Israel is home to a lot of different things: Jerusalem, the Western Wall, The Dead Sea, Tel Aviv… it can be hard deciding what is worth seeing and doing on your first trip to Isreal.

There’s a lot to see and do while you’re there. I mean – there’s a reason why birthright trips are a full ten days… and remember, the country is tiny – barely surpassing New Jersey in size.

Take it from someone who has been on one of those birthright trips… you don’t sleep for a second.

In fact, I had to pull a literal all-nighter when I was sitting in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on my way to Barcelona.

Waiting in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for my 7AM flight to Barcelona in December 2017.

I had to do it solo, meaning there was no sleeping until I was on my flight across the Mediterranean.

Ah… the joys of traveling.

If you’re planning a trip to Israel, you more than likely have Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on your list… but I’m telling you right now, that if you only go to those two places – that you aren’t see the full picture that this country can paint for you.

What Places Should I Visit in Israel Besides Jerusalem and Tel Aviv?

When visiting Israel, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-Yafo are probably on your list – but you should also aim to visit places like Haifa, the Negev Desert, the Masada, and the Dead Sea.

Here’s a list of places in Israel you should make sure to go to besides the two big cities:

1. Golan Heights

I went on birthright with Israel Outdoors – so they took us on a lot of nature hikes. Now, I’m the daughter of a New Yorker, meaning – I’ve been a city girl since birth by default… However, I have to say, I didn’t mind some of the hikes we went on – including this one.

Israel is surprisingly diverse in its nature and topography. Golan Heights is reminiscent of a rain forest; it’s leafy trees and waters can easily put you in a trance.

Golan Heights; December 2017. — Golan Heights; December 2017

Not to mention, this view…

Near Golan Heights; December 2017. — Near Golan Heights; December 2017

We stayed in a kibbutz in Malkia after our day of hiking in Golan Heights. Odds are, your place won’t be as cute as this one… so I’ll share with you what ours looked like.

Our kibbutz in Malkia in Northern Israel; December 2017.

2. Hike the Masada

Hiking the masada was one of my favorite parts of Israel. You don’t have to be as ambitious as our athletic group (we hiked up the Masada in 34 minutes before sunrise), because they have cable cars and things like that can take you up – but if you’re able to hike it up, I strongly suggest that you do.

masada israel — This hike is outrageously gorgeous.

How Hard is the Hike Up the Masada?

The hike up the Masada really isn’t too bad, especially when taking the Roman Ramp Path. It’s mostly stairs, so there aren’t rugged edges or anything of that sort. However, if you’re a more adventurous hiker and are interested in the panoramic views of the Dead Sea at the top – I recommend taking the Snake Path.

The view you’ll see when you reach the top…

Watching the sun rise after hiking up the Masada; December 2017. — Watching the sun rise after hiking up the Masada; December 2017

… will make you stop blinking.

3. The Dead Sea

Most people know of this one, but in case you don’t – going to the Dead Sea really is a vital part of anyone’s trip to Israel.

I didn’t cover myself in mud, but I did go in the dead sea. I was on a four-week-long trip when I was in Israel, meaning I was trying to pack light and didn’t bring water shoes with me when I should have.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Dead Sea?

When going to the Dead Sea, it is essential to bring water shoes if you want to go walking into the water or even swimming. The rocks are sharp, and with the amount of salt in that sea… it will burn.

Learn from my mistakes… bring some water shoes with you to the dead sea.

Here’s what else you should do prior to going to the Dead Sea:

Be Prepared for Things to Burn: Any cut, scrape, or healing injury you have is bound to burn when in the Dead Sea due to its high salt content – which has a salinity of over 33%.
Stop Shaving: Another excellent piece of advice I have to share is to stop shaving three days before your trip to the Dead Sea. This is because any kind of razor burn or razor nick won’t feel good when you’re in the Dead Sea.
Don’t Go Underwater: The salt in the Dead Sea will burn your eyes. Think of this as a relaxing float, instead of swimming to train for the Olympics.
Limit Time in the Dead Sea: In order to avoid being dehydrated in this extremely salty body of water, it’s best to limit your time in the water at the Dead Sea to no more than 15 minutes.
Wear Your Old Swimsuit: As the Dead Sea is extremely salty, it’s better to wear a swimsuit you don’t care too much about – as the salt could strip to colors on your bathing suite.
Rinse Off After: Similar to being in the Blue Lagoon, it is a good idea to rinse off in freshwater after spending time in the Dead Sea – otherwise, the salt will accumulate on your body and could burn or, at the very least, make you feel dirty.