Israel is a small country – with exceptional diversity. Here, you can relax on a sandy beach, dig down 2,000 years, ride your bike – or a camel – in the desert, explore 3,000 years of architecture, and hike through water-filled canyons. To get the most out of your trip, I can help you plan your itinerary and guide you through the country.
Here are a few travel tips to help you get started:
*Note: This content is for information purposes only; I do not endorse any particular service and cannot take responsibility for any of them.
Holidays and the Sabbath
Israel, as a Jewish state, marks National and Jewish holidays as well as the Jewish Sabbath (“Shabbat”, from sundown Friday to after sundown Saturday). The work week is from Sunday-Friday with Saturday generally considered a day off. Jewish holidays are observed from sunset to sunset. In some cities and regions most commercial activity and public transportation will shut down Friday afternoons or the afternoon of an upcoming holiday and resume after dark on Saturday or the holiday. Many tourist attractions stay open during the Sabbath and holidays, but almost all are closed on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
- See www.timeanddate.com/holidays/israel for the current year’s holidays in Israel.
- See https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/2018 for Jewish holidays and special observances, readings, and prayers.
Muslims, Druze, Baha’i and Christians in Israel observe their own holy days and their respective days of public prayer (Friday for Moslems, Sunday for Christians), which will affect access to their respective holy sites; Catholic and Protestant Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter according to the modern international (Gregorian) calendar; Orthodox Christians celebrate their holidays according to the Orthodox (Julian) calendar. Ramadan is the Moslem holy month, which in 2020 begins the evening of Thursday April 23rd and ends on Saturday, May 23rd. Religiously observant Moslems will abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk until the Eid-al Fitr festival (May 24th, 2020).
Weather
Hot and hotter in summer, temperate in winter. Summers can be very humid, more-so the closer you are to the coast. But, its a desert. Evenings in the mountains can still be cool even during the hot dry season. While we may have rain in October and April, we will likely be wearing sandals. Rain can be expected anytime between November and March; highest rainfall is in the northern and mountainous regions, moderate amounts along the coast and central regions, small amounts in the Negev and almost nil in the southernmost region.
- For current weather conditions in English, see the Israel Meteorological Services
Transportation
To and From the Airport: Ben Gurion International airport is situated along a main highway, about 30 min. from Tel Aviv and 45 min. from Jerusalem. You can reach your first destination by private taxi, shuttle bus, train, or rental car. Regulated private taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Taxi drivers are required to use the meter and charge per person and per bag. Some services offer a set per-person fee, such as Nesher taxi shuttle service between the airport and Jerusalem, including from homes and hotels. An hourly bus route (#485) also runs direct from the Airport to Jerusalem.
There is also convenient train service to Tel Aviv or to Jerusalem from the airport!
- For train information see: http://rail.co.il/EN
- Another site, which may or may not be up-to-date, details all airport transportation options: www.toandfromtheairport.com/tel-aviv.html
Intercity and Intra-city Transportation:
Israel has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and mini-bus shuttles. Note, however, that public transportation is limited or non-existent on Jewish holidays and the Sabbath (Saturday), depending on the city or region. For example, all trains cease running over the Sabbath. Buses within and in/out of Jerusalem cease at least 1 hour before sunset on Friday and resume about 1 hour after dark on Saturday night. In Haifa, there is public transportation on the Sabbath.
Roads in most of the country are in good to excellent condition and signage is according to European standards. Many major international car rental companies have offices at the airport, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere throughout the country. Booking a car in advance online is easy and usually hassle-free.
Wardrobe
In general, there is no formal ‘dress code’ in Israel. Israelis dress casually, year round and in all types of venues. That being said, modest dress is expected in holy sites; both women and men are expected to cover shoulders & knees. Suits and ties are worn in certain professions and for very formal events, but are not commonplace. Remember – its often hot and very humid!
Comfort = bring layers of clothing. A light sweater or UV protection shirt over a t-shirt will keep the hot sun off your skin and provide comfort as the sun goes down or the wind kicks up.
Support your feet! Whether navigating the stone-paved alleyways, rocky archaeological sites, or abundant nature trails, excellent walking shoes are a must.
And, if you forgot something or enjoy shopping, Israel not only has malls with popular clothing chains, but supports several fashion districts with many excellent local, world-class designers.
Food, Culture & Industry
Enjoy local foods? Wine? Beer? Organic markets? Looking for a concert? Arts festival? Hands-on workshops? Seeking hi-tech? Medical innovations? Not-for-profit success stories?
Want to run a race? Ride for a cause?
Israel is known for all of the above – and more! Cultural events, public gatherings, and festivals run year-round. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on activities in a wide-range of areas.
Just let me know what interest you and I can help you find your type of experience!