“A good pair of shoes” – says Evan from New Zealand as he stretches his legs on the hammock in one of the hostels in northern Israel, “Tha’s all you need to travel around the world”.
Whether on foot, or on a bicycle, independent backpacking is the ultimate travel experience that won’t leave your bank account completely ripped, yet will enrich your life with stories you’d like to tell your grandchildren. And yes, a good pair of shoes will do the trick.
Playing Backgammon & munching croissants and enjoying spectacular views in Clil Guest House
While planning may be needed for general guidelines, the beauty of traveling independently is that one is not subject to any rigid timetables. You wake up in the morning at a cool hostel, full of fun people that you connected with the day before, the food is amazing and you found some tranquility (or Zoola, as you may soon learn in slang Hebrew), why not stay longer? The flexibility allows surprises to dot your journey, make friends, expand your thoughts and reflections, and taste (both literally and figuratively) some of life’s delicious delicacies.
Serenity, where you feel the breeze & sweet smell of the air at the Galilee Bedouin Camplodge
Luckily, Israel is a country that lends itself to backpackers. Good English is spoken by virtually everyone in the country, almost every highway and street sign is in English, and English language newspapers, magazines and books are available everywhere. Israel also offers great trails and nature reserves for hikes and bicycle rides, diverse cultures and cultural events, awesome fresh food and markets, incredible historical and archaeological sites that will carry you thousands of years backwards, and endless partying in the endless city of Tel-Aviv, just to name a few.
Preparing for the Tel Aviv water fight at Hayarkon 48 Hostel
Did we mention planning? Well, there’s plenty of information out there, which could be a bit confusing, but if you start with a good online website of your destination, you’re set to go. In fact, our own website is an excellent starting point to gather updated information regarding unique accommodations that fit backpackers, as well as events, places of interest, and practical advice.
Speaking of lodging, you can tailor your trip according to your likes, your budget, and find a cool welcoming room close to any destination in Israel. Just check any of our carefully handpicked hostels, each with its own character, or exceptional features: live music, family-run inn at an Arab village, experience a kibbutz, sleep in a bedouin tent, roof garden, hummus workshops anyone?, and many others, spread geographically throughout the country. Many of the hostels offer free breakfasts, free wi-fi and computers, free maps, luggage storage, laundry, and most importantly: friendly and knowledgeable staff, ready to help you plan and enjoy your journey.
Surprises while hiking from the hiker-friendly Green Backpackers through the Negev desert
As part of our reaching out to independent travellers around the world, we invite you to send us your stories from your travels in Israel, with some cool photos, and we’ll do our best to publish them on our blog.
What are you waiting for?
