fnord

My husband is travelling to Israel on business, and I'd like to join him (I think in the Haifa region? not 100% sure). I don't really want to sit at the hotel while he's working. Is it safe for a woman to sightsee alone? Are some things better than others? From Haifa, are there good day trips I can take? Also, he'll be working all day, but he'll be free in the evenings. Are there interesting things to do at night, or are there things we should avoid? Thanks very much, I look forward to hearing suggestions/reccommendations.

hamitzer

There is no problem for your solo sightseeing. You can take your own trips by public transportation to tel Aviv (1.5 hour by bus), Jerusalem (2 hours). If you leave early, around 7 am you will have the whole day which is enough to see a lot in Tel Aviv, but less in Jerusalem (you can split your Jerusalem tour and do one day Old City, second- Israeli Museum and Yad Vashem. If you are ready to spend one night in Jerusalem, it will be better. You can spend 3 days to explore Haifa and surroundings:Acre, Rosh hanikra.
There are also daily guided tour from Haifa to major tourists attractions, include Masada, Sea of Galilee, Caesarea. The cost is around USD 60 pp for Haifa-Jerusalem-Haifa day tour, and around USD 150 for Masada tour (which leaves 6 am...return 8 pm...).The company who offers this tours is Egged and you can buy it at your hotel reception.
There is no problem for a woman to travel around alone.In the evening Haifa is not a bad place to be , but try to spend at least an evening in Tel Aviv. haifa has nightclubs, good restaurants,movies, and of course the amazing unbelievable Bahai Temple which is a magical decoration to the night life(it's illuminated)

sandi

You can arrange anything thru your hotel travel desk and there is no problem being on your own (sort of).

I would, however, suggest, NOT to do Public transport. Stick with guided tours in a group, or even if just yourself and a guide/vehicle.

If in Jerusalem (or anywhere in else in Israel), remember that if your plans include a visit the Orthodox area/s you should be conservatively dressed - no shorts, halter/sleeveless tops - cover the legs, arms; slacks are fine. Enjoy!

fnord

what's wrong with public transportation? It sounds like the only way to get around is by bus if you don't want to rent a car (which I don't).

hamitzer

There is nothing wrong in public transportation.It's very convenient, very clean and very polite and experience drivers (bus ,trains and 'sherut'-public minibus).Also very frequent and always on time. YES, there were buses that exploded and suicide bombers, but then-on the other hand much more people who killed on the roads driving private cars...just to compare more than 100 people killed since beginning of 2005 in Israel in car accidents, and on the other hand no terror attack on public transportation in the last 6 months..It is very easy and very safe to use it!
However, if you don't like to be on your own and need some company, the Egged regular daily tours are very good.

Eli

Fnord: I believe you've guessed "what's wrong with public transportation" by reading between the subtle lines of Hamitzer's reply. While I agree with his statistical analysis of road accidents etc. (I myself do travel by bus), there are people who avoid busses and stick to taxis (or group tours in your case) just for peace of mind... Anyway, I am sure you will have a great time, whichever option you choose.