What is the safest way to travel within Israel and the West Bank?

I'm planning a one-week trip to Israel in the next couple of weeks, but I have no personal experience with the area -- I'd like to hear from people who've been there in the last few months, whether it's safe to travel on public transport to somewhere like Bethlehem or Massada, or whether a shared taxi would be better...? How safe did you feel, when you were there?What is the safest way to travel within Israel and the West Bank?Generally you should feel almost perfectly safe in most parts of Israel. Its b/c Israeli security is that good. You might feel less safe around other parts of Israel, such as the gaza strip and parts of the west bank since the arabs shoot rockets and shoot at Jews living in the west bank.What is the safest way to travel within Israel and the West Bank?I spent my gap year, some time back now, in Israel, and can honestly say I felt safer there than anywhere else I've ever been - despite all the problems with terrorism.



For long journeys, you will travel by bus, and you'll see that security guards will check people getting on the bus and probably ride on the bus too.



In terms of places like Bethlehem and the West Bank, I'm not sure; you'd do best by asking when you get there, as you'll get the best advice from Israelis themselves. If they tell you it's not safe to go somewhere - listen to them!



I hope you get a chance to visit Jerusalem; it's a really special experience and should not be missed, especially the Western Wall, and also Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial.What is the safest way to travel within Israel and the West Bank?At the moment Israel (excluding the territories) is quite safe. The only dangerous area right now is adjacent to Gaza, where Palestinians are lobbing rockets almost daily, but as a tourist you will not be anywhere near there unless you go significantly out of your way to find it.



I never felt safe in the territories and some years ago when friends wanted to visit Bethlehem we booked a half day tour. (Groups of foreign tourists as a rule are not targeted by terrorists.) I agree with Londonminx, ask around when you are there, the locals will have up to date information about whether it's safe to go.



Masada is an absolute must see, but I don't know if there is public transit to the site. I think your best bet may also be to book a day trip -- this can be arranged once you arrive in Israel. If you absolutely want to be independent (and I totally sympathize with the independent approach), you could arrange sherut/ taxi with some friends.



Recently I felt very safe. There are no problems with public buses at present.

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