When in Israel: What to Do — Destination Dreamer Diaries

Israel is home to a lot of different things: Jerusalem, the Western Wall, The Dead Sea, Tel Aviv…

There’s a lot to see and do while you’re there; I mean – there’s a reason why birthright trips are a full ten days… and remember, the country is tiny.

Take it from someone who has been on one of those birthright trips… you don’t sleep for a second.

In fact, I had to pull a literal all-nighter when I was sitting in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on my way to Barcelona.

Waiting in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for my 7AM flight to Barcelona in December 2017.

I had to do it solo, meaning there was no sleeping until I was on my flight across the Mediterranean.

Ah… the joys of traveling.

If you’re planning a trip to Israel, you more than likely have Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on your list… but I’m telling you right now, that if you only go to those two places – that you aren’t see the full picture that this country can paint for you.

Here’s a list of places in Israel you should make sure to go to besides the two big cities:

1. Golan Heights

I went on birthright with Israel Outdoors – so they took us on a lot of nature hikes. Now, I’m the daughter of a New Yorker, meaning – I’ve been a city girl since birth by default… but I have to say, I didn’t mind some of them: including this one.

Israel is surprisingly diverse in its nature and topography. Golan heights is reminiscent of a rain forest; it’s leafy trees and waters can easily put you in a trance.

Not to mention, this view…

We stayed in a kibbutz in Malkia after our day of hiking in Golan Heights. Odds are, your place won’t be as cute as this one… so I’ll share with you what ours looked like.

Our kibbutz in Malkia in Northern Israel; December 2017.

2. Hike the Masada

This was one of my favorite parts of Israel. You don’t have to be as ambitious as our athletic group (we hiked up the Masada in 34 minutes beforesunrise), because they have cable cars and things like that can take you up – but if you’re able to hike it up, Istrongly suggest that you do.

It’s mostly stairs, so there aren’t rugged edges or anything of that sort. The view you’ll see when you reach the top…

Watching the sun rise after hiking up the Masada; December 2017.

… will make you stop blinking.

3. The Dead Sea

Most people know of this one, but in case you don’t – going to the Dead Sea really a vital part of anyone’s trip to Israel.

I didn’t cover myself in mud, but I did go in the dead sea. I was on a four-week-long trip when I was in Israel, meaning I was trying to pack light and didn’t bring water shoes with me when I should have.

Learn from my mistakes… bring some water shoes with you to the dead sea.

The rocks are sharp, and with the amount of salt in that sea… it will burn.

Actually, you need to be prepared for everything to burn.

Piece of advice: stop shaving three days before your trip to the dead sea.

On the bright side, you can also be prepared to be amazed at the turquoise water, and how quickly you’ll find yourself floating in it.

4. Ein Gedi Reserve

This was another hiking place. It felt like we were on an Africa Safari at times.

This was one of the drier climates we experienced, in Israel.

I would call it a beginner’s hike; it has a lot of beautiful moments that are worth the trip.

5. The Negev Desert

I always see everyone on Instagram camel riding in Morocco, or Istanbul…

… I also always wonder if people realize that you can do it in Israel, too.

Our shadow as we ride camels in the Negev Desert; December 2017.

My friend from birthright, Noms, taking a selfie as we share a ride on a camel!

We did this in the Negev Desert – where I saw one of those most beautiful skies I’ve ever seen in my life.

It’s like the universe was painting me my own personal infinity sign.

The sky in the Negev Desert; December 2017.

I hope this gave you an idea of the many other places you can go in Israel besides Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. If you’re looking for other things to do in Israel, click here.