OP here. Thanks for the encouragement. What's somewhat ironic is that DH and I had planned to go to Israel a few years ago, and then I got pregnant and we decided to do a lower-key vacation to Hawaii (and in the back of our minds thought - what if something happens in Israel?). Now, we are talking seriously about doing the same trip while I am pregnant again but this time with a 3 year old in tow.

Go for it! Israel is very child friendly.

No advice as far as renting a car, I didn't need one.

The flight is easy as long as you fly non stop. You get adjusted to the time difference after a good nights rest once you have arrived.

Have fun

Anonymous wrote:Very kid friendly. Food is good - I'll never be able to go back to American pita bread and hummus.

Flight and time change are similar to going to Europe. Time is one hour ahead of DC. No direct flights from DC - we went through Newark.

Medical care if you needed it for some reason is very good.

Don't rent a car unless you are a brave driver. The Israelis drive like s***. We've been living here for 6 months and you really have to watch out. No one looks where they are going, weave in traffic, pull out in front of you, etc. so you have to be really vigilant. Most people drive beater cars b.c they get trashed.

Whoops - meant seven hours ahead!

Ditto the warning on driving. It can be treacherous. Also as a PP mentioned, I also got food poisoning. I am 0 for 2 in the Middle East. Just be cautious if you are pregnant and bringing a child.

Very kid friendly. Food is good - I'll never be able to go back to American pita bread and hummus.

Flight and time change are similar to going to Europe. Time is one hour ahead of DC. No direct flights from DC - we went through Newark.

Medical care if you needed it for some reason is very good.

Don't rent a car unless you are a brave driver. The Israelis drive like s***. We've been living here for 6 months and you really have to watch out. No one looks where they are going, weave in traffic, pull out in front of you, etc. so you have to be really vigilant. Most people drive beater cars b.c they get trashed.

hey

know quite a few who have traveled there

Friend's daughter went with school - ended up with food poisoning and lice.

just sharing what I know

OP here. Thanks! Food is the last thing I'm worrying about-- how's the flight? Time change? What did you do about car (rental? Hire a driver?)

Just got back from Israel yesterday and would definitely say yes, go. As PP said, very kid friendly, and food is good (expensive in tourist areas though) and includes both authentic (think hummus, falafel, shwarma) and lots of pizza/pasta/burgers, etc. If you are in Tel Aviv beach is beautiful and Jersusalem is a fascinating walkable city. Have fun!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Forgot to mention another critical fact- I will be around 22w pregnant. Would you still do it?

only if you have family there at that point

My friend has three boys. At the time, she was pregnant with the third and traveled with the other two. But she has her entire family there.

Are you familiar with foods? Or would you take the "American" cuisine route?

This cracks me up! I'm literally laughing out loud.

Outside of Friday nights, when every is closed, the food is super kid friendly. Unless your kid lives on McDonalds (which, they have there too) you can find anything you want.

Food comment made me laught, too. Besides, traveling abroad is about trying the authentic foods, too-FUN!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Forgot to mention another critical fact- I will be around 22w pregnant. Would you still do it?

only if you have family there at that point

My friend has three boys. At the time, she was pregnant with the third and traveled with the other two. But she has her entire family there.

Are you familiar with foods? Or would you take the "American" cuisine route?

This cracks me up! I'm literally laughing out loud.

Outside of Friday nights, when every is closed, the food is super kid friendly. Unless your kid lives on McDonalds (which, they have there too) you can find anything you want.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Forgot to mention another critical fact- I will be around 22w pregnant. Would you still do it?

only if you have family there at that point

My friend has three boys. At the time, she was pregnant with the third and traveled with the other two. But she has her entire family there.

Are you familiar with foods? Or would you take the "American" cuisine route?

YES!

OP here. Forgot to mention another critical fact- I will be around 22w pregnant. Would you still do it?

Absolutely!!!!!

Would you do it? One of us the opportunity to go for work so one ticket and some lodging would be free. Anyone with personal experience? How was the flight and time change?