Anyone with recent travelling experiences to Israel???

[malmacdowall]

Im considering a business trip to Israel and im very interested to hear from anyone who has visited recently.

Would be traveling along the NW coast from Tel Aviv.
Traveling with local representatives of companies im visiting.
Not going near the Gaza Strip and certainly outside the Westbank areas.

So main question here is in regards to safety. How did you find it on the ground?
Did you consider it dangerous?
Was it safe traveling?
What tips do you have for travel in Israel?
Thanks in advance.....

 

[michaelangelo]

How recent are we talking? I spent a week there over new year's 3 years ago and absolutely loved it. Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada/Dead Sea before crossing into the West Bank where we spent a night in Ramallah and trekked out to a tiny village called Taybeh to visit the Taybeh Brewery, supposedly the only microbrewery in the Arab world. Outstanding beer, and they have an Oktoberfest there every year that I'd love to go back for. Then crossed back into Israel and went down to Eilat before crossing into Jordan.

Felt completely safe everywhere we went, including Palestine. Ramallah is probably the friendliest place I've ever been - people kept inviting us to their houses for tea and seemed genuinely moved that we would make the effort to visit their country. There's a high security presence on both sides of the wall (Israel more so, especially in Jerusalem).

Tel Aviv has a real buzz about the place, really great food and nightlife. Feels pretty European. The beaches look awesome, but sadly it was winter and we couldn't partake.
Don't miss Jerusalem - walking around the old city is an incredible experience.
The Holocaust Museum is a must do as well.
Climbing Mt Masada was a cool experience, although it's the opposite direction to your plans.
Floating in the Dead Sea is cheesy but fun for a bit (it was freezing when we were there too).

Would return in a heartbeat.

 

[Daver6]

Been there a couple of times in the last two years.

You'll be perfectly safe. You're travelling with locals too. Just use common sense like anywhere. Biggest risk you'll face is eating too much food

Advice, spend a day or two in Tel Aviv. Its a fantastic, vibrant and safe place. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer.

 

[malmacdowall]

Been there a couple of times in the last two years.

You'll be perfectly safe. You're travelling with locals too. Just use common sense like anywhere. Biggest risk you'll face is eating too much food

Advice, spend a day or two in Tel Aviv. Its a fantastic, vibrant and safe place. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer.

Sounds like it could be an exciting trip. Anywhere in particular to check out or stay in Tel-Aviv?
Would you recommend hiring a car to drive or organize a driver/car?

 

[pyffii]

Stay at the Dan Panorama Kaufman St for the best Israeli breakfast everand fabulous views over the sea and its close to Neve Tzdek and Jaffa...we stayed in the executive level which had been recently refurbished...Its also close to the Shook ( market ) which is a must....Then Rothchild St for great architecture and vibe and dont miss Sorona market the site of the old German Colony....The promenade is paricularly nice and probably the best in the world....Israel is safe but you just need to have an awareness and no issues walking along the promenade at midnight snacking on fresh watermelon !! ....PM for a great driver based in Jerusalem

 

[Daver6]

Sounds like it could be an exciting trip. Anywhere in particular to check out or stay in Tel-Aviv?
Would you recommend hiring a car to drive or organize a driver/car?

Can't comment on accommodation really as I stay with my brother there. I've heard the Hilton is nice.

For actual Tel Aviv, don't hire a car. Driving and parking is a nightmare. Use public transport, walk or the push bike hire. No shortage of taxis. Use the app Gett for taxis. Uber is also an option.

Inter-city buses are good too. Especially to Jerusalem. There's the train to Haifa in the north.

As for what to do. There are a million different little museums on every topic. Every different type of food imaginable. Sarona has a brilliant selection of places to eat. If you're into wine Tasting Room Wine Bar טייסטינג ×¨×•× ×‘×¨ יין has about 40 different Israeli wines by the glass.

Old city of Jerusalem is worth a visit. You can easily spend a few days walking around there. A hike up Masada to see the sun rise was pretty special too. The list is kind of endless.

 

[mpogr]

I'm an Israeli (not natively born, but lived there for 20 years) living now in Oz for the last 7 years. Have just come back from a business + family trip in Israel.

As others indicated, you will be perfectly safe there while applying some common sense. It's safer to go around with locals, but even on your own you should be fine. Most people understand and speak reasonable English. Watch for pickpockets in areas like markets, Jerusalem/Jaffa old city etc.

Getting around in Tel Aviv area is not difficult, as the public transport is quite good and taxis are abundant (you can also use Gett and Uber) and not as expensive as here. On the other hand, car hire is very expensive (practically more then anywhere else), and the quality of hired cars/service is quite poor. The fuel is expensive too. And the most difficult part is driving. Not as bad as India or Thailand, but pretty scary by common Western standards. I'd say don't even think of hiring a car unless you want to explore more distant/rural places on your own. Otherwise, the intercity busses/trains would serve you just fine. Do take into account that most public transport doesn't operate from Fri afternoon till Sat night, so you'd probably prefer to stay in the city during that time.

As for places to visit, there are so many! Jerusalem, Jaffa, Haifa, Acre, just to name a few. For scenic views and breathtaking nature, consider the Dead Sea, Mitzpeh Ramon, the Golan Heights. There are also beautiful caves in the Judea Desert and Rosh Ha-Nirka. And, as others indicated, Tel Aviv is a great cosmopolitan city, with plenty of night life, bars, restaurants etc.

The Mediterranean is cold Nov-Apr (not by Melbourne standards though), the swimming season is May-Oct. The beaches in Tel Aviv, Netanya, Haifa and Acre are great.

Last but not least, you can go to Eilat. It's a resort city on the Red Sea. Pity it takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus. Be prepared for 40+ degrees there during Jun-Sep.

Any other question, drop me a note!