Student Travel to Israel

Israel’s rich cultural and religious significance draws visitors of every age and background. Student travel opportunities run the gamut from volunteer vacations to package tours designed around a particular theme. No matter which option you choose, it is important to follow U.S. State Department guidelines to remain safe, secure and compliant with all laws.

Birthright Trip
If you are a Jew between the ages of 18 and 26, you may qualify for a free 10-day tour known as a Birthright Trip. Sponsored by Taglit-Birthright Israel and offered through a wide range of accredited tour organizers, the Birthright Trip is a guided peer group experience. Airfare, hotels, meals, sightseeing and other costs are entirely borne by Taglit-Birthright Israel’s network of sponsors and benefactors. You must pay a $250 deposit to secure your reservation, which is refunded shortly after you complete the trip.

Package Tours
If you are not eligible for the Birthright Trip, hundreds of tour operators offer guided package tours of Israel. Various tours focus on different elements of Israel’s history and culture, including Jewish, Christian or Muslim sacred sites. Study-based tours, volunteer vacations and archaeology trips are just a few of the choices. Go Israel, the country’s official tourism bureau, provides detailed information on various tour options.

Independent Travel
Many students choose to travel through Israel on their own, following their own schedules and visiting the locations that are most important to them. Israel is generally tourist-friendly, and public transportation is reliable. Buses, trains and shared taxis are the least expensive means of moving around the country, while private taxis and flights are pricier. Present your valid student ID for discounts on everything from public transportation to attraction admissions. Hostels, monasteries, campgrounds and guest houses cater to budget travelers and are used to meet the unique needs of students. Israel’s kibbutzim, or collective communities, provide a classic Israeli experience.

Safety and Security
To enter Israel, you must show a passport that is valid for six months after the end of your trip, proof of adequate funds and a departure ticket. Do not lose your entry form, as you will need it when you depart. Israeli security is extremely tight, so be prepared for questioning and a possible physical search. U.S. citizens who do not plan to study or work in Israel are generally issued a three-month visa on arrival at no charge. Due to ongoing skirmishes, the State Department recommends that all U.S. citizens avoid travel to the Gaza Strip. Remain alert at all times and stay away from political demonstrations. Minimize travel in Old Jerusalem and orthodox neighborhoods on Friday night, Saturday and all Jewish holidays. When departing Israel, arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight and be prepared for extensive security measures.

via Student Travel to Israel | Travel Tips – USATODAY.com.