Tips For Solo Female Travellers Visiting Israel

With Israel being a liberal, cosmopolitan and democratic country, solo female travellers don’t need to worry about travelling alone here. In fact, crime rates are low in Israel. However, much like anywhere else in the world, this can change from region to region and there are some ground rules you should follow to keep safe.

If you’d rather have some company on your trip to Israel, consider joining Culture Trip’s immersive seven-day Israel adventure to explore the country as part of a small group of culturally curious travellers, led by our Local Insider.

People are helpful and speak English

Since English is mandatory in almost every school in Israel, getting by shouldn’t be a problem. When it comes to Tel Aviv, you will find it hard to come by a local who doesn’t speak English, or isn’t willing to help. In suburban areas, as you may have guessed, it will be a little harder without Hebrew but, in general, Israelis speak English pretty well.

People in Israel, especially in the cities, speak English well

Some phrases that will help you get by are:

Slicha – Excuse me/ sorry
Eifo? – Where [is]
Matai? – When [is]?
Monit – Taxi
Kama Zeh Oleh? – How much does this cost?
Ken – Yes
Lo – No
Todah – Thank you
Ani lo medaber Ivrit – I don’t speak Hebrew

Learn some basic Hebrew phrases before you travel to Israel

Research

Before you visit a place in Israel, go online to make sure there’s nothing happening and there are no restrictions. For example, travelling from Israel to Gaza is usually advised against, and the same goes for some areas in the West Bank. There are other nearby areas, such as Bethlehem or Ramallah, you may prefer to visit with an organised group to make sure you don’t wander into dangerous areas.

Adhere to local guidelines

Before you go anywhere new, make sure you know the local customs and rules. For example, some people in ultra-religious Jewish neighbourhoods will find it offensive if you wear revealing clothing. The same goes for some Muslim areas or holy Christian sites.

Covering up is important in some neighbourhoods, make sure you know which ones before you visit

Use organised transport

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but hopping into an unregistered taxi or on an unofficial bus is not recommended in Israel. In general, public transport – although slow – is quite efficient in Israel and you should have no reason to take any risks.

Plan your transport to visit sites such as Masada National Park

Relax

There’s no need to be anxious about travelling alone in Israel. Due to the volatile nature of this country, Israelis have learned how to defend themselves and there is security everywhere. Whenever you step inside a mall or club – or any public place for that matter – you will see security guards on alert. This doesn’t mean you should exercise no judgement; always make sure you are not walking alone at night or entering dangerous confrontation areas. Remember that, unlike Europe or the US, wherever there are many people, there is security.

Don’t hitchhike

Hitchhiking is not at all common in Israel. Although this is probably true in most places around the world, hopping into a car with a stranger is not a good idea here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.