Israel- a rather unspoilt holiday destination offering something for everyone. (Holiday Resorts in Israel)

Member Name: karlsm93

Product:	Holiday Resorts in Israel
Date:	07/09/09 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great destinations and sites

Disadvantages: None

You may not think that Israel has much to offer itself in terms of a holiday destination, but it may actually surprise you in terms of what you can see and do.

Israel is first of all a very very small country, and a lot of the main sites are actually located only a few hours from each other, with the exception of Eilat at the southern most tip of the country.

Depending on your interest in religious sites, there is a wealth of interesting places to stay at or simply explore. Here are just a few:

a) Jerusalem - whether you have any religious affiliation of not, Jerusalem has a special quality about it. The main old city is divided up into four main quarters - the armenian quarter, the arab (muslim) quarter, the christian quarter and the jewish quarter. This mix, although it has been known to be volatile on occasions, is extremely interesting to witness. To get to some of the main sites in the old city, you will probably end up walking through nearly all 4 quarters at some point. In some cases you are more aware when you enter into a new quarter than at other times. It is a place that is steeped in history, with most of the major religions in the world, fighting it out. You have the muslim call to prayer resounding from the speakers, as you watch the Jews head to the wailing wall, and many Christian pilgrims walking along the Via Dolorosa. It is a fascinating mix of religions and cultures, and this alone makes Jerusalem a central place to visit. Obviously if you are interested in visiting the Christian religious sites, you can fill at least an entire day in jerusalem, if not more. Pick up a wonderful colourful map from the tourist information that points out all the sites. We did not stay in Jerusalem, but there are plenty of wonderful lodgings to be found.

b) The Dead Sea - the experience of lying back and floating is something that you will never experience elsewhere in the world. We found Mineral Beach to be a nice spot to take a little dip in the sea. However there are many hotel resorts situated on the edge of the dead sea, which you can enjoy, and many of which offer luxurious spa treatments, for those that like to be pampered. Indeed you could probably spend a good chunk of your holiday at one of these resorts, as you will be sure of the sunshine and the heat, and you will be provided with luxuriouis surroundings and treatment. Even the non swimmer can enjoy lying back in the dead sea, without the fear of sinking.

3) Tel aviv - this is probably one of the most westernised cities in Israel, and there is a sense of rebellion in the city against the Jewish culture and rules, with many locals wishing to associate themselves with the west rather than their jewish history. We noted that a new restaurant that had opened in Tel Aviv that serves bacon, was packed to the hilt with people - a sort of rebellion against their culture almost. Again though you will see a great mix of people, as you watch the orthodox jews head to the mediterranean beachfronts on their specifically allocated days for males and females, but alongside this you will see others walking around in their bikini's unhindered by the other cultures around them. If you are looking for a beach holiday, then head to Tel Aviv. For the most part the beach fronts are relatively quiet during the week, but when Friday and Saturday hit, they become swamped with people enjoying their weekend. The warm waters of the mediterranean are a welcome change from the cold atlantic sea. Hire a sun lounger and relax on the beach, and book a beach front hotel.

There are many other interesting places to visit in Israel such as Caesarea - the old Roman city, the Galilee region and Golan Heights or even head south towards Eilat.

All in all, Israel is a country that should not be ruled out as a holiday destination. If you are careful, there is really no reason to be worried for your safety. In fact, theft and petty crime seem to be at a low rate. We felt perfectly safe walking at night. As long as you don't wander into some regions in the West Bank, and stay far from Gaza, you should have no difficulties.

Driving again is not as terrible as some may make out. It has been compared to driving in Italy, so if you have experienced the joys of that, israel will not be a problem. Obviously if you avoid rush hour in the likes of Tel Aviv, and avoid driving into the old city of Jerusalem, parking outside the walls, you will have little problem. In fact, driving around the shores of the Galilee is in fact rather relaxing. Yes, there are those who drive like maniacs, but you often see that at home. Drive defensively, stick to the middle lane, and you will be fine.

In terms of expense, I do not feel that Israel is any worse than the Uk. Acommodation ranges from budget to expensive, but you should be able to find a middle of the road hotel in most places. Eating out is as expensive as the Uk, but if you stock up on your snacks, and take up some of the lunch offers in the petrol stations at the sides of the road, you will keep you costs to a minimum.

In terms of dress, the main places to be aware of are in Jerusalem. I always carried a scarf, that I could either cover my shoulders with or my head when necessary, although as long as you dreee modestly there will be little problem. Dressing in low cut tops is asking for trouble and encouring the wrong sort of company. Men too need to be aware that some places with turn them away if they have shorts, but if you get a good guidebook, it wil tell you the places that this may happen in. It does however depend on the time and day you visit some of these sights. I was never asked to cover my head at the wailing wall, yet I have heard of others being asked to do so. We were turned away from another site for not having a long sleeve top, yet I know form speaking to others that they visited the same sight on a different occasion when short sleeves were not a problem. It is best just to be prepared. Tel Aviv is a world away, and you really can wear what you like.

A great country and well worth considering as a holiday destination.

Summary: Well worht considering as a holdiay destination