This post comes to us courtesy of Living Passages, specialists in Christian travel. We thank them for submitting, and hope you enjoy the information they have to offer.

10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Israel

When traveling to Israel, especially for the first time, it is wise to do a little research about the area and culture before you go. Here are 10 things to know about Israel when planning your adventure.

1.) Float Your Worries Away in the Dead Sea:

When planning your tour of Israel, make sure you include a rejuvenating visit to the world’s saltiest sea. The incredibly high buoyancy of the Dead Sea allows you to float for hours as the rich minerals naturally fade away any pain in your body. You’ll marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular views during your relaxing visit.

2.) Surround Yourself with the Many Colors of Israel:

You’ll surely want to stop by the Carmel Tel Aviv Market. The Carmel Tel Aviv Market gives you a first-hand display of Israel’s culture with the hundreds of vendors offering everything from food and spices to home accessories, homemade crafts and jewelry. Located close to the trendy Neveh Zedek quarter, the market is open every day except Saturday (due to Shabbat, see #9) giving you plenty of opportunities to swing by.

3.) Indulge Your Taste Buds with Israel’s Most Popular Dishes:

Everybody enjoys a good hamburger and fries but you’ll have to try some unfamiliar, yet tasty food options when you’re in Israel. Spice up your morning with some Shakshooka, which consists of eggs and tomatoes, and sip it down with Café Afuch or “upside down coffee”. For those with a strong sweet tooth, Israel has a variety of desserts like Bakalava, Ice Cream, Knafe, and Malabi.

4.) View Breath-Taking Scenery…Without Breaking the Bank:

Israel offers beautiful landscapes you won’t find just anywhere, so why not view them all for one low price? Consider getting the unlimited (Green Card) pass for around 150 NIS ($38), which will allow you to visit sites like Soreq Cave, Nimrod’s Forrest, and the Iyyon Stream. Why not get more bang for your buck?

5.) On Tight Budget? Find Lodging at a Reasonable Price:

Whether you’re planning on a tight budget or would just rather have more money to spend at the market, you won’t have to empty your wallet to put a roof over your head. You can find a comfortable bed & breakfast for around $50 a night. Israel also offers elegant 5-star hotels for those who want a more luxurious experience. But, you’ll have multiple places to choose from if you’re looking for a cheaper option.

6.) The Importance of Sunscreen!!!:

Make sure to pack sunscreen! Because of the drastic changes in the terrain in the small country of Israel some might be surprised by the strength of the sun in certain locations. Use a lot of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher recommended), especially in areas by the Dead Sea.

7.) Slow Vacation Day? Just Take a Walk:

Get encouraged to be curious, as you get lost in the unseen beauty of Israel. Taking long countryside walks is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in the Israeli culture and nature. Go to Abraham Path that connects to the Palestinian cities of Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; or walk on the Jesus Trail that overlooks the Sea of Galilee.

8.) It’s Possible You’ll Get Lost! Know These Phrases:

You may save the entire trip by learning a few basic Hebrew terms. Some common Hebrew words & phrases that might come in handy are:

· Shalom [shuh-lohm]: “hello/goodbye/peace”

· Shalom Yossi: “how are you?”

· Slicha [slee-chach]: “sorry/excuse me”

· Todah [toe-dah]: “thank you”

· Ma koreh [mah kor-EH]: “what’s happening?”

· Eyfo Haambatya: “where is the bathroom?”

· Ata yakhol laazor li?: “Can you help me?”

9.) The Jewish Sabbath, What to Expect:

The Jewish Sabbath begins every sundown on Friday and ends on Saturday evening. During that time, many shops and public transportation will close to observe the Sabbath. After all, you are in a religious country. It’s essential to buy all your necessities before everything closes on Friday night. Also, it’s important that you’re relatively close to your hotel or rental, otherwise, you might end up hitchhiking back!

10.) Experience Israel’s Holy Land in the Purest Form:

If you are set on going to Israel, you might consider contacting a tour company in the US before beginning your journey. Using a tour agency can take some of the pressure off when planning air travel, hotel, and site seeing and other trip accommodations. If a Christian Bible tour is something that fascinates you, consider a Christian travel agency who specializes in Biblical site seeing. People from around the world travel to Israel to view these preserved religious sites, so why not have the complete tour planned for you without breaking a sweat?

Well, there you have it! You know 10 essential things to consider while planning an unforgettable trip to Israel. Now, have fun on your trip and don’t forget to memorize the phrase “Eyfo Haambatya” because you never know when it will come in handy!

Note From RealFamilyTripc.com: This article was submitted by a travel agency that specializes in Christian tours.

Our thanks to Living Passages for this great article about touring Israel.

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