Suggestions for Travel to Israel

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.

Israel is a country filled with history, conflict and beauty. It has been home to prophets and considered the religious epicenter for the Jewish religion. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are thriving centers where the ancient and the modern collide on a daily basis. Israel is filled with culture from museums and monuments to theater and film. Despite its reputation as a dangerous place, Israel is actually quite safe to visit.

Getting There

Most international visitors to Israel will arrive at the Ben-Gurion International Airport. Many airlines offer direct flights from the United States. Both Jordan and Egypt border Israel, so it is possible to travel from one destination to the other quite easily. You are not allowed, however, to travel from Israel to bordering countries Syria and Lebanon. Israel requires you pay a security and departure tax, but both are usually included in your plane fare. If you are arriving via Egypt or Jordan, it is important to note you cannot bring rental cars into the country. You should also be prepared for many questions from border control when you arrive, such as your job, friends in Israel and your religious beliefs. It is also important to be specific about your duration of stay.

Getting Around

Israel has an efficient public transportation system, making getting around quite easy. Egged, the national bus service, has extensive routes throughout the country. It is important to note that on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening), Egged buses do not run. Most major cities also have municipal buses but if you can't read Hebrew you may have to ask for assistance. Israel State Railways operates a reliable and inexpensive train service that services many major locations in Israel, but once again, they can be difficult to navigate if you don't speak or read Hebrew.

When to Go

It is important to consider certain factors when planning your trip to Israel. The best and most mild weather occurs in the spring (April and May) and the the fall (September and October). Winter can be chilly in the highlands and areas along the coast. The summer is not a good time to visit cities such as Tel Aviv as it can be sweltering, hot and humid. Although Jerusalem is much cooler then, it is also the high tourist season and all accommodations raise their prices to reflect this popular time. It is also important to coordinate travel so it does not fall on a Jewish holiday. Most of the country and its transportation systems will be shut down on holidays like Yom Kippur, for example.

References

• Lonely Planet: Israel