety tips in Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n