Two Brothers going to Israel in late December | Israel - Lonely Planet Forum

anonymous

ONLINE

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:11:05 +0000

Hello,

I just want some advice for things to do in Israel in late December. We are not very concerned about being on a budget, but will not be staying in Hiltons etc. We would be staying in mid-range places, maybe some nice hostels, and rent a car or take buses and trains. Would he enjoy the youth hostels this time of year?

We are 18 year old and 21 year old Jewish kids.

My brother and I are very different. He would prefer to lay on a beach and "chill-out" or go to a night-club, while I like exploring and such. He also likes doing exercise and sporting activities too, though. He has never been to Israel, but I have in the summer months. I want him to enjoy this trip as much as possible, although we'll only be there for 5 or 6 days.

What are some good ideas for things to do? Is December too cold for beach weather for him? If so, what are some alternative I could entertain him with? I want this to be a predominantly entertaining trip for him, not something I care for myself too much about. I just want him to have a good time.

Where should we go or see? We would plan on being there from the 19th to the 24th. Are there any good festivals or anything that go on then? What else would he enjoy? We'd be willing to travel anywhere in Israel, and even go to Sinai if it would suit his interests. Would it be hotter for him in Eilat or in Sinai?

I'm just looking to give him the best possible time? Is the Dead Sea area cold at this time and is the water cold? How is Netanya, Tel Aviv, and Masada?

What is the weather like?

Sorry for all the questions!

David

ONLINE

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:03:02 +0000

First of all, it won't be warm enough to lie on the beach. Definitely not the Mediterranean. And apart from the fact that it's too cold, it's dangerous to enter the water when there are no life guards on duty, which there aren't in the winter.

Eilat will be warmer. The forecast for Eilat for the next few days is 24C (75F). However, with only a few days I don't think it's worth going all the way there. The Dead Sea will probably be warm enough for a quick dip, which is all you want as it's slimy and disgusting. Weather at Masada will be good, not too hot.

Can't help with the festivals, apart from Chanuka, of course, which starts on the evening of December 21.

All the "interests" you mention are things that you can do anywhere. You don't have to go all the way to Israel for nightclubs and exercise. Don't you want to show your brother anything specifically Israeli? Whether or not you are religious, there is so much to see of Jewish interest that you won't find anywhere else. Particularly in Jerusalem - where, incidentally, it's likely to be quite cold and possibly raining, but worth it because it's so special. Read a guidebook, or Google for ideas of what to see.

I’d say spend a few days in Jerusalem, and one day at the Dead Sea including Masada. That way you will have seen the highlights, and won’t spend too much time travelling around.

With only six days, you should use your time wisely to see things that you won't find at home. If you were going to Israel for a month, I'd say you should spend a few days relaxing, but it seems ridiculous to travel all that way (your profile doesn't say where you are from) just to do what you can do at home.