dmd887

For all those with a lot of knowledge about the area out there. Any suggestions for people with trips to israel in the near future or planning trips in the near future? I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for early 2010, which I've stated before in this forum.

There's no doubt it's a volatile situation going on over there right now, albeit confined to Gaza and the areas immediately surrounding Gaza. However, as we all know this situation could worsen as well (as has happenned many times in the Middle East in the past)....so any thoughts from anyone out there? Any suggestions for people who have plans? I'm surprised there wasn't a post on this topic yet considering its been topping the news coverage around the world.

Thanks.

AlexA

Without getting into a detailed discussion, political or otherwise, I think that it's fair to say that you can't tell anything about any place in the world that far in advance. Various incidents and natural disasters can, have, and no doubt will take place all over the world in the next year.
When you say "early stages of planning" I'm assuming you mean that you are not making any non-cancellable reservations. So keep on researching and planning!

dmd887

no i'm not making any reservations at the moment, but that will come in the next 3-4 months, so the situation must be monitored closely from my position and plans might have to possibly be altered or changed....my question is more concerned with all the people with trips scheduled there in the very near future.... anybody out there and are you altering your plans at all?

Eli

Well dmd887, hats off for such a thorough full year advance planning. Anyway if you think that one can project on the situation in 2010 based on what is going on in December 2008, think again.

sandi

As AlexA above, 1/year out is difficult to say what will be anywhere.

But for travel early 2010, which is low-season in Israel, you can probably wait for 4-6/months out.

If your itinerary for Israel entails Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, maybe north to Haifa - should be fine. Unless, of course, rockets come flying over from Lebanon! In that part of the world, you never know.

Changing plans? Not those I know who are traveling all destinations including the Israel (in Apr, Jul, Aug & Sep).

It comes down to one's own level of comfort regardless the destination; we've learned troubles can occur anywhere these days.

pattyroth

WE have plans to go in April and are not changing our plans. There is always a problem somewhere near Israel, and many have gone and returned safely.

jerseysusan

My son has been in Israel this week. He is on a guided tour with my in laws. Although I was a little nervous about this I felt they were safe in Jerusalem. As has been stated it's all about your level of comfort.

sheribaby

I leave for my trip to Egypt and Israel on 1/12/09. The Israel portion starts 1/25/09. I have had, of course, a slight hesitation, but absolutely no thought of changing my plans. I am a health professional. This week I spoke with several clients that traveled to Israel in the past. They all told me that there was always some unrest going on when they were there, but they always felt safe. The travel professionals in Israel are well prepared and have been dealing with these situations all their lives.

Of course, the situation in Israel could change by next year. I am a strong believer in travel insurance for trips of this nature. There is a policy, for just a bit more, that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Of course you know, you must buy the insurance within 15 days if your initial booking.

Just a note, I plan my trips over a year in advance also. I booked this one last March. I plan to have a great time as I always do when I travel, and I know you will too! I hoped this helped a little.