PALESTINE TRAVEL GUIDE

Palestine is biblical. Not just literally, because it comprised the kingdoms of Israel and Judah in biblical times, but also in terms of its scale, its vast wilderness, its humungous history, and the people’s magnanimous capacity for welcoming people into their lands and homes.
To change the game, you have to change the frame. From Hostility to Hospitality, from Terrorism to Tourism.
– William Ury, founder of Abraham Path, the long distance walking trail going through Palestine all the way to Turkey
Yes, it’s a conflicted territory, and people panic about what to call it – Occupied Territories, West Bank or simply Palestine – but the most important thing to remember is that as a tourist, you are taking one of the most important steps towards helping Palestine gain peace. By going there, you are refusing to turn a blind eye to occupations, breaches of international law and human rights. You are saying, ‘I am visiting Palestine, I want to know more’. See more, and hear more. And then, ideally, you will return home so unexpectedly overjoyed by your experience, and spread the ‘good word’ to more and more tourists. And in this Palestine travel guide we say, Amen to that.

Palestine is…

bounteous in beauty. Rich in ancient tradition. Passionate about hospitality.

Palestine isn’t…

a walk in the park. It’s conflicted, but to walk here is to take steps towards peace.

Things to do in Palestine…

Hiking in Palestine is one of the top things to do, not only because its canyons and wadis, the Jordan Valley and olive grove filled hilltops are wilderness wonders, but also because you will be guided by local people. Such as on the long distance walking trail, Abraham Path, which starts in Turkey then travels through and ends in Palestine, the resting place of Abraham. Also the icon of hospitality, Abrahamic welcome is so innate to Palestinians, you can’t help but feel humbled by the generosity of strangers en route as well as your expert guides, rich in knowledge about their history and heritage, political struggles and strife. Staying with local people in homestay accommodation or desert camps is the norm in Palestine. Years of conflict have resulted in poverty for many, with farmlands and job opportunities being restricted. So tourism has become a positive force for change when it comes to gaining independent income in Palestine. Palestine is the hub of the Holy Land for Muslims, Christians or Jews, so cultural trips that take in both Palestine and Israel are common. Despite walls and wars, intifadas and invasions, Palestine is for many tourists simply a shrine to religious beliefs, archeological finds and natural magnificence. And always will be. Ultimately, when they discover the beauty of its landscape and culture, and the profusion of Palestinian grace and goodwill, the one thing that all visitors end up doing, is hoping, praying for or supporting a process for peace.

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Things NOT to do in Palestine...

Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before traveling to Palestine and also ensure that your travel insurance covers your trip. Read more details on FCO and insurance here.

Don’t go it alone. Always go to Palestine with a specialist tour operator, and one that works with experienced hospitality experts and expert walking guides on the ground. There is a lot of vast wilderness to explore, and tiny villages that are far from violence and strife. But as you will discover while traveling around Palestine, maps and territories are always changing, and being on the safe side may be different from one year to the next. Or one day to the next in some cases.

Palestine and the Occupied Territories have suffered at the hands of terrorist and violent activities for many years, mostly related to conflict over territory. Areas prone to violence are the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights.
 
Palestine is a hot topic, but also a very hot place, especially if you are hiking. Most walking vacations in Palestine don’t go between July and end September, but even if you are taking an afternoon hike after a cultural visit, stay hydrated and head covered. The recommendation is to carry minimum three litres of water on a cool day, and prepare to drink minimum one litre per hour during hot weather.
Don’t go without reading up before you go. And be sensitive about your political discussions while you are there. Although local people will welcome you with open arms, embracing the fact that most visitors are inquisitive, open-minded and politically aware. Books of interest include Palestine and the Palestinians: A Guidebook by Giroud Sabri (Alternative Tourism Group) and Extreme Rambling, Walking Israel’s Barrier. For Fun, by Mark Thomas. We also love this Ted Talk by William Ury, founder of the Abraham Path.
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Aidil] [is/isnt: AntanO] [Things to do: James Emery]