How to Travel to Israel and Be Safe

When trying to decide whether or not Israel is a good place to visit on a vacation often times safety becomes an issue. I can reassure you that it is a safe place to visit, but... As I have experienced first hand when I visited Israel there are those who will try and take advantage of you, and even steal from you. So, how can you make it through your trip in one piecee, and with all of your belongings?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A plan
• Determination

1. Engedi near the Dead Sea. A must see while in Israel. If your staying in a hotel (which unless you have friends that live in Israel I recomend), make a copy of your passport and lock your real passport in a safe or place it in a secure location. I had my passport stole while in Israel (Caesarea). If you have the unfortunate even of having your passprt stolen don't worry the embassy will be very happy to issue you a new one just make sure you have the police report.
2. The Western Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel If you’re traveling be car or by bus to various sights in Israel make sure you keep you valuables on you at all times. Leaving valuables in the trunk of a car is not a good idea. There are professional thieves that have the ability to break in and remove your valuables in no time at all. Our Cameras, passports, plane tickets and other valuables where stolen from the trunk of a car, and we where gone less than 15 minutes.
3. Tombs located in the Kidron Valley just out side of the Old City Jerusalem When buying souvenirs in Jerusalem or around Israel often time you can get the item you’re looking for half the price. If you’re willing to take the time to engage in a friendly negotiation you will find that you can get the price to be lowered significantly. Don't be afraid to walk away often times it's in walking away that you will get the price that you were asking for.

Tips & Warnings

• Israel is a beautiful place to visit, and I recommend everyone should go.
• If your traveling alone a rental car is almost a must if you plan to see as many sights as you can.
• Drink lots of water. It tends to be very hot in Israel and your will do a lot of walking/hiking.
• If you want to float in the Dead Sea make sure you don't get the water in your eyes because it will sting very badly. If you do happen to get the water from the Dead Sea in your eyes simply take some fresh clean water and pure it over your eyes to wash away the Dead Sea water.