I am doing day trip from Sharm el Sheikh to Jerusalem in 2 weeks but seems to be mixed reviews about going to Israel if a Westerner, any advice on this or recent issues.
Thanks
Reply to this Dont get your passport stamp! They wont allow you in a lot of countries after.
Reply to this Personally I think Israel is a great place - very interesting and lots to do and see. Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv beach, Red Sea, Sea of Gallilee, Jordan River are just a few. There's cultural diversity and cultural tension. As a westerner you can even go into Palestine (West Bank only) at Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem or possibly venture further. Jewish people told me to watch out for the Arab quarters in Jerusalem at night, but personally I never had a problem. And Friday night there is a must.
The other great bonus about Israel is the food. Excellent!
Getting around can be a little tricky without a car as bus services outside the cities are pricey, often full, and not that frequent. Hitching is possible as a soldier, but as a tourist I never had any luck, except with lifts from other tourists with hire cars!
If you ask not to get your passport stamped, be prepared to answer why you don't want your passport stamped.
My only gripe about Israel is leaving at the airport. What a pain, endless queuing, searches, checking. You'd think if they did this every day all day they'd get efficient - but no!
Reply to this A day trip from Sharm to Jerusalem, is definitely not enough, almost impossible... The ride is long, and by the time you get to Jerusalem, you would have to return back to Sharm. You should have NO problems as a westerner to travel in Israel, on the contrary - you wil find that Israel is a very western country. Most people speak some level of English, even if not perfect - but you will find that many speak even good English, so do not hesitate to ask people for help, they are normally friendly and welcoming.
You can cross the border in Taba - Eilat and then take a bus from the border to the main bus station of Eilat and from there a direct bus from Eilat to Jerusalem. There might be also taxi services which are not special private taxi, but kind of a minibus - this might be slightly more expensive than the bus, but perhaps worth it, if the bus is full, or not the right time for you etc.
Eilat is also a very nice place to spend a day or two, espeically if you are into diving! it has a huge variety of acomodoations for all budgets and lots of restaurants also for all budgets. You can not appreciate Jerusalem without spending there at least a full day! but more recomended to spend a few days. I concure with Nick that there are many other amazing places to visit in Israel. By the way, the dead sea is on the way from Eilat to Jerusalem, so if you have the time, you should consider first making a stop overthere, before you continue to Jerusalem.
I also totally agree with Nick about the food - it is great, there is lots of different kinds and variety and it is normally fresh. A Israeli breakfast in a hotel - is worldwide renowned...
Lilach
Reply to this Going out into nature and getting away from the busyness that encompasses our daily lives can be a great way to relieve stress and relax at the same time.Especially if you have planned it out right.
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