must-dos in israel

Float in the Dead Sea

It’s true, guys. You really can float in the Dead Sea. It was magical, but make sure you bring water shoes or flip flops! The floor is literally made of salt, and I promise, it hurts to walk on… OH, and you know how cuts sting in the ocean? Well, this is going to sting much more, so I also suggest avoid shaving that day (or maybe even a couple of days before).

Watch the Sunrise at Masada

Masada is one of the greatest archeological sites in all of Israel, dating back to 30 BCE when the fortress was originally built. The top of Masada has UNREAL views, and I truly can’t describe how breathtaking it was to watch the sun rise over the Dead Sea. Take note that this is definitely a hike. Not the hardest hike I’ve done, but it takes a good hour to get to the top, and another to descend, but there is a cable car that can take you up or down if you’re just looking to go for the views and explore the fortress. The Dead Sea is only a 20-ish minute drive from Masada, so I recommend doing the hike first, then heading to the Dead Sea afterwards. Bring lots of water!

Visit the Western Wall

Also known as the Wailing Wall, the ancient wall in Jerusalem is worth a visit, regardless of religious beliefs. There’s a certain energy there that’s evident. Make sure shoulders and knees are covered, and write a short prayer on a very tiny piece of paper, fold it up and place it into a crack in the wall. As a sign of respect, slowly back up from the wall – you never want to turn your back towards it.

Stay in a Bedouin Camp

Bedouins are a group of nomadic Arabs from the desert, and as a way to experience authentic Bedouin desert life, they have created hospitality sites, like Kfar Hanokdim, where I stayed deep in the Judean desert. The experience involves sleeping in a Bedouin tent, taking part in traditional Bedouin ceremonies, eating classic Bedouin food (which, by the way, was one of the best meals I had in all of Israel) and riding a camel. Being this deep in the desert offered views unlike any I’ve ever seen before.

Go to a Holocaust Museum

I can’t stress this more, but you absolutely do not need to be religious to experience something like this. We visited The Ghetto Fighters’ House, located on the northern tip of Israel near Haifa. This museum was designed in such a tasteful way, and truly reveals a deep, raw depiction of The Holocaust. It’s definitely emotionally-draining, but I couldn’t have been luckier to experience this with such an extraordinary group of humans.

Try All the Snacks

Israelis LOVE their snack foods, and there isn’t one they’re more obsessed with than Bamba, which tastes like peanut butter in the shape of Cheetos puffs. The Israeli soldiers on my Birthright trip were seriously stoked to introduce us to these, and it’s a must if you’re in Israel (you can find it in the states, but it’s so much better when you’re there!). I also love trying different flavored potato chips in other countries, and Lay’s Oregano chips quickly became a necessity. I later found these in Greece, too, and was such a happy camper.