Israel and Jordan guide
Whether you’re a pilgrim or a Petra-head, read our Israel and Jordan travel guide.
Israel travel advice
Cultural advice
Daniel Saunders, from our supplier Encounters Travel, shares his Israel travel advice:
“Brush up on your political knowledge of the region, it’s complicated and a little understanding can go a long way. With so many religious sites to visit and an inherently conservative outlook, women should cover up as much as possible, so long sleeve shirts and baggy pants are recommended. Saturday is the Jewish day of rest and it starts at sunset on Friday and finishes at sunset on Saturday. This means shops will be shut and no buses will run. And learn a few words of Hebrew, it helps break the ice.”
“Brush up on your political knowledge of the region, it’s complicated and a little understanding can go a long way. With so many religious sites to visit and an inherently conservative outlook, women should cover up as much as possible, so long sleeve shirts and baggy pants are recommended. Saturday is the Jewish day of rest and it starts at sunset on Friday and finishes at sunset on Saturday. This means shops will be shut and no buses will run. And learn a few words of Hebrew, it helps break the ice.”
Itinerary tips
Anthony Horrobin from our supplier, Encounters Travel:
“If you have time whilst in Tel Aviv definitely walk along the promenade to the small town of Jaffa, perched on a headland close to central Tel Aviv. The walk might take around an hour (maybe a bit less) but the contrast to Tel Aviv is immense. There’s also a small (but high-tech) underground museum in Jaffa and a great fish market to have a wander around. And don’t miss a chance to go to the Dead Sea. It’s a completely unique place and to experience the weightless feeling you get there is like nothing else. You have to try it!”
“If you have time whilst in Tel Aviv definitely walk along the promenade to the small town of Jaffa, perched on a headland close to central Tel Aviv. The walk might take around an hour (maybe a bit less) but the contrast to Tel Aviv is immense. There’s also a small (but high-tech) underground museum in Jaffa and a great fish market to have a wander around. And don’t miss a chance to go to the Dead Sea. It’s a completely unique place and to experience the weightless feeling you get there is like nothing else. You have to try it!”
Passport tip
Daniel Saunders, from our supplier Encounters Travel:“Politely ask to get your entry stamp on a separate piece of paper and not in your passport because if you plan to visit other Arab countries in the region it will prove difficult having an Israeli stamp.
Packing tip
Anthony Horrobin from our supplier, Encounters Travel:“Travel light – most people will travel to different cities and stay in a number of different hotels when visiting Israel as the tourist sites are scattered throughout the country.”
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Health & safety
FCO advice and Israel
Most visits are trouble free, however terrorism is sadly a reality of traveling in these times. Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territories have been areas of intense conflict for a long time, and terrorist activities are usually claimed as being retaliatory following a period of attacks. Recent attacks include a stabbing on a Tel Aviv beach and also on a bus in Petah Tikva in 2017, a spate of street attacks in East Jerusalem, Petah Tikva and Jaffa in 2016 and another bus attack in Tel Aviv in 2015, all carried out by Palestinian extremists.
Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before traveling to Israel and also ensure that your travel insurance covers your trip. If, for example, you are traveling to regions that are not recommended by FCO such as the Gaza Strip or near Syrian border, you need to look at your options regarding FCO and insurance here.
Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before traveling to Israel and also ensure that your travel insurance covers your trip. If, for example, you are traveling to regions that are not recommended by FCO such as the Gaza Strip or near Syrian border, you need to look at your options regarding FCO and insurance here.
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