5 Tips for Visiting Israel During High Seasons

Visiting Israel during the busy seasons? While Israel is a great destination year-round due to phenomenal weather, there are a few things to consider when traveling during busier times. In addition to the summer months, Israel’s holiday seasons tend to get quite busy – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years all fall into this category. Israel sees as many 4 million tourists annually, and for a tiny country, popular destinations tend to get quite crowded. Follow these 5 tips when visiting Israel during busier season to find out the best way to see all the sites without the hassle.

1) Avoid the Lines

There are few things more frustrating than waiting in line, especially in Israel where lines are notoriously ‘balagan,’ a Hebrew word for chaos. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to avoid the swarms of people.

The VIP fast-track service at Ben Gurion Airport allows you to take the fast-track at the airport through passport control, customs, and baggage claim. It is great for those traveling for business, families, and travelers simply looking for a relaxed airport experience. The service can be booked for both departing and arriving flights.

Another thing you’re going to want to do is arrive early to any place you’re going. Whether you are trying to snag a good spot on the beach on a Saturday in Tel Aviv or go to one of the best breakfast spots in Tel Aviv, you’re going to want to get there early to avoid the lines.

2) Make Reservations in Israel During High Season

If you are traveling in Israel during high season, you’re going to want to make sure to book everything far in advance, especially if you want to stay in one of Israel’s best luxury hotels. While there are tons of new hotels popping up, there is also a growing number of tourists visiting Israel. During peak times, it’s especially popular for groups to visit. Make sure to book your stay several months before your trip. Want to save the hassle of booking accommodation yourself? Book a tour package.

Like hotels, restaurants also get booked far in advance, especially the best restaurants in Israel. Make sure you book in advance regardless of where you are going because most restaurants get crowded and you could find yourself waiting a long time to be seated.

Another pro-tip is to book private transfers. Buses often get very crowded during the holidays and summer months, because there are more tourists and kids are out of school. You can avoid a lot of stress by reserving private transfers all over the country.

3) Get Out of the City

Cities are always going to attract the biggest crowds of people. The Old City of Jerusalem gets flooded with tourists coming to see all of the important religious sites. Tons of tourists come to Tel Aviv, of course, even using it as a base to explore the rest of Israel. But, a lot of Israel’s true magic lies outside of the cities.

The Dead Sea and Masada are a must as they offer a chance to see remote regions and allow you to connect with different surroundings. The Golan Heights, Galilee, and Mitzpe Ramon are just a few other great options to consider when exploring non-urban areas. If you have the time, a trip down to Eilat can be an excellent addition to your itinerary, as well as visiting Jordan’s ‘Lost City’ of Petra. Your martian bubble tent in the Wadi Rum desert awaits you.

Many amazing spots throughout the country can be reached by public transportation. However, keep in mind that if you’re traveling during the Jewish holidays, public transportation will not be accessible. Many of our tours still operate on these holidays, making it possible for you to travel and enjoy all the country has to offer.

4) Discover New Beaches

The beaches in Tel Aviv are fun, exciting, and easily accessible. It’s a fantastic activity for solo swimming, simply walking along the promenade, and generally a popular site when planning a group trip to Israel. However, the residents of Tel Aviv also think so. Israel’s central beaches-like those in Herzliya, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas, can get very crowded during the summer, especially on the weekends. We compiled a list of the 8 best beaches in Israel so you can explore other options and avoid swarms of people.

5) Know The Season

Whether you’re coming during a rainy season or holiday season, being aware of the circumstances will ensure you have a comfortable visit in Israel. The weather in Israel is pretty predictable with winter being the rainiest season of them all; find out how to make the most of a rainy day in Israel with our handy guide. The summer months are obviously quite hot, so be prepared for degrees as high as 100°F. It’s best to go on mostly indoor excursions, like museums or trying new restaurants and staying hydrated. Another important timeframe to note is the High Holiday season, which consists of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, as well as the Jewish Day of Repentence, Yom Kippur. These holidays tend to fall out between the September and October months, making public transportation inaccessible once the holy days commence.

Ensure the Best Visit During High Season

As we said, traveling in Israel is great all year-round. But, depending on the season, there are some things you should keep in mind. What’s true of all peak seasons is that prices tend to goes up and popular sites will become crowded. If you are traveling during the holiday season or summer months, consider taking one of our exhilerating tours, which will guarantee you a remarkable adventure and hassle-free experiences.