Post by littlemisssunshine on Sept 1, 2014 17:03:34 GMT -5
My H and I are considering a trip to Israel in May 2015. It is lead by two university theology/religion professors from H's alma mater who have taken small groups to Israel during the summers for the past 10 years. We would love to go but of course are worried about security concerns. We are thinking about having kids in the next year or so and this would be our last chance to go for a long time. This is trip is a huge deal for us and is the number one trip on our bucket list.
Typically a lurker but I just went to Israel this summer for a work leadership journey. We were there the week the three boys were kidnapped. It is an amazing country and I wouldn't hesitate to go back, alone and especially with a tour group. PM me if you want to know more!
My trip to Israel was the most amazing trip of my life. I went with a group from my church and it was a spiritual journey for me, so just know that was a major factor for me. (and the food! oh man, the food was incredible.) I would love to go back with my husband, it's on his bucket list. (I went right before I met him.)
It's so hard to say what will be going on in May 2015. If it were me, I would probably book it, but get excellent, true "cancel for any reason" travel insurance.
What was the highlight of the trip for you? What type of food did you eat there? I know very little about the country but am anxious to learn!
Typically a lurker but I just went to Israel this summer for a work leadership journey. We were there the week the three boys were kidnapped. It is an amazing country and I wouldn't hesitate to go back, alone and especially with a tour group. PM me if you want to know more!
It's so hard to say what will be going on in May 2015. If it were me, I would probably book it, but get excellent, true "cancel for any reason" travel insurance.
Pretty much this. There are some places I wouldn't bother going to right now because they're a mess and there are plenty of other stable places I can see in the meantime, but this sounds like a specific opportunity with people who know the region.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
It's so hard to say what will be going on in May 2015. If it were me, I would probably book it, but get excellent, true "cancel for any reason" travel insurance.
Pretty much this. There are some places I wouldn't bother going to right now because they're a mess and there are plenty of other stable places I can see in the meantime, but this sounds like a specific opportunity with people who know the region.
Exactly.
There have been rockets launched from Gaza in the past few weeks that have reached Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. I feel like a trip to Israel today is putting a whole lot of faith in the Iron Dome. Obviously, things could change, but, at least based on the news that I see here (in the ME) the much of the region seems to be getting less stable over the past year.
I'm so glad people are still considering travelling to Israel. May 2015 is a long time from now so anything could change but I do agree that you should have cancellation insurance. I was born in Israel though I grew up in New York and I've visited a couple of times - the food is definitely amazing, so much fresh stuff and the hummus/falafel wraps they have everywhere are so, so good.
If this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I would plan to do it - of course, if things are still really unstable or if it G-d forbid gets worse, just make sure you wouldn't be out too much money if you cancel.
I went a few years ago in May as well and booked the fall before. That particular fall was a bad time and I was nervous but by May it was just fine and I felt perfectly safe. Ditto good travel insurance though just in case. It was an amazing trip - my all time favorite and one of the only places i would return to in a hurry. I also went with a religion prof. My only complaints were about her. The actual places we saw were amazing. We also went to Jordan, which I highly recommend if you can fit in in.
Post by orriskitten on Sept 2, 2014 4:26:54 GMT -5
I'd say book it, and like other ladies get good cancellation insurance if you can.
I went a few years ago on a Birthright trip (trip for Jewish young people who have never been. Very large groups) and it was soon after some major unrest. We had no issues and it felt totally safe. The Israeli government wants to keep tourists safe and will do as much as they can we were told. It's a bit different with birthright since they are organized with the government so we could be rerouted if need be. I'd still say go for it! By May it could be perfectly fine and it sounds like a great opportunity.
Both H and I have been at different times in the last few years. As others have said, I'd get insurance and book refundable hotels. A lot of flights can be changed for not a terribly large amount of money (at least compared to the overall trip).
Typically a lurker but I just went to Israel this summer for a work leadership journey. We were there the week the three boys were kidnapped. It is an amazing country and I wouldn't hesitate to go back, alone and especially with a tour group. PM me if you want to know more!
Post by Captain Serious on Sept 4, 2014 23:26:38 GMT -5
My parents are supposed to go next month, and I'm am asking them to postpone (to no avail). May is a long time away, so I would just wait and see right now. Things can be drastically different by then.
Post by imimahoney on Sept 6, 2014 13:14:33 GMT -5
If you have travel insurance and book with a tour group (and stay with the tour group) you should be fine. Even if there is still violence, tour groups really stay away from the hot spots.
I used to lead tours through several Jewish organizations and even during times of conflict have never had any problems.
I would book and get insurance. I also think it's a good sign that you are going with people who know the area well and should be able to steer clear of certain areas when necessary.
I have been to Israel 3 times (one time for over a month) and would highly recommend. One of my best friends lives there, and am happy to provide more details if you need them.
I would go, and buy insurance (which I don't always do). I agree with others - a lot can change between now and May. I traveled to Israel several years ago during a period of high political tension, and it was an amazing trip. Be prepared for heightened security and perhaps some inconveniences or itinerary changes if necessary.
I visited Jersualem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat as part of a Jewish teens trip. I am no longer religious, but would love to go back with my husband because we both love history, and Israel is so rich in that. Also, great food (falafel, shwarma) and shopping.