Travelsmart
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As one of the centers of civilization and home to historic and religious sites, Isreal has drawn travelers for centuries. First-time visitors are astounded by Isreal’s history, the food, the cultural experiences and the fun that the country has to offer, but if you’re not careful in the planning of your vacation, the trip can be a little pricey.
So how do you experience Israel without breaking the bank? We’ve got the answers.
Flights
Flights from the U.S. to Israel are going to be pricy, and generally, cost between $1,000 and $1,400. You may occasionally find cheap flights in the spring or fall, though expect a layover or two for an affordable price.
While El Al Airlines, the national carrier of Israel, has direct flights from some U.S. cities like New York, you may want to consider other airlines like United, which has direct flights from cities like San Francisco, as El Al Airlines has been known to make some customers undergo intense questioning before boarding the flight, which may make you uncomfortable.
Hotel Options
You can have a budget and find some fantastic hotels in Israel, you just have to know where to look. Millennials and Gen Z, or those who like boutique properties with a funky design, may want to consider booking one of the properties under the Brown Hotels brand name.
Known for its stellar design features and boutique nature, Brown Hotels offer properties in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. For instance, the Dave Gordon – Son of a Brown can cost between $110 and $150 USD per night and is just a few blocks from the Tel Aviv beach.
In Jerusalem, Leonardo Hotel offers rates at $150 to $200 per night, and the comfort of a modern property with a pool, gym, bar and restaurant. It’s also not very far from the Old City of Jerusalem and near the light rail making it a great jumping off point to explore the city.
And if you’re traveling outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, you may want to consider staying at a kibbutz hotel. In Isreal, a “kibbutz” is a commune and many kibbutzes have hotels in areas that are less crowded or more remote. For instance, the Nof Ginosar Hotel is set on the Sea of Galilee and was the first kibbutz hotel in Israel. It costs anywhere between $150 and $200 per night and provides a modern stay in one of Israel’s most notable destinations.
Free and Low-Cost Attractions
If you’re planning on visiting Tel Aviv, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore free attractions. It doesn’t cost a thing to lay out at the beach, stroll through the bi-weekly arts and crafts fair at Nachlat Binyamin or explore unique neighborhoods like Old Jaffa and Neve Tzedek.
And, if you want to experience the famous nightlife of Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv Nights is a great nightlife tour company with affordable pub crawls in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem that can cost as low as $25 and includes one free beer, five free shots and free VIP entrance to unique, local bars and clubs.
In Jerusalem, you can also find plenty of free travel experiences like exploring the Mahane Yehuda market, walking through the Old City quarters and visiting the Western Wall (or the Wailing Wall), Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden of Gethsemane.
While it may cost to travel to some free attractions and destinations in Israel like the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee and Akko, it may be something you want to add to your budget as these destinations are amazing in their own right. Even Masada’s most expensive entrance ticket is only about $20, which isn’t too bad for the stunning views and experience you’ll likely have there.
Tour Guides
Tour guides are a fantastic option when visiting Israel. They can set up your transportation needs and will take care of obtaining entrance fee tickets to attractions. The only thing is, they can get expensive. Some tour guides in Israel offer a daily price for their services that can cost up to $700 per day, however, that price can be split among two or even seven travelers, so if you’re traveling with a group, this may be a great option.
Travel agents can also help find you the most cost-effective tours if you want a week-long tour guide experience.
You might want to consider one-day excursions with tour guides which may be more cost effective, or just book your own transportation to a destination via bus, which can cost anywhere between $50 and $80 and take self-guided tours of attractions.
Getting Around
Transportation costs don’t have to take up a lot of your budget in Israel. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem both have light rails and bus systems that can be very affordable, though many locals and travelers tend to walk between destinations or take rentable scooters. Right now, there is even a free train between Jerusalem and Ben Gurion International Airport, though it may soon cost a small fee within the next year.
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