8 Things Every Traveler Should Do in Israel
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As you probably already know, here at The Points Guy, we'll jump on any opportunity to travel. While credit card sign-up bonuses are one of the best ways to book once-in-a-lifetime trips for just the cost of taxes and fees, there's another option a few of you might have heard of, too: Taglit-Birthright Israel.
Every year, this nonprofit organization sends more than 40,000 young Jewish people to connect with their roots in Israel ... And the entire thing is free. No taxes. No fees. More than a few TPG editors and contributors have signed up for the opportunity to explore their heritage in the Holy Land.
If you're fortunate enough to be eligible to go on Birthright, stop your hand-wringing and go. We promise you, Birthright will be 10 of the most transformative, eye-opening and (admittedly) exhausting days of your life.
And if you're not? Don't sweat it. We put together this handy guide so that you can experience the best of Birthright on your own personal pilgrimage to Israel.
Go to the Kotel (Western Wall)
For the Jewish people, the Western Wall in Jerusalem is the most religious site on Earth, and the area around it holds significance for a number of different religions too, including Islam and Christianity. On any given day, you'll find people of all religions going to marvel at its beauty and, of course, participate in religious services and prayer. It's a must-see on your visit to Jerusalem, just make sure to dress modestly. (Men, that means covering your head; women, wear a long skirt or pants and keep your shoulders covered.)
Hike Masada
You're going to want to pack your best sweat-wicking workout gear, sneakers and plenty of water for this one. Masada is a natural fortress built as a complex by Herod the Great and was in use until its destruction in 73 AD, and today, visitors climb more than 700 steps up the so-called Snake Path for the best sunrise views in Israel. Pro tip: Go early in the morning — and we mean early — so that you can beat the heat.
Float in the Dead Sea
Speaking of the views, Masada overlooks the Dead Sea, one of the best known (and strangest) bodies of water in the world. Once you're done with your hike, grab your bathing suit and descend to float along the lowest land point on Earth. Yes, it really is as salty as they say (almost 34%!) so make sure you don't have any significant cuts on your body. I'm serious: Do. Not. Shave. Your. Legs. And don't forget to apply some of the mud as a face or body mask. It's said to have healing properties.
Sit on the Beach
The city of Tel Aviv is right on the Mediterranean, making it a prime spot for a laidback beach day. Gordon Beach is one of the most popular stretches of sand in Israel, with locals and visitors crowding the shore to enjoy the warm, dry weather. Word to the wise: Hit up Benedict for brunch before the beach (say that five times fast).
Visit the Carmel Market
Carmel Market is the largest market, or shuk, in Tel Aviv. But don't be shook by that. Here, you'll find everything from food to spices to even electronics. Locals come here to stock up on affordable produce, such as loquats, avocados, dates and pomegranates. Don't leave here without sampling a few things, especially those Instagram-friendly gummies.
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Eat Your Weight in Shawarma and Falafel
There's no shortage of amazing restaurants all over the country, and no trip to Israel is complete without eating all of the amazing regional delicacies. There's spiced shawarma with tahini sauce, fried falafel and plenty of hummus. Consume all three with fresh pita. This was basically all I ate when I took my Birthright trip, and these dishes should be the foundation of your Israel trip, too.
Ride Camels
If you venture a little way out from the Dead Sea, you'll find yourself in the Negev Desert and surrounded by Bedouin camps. The Bedouins are a nomadic group of people, and many still live in the desert in tents. I was fortunate to visit a Bedouin outpost that welcomes tourists during my trip. Here, you can ride camels, sleep in a traditional tent and experience some of the most outrageous stargazing of your life.
Pay Your Respects at Yad Vashem
No trip to Israel would be complete without a visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. After the Western Wall, it's the second-most visited destination in Israel. The memorial pays tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, including the 6 million Jews who perished under Nazi rule. Yad Vashem is a reminder of some of the darkest days of human history, and has powerful exhibits such as the Hall of Names, the Children's Memorial and the Museum of Holocaust Art. While it won't be the happiest day of your trip, it's an important stop whether you identify as Jewish or not. I'd encourage every traveler to pay his or her respects here during a purposeful trip to Israel.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.