
I am headed to Israel this winter and I can’t wait! Just as the eastern United States gets wrapped up in (probably) another polar vortex induced, bone-chilling winter, I will be flying off to the Middle East.
As long as a snow storm doesn’t stop me…
Before we ever departed Thailand, Maggie and I promised each other I would come visit her for New Year’s Eve. So the idea is that I will reunite with my roomie in the beautiful city of Tel Aviv just in time to ring in a new year. This is especially perfect because our birthdays are shortly thereafter and it would only feel right to celebrate together.
I naturally cannot stick to one measly destination and instead have begun to formulate a plot in my head for reaching maximum cities in minimal time (trust me, I’d stay forever if my job allowed).
Then a friend sent me to check out Wander Onwards and I was instantly obsessed when I saw this post. What a cool idea?
First it got me super excited as I racked my brain to share all my favorite insights from my trip to Southeast Asia. But then I realized, duh!, I also believe that the best way to travel is on the recommendation of others who have been there and done it. Since I have a trip to Israel coming up, what better way to kick off my planning than to get as much advice as possible?
Whether you’ve been there or have simply kept it on your travel bucket list for years, I want you to tell me about all the adventures I need to find and places I must see. If you visited for birthright, I’m counting on you! Oh and don’t forget restaurants because food is pretty much my favorite part of travel.
So here are the details of what I know and a few of the questions I’ve gathered:
- I’m going flying out of Washington, DC on December 26 and I need to return January 11 – this gives me 2 weeks to travel.
- I will be spending New Year’s Eve in Tel Aviv.
- I’d like to visit Jordan and Egypt – what are the must see/must do things here?
- In what order should I visit these destinations?
- I will try to use budget accommodations and transportation when possible.
I cannot wait to build my trip on recommendations, especially because hearing them will keep me excited for this trip! I’m hoping to involve lots of fun people and their ideas in my planning process. As my plans develop I will keep you posted on here and social media using #TTdoesIsrael. So let’s get started!
Tell me what I should do during my trip to Israel!
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OBVIOUSLY Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They’re close so you can go back and forth real easy. And there is so much to see/do in each place. I haven’t been to Haifa, but my friend says its one of her faves (and she will prob be here when you are!) so we can go there also. You’re def gonna wanna do the dead sea and masada–aboslute must. It’s so fun and a bucket list thing for sure. There are also some really amazing vineyards in Israel so maybe look into which ones you wanna do? I’m going to Eilat in a few weeks, so when I get back I can tell you if it’s worth it. A trip up north to the Galilee and Golan Heights would be awesome too–hiking and swimming trip. OH Tsfat. So cute and we can buy such great Jewlery. Close to the Golan Heights and the Galilee.
CAN’T WAIT. It’s going to be an amazing trip!! xoxo
Thanks for reading boo I am getting so excited about our reunion!!! 🙂
Stay at Hayarkon 48. A friend of mine had recommended it before I went to Israel so my sister and I made plans to stay there after our birthright trip ended. We got a bunch of other people from our trip to stay with us but met a bunch more. There’s was this great rooftop area where everyone hangs out before going out for the night. It’s right across from the beach (although it might be a little cold for that when you’re going!) But you can walk along the beach and see all the little shops/restaurants. Jaffa is a walk away/ short drive with some more shops. One morning we woke up super early and hiked Masada to watch the sun rise. That was amazing! Then of course you have to go to the Dead Sea. You can also go on camel rides.. that was a fun experience! Make sure to eat a lot of falafel!
Have fun! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
I have emailed Hayarkon about staying there. Thanks for the rec!!
Very welcome! I think you can make reservations on there website as well. http://www.hayarkon48.com/
I think the fact I’ll be missing the cold winter nastiness is my favorite part about my upcoming trip! I’ve never been to any of your destinations, unfortunately, but I can’t wait to read about them!
Yes, I’m hoping for good weather in Israel. Your trip to Central America is going to be amazing! We will have to swap stories since I’ve never been there!!