Is he your boyfriend?

“Well umm, not necessarily ..”

“Ma’am, are you dating or aren’t you?”

A stern and unwavering airport security guard tasked with defending the Israeli border peered down at me. Highly suspicious of a young woman from another country traveling to Israel alone with a British man via Poland, she waited for my answer. (I mean, that’s a bit confusing to keep track of- I get that!)

It wasn’t until later that I learned they thought I was being sex trafficked.

As it turns out, Israel has had a massive spike in women posing as tourists when in fact, they are being trafficked.

Read about it here.

Sex trafficked. Are you kidding me?! I naively thought this border control officer just wanted to know when we were gonna, ya know, take the leap and make things Facebook official. We just haven’t had “the talk” yet okay?! Jeeeeeeze.

“How long have you know this man? When exactly did you start dating? What is the nature of your relationship exactly?” She kept hounding me.

Meanwhile, a man had taken James aside- “What is the nature of your work? How long have you been working in Poland?”

Stressed and confused about why we couldn’t get on the plane, I felt tears welling up in my eyes as the woman refused to give back my passport or let me speak to James. Just repeatedly asking- “Are you dating or aren’t you?”

Frustrated, we stood by as the plane departed without us. Not one but TWO planes left to Israel without us on it. Making my journey across the Israeli border my biggest travel fail of all time. (Full list of travel fails coming soon, because hey- we gotta laugh at ourselves. And I’d hate for you to think that travel is nothing but glamorous Instagram pictures.)

But I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s backtrack to earlier that day. …

Waking up in Krakow, Poland-(one of my favorite cities!) normally has me hopping out of bed first thing in the morning to go explore. But jet lagged from a transatlantic flight and a long layover in Copenhagen, I slept in, was slow to repack and found myself rushing out the door to the airport.

James and I got in an Uber feeling rushed but ultimately, like we would be fine. Ohhh, how stupid and naive- young and hopeful we were. Because that day, the universe delivered us the mother-load of stressful Uber rides.

Caught in traffic? Okay.. it’s fine, it’s fine. I mutter under my breath. Until the Uber driver takes a wrong turn tacking on an additional 28 min. *cue that “omg I’m going to miss my flight” panic* and for some reason, which I will never fully understand, when we (at long last!) reach the highway- our driver refuses to drive like any functional adult with a license. And instead, he proceeds to drive half the speed limit. Not exaggerating. Literally half. Every other vehicle on the road is passing us-people begin honking at us we are driving so slow.

As an overly polite born-and-raised Minnesotan who struggles with confrontation, I finally mustered up the courage to politely ask, “um excuse me sir, but is there any chance we could go the speed limit-we are about to miss a flight.” And do you know what he did?

Calmly, he looked me in the eye, flatly said, “no” then turned up the music and continued driving so slow I swear we could’ve been going backwards.

Andddddd, you guessed it- we missed that flight.

I will never understand why he did this. But despite this sadistic Uber driver and insane traffic, it was of course still our fault for missing that flight. We should have allowed plenty of extra time. Lesson learned. I won’t let it happen again.

But that second flight?!

We are sitting in the airport in Warsaw, Poland after a mad dash and a train ride to another airport (there were no more flights out of the Krakow airport to Israel that day!) when they announce boarding.

Our section is called and we go up to scan our tickets. Relieved that finally, after all the hassle of the morning – we will only be about six hours late and $300 down getting into Israel. It could be worse right?

Right. As soon as we scan our tickets- the machine flashes a red X. We try to scan them again- same result. An airline attendant comes over and the questioning begins…

Little did we realize, certain airlines require you to be questioned before a flight into Israel. And because we had booked the ticket only a few hours before the flight, we looked extra suspicious. Paired with the fact that I was a single women traveling with a man from another country instead of a tour group- well we had most certainly alerted border control as a possible sex trafficking situation.

Now I think this is a very important issue that should be taken seriously but wow, it was inconvenient for us – stress, lost time and hundreds of dollars gone. I was still being hounded about the nature of my relationship with James when the last flight to Israel took off for the day. This was a pricey mistake.

Ahh well, trying to make the best of it- we bought a journal and jokingly made a list of all the things we could have bought with the amount we just spent on missed flights to Israel. (7 round trip tickets to Warsaw, 1,200 cupcakes from our favorite bakery etc.)

A sleepover in the Warsaw airport

So it was decided. We would take the first flight out in the morning. But ironically, the ONE night we get stuck in the airport- is the night they decide to test each and every one of the fire alarms. It wasn’t a very peaceful slumber party in our terminal given that the blaring alarms were going off for two full hours.

But when morning came, we were the first ones ready to board that plane. Terrified something else would go wrong, we nervously clutched our tickets and didn’t breath a sigh of relief until we felt the plane taking off the ground.

At long last, we made it into Israel.

Since we had dealt with so much bad luck, it seemed the universe took pity on us and for the remainder of the trip- nothing went wrong. In fact, everything seemed to go strangely well.

Our luck changes

So well in fact, that we started a list of all the random, free things we were given- a free upgrade, free appetizers at a restaurant, a free necklace, several free rides when we were lost, a free bus ticket… the list goes on. It’s almost like the universe was saying, “Whoops, sorry about putting you through all that, let me make it up to you.”

And from then on, we had an incredible trip.

But please learn from my mistakes, allow extra time for the occasional turtle of an Uber driver. And if you plan to go into country with a sensitive border- arrive early and look into possible additional requirements ahead of time.

Has anyone else had a hard time getting into Israel? Let me know!

Read:MY WORST TRAVEL MOMENTS OF ALL TIME

More on Israel:

• ISRAEL- 11 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WENT
• VISITING BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM
• WHAT TO WEAR IN THE HOLY LAND: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING FASHIONABLE AND COMFORTABLE

Planning a trip to Israel can be daunting but is a lot easier with a guided tour. Check out the tours on TourRadar here!

The post Shocking Story Of Being Denied Entrance Into Israel appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Israel travel tips

Israel- 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went

So you want to visit Israel? Wonderful. Prepare to be delighted by so much beauty, history and religious splendor. If you follow me on Instagram, then you might remember how my trip was filled with wonder, fascination anddddd… a couple of avoidable headaches.

From missed flights to under budgeting, this is everything I wish I would have known before leaving and my best Israel travel tips!

Israel Travel Tips

11. Arrive to your flight EARLY or risk being denied entrance into Israel

Different airlines have different policies regarding border control. Be sure to check ahead of time and allow more time than usual for a flight into Israel. Some airlines require you to go through questioning if you’ve checked in online.

After two missed flights, I cannot stress this enough. Even if you arrive early enough for an international flight, some airlines will want to question passengers before allowing them to board.

Apparently my travel plans looked suspicious since I was traveling without a group or a tour guide. I had checked in online and did not know I would have to go through any questioning. So there I was being interrogated as my plane took off to Israel without me. It was stressful, expensive to buy a new last minute ticket and really no fun at all.

And no, the airline didn’t just place me on the next flight out unfortunately. I had to buy my own same-day ticket. Ouch.

Read: SHOCKING STORY OF BEING DENIED ENTRANCE INTO ISRAEL

10. Pack modest clothing for religious sites in Jerusalem

Whatever you want to wear in Tel Aviv is typically just fine! The city is full of nightlife, modern fashions and contemporary vibes.

But when you are spending time visiting religious sites in Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem or any number of conservative, deeply religious places- you’ll want to be dressed appropriately.

Some mosques or churches will require for midriff, shoulders and knees to be covered. Save your super short shorts or strapless tank tops for your next trip to the Greek islands!

As a sign of respect to other cultures and religions, it’s always courteous to dress in a way that abides by any cultural practices.

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Read: WHAT TO WEAR IN THE HOLY LAND: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING FASHIONABLE AND COMFORTABLE

9. Join A Free Walking Tour Your First Day

So you’ve just touched down in Israel after a (hopefully) smooth and effortless flight in, now what?! Why not join a free walking tour and get the lay of the land and a solid understanding of what’s around you on day one! Many Israeli cities offer incredible, free walking tours- just be sure to tip your guide as a thank you.

We waited until the third day of our trip in Jerusalem to join a walking tour and by that time, we had already seen some of the sites – and gotten lost/turned around/didn’t know what we were missing! So the tour is a really great way to start off and as soon as we arrived in Tel Aviv, we joined a walking tour first thing. And I suggest you do the same!

8. Israel Is Expensive

Budget accordingly and save money where you can! The idea that Israel is a cheap country to travel to, simply isn’t true. Compared to it’s surrounding countries, like Egypt or Jordan, the Israeli prices are considerably higher!

I ordered a beer on the beach at sunset in Tel Aviv without looking at the menu and was completely shocked at the price. $14 for a single beer.

It was more than I’d pay in San Francisco or New York! Whereas the next day in Cyprus, we only paid a $1 USD for a beer. Hotel rooms, even hostels, will cost a lot more throughout Israel.

As I always recommend, pack half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you’ll need! But especially in Israel.

7. Everything closes down for Shabbat on weekends

Plan your weekends accordingly because as a primarily Jewish country, Israel almost entirely closes down from Friday at sundown to sundown on Saturday.

Restaurants, shops, attractions, public transit…everything! The streets are almost empty (so it’s a fun time to go exploring without the crowds!) because no religious Jews will be driving cars, going to work etc. Just don’t plan to travel between cities since the buses won’t be running! And don’t plan to do any shopping or visiting of attractions. Most places will be closed – some non-kosher restaurants may still be open though.

What is Shabbat?

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest. Religious Jews do not work during Shabbat- this includes cooking and using any electronic equipment. The day of rest ends with a traditional, celebratory family meal known as the Havdalah.

6. Hostels Make For An Excellent Option For Cheap(er) Accommodation

I’ll say it again, Israel is expensive. Most likely, your cheapest accommodation option will be hostels. But what is really great about the hostels in Israel was the calendar of events! Many offered free or affordable tours, Shabbat dinners, pub crawls, Israeli cooking classes… the list goes on! It’s a great way to meet other travelers as well. And always ask the hostel staff for their best bits of advice or local suggestions.

Read: STAYING AT CINEMA HOSTEL JERUSALEM

5. If you want to visit Jerusalem’s famous Temple Mount, check the hours and days it is open ahead of time

A stunning piece of religious history, the Temple Mount proves difficult to visit. In fact, I tried throughout my stay in Israel to visit but frequently found it closed.

Otherwise the limited hours/days open to the public did not coincide with my stay in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, I only ever saw this great mosque-complex from the outside. But if you find yourself in Jerusalem, I recommend you try!

It is free to visit, just open during very specific times, especially for non-muslims visitors. Due to the limited hours open, the line is often quite long to enter.

If you want to visit this holy site, make sure you not only check the hours and days it’s open but also arrive very early!

Visiting Hours for Monday through Thursday:

Winter: 7:30 am – 10:30 am and 12:30pm – 1:30 pm

Summer: 8:30am – 11:30am and 1:30pm – 2:30pm

“The Temple Mount is closed to visitors on Friday and Saturday. Sometimes the entrance to the site is closed without notice, even when it’s scheduled to be open. In order to enter, both men and women need to be dressed modestly. No weapons are allowed and visitors may not bring in any sacred Jewish objects, such as a prayer book or a talit. Visitors may be asked to show their passports.” – Tourist Israel

Truthfully, I would suggest visiting some of these key religious sites with a local guide. I definitely regret not booking more tours on my first trip to Israel.

I would have liked more of an explanation at each site plus I wouldn’t have missed Temple Mount entirely if I had booked with a guide.

You can find great guided tours on Get Your Guide.

4. Public Transit is cheap, safe, comfortable and easy to use when traveling between cities

The public transportation system in Israel is well done. The buses typically run on time, are clean and fairly priced. The train connecting Tel Aviv (where you will most likely fly into!) and Jerusalem (a must-see city and our first stop!) is efficient and more modern than anything I see in New York City! If you don’t typically use public transit when traveling, places like London and Israel make it easy!

The public bus to Bethlehem is only approximately $3 USD round trip. Not only is it air conditioned (not always the case in other countries!) but it’s very spacious- like a comfortably large coach bus you would expect to see a tour group using.

Read: VISITING BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM

3. The Palestine/Israeli conflict was never an issue when crossing the border but the locals have strong opinions about it

A lot of confusion and misunderstanding surrounds the Palestine/Israeli conflict. And while this political issue is a hot topic of never ending turmoil, we were able to cross the border into Palestine to visit Bethlehem without any issues.

However it was fascinating to talk with local taxi drivers and tour guides about the situation and hear the perspective of the local people.

Aside from some interesting conversations when we asked about it, the issue never came up.

2. Skip the tour and take the bus to the Dead Sea

Spend as long or as little as you’d like floating in the salty, mineral rich water. If you go by yourself you can decide how long you’ll stay. And again, because of how easy Israel’s public transit system is, it’s quite simple to navigate yourself to the Dead Sea.

Just tell the person at the ticket office of the main bus terminal in Jerusalem you’d like to go to the Dead Sea. He or she will tell you a few different beaches you can stop off at along the bus route.

Most beaches cost money to enter but they provide lounge areas, cafes, restrooms and towels. We opted for Kalia Beach, a paid beach.

Dead Sea Main Beaches

Kalia Beach: designed more for tourists, cafe, bar, gift shop, restrooms, many international visitors

Biankini Beach: Moroccan style, more locals

Neve Midbar Beach: least commercialized, younger crowds

Ein Gedi Public Beach: free entry, very basic facilities, the shore is rocky and difficult to walk on but great picnic area

Ein Bokek: resort beaches, very busy during peak season

1. Although many people do not speak English, most workers or shopkeepers in tourist areas are fluent

While not everyone in Israel speaks English, it was common that people working in restaurants, shops, museums or driving taxis near tourist destinations were able to speak English.

Navigating around Israel is not nearly as difficult as you might expect. Only in rural towns is English difficult to come by! When we crossed the border into Bethlehem, we found less people spoke English but they were happy to try and communicate with us via gestures anyway, ha!

Most restaurants offer an English menu, most drivers will speak fluent English and when shopping just about anywhere, the staff knew at least enough English to have a conversation.

Israel is a beautiful destination, easy to navigate and not to be missed!

As always, let me know if you have any questions about my Israel travel tips!

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The post Israel- 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

How To Visit Bethlehem

It can seem daunting planning a trip to the Middle East. Believe me, I know. Uncertainty about crossing borders, safe ways to travel from city to city and misinformation in the media all contribute to the confusion and overwhelm you might face when planning your trip. If you’re wondering how to visit Bethlehem, you might be concerned about safety, people speaking English or getting lost.

But fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it may seem! Knowing some key facts about how to get around the Holy Land will keep your trip running smoothly.

Bethlehem is a small town rich with biblical history and easily accessible from Jerusalem.

However it is located across the border in Palestine. The Israeli/Palestinian border issues might seem intimidating to try and navigate as a tourist.

Due to this political issue, many travelers chose not to visit the Holy Land all together. Yet we found Bethlehem not only a worthwhile travel destination but an easy day trip from Jerusalem.

Just keep in mind a few things before you go!

How To Get There

If you’re coming to Bethlehem from Jerusalem, it is very simple to take the public bus. For only 7 shekels ($1.96 USD) you can take Bus 231 right into the center of Bethlehem. It’s a fairly scenic ride and the coach is large, air conditioned and has plenty of seats. You’ll need to pay cash, not card to get on the bus.

We had no issues crossing the border into Palestine. We were able to stay on the bus the entire time and cross right over.

Route: Bus 231 from Jerusalem Damascus gate

Cost: 7 shekels

Alternative: GetYourGuide Tour

However, you’re intimidated to make the journey on your own, you could always book a day tour from Jerusalem on GetYourGuide. This particular tour has good reviews and will bring you to many of the same stops we visited.

Where To Stay

Skip the hotel, book an Airbnb!

Airbnbs in Palestine are beyond affordable. You can expect to pay just $15-$40 a night for a decent Airbnb.

This is the exact Airbnb we booked and I couldn’t image a better place to stay while in Bethlehem! For only $35 a night, this place was an incredible value. Yes you read that correctly. Just $35 TOTAL for a full and private multi-room apartment.

Not only was there room enough to sleep 6 people, the entire apartment was spacious, clean and our host, Issa, really went above and beyond. Issa sent clear, helpful instructions on crossing the border from Israel into Palestine by bus, making our journey very smooth.

When we arrived, we found he had also left us groceries for breakfast. Coffee, bread, eggs and bottled water- how sweet is that?! He stopped by the property when we first checked in to offer any assistance or advice for our stay. He was the friendliest, most helpful host I’ve had on Airbnb. (Just another reason I tend to prefer staying in local properties over hotels! )

What To See & Do

Visit the Church of Nativity

The reason most people visit Bethlehem is of course, to see the birthplace of Jesus Christ at the Church of Nativity. From the moment the church opens each morning, people pour in from all over the world to pay their respects. While waiting in line, we heard people speaking Spanish, French, German, Chinese…

Be prepared to go right when the church opens. The Grotto of the Nativity, a cave which enshrines the exact location Jesus is said to have been born, is located within the church. A long line forms extremely quickly and you may find yourself waiting over 2 hours to enter the Grotto if you wait until late morning. The line dies down again in the evening.

Visit the Milk Grotto

According to tradition, this cave is where Joseph and Mary stopped to nurse the baby Jesus while while on the run from King Herod’s soldiers. As the story goes, a drop of Mary’s milk fell onto the stone, turning the rocks white.

Today people come to pay their respects to the mother Mary, especially new mothers or women wanting to conceive. Kneeling in the same spot they believed Mary nursed Jesus, they pray for conception, a healthy birth and enough milk to help their children grow.

How To Get to the Milk Grotto

Just a short walk from the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto is an easy walk past local shops to the top of the hill.

Along the way, you can stop for cold drinks and to chat with some of the shopkeepers. We met the kindest people in Bethlehem! At every turn people welcomed us with warm smiles and offered suggestions or help when we were lost. All the shopkeepers, taxi drivers and workers in the tourist hubs spoke excellent English.

Explore Shepherd’s Field

A short distance from the town, you can explore the caves and field’s where the shepherd’s tended their flock during biblical times.

Archaeologists have discovered more than one possible site but many Christian’s believe this field to be the exact location where the shepherd’s received the news of Christ’s birth.

Suggested afternoon: Walk through the underground caves, visit the prayer sites, soak up the views of Bethlehem and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the field.

How To Get Around

Taxi’s are a cheap and easy way to get around Bethlehem. If you don’t want to walk to Shepherd’s Field or King Solomon’s pools- you can easily find a taxi.

We hailed a cab and before getting in, offered the driver $10 to take us to Herodium and Shepherd’s Field. As our luck would have it, we happened to have the kindest and most enthusiastic taxi driver I’ve ever encounter. He happily shared all about his life in Palestine with us, played specialized music and narrated as we drove. As an extra stop, he even drove us right to the Israel/Palestine border so we could see firsthand what it looks like.

Pro tip: Confirm your price before getting in the taxi so they don’t overcharge you!

Locals were also very quick to offer help, point out directions or assist us if we were lost. What seemed like a daunting, difficult trip to plan without a tour guide, turned out to be quite easy! If we can do, you can do it!

How Long To Stay

Bethlehem is a relatively small town, it’s easy to see most of the sites in a single day. Some speedy travelers might even make a half day trip out of the city of Jerusalem to come see the town.

Recommended Trip Length: One day

Keep reading: WHAT TO WEAR IN THE HOLY LAND: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING FASHIONABLE AND COMFORTABLE

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What To Wear In The Holy Land

What To Wear In The Holy Land

A trip to the Holy Land should definitely be on your bucket list. No matter what you believe or whether you practice a religion, the history and power behind this sacred place is undeniable.

Our entire world has been greatly shaped by the Bible, the Quran and the Torah.

Each of these holy texts share a foundation in this region and even more specifically, Jerusalem.

But What To Pack?

So your ticket is booked. Your trip is planned. You’re almost ready to go! But you might find yourself standing before your empty suitcase, clothes tossed on the bed and unsure of what to pack.

Traveling through the Middle East leaves women frequently wondering what is appropriate to wear in the holy land?

I get asked so frequently for clothing suggestions for the Middle East, Holy Lands and Egypt that I’ve dedicated an entire section on my Amazon Storefront!

Read: ISRAEL- 11 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WENT

Basics

Whenever possible, pack light! Who wants to lug around extra stuff you never end up using?!

Pro tip: Pack half as much clothing and twice as much cash for any trip!

Usually I have an artillery of basics packed but for some reason I set off for this trip with a number of fun (but loud!) outfits that were difficult to mix and match.

My saving grace was a solid green maxi dress that I could repeatedly pair with other accessories, jackets or shirts tied over top.

So the first thing you should pack: a few simple pieces that you love. You want to feel confident and comfortable while traveling the Holy Lands.

Relaxed fit, comfortable fabrics and flattering styles are all things to take into account.

Just click the links and have fun shopping!

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Comfortable Walking Shoes

Your best travel investment= shoes you can walk in all day!

If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend all day out exploring. From tours to temples, the Holy Land has so much to offer. Just be prepared to do A LOT of walking. Especially in Jerusalem. The Old City is walled in, lined with cobblestone and many areas are only accessible by foot.

If you’ve ever packed flip-flops for a trip with a lot of walking, you’ll know the agony I speak of when I try to warn you: flip flops are not travel shoes. Bring them to the beach, sure.

But if you plan to do more than relax by a beach, you’ll want to invest in shoes you can walk in (for hours and hours.)

Birkenstock are a personal favorite. Good arch support, thick soles and quality straps, you can easily walk all day in a pair of these sandals.

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Clothing That Covers Your Shoulders, Chest and Arms

As the religious epicenter of the world, naturally the Holy Land is more conservative. As a guest in another country, I always think it’s respectable to wear clothing that will make you feel confident but still respect the local culture.

Some areas of Israel are really progressive. In Tel Aviv, you could wear anything you’d wear at home!

But if you want to know for what to wear in the holy land, mostly you will need more conservative clothing.

And if you’re going to be spending time in the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters in the Old City of Jerusalem- you will feel your best if dressed more modestly.

Not only out of respect for the various religions but to avoid unwanted attention. It is also required when visiting some religious sites to have your shoulders, stomach and chest covered.

Read: HOW TO VISIT BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM

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Scarves

Scarves will be available for purchase all over the Holy Land but I never left for the day without one. It makes covering up for a religious site easy and fashionable. Plus it makes for a great added layer of warmth at night.

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Warm Clothing & Layers

Evenings can be surprisingly cool, even in spring and summer.

Go watch the sunset over Jerusalem from Mount Zion (trust me, you don’t want to miss it!!) Just don’t make the same mistake I did.

Having not packed a jacket, I spent my first night wandering around after sunset freezing cold and trying to find a place to buy something warm.

Day Bag

Having a bag that leaves your hands free is ideal. I love the look and functionality of these bags!

The first one can but adjusted to a cross body bag as well.

More on the Holy Land? Read: ISRAEL- 11 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WENT & HOW TO VISIT BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM

If you’re heading to the Holy Lands or Middle East, I suggest traveling with a guide for at least a portion of your trip. (Especially for my solo female traveler!) You can find great guided tours on Get Your Guide.

For more travel outfit inspo, check out my Amazon storefront!

The post What To Wear In The Holy Land: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Fashionable and Comfortable appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Cinema Hostel Jerusalem

When I first began researching where to stay in Jerusalem, I was recommended by several people through my Instagram to check out Cinema Hostel, a funky young cinema themed hostel built inside a classic cinema building. How cool is that?! Every room, hallway and common space is decorated with iconic Hollywood art/memorabilia. Aubrey Hepburn can be spotted more than a few times in the hostel’s bar and common area.

But the biggest reason we chose to stay here? Jerusalem is EXPENSIVE. In fact, Israel as a whole is the most expensive country I’ve traveled. Staying at a hostel greatly reduces your costs and allows you to save your money for experiences!

If you haven’t been to Jerusalem yet, I highly recommend it!

Jerusalem will defy your expectations at every turn. As the religious epicenter of the world, this ancient city is considered a holy city for Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Some of the most sacred places for each religion exist within this walled city, dating back to over 3,000 years ago.

Walking the streets of the Old City was like traveling back in time through the bible. But what was equally as magical about Jerusalem was the vibrant energy in modern cafes, trendy shops and hot spots for young locals and travelers alike. Jerusalem is a fascinating clash between the (very) old and the new.

Float in the Dead Sea, visit the crucifixion site of Jesus Christ, wander the streets of the Old City… there is so much to see that will not only shock your senses but delight you, perhaps even move you.

Where to stay on a budget: Cinema Hostel

Israel is notoriously expensive, a hostel is a great way to cut costs and still stay in the heart of the city!

Cinema Hostel Is In An Ideal Location

Located in near public transit, tons of restaurants, markets and within walking distance to the Old City- we found this hostel to be the ideal place to stay.

Every night, the movie theater comes back to life when the hostel screens a film in the common area. And the market just down the street is absolutely buzzing after hours! Street food, drinks, live music and intricate graffiti lines the walls of the Mahane Yehuda market. This place is a must-see in the evening!

The hostel is centrally located amidst the bustle of Jerusalem but is also a hub of activity itself. Schedule trips to the Dead Sea at the front desk or attend any of the daily activities happening around the hostel.

Cinema Hostel Schedule of Events:

• Pub Crawl : Tues, Thurs, Sat 10:30pm
• Movie Night: Every night 6pm
• Jam Sessions: Tues 8pm
• Shabbat Experience: Fri, 7pm-12am, Price 48 NIS
  
• Israeli Food Workshop: Sun 7pm
• Language Exchange. 8pm

Read more about the events provided here.

Spacious Terraces

If you’re able to visit Jerusalem during a warm season, take advantage of the many spacious rooftop bars around the city and specifically at the hostel itself! Parties and festivals are a common occurrence in the spring and summer and the terraces are the place to be.

Breakfast

Not all hostels serve breakfast. (And very few serve a good breakfast!!) But Cinema Hostel has a surprisingly healthy and fresh spread each day. Breakfast is served daily- eggs, hummus, fresh veggies, pita bread, cereal and more!

John Smith Bar

This unique 20’s style cocktail bar offers delicious Hollywood movie themed drinks and the chance to meet travelers from all over the world. On Tuesday evenings, be sure to check out the live band! And if you’re feeling social, hop on the pub crawl to experience Jerusalem’s nightlife.

Well-Informed Staff

Whether you want to book a tour or need help figuring out a bus route- the staff is more than happy to assist you. When I arrived at Cinema Hostel, I hadn’t planned much in advance.

However the staff was quick to offer some great recommendations- like a day trip to Bethlehem. An absolute must-see!

Thank you to Cinema Hostel for hosting me during my stay. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Green Flowy Skirt

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