Travel tips for Israel - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

When choosing Israel as a vacation destination, it is worth studying the specifics of your stay in the country properly. Thorough preparation for the trip will help to avoid many inconveniences, awkward moments and disappointments. In this case, the vacation will leave only pleasant memories.

1. Before the trip, you should clearly define its purpose. Tel Aviv is suitable for lovers of lazy beach holidays. Divers as a suggestion should stay in Eilat. If you are in pursuit of thrill, it is recommended you go to the desert. Attractions of religious pilgrimage are concentrated in Jerusalem and Galilee.

2. When going for a long holiday on the Dead Sea, it is worth consulting with a doctor. If there are no obvious indications for sanatorium treatment, it is okay to spend a couple of hours swimming in the salty waters.

Things to do in Israel - active leisure

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3. Resting on the Dead Sea, it is important to remember that you cannot stay longer than twenty minutes in salty water in one sunset. Two visits a day are enough. The break between visits should be at least three hours.

4. It is better to enter the Dead Sea in special shoes so as not to hurt your legs.

5. You cannot drink water from the Dead Sea. You should avoid the water getting into your eyes, nose and mouth. Diving is not recommended, and after swimming it is advised to take a shower.

6. Please do not buy snacks and drinking water on the beach. If you should, move about 50-100 meters away from it, these items can be gotten at a significantly lower price. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

7. It is not recommended to leave money and valuables on beaches without supervision.

8. It will be superfluous to buy souvenirs in stores where travel agents and taxi drivers like to bring tourists. They usually have the highest prices. Souvenirs are best purchased in markets or in small modest shops.

9. To avoid dehydration by the hot Israeli summer which lasts from April to October, you should drink plenty of water (more than you would anywhere else). It is better to always have a bottle of water with you.

10. While in Israel, you always need to use a tanning cream with SPF from 50 to 100 units. This applies not only to the beach trips, but also to ordinary walks around the city. It is also advisable to have a headdress with you.

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11. When visiting religious sites, you should abide by the dress code: open feet or shoulders are not allowed, and women should cover their head with a handkerchief.

12. It is advisable you behave extremely culturally with the police.

13. You need to refrain from smoking on Shabbat.

14. It is recommended that you avoid walking around the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem as this can be unsafe, especially in the evenings and at night.

15. You cannot take pictures of Believers and other people’s children.

16. On Saturdays, except for Haifa, there is a stoppage of the public transport system. Raising the price of taxi rides on Shabbat is permitted by law. Also worth noting is the fact that most shops do not work on this day.

This collection of travel tips for Israel is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Israel

Colorful and unique places in Israel

Oak of Mamre

From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization”

There are also quite unusual among the Jewish holy places. A great example is the Oak of Mamre. A nice biblical legend tells about this old tree. According to it, Abraham was talking to God there. For these reasons, a unique tree is also known under the name Oak of Abraham. If this tree has really managed to survive to the present day, the oak has to be about 5 000 years old.

The ancient tree is situated in Hebron, in the monastery of the Holy Trinity. The oak completely faded in the late 19th century. Today, abbots make every effort to keep its trunk safe. Now, it is surrounded by special supports. A few years ago, new young shoots appeared next to the oak. A lot of amazing stories are associated with this sight. Many endow healing powers, while others tell about the ability of Oak of … Read all

Well of Jacob

From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization”

In Nablus, tourists will have an opportunity to visit the amazing sight, the old well, which have been associated by Jews with the name Jacob for more than 2 000 years. This well was found not far from the archaeological area of Tel-Balat. It is quite deep; the rock-cut pit is 35 meters roughly estimated. According to the biblical writings, here Jesus met the Samaritan woman, which is described in the Gospel of John.

Currently, this amazing Biblical point of interest is on the territory of a large monastic complex. The well is hidden in the walls of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Well of Jacob is one of the few religious sites in the world that is worshipped by adherents of several religious movements, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Samaritans. The first church next to … Read all

Tomb of Zechariah

From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization”

In the Kidron Valley, close to the Temple Mount, there is a unique object, the tomb of Zechariah. It was built during the time of the Second Temple. That’s one of the few monuments of the architecture that has been preserved to this day in its original form. The tomb is carved in the rock. That’s an equilateral cube, whose height is about 12.5 meters. According to Jewish tradition, this tomb belongs to the prophet Zechariah. As many other objects of the Kidron Valley, it is an important place of pilgrimage.

The tomb is a monolithic monument without the burial chamber. Therefore, there is no evidence that the great prophet was buried there. These contradictions do not make the monument less attractive for thousands of travelers. They all come here for the sole purpose - to worship the … Read all

All unique sightseeing Israel

Advices for popular cities of Israel

Tel Aviv

1.You can travel Tel Aviv at any time of the year, as the city has a very pleasant climate. Most vacationers visit it during the period from early May to mid-October; at this time the average daily temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius. 2. The city has excellent public transport; you can travel through its territory by buses and taxi. Public transport runs through the streets from 5:00 am to midnight. Tickets are purchased on the main bus station or directly from the driver. 3. Bus routes … Read more

Jerusalem

1. Currency can be exchanged in banks and in specialized exchange offices, which can be found in each district. Exchange offices located at the airport traditionally offer the most favorable exchange rates. 2. Tourists who plan to shop in small private shops and open markets will certainly need money in cash. Supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and gas stations usually accept payments by credit cards. Before you make a trip, make sure whether your credit or debit card is valid in the … Read more

Haifa

1.Tourists can import and export foreign currency without any restrictions. The national currency should be used to pay for goods and services; it can be exchanged at any local bank. Some hotels offer services of currency exchange too. 2. Those who expect to go for holiday with pets are kindly requested to prepare all the necessary veterinary documentation. The term of validity of certain certificates is limited, so don’t get them earlier than six weeks before your trip. 3. Shoppers should … Read more

Netanya

1. Netanya has a pleasant mild climate, so you can go on vacation at any time of the year. Even in January, the air temperature does not fall below +15 ºC. The water on local beaches remains comfortable for swimming in wintertime. 2. Active tourists should take into account that most of the rainfall comes in winter. If you don't want rains to ruin your sightseeing program, try not to plan a trip for the winter season. 3. It is also worth noting that Netanya has a very humid climate. … Read more

Nazareth

1. The entire territory of the historic district is now fully pedestrian. It is banned for cars and even public transport, so you can explore the Old Town only on foot. 2. Traditions in Nazareth are slightly different from the ones in other Israeli cities. This city is the only one in the country where Sunday is an official day off. 3. Entrance to all local temples is free. There are guided tours at certain hours, the schedule can be clarified in a tourist center. 4. The water … Read more

Travel tips for Israel - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Israel

Colorful and unique places in Israel

Oak of Mamre

Well of Jacob

Tomb of Zechariah

Photogallery of sightseeing Israel

Advices for popular cities of Israel

Trip preparations to popular regions of Israel