A Different Emphasis
A reader once astutely noticed that I usually write something a bit negative. Much of Israel’s modern history has been unsettling, with numerous enemies all around. Sometimes one struggles to find something positive (although the Ingathering is as positive as it gets!).
But the good friend was right. So today, let’s look for something more on the positive side. Let’s this week look at what a trip to Israel might look like for you. In this, I am emphasizing more of an economical package, not one of the formal tours—although those are really great.
First, let’s talk about flights. This is perhaps the no. 1 hindrance to many fine Christian pilgrims. The cost can be intimidating. But let’s say for the sake of today’s discussion that you and perhaps a spouse or another couple can go. How much does it cost?
Airline tickets are maybe not as much as you’d think. I’ve paid anywhere from $975 to $2,000. The latter was years ago when fuel prices were out of sight. It’s not unusual now for you to get a price closer to $1,000. For that, plan to go “out of season” (meaning, colder months, less touristy). Winter is not bad, early spring is very nice. Remember, Israel rarely gets snow. So think about a trip that is not at peak tourist season. You can book this yourself without too much trouble.
Next, accommodations. This too is not as bad as you might think. Most hotels are not pricier than they are in the U.S. IF you can, stay a night or two at a swank hotel, the King David or the American Colony. If those are out of your budget, try anything else. You cannot stay at a bad place in Israel. Too, every hotel has a great breakfast included in the price. You can eat like a king or queen and have a very light lunch, then get a nice dinner. So…you are really only paying for one nice meal per day. I’ve stayed everywhere in Israel, from hostels to fine hotels. Each one is great.
Last time, a couple years ago, I experimented. One thing I did not think I could manage was staying in a “pod.” But I did manage just fine for one night in Tel Aviv. Across the street from the beach, and right next to the luxury David Intercontinental Hotel. A pod is about what it sounds like. A long and fairly roomy box with locking door and curtain. Inside you have a fine mattress and phone jacks, etc. Shower across the hall. Plenty of space to read and relax. Needless to say, there were millennials from around the world there, but hey, an old duffer was able to manage just fine…on $44 per night! It’s also an easy walk to Jaffa, just to the south. Walk around the water’s edge all you like, see Peter’s home, also the spot Jonah sailed from (and complete it with an elegant fish dinner).
In contrast, I’ve stayed at the King David, in Jerusalem. You can’t match it for luxury. The very nice Mt. Zion Hotel is nearby, overlooking the famous Hinnom Valley. In the Old City itself is the fascinating Christ Church Guesthouse. Very reasonable, if not plain. On the grounds is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East.
Now, here’s a neat secret. You can drive anywhere in the country by yourself. I just rent a car and go where I want…avoiding only Arab towns and neighborhoods. You can take a day and go to the Dead Sea. Another day, go north to the Galilee and you can stay at many reasonably priced hotels there. Don’t be intimidated by driving in that country; they drive on the “right side of the road,” too! By the way, the new train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is not even a $10 bill.
Remember too, if you are bartering with Arabs for items in their shop, never pay the first price. Or the third. If you’re prepared to walk away, you’ll be astonished how little you have to pay. That’s just the way it is. Tshirts are inexpensive. Leave some space in a carry-on and a $100 bill will get most of what you want.
I would block off two whole days in Jerusalem, mostly the Old City. Walking around that spiritual center of the universe costs you nothing. And souveniers are not too much. They also have a very nice ongoing excavation at the City of David—the very palace of the famous king. If you spend one whole day touring the Old City, you will do nothing better. It is sublime. You can also visit the Temple Mount; just wait in line and don’t take a tripod or anything like that. Cameras are fine. There you will be walking where Jesus and the apostles walked, Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac there (Mt. Moriah), etc. You can imagine in your mind’s eye the rebuilt Temple.
When you decide to go north, the entire famous slate is available to you: a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. Carmel.
One day I would suggest visiting the Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath. Be “warned” though: there are no cheesy signs like we have in America. No plexiglass goliaths. But on Highway 38, go south a few miles and you will come to a low valley. On the left you will see a place where buses pull off. That is the foot path tourists take to see the Israelite hill and the dry streambed behind it, where the shepherd boy picked up five smooth stones. If you go as far as a convenience store way up the hill, you’ve gone too far. Just turn around and come back and look for buses on the shoulder.
All in all, I went for barely $2,500 two years ago. Sometimes it’s more, depending on what I’m doing. But a trip to Israel is not as far-fetched as you might think. Just do think about it. If I can help with answers to your questions, don’t hesitate. It’s a marvelous place. Sublime.