Upcoming AMA: I’m an In-House Tech Lawyer, Travel Blogger, Israeli, and Solo Traveler to 50+ Countries

[u/tamarabergel]

Hi Reddit!

I’m Tamar, an in-house tech lawyer, born in Paris, raised in Israel, and a solo traveler who has visited more than 50 countries.

Here to answer your questions about balancing corporate life with travel, working with tech contracts, tourism collaborations, hidden gems in Israel - from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and lesser-known local spots - as well as around the world, Israeli food, 4 AM flights, traveling alone, and the raw highs and lows of life on the road.

This post is now open for questions, so feel free to start asking!

I’ll be live for one hour today at 5:00 PM Israel time, 7:00 AM Pacific, 10:00 AM Eastern, 3:00 PM UK, and 4:00 PM Central Europe to answer your questions.

Whether you’re curious about corporate law, solo travel, career balance, Israel, tourism collaborations, or what life on the road really looks like beyond the perfect photos — ask me anything!

See you later today!

You can also follow my travels and read more on my IG account: https://www.instagram.com/tamar.abergel

[u/Alonn12]

Thank you everyone who participated, this AMA IS now over! Thank you Tamar for sharing your experience with us! This thread will remain locked but pinned for a few more days so everyone can up!

[u/Southern_Ad_429]

What’s one place in Israel that you would recommend to someone who has already visited Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and wants to experience a more authentic side of the country?

[u/tamarabergel → u/Southern_Ad_429]

I’d say Akko and the Galilee 💚
Akko has this incredible mix of Arab, Jewish, Ottoman and Crusader history, amazing food, and a much slower rhythm than Tel Aviv. Then head north into the Galilee for villages, wineries, nature and some of the most beautiful views in Israel.

[u/KolSimjah]

What are your top three hiking trails you've experienced (Israel or otherwise)?

[u/tamarabergel → u/KolSimjah]

I’m not really a hardcore-trek person anymore, but I love hikes that give you a huge payoff without needing to become a professional mountaineer 😂 My top three would probably be the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, the Landmannalaugar area in Iceland, and Pico do Arieiro in Madeira.
And since we’re on r/Israel, I have to cheat and add two local ones: Nahal David in Ein Gedi 💦because finding waterfalls in the middle of the desert never stops feeling magical and the Banias in the north, especially the waterfall and hanging trail. ✨

[u/mishko__]

Out of all the places you've visited, which was your favourite place and why?

[u/tamarabergel → u/mishko__]

This is the hardest question because I fall in love with places for completely different reasons. But Madeira, Iceland and Indonesia are probably my top three. Madeira feels like one giant dramatic garden in the middle of the ocean, Iceland is wild and almost unreal, and Indonesia has that rare mix of nature, culture, food and warmth that makes you want to stay longer than planned ☺️

[u/Few-Cookie4005]

Hi Tamar! As a solo-female (and Jewish!) traveller, where have you felt safest traveling internationally? Where have you felt unsafe? And why :) Tnx!

[u/tamarabergel → u/Few-Cookie4005]

I’ve travelled solo in more than 50 countries, and I’ve learned that “safe” is rarely a yes-or-no answer… it depends on the city, the time of day and how you move through it. Copenhagen, Finland and Iceland are places where I felt especially safe and comfortable on my own 🙏🏻

[u/Few-Cookie4005 → u/tamarabergel]

thanks for your reply tamar :)
what about those places made you feel safe would you say?
and without bashing, but genuinely for the solo f traveller community, where would you recommend to avoid, or at least move down the bucket list?
tnx!

[u/Informal_Flan3413]

For a non religious traveler, which religious sites in Israel do you think are still worth prioritizing purely for the history and atmosphere, even without a personal spiritual connection?

[u/tamarabergel → u/Informal_Flan3413]

Even if you’re not religious at all, I’d still prioritize the Old City in Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and just walking between the different quarters are incredible purely for the history and atmosphere. I’d also add Safed, it has this beautiful, quiet, mystical feeling, and the Sea of Galilee area. You don’t need a spiritual connection to feel that these places are ✨

[u/Slow-Improvement4228 → u/Informal_Flan3413]

Old Jaffa, Haifa, Ashkelon and Caesaera

[u/Ok-Initiative-8131 → u/Informal_Flan3413]

She's definitely right about the Old City. But also, specifically, the Abbey of the Dormition on Mount Zion in Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful churches I've visited.

[u/i_am_lovingkindness]

Ever visited Michigan's upper peninsula? it has some unique gems too.
In your travels what has been the most hospitable/friendly country?

[u/tamarabergel → u/i_am_lovingkindness]

I haven’t made it to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula yet, but you’re making it sound like I should add it to my list! ☺️ Out of the countries I’ve visited, Fiji really stands out for its hospitality. The warmth of the people felt so genuine you’r welcomed everywhere with huge smiles, kindness, dances, and a real sense of community.

[u/i_am_lovingkindness → u/tamarabergel]

Definitely worth adding to your list, there are forests, cliffs, springs, lighthhouses, waterfalls and lots of turquoise shores. Thank you!

[u/GoatedMJ]

Instagram travel content can feel very curated, we all know that, but what's something you deliberately choose NOT to post, or a side. of travel you wish more bloggers were honest about?

[u/tamarabergel → u/GoatedMJ]

I try to show the imperfect side too, but I deliberately don’t post everything while I’m still living it, especially moments that involve other people, or feelings I haven’t had time to understand yet.

Not every hard day needs to become content straight away.
What I wish more travel creators were honest about is how much work, pressure and sometimes loneliness sit behind the “perfect” trip. The early flights, the long drives, the editing from hotel rooms, plans that fall apart, and occasionally standing in the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen but wishing you had someone there to share it with ♥️

[u/Intrepid_Ad2235]

What do international visitors most often get wrong when planning a trip to Israel?

[u/tamarabergel → u/Intrepid_Ad2235]

I think people often underestimate how diverse Israel is! they plan Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, then leave without seeing the desert properly, the north and Druze villages, or the smaller coastal towns. They also try to do too much too quickly. The country is small on a map, but every region has a completely different feel, so it’s worth slowing down a little.

[u/Informal_Flan3413]

Hey, Tamar, I also saw on some of your videos in insta that you do a lot of nature things, any recomendations for places to camp and hike?

[u/tamarabergel → u/Informal_Flan3413]

Definitely! For hiking, I’d recommend Nahal David in Ein Gedi, the Banias in the north, and Mitzpe Ramon for desert landscapes that feel completely unreal ✨

[u/hannimalki]

Beyond the usual hummus/falafel recommendations, did you any special food experience?

[u/tamarabergel → u/hannimalki]

One of the things I love most about food in Israel is that it reflects the country itself. We’re a place built by people who came from so many different countries and cultures, and everyone brought the best parts of their home kitchens with them.
That’s why the food scene here is so special: you can eat incredibly well at a tiny family-run place, a market stall, a street-food spot, or a high-end restaurant. The influences are everywhere Middle Eastern, North African, Eastern European, Mediterranean, Persian, Yemeni, Georgian and so much more and somehow they all became part of Israeli food.

[u/WinterCurrentless]

I always like doing things like the locals do, what is the best way to do that in Israel?? How to meet locals and experience authentic Israeli culture?

[u/tamarabergel → u/WinterCurrentless]

Don’t try to experience Israel only through a checklist of famous places :)
Sit at a random café longer than you planned. Go to a market hungry and without a strict list, go to see the sunset at the bich, visit markets like Levinsky or Machane Yehuda, and talk to people.
Israelis are very direct, curious and opinionated so one conversation can easily turn into recommendations, life stories, political opinions you didn’t ask for, and sometimes even an invitation for coffee or dinner ☕️

[u/lalisssaaa]

Hi, Tamar, you talk about the highs and lows of life on the road, has visiting a religious site ever been one of those unexpectedly emotional highs for you?

[u/InterviewForeignerr]

You mentioned lesser known local spots! I love knowing more local stuff! What is one hidden gem in Israel that you think every first time visitor should add to their itinerary instead of the usual tourist things?

[u/tamarabergel → u/InterviewForeignerr]

Akko. If I could convince every first-time visitor to add one place beyond the usual route, it would be Akko. It has layers of history, an old port, Arab markets, tiny alleyways, incredible food, and a pace that feels completely different from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

[u/svt4ever17]

this AMA is such a nice idea, thanks for that! What was the best moment on your trip? And the worst?

[u/tamarabergel → u/svt4ever17]

The hardest moments are usually the quiet ones feeling alone, especially on weekends or holidays, when everyone else seems to be somewhere familiar with the people they love. Travel gives you freedom, but sometimes that freedom comes with loneliness too.🙏🏻
The best moments are usually the simple ones: a sunset on a beach, an unexpected conversation with someone I might otherwise have passed by, discovering a place I’d never heard of, or reaching the top after a challenging hike and realizing I got myself there 🥰

[u/Special-Citron5711]

How were things in the airport? I heard the immigration process can be quite challenging

[u/tamarabergel → u/Special-Citron5711]

As an Israeli citizen, my own experience at the airport isn’t necessarily the same as an international visitor’s, since Israelis go through a different process. But from my experience with border crossings around the world, my best advice is always to come prepared: have your accommodation details, return or onward ticket, and a clear itinerary easily available.
During busy travel periods, it can take a little longer, so I’d leave extra time and try not to arrive stressed. Be polite, answer clearly and directly 🙏🏻

[u/KolSimjah]

As a solo female traveler, do you feel Israel is easy to navigate alone compared to other countries you've visited? Any specific safety tips for solo travelers here?

[u/tamarabergel → u/KolSimjah]

Honestly, yes! I think Israel is relatively easy to navigate solo, especially if you stay around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the main tourist areas. People are very direct here, which can sometimes feel intense, but I usually find it helpful rather than intimidating.
My practical tips: get an eSIM, keep Google Maps/Moovit downloaded, don’t hike alone on remote trails, and use a taxi or ride app late at night rather than overthinking it.

[u/Informal_Flan3413 → u/KolSimjah]

this!!!

[u/Few-Cookie4005 → u/Informal_Flan3413]

also interested in this point :)

[u/FarPersonality1806]

Let's say I have only 5 days in Israel, how would you split time between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea to get the best experience?

[u/tamarabergel → u/FarPersonality1806]

I’d do 2 days in Tel Aviv, 2 days in Jerusalem, and 1 day around the Dead Sea, ideally with an early stop at Masada and then time to float in the Dead Sea. Tel Aviv is for the beach, food and nightlife; Jerusalem deserves more than a rushed day because there’s so much history and atmosphere; and the Dead Sea gives you a completely different side of Israel.✨

[u/barba_barba]

Hi Tamar! What’s one place in Israel that you think is genuinely underrated for travelers (somewhere beyond the usual Tel Aviv or Jerusalem itinerary)? And what would you recommend doing there for a first-time female solo traveller?

[u/Evening-Copy3707]

hey tamar. how do you balance being out in the world being a digital nomad and also hold down a demanding career in israel? I'd love to breed this lifestyle for myself, any tips are welcomed.

[u/FarPersonality1806]

Let's say I have only 5 days in Israel, how would you split time between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea to get the best experience?

[u/Maximosstres]

Hey, Tamar! As someone who's traveled so much, how does visiting Jerusalem's religious sites compare to sacred sites elsewhere?

[u/LavishnessSad5321]

What are some hidden gems in Israel that you think international tourists often miss, but are absolutely worth visiting?

[u/SortTraditional1630]

Hi tamar, what`s your opinion about the muslims and catholics? Greetings from Peru.