It’s no surprise that Israel has already seen a record number of nearly two million tourists since the beginning of 2019. With breathtaking national parks, stunning beaches, archaeological sites, city and rural delights, there’s something for everyone vacationing in the Jewish state. With the Jewish holiday season coming up, now might just be the time to think about hitting the road in the Holy Land! Of course plenty of planning is required for a trip to Israel, though you'll be richly rewarded with a unique bonding experience as a family unit. With everything from making the decision whether to travel for example, to Rosh HaNikra at the Lebanese Border or to Tel Aviv, and managing to keep the peace while traveling, here’s some essential advice to help you get the maximum benefits of your trip while sparing the headaches.
Above:Plan a trip in the Spring, and head up North, you may just catch snow on Mt. Hermon and fields of blooming red poppies!
Before you go
Get all the family together before you set off so everyone has a say in where to go and what to do on your travels. This will encourage your children to think about responsibility, and help them feel involved. Once you’ve discussed and decided on a great Israeli road trip, the next step is to think about the vehicle you’ll be taking. Whether you decide to hire an RV or take your own vehicle, you’ll need to have confidence that the vehicle’s reliability can safely deal with long distance driving and ensure it’s specifications match up to comfort for long periods of time on the road.
Above: Plan ahead such that you can catch an amazing sunset over the Mediterranean, this one in Achziv above Nahariya
On the road
If you lay down some car rules before you set off, you’re less likely to hit tantrums or arguments en route. As an alternative to allowing the kids to be plugged in to electronic devices or watching films, think of creative ideas that will keep them entertained, regardless of age. This might include providing them all with a camera to take photos en route which they can then use to make a scrapbook on their return. You’ll soon discover there are plenty of things to do with kids without using a screen, really!
Above: Be flexible enough that if you come across a stunning view like this one in Rosh HaNikra, you'll change the plans and go explore those amazing cliffs!
Be prepared for everything
From packing lots of snacks to stopping spontaneously at an attraction, make sure you're prepared for every eventuality. While the journey is as important as the final destination, it’s not going to be much fun if everyone is packed into a small space for hours on end leading to lots of annoyance. Be realistic about how much you can drive safely at any one time, and ensure you take precautions for keeping kids healthy.
Embarking on a great family road trip is an ideal way to spend quality time together without the usual, everyday distractions from TV, social media or a hectic work schedule. Plus, it will create memories that will last a lifetime.