Traveling Solo In Israel: Safe or Sorry?

If you’re about to take your first trip to Israel, you’re bound to have lots of questions about travel in the country. One of the most common questions I am asked is whether traveling solo in Israel is safe or comfortable. The answer is a resounding yes!
Traveling solo can provide greater opportunities for flexibility, spontaneity, and new friendships, and I encourage any vacationer to try it at least once. And Israel is an ideal country for a solo vacation.

Safety First
Despite all the concerns I’ve frequently heard expressed about travel in Israel, I have to say that such concerns are overblown. Israel is actually a very safe country. For typical street crimes, Israel has a much lower crime rate than most Western countries. The concerns about terrorism are generally only relevant in border zones, which are away from tourist areas and are not a constant occurrence, contrary to some media portrayals.
Women traveling solo are understandably most concerned about safety when traveling in an unfamiliar country. In Israel, it’s a frequent sight to see women walking around alone or in small groups even at night. Again, muggings and street robberies are very uncommon in Israel. Anyone traveling alone, male or female, should exercise common sense – know the area you are going to, don’t walk around by yourself at 3:00 in the morning, etc., but solo travelers really aren’t in danger.
Because I live in Israel and am in the travel industry myself, I thought I’d take a more objective look and check out all the travel forums to see what American travelers had to say. I was not able to find a single negative comment about safety in Israel on any of the sites I reviewed. Solo travelers sang the praises of Israel as a safe and hospitable country.
Israel is certainly security-conscious. Yes, you will see civil guards or armed soldiers in uniform frequently. That is an Israeli fact of life, and not a sign of something dangerous about to happen. You will be frequently checked for your I.D., and at public events, your bag or backpack may be checked. Be aware that this is just the routine, and it contributes to the level of safety that people experience in Israel.

Making Friends
One of the biggest concerns for solo travelers is discomfort about being alone, such as feeling awkward in public. Israel, however, has many solo travelers, and no one finds it odd to see people out alone, even in restaurants.
A great thing about Israel is the friendliness of its inhabitants to visitors. Go out to any restaurant or shop, and you’ll soon be in conversation with an Israeli citizen. Whether talking about politics or the weather, Israelis welcome the opportunity to talk with international visitors. After all, Israelis themselves come from around the world, and we love the chance to tell others about what our wonderful country has to offer.
Most people in tourist areas speak excellent English, so it is easy to do anything from getting directions to striking up a conversation at a bar or exhibit. Don’t be afraid to approach people. Women, as in any country, use your common sense about approaching strange men or appearing too “friendly.” Israeli men are generally very polite, however and won’t unduly harass you.
Remember that traveling alone while on a planned tour gives you all the benefits of both solo and group travel. Joining a tour group gives you the ability to mingle with others while still having your personal space or going off on your own when you prefer. For further information on scheduling a single person’s tour of Israel, contact us today.