Would you take (or have you taken) a toddler to Israel?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Israel for next April. Our daughter will be 18 months old. We are going back and forth about bringing her along. We realize that it will be a very different type of trip if we take her (slower paced, won't be able to cram in all of the sights, etc.), but I also can't imagine leaving her behind for our first time in the country. She has already been on two flights and has quite a few other flights and trips coming up over the summer so she won't be a stranger to traveling. However, I've heard that it's much easier to travel with a baby than a toddler. I'd appreciate any advice, thoughts, itineraries that have included a toddler, etc. Thanks so much!

It sure is easier with an infant... no protest and no back-talk or fussing!

I have no issue with people traveling with children, even toddlers, but you have to consider the negatives more than the fact "she has already been on two flights............. " Besides, she's not going to remember any travel in years to come back before age 4/yrs.

If you want to really enjoy the trip ... there's a reason why we have grandparents, other relatives or very good friends. Or wait till they're at least 5-6/yrs.

Your choice!

To get more info. on traveling with a toddler I suggest you search on the Europe forum as several people there have traveled with them and will probably have some tips. We travel quite a bit with our kids but started when they were older (9 and 12), although regret not starting when they were even younger.

In my mind this is totally up to you. As sandi said she won't really remember anything. You will just have to be prepared to go a bit slower, be prepared for naps, and maybe have to leave a location a bit sooner then you would like, but you will all be together in an amazing place. We leave in less than two weeks for our first trip to Israel - our kids are now 17 and 14!!

Though I don't travel with a small child,
I'll just add that Israel is a very informal country and people are really crazy about kids. So if you do decide to take her, your daughter will probably put a smile on the faces of even the grumpy old guy at the corner kiosk :)

We took our daughter (2.5 years) and son (4 months) to Israel about 2 years ago.

Our son slept the whole flight, our daughter...not so much.

My advice about a flight is NOT to book the redeye but to book a day flight and bring lots of things to do (coloring books, portable DVD, storybooks and SNACKS!).
We booked the redeye hoping our daughter would sleep and she didn't, but was cranky the whole flight.

Also, bring a child seat with you (for the car), they are mandatory in Israel and the car rental companies will charge you extra (per day) for the seat.
A car seat will also be better for her on the plane.

Don't forget a good stroller - it's worth carrying it with you on the plane.

We took our daughter almost everywhere we went, but I have family in Israel so we had the opportunity not to drag her along if we didn't wish to.

Build in a lot of downtime (playing on the beach / pool) etc. for naps and keep in mind you will have a few "bad" days but that's all part of the experience and education of your children.

I wouldn't worry much about children's activities, at least not to go out of your way, at 18 months you can just take a few toys and a blanket.

Good luck, let us know how it went.

Traveling with a young child anywhere can be difficult, but Israel is a child oriented country, for locals and for tourists. There is so much to do outdoors and indoors that if you build an itinerary with your baby in mind things will work out well. I would bring a backpack to old her in so that you can freely explore every nook and cranny of the country. There are a few places that do not allow young children entry such as Yad VShem, but these are few and far between. What's really nice is that you can let your toddler roam around, next to you without the worries of happenings in other places. Here you need to watch your step in parks and reserves for water/holes which could be hazardous for an adult just as for a toodler.

It will be safe, good food for a child, nice weather in April, are you going for Passover? Everything will be closed the first day, so time your trip accordingly.

The only thing that would bother me is the time difference. Are you ready to introduce your small child to the jetlag going on vacation, and then even worse coming home? This would be my only doubt.

Aside from the long flight I wouldn't hesitate bringing a child to Israel. Been there a few times and heading back in August. Israeli Jewish and Muslim families have large families so kids are everywhere and adored and doted on. I couldn't think of a better place for a child. Israeli's are very relaxed about kids - it's one of the most child friendly places I've traveled to. And a great thing is that most of the things you'll do will be outside so that's perfect for a chid. As some have suggested leave some down time - and use the stroller for naps and enjoy a glass of wine or cafe while baby is resting!