Whatever your reason for booking flights to Israel, it’s bound to be a spiritual journey. Cast aside your preconceived notions of this country and book flights to Israel for more personal reasons. A trip to the Western Wall or a swim in the Dead Sea are just a few of the reasons Christian, Muslim and Jewish travelers plan Israel flights and trips on a yearly basis.
Let’s begin planning the trip to Israel by answering the most common question: is it safe to fly to Israel? The answer is yes, it is safe, but like anywhere you travel today it’s always good to keep your common sense and wits about you. It’s no secret Israel is center of religious tension in the Middle East. Muslims, Jews and Christians have been fighting over the “Promise Land” for centuries. While today’s wars seem more violent, they are also very segregated to certain parts of the country which remain off limits to tourists. However, the rest of Israel is worth exploring and travelers booking flights to Israel won’t be disappointed.
Before you book airline tickets to Israel, there are some cultural and religious rules to keep in mind. Jews cannot eat dairy and meat together, and Muslims and Jews are forbidden from eating pork at any meal. The falafel and schnitzel are common foods found throughout Israel, and if you’re visiting Israel on a Friday night, remember that it’s the Sabbath (the Jewish Holy Day) and observant Jews are not permitted to cook so many family-owned restaurants will be closed.
For cheap flights to Israel, consider booking Israel trips through travel organizations or community groups that include the price of airfare in the Israel travel package. Planned tours include a visit to all the must-see Israel destination spots and some tours will include a visit to a kibbutz or community service activities in an Israeli village. No matter how you book a flight to Israel, your experience in the Holy Land is sure to be memorable.
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Israel has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and short, wet, cool winters.
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Peak season:
The main cities in Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa) are year-round destinations, though they may become very hot and sticky in the summer months. Israel's peak season is generally the summer months, when school is out and larger groups plan trips to Israel.
Off season:
Most of the beach resorts enjoy warm temperatures even in the wintertime, so this can be the perfect time to book flights to Israel. Lower accommodations and cheap flights to Israel are often found during the winter months. However, it does get cold in the mountains.
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There are a few domestic Israel flights available in the country, between Eilat, Tel Aviv and Haifa, operated by airlines El Al, Arkia and Israair.
Buses are excellent for inter-city trips. Most are run by a company called Egged. Fares are reasonable and the journey is fast. You can by tickets in advance at the bus stations or just direct from the driver.
The rail service is less extensive, but gradually expanding. It is all run by Israel Railways. Tickets must be bought in advance, but you can reserve a seat when you do so.
Note that there is no rail or bus service on Shabbat or public holidays.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from
Tel Aviv(in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Israel.
| Air | Road | Rail |
|---|
| Jerusalem | - | 1.00 | 1.30 |
|---|
| Haifa | - | 1.00 | 1.10 |
|---|
| Eilat | 1.00 | 5.00 | - |
|---|
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- Israel is one of the countries with significant historical impact on the world. Jerusalem is a place of pilgrimage for three religions, and everywhere in the city are remains and relics of importance. However, this also means it can become very busy with tourists and accommodations can be full year-round. Be sure to book local Israel flights and accommodations ahead before you arrive.
- The country’s second largest city, Tel Aviv can feel a million miles – or years – from Jerusalem. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the city is gleaming and modern, full of high rises, shops, restaurants, theaters and everything you’d expect in a metropolis. A major attraction are its waterfront and beach, around which most tourists, and many locals, congregate from sunrise to sunset. The beach extends for the stretch of the city, but different areas attract different activities and people – just keep walking till you find the part you want.
- If you really want to enjoy the beach experience, head to Eilat, the most heavily advertised tourist area in the country. At the southwest tip of the country, the resort of Eilat is focused on vacationers: swim with dolphins, go diving in the coral reef, water skiing or boating, eat in luxury restaurants, stay in five star hotels and simply relax. Temperatures here are high year-round, even in winter rarely dropping below 70F.
- No trip to Israel is complete without floating in the Dead Sea. The saltiest body of water on Earth, it is famous for its properties of buoyancy. When you’re in the area, head to Masada, the site of a group of ancient palaces on a steep rock overlooking the Dead Sea.
- Nazareth is, understandably, full of Christian sites. There are various places which are supposed to be the site of Mary’s visitation from the Angel Gabriel. The huge Basilica of the Annunciation has been built over one (where Mary’s house once stood). Another is “Mary’s Well”.
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Tel Aviv (TLV) (Ben Gurion International) is 12 miles southeast of the city.
Eilat Central Airport (ETH) is 20 minutes from the city.
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Everyone needs a passport that is valid at least six months after their intended departure in order to enter the country. A visa is also required but will be issued for free upon your arrival.
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Everyone needs a passport that is valid at least six months after their intended departure in order to enter the country. A visa is also required but will be issued for free upon your arrival.
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A New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has lived in four U.S. cities, spent a summer in Hawaii, made her way through wine-producing regions in Australia and New Zealand, and traveled around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Content Manager for the U.S. and Canada at Cheapflights.