Last minute visit to the Holy Land

[szekiat]

Hi guys, i've got some mandatory leave popping up in a week or so and am thinking of visiting the holy land having never been in my life. I'm just amazed how many ppl have fought for control over one city over the centuries and would love to experience it in person. Am i being foolhardly in thinking i can just visit on a whim, or is it very possible? I've been told that IDF can give me a bit of a earful at the airport and am wondering how much of that is fact, and how much fiction. Also, any recommendations for cheap sleeps and things to see and how transport works or not work? Would appreciate any input from ppl who have visited or even better are residents!

 

[sanmich]

I hope you enjoy your visit there.
Israel is a very interesting place, although it's not always easy to be a tourist there (insist on turning ON the taxi-meter in cabs. That's the law, but they can be very reluctant to do it with tourists, and even be rude when you don't agree to be screwed up).
The IDF is the army...nothing to do with the airport. Little chance you will encounter the army, unless...you look for it..
The security at the airport may be quite tight, but I hope you understand the background and the best is to be patient with it.
I think you may even discover that it's easier to take pictures there than in some UK undergrounds.
Most paople speak english, and most are quite friendly. People will be wiling to help you, talk to you, and even bother you with pictures of their grandchildren.
Hotels can be very expensive, but you have decent youth hostels (not really cheap either).
you can really shape your trip the way you prefer: Holy places, sea sex and sun, hicking, you name it.
Only real bad there is ...the light.
It can be incredibely harsh.
(well, almost the only real bad...)

ENJOY!

 

[Particular]

Israel generally is fun and easy to visit.
I stayed in Jerusalem at the Petra hostel near Jaffa gate in the old town, which is very cool and cheap. You can set out on foot from there.
If you are interested in politics, also visit the american colony hotel. That is apparently where israeli and palestinian negotiators like to meet informally to talk.
Traveling cross country is usually done by bus, between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for instance. These are easy enough and considered safer than city busses as people don't get on along the way. Things do seem to have quieted down recently.
You will encounter lot's of security checks. General rule is not to do anything suspicious.
I did have a problem at the airport in Eilat after re-entering from Sinai. They held me for 1 1/2 hours because my story didn't add up (!). In hind sight I think the problem was that they wanted to see that my video camera was operational, and perhaps also what I had shot in Egypt. My batteries were totally flat, so when they asked me to switch it on and it wouldn't, they got all nervous and started radioing superiors etc.
To top it off, when I got back to Tel Aviv, I noticed that my case was badly re-arranged (with a charger cable dangling out), and that there was actually cash missing (some small change and notes).
I didn't let that spoil what was a great trip though.

 

[blue4130]

I was there a few months ago and had no problems. I did a land crossing at the King Hussein / Allenby bridge from Jordan. Other than MANY passport checks, everything went fine.

I stayed at the Citadel Hostel in Jerusalem and it was fantastic. Fast internet, friendly workers and cool 800 year old rooms. (it was formerly a church) The only downside was the height of some of the doorways, not for tall people!

 

[Pablito]

One of the most bizarre places I have been in my life.

 

[35mmdelux]

One of the most bizarre places I have been in my life.

Lots of "bizzare" places in the world, and people too.

A trip aint complete without a visit to the Wailing Wall. Enjoy.

 

[wlewisiii]

One of the most bizarre places I have been in my life.

If you think that, you need to come visit Wisconsin Dells, WI for a weekend. It'll make your brain explode 😱 At least the H.H. Bennett Studio is a moment of clarity & sanity for a photographer.

William

 

[Pablito]

Lots of "bizzare" places in the world

Yes, I've been to a lot of them. Which leads me to that particular observation about that particular place. Plus, a big part of my heritage would seemingly predispose me to embrace the place. Don't get me wrong, I had some great times. But if I had to sum it up in one word, well, you have it.

 

[alexz]

Hi guys, i've got some mandatory leave popping up in a week or so and am thinking of visiting the holy land having never been in my life. I'm just amazed how many ppl have fought for control over one city over the centuries and would love to experience it in person. Am i being foolhardly in thinking i can just visit on a whim, or is it very possible? I've been told that IDF can give me a bit of a earful at the airport and am wondering how much of that is fact, and how much fiction. Also, any recommendations for cheap sleeps and things to see and how transport works or not work? Would appreciate any input from ppl who have visited or even better are residents!

Welcome to our country, I'm Israeli, albeit living in TA suburb (Kfar Saba) which is about 70 km north-west to Jerusalem.
I used to travel quite a bit in the world, from Asia, through Europe, US and now recently to Sought America (Colombia), mostly for work, but can assure you have no doubt Israel is one of the most welcoming places for tourists.
Very safe (as long as crime talking), I don't think there are many other countries such safe in this respect, however common sense is the general rule.
You will see quite a bit of armed army (actual border police) troops in Jerusalem, in particular in old city - but this is just for our (and yours) safety. English is not a problem in general, on average people are warm and willing to help.
In Jerusalem there re parts (in old town) where you would better to refrain to go on your own to be on the safe site, in particular in the dark hours, but you can be guided by any hotel, hostel where to go. These places are mostly old muslim quarters, however a western tourist shouldn't have any particular issues visiting muslim-majority places.
Airport is no brainer at your arrival (unless you're looking particularly suspicious), on your way back you might be a bit "harrassed" by the security which is quite tight, but this certainly works for you safety in general.

Should you have any particular questions - you're welcome to PM me.