As the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Israel is a land heavy with history. This cultural complexity is reflected in the diversity of its natural landscape, which varies from the salty serenity of the Dead Sea, to verdant national parks and parched desert plateaus.
Most visits to the Holy Land begin with a trip to the capital city of Jerusalem. Its streets bustle with activity and busy markets lie against a skyline of sacred sites. By contrast, the modern commercial centre of Tel Aviv is dedicated to more hedonistic interests, such as sun-drenched beaches, good restaurants, designer-clothing stores and sophisticated nightclubs.
Sunbathing and scuba diving draw visitors to the Red Sea port of Eilat, while relaxation and spa resorts characterise the Dead Sea experience. The Galilee area, north of Jerusalem, appeals to pilgrims and nature-lovers alike. The region's concentration of holy sites is
fascinating, particularly around the Sea of Galilee. Haifa provides a glorious, cosmopolitan base from which to explore the Galilee area, as well as the magnificent sea grottoes of Rosh Hanikra.
Israel is home to more than 200 museums, further underlining its status as one of the most culturally rich destinations on the planet. Its national parks are roundly celebrated for their beauty and accessibility. Of course, the country's chief attractions are religious, with sites of profound spiritual importance drawing pilgrims from three religions.
Key Facts
Language:
Hebrew is the official language of Israel. Arabic was an official language until 2018, when it was downgraded to having a 'special status in the state'. Most of the population also speaks English.
Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Israel must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Visitors should also hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination.
Passengers intending to proceed from Israel to Arab countries other than Egypt, Jordan or the United Arab Emirates should ensure that their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamps, since no passenger is allowed to enter other Arab countries with such passports.
Travellers may enter Jordan directly from occupied territory, but must hold a visa for Jordan (to be obtained from a representation of Jordan abroad), otherwise entry will be refused. The Jordanian authorities will not permit re-cross to occupied territory. Travellers may also enter occupied territory directly from Jordan. The Israeli authorities will permit a re-cross to Jordanian territory.
It is highly
recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
Israel's currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS), which is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from 4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
230 volts, 50Hz; European-style two-pin and round three-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Israel
Overview
As the birthplace of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, Israel is densely packed with enough religious and historical attractions and experiences to last a lifetime.
Lovers of sun, sand and sea should head to the renowned Red Sea and enjoy floating in its crystalline waters; or for a rejuvenating experience, visit one of the many Dead Sea spa resorts. Israel's popular tourist destination of Masada, located in the Judean Desert, is a must for anyone in the area.
Some of the country's most fascinating attractions include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Citadel of David. Bethlehem is worth a visit, as is Nazareth (two of the most important Christian holy sites), while Yad VaShem is a moving and interesting memorial to the Holocaust, providing a multifaceted tribute to the millions of Jews who died during World War II.
The best time of year to visit is during the spring (March, April) and
autumn months (September, October), when the weather is cooler and more tolerable for tourists. Since Israel is a small country, it's often better to drive to some places than to catch a plane. There are good public transport systems in place in the major cities. The best way to experience Israel is to hire a car and take a relaxed approach to seeing the country and exploring all the religious and historical sites it has to offer.
Climate in Israel
Temperatures and weather conditions in Israel vary widely. The northern and coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool and wet winters. The southern and eastern regions are arid. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 40F to 50F (4C to 10C), and August is the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 64F to 100F (18C to 38C).
The rainy season runs from October to early May but most of the rain falls between December and February. Israel can experience severe storms and flooding is not unusual in the wet season. The summer months often experience no rainfall at all; rainfall decreases in the south and is not evenly distributed in the country. Israel's higher elevations, including Jerusalem, do sometimes get snow in January and February.
Israel is a year-round travel destination because many of its attractions are not weather dependent, but many
travellers prefer to visit in summer, particularly if visiting the beautiful coastline. Early March is also a lovely time to visit, as the countryside comes briefly alive with greenery and flowers after the winter rain.
Health Notes when travelling to Israel
There are no special health precautions required for travel to Israel, but insect protection from August to November is recommended due to the prevalence of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A hepatitis A vaccine is sometimes recommended by doctors, as is a tetanus vaccine and an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination for those who haven't already had it.
Medical facilities in Israel are excellent but treatment can be very expensive, so it is essential that travellers take out full travel health insurance. It should be possible to get all necessary medications in the cities but it is always advised that travellers who need certain medications take them on their travels, along with the prescription and a letter from their doctor.
Safety Notes when travelling to Israel
Travellers in Israel should maintain a high level of vigilance and keep up to date with developments. The risk of terrorist attacks remains high and travellers to the region, including Jerusalem, need to exercise caution, particularly around locations specifically targeted by attacks in the past such as bars, nightclubs, markets and buses. Suicide bombers and other militants have targeted crowded public areas, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries over the years. Although foreigners have not been specific targets, many have been caught up in the attacks because they visited famous landmarks and religious sites.
All travel to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the eastern border with Syria should be avoided. Foreign nationals face an ongoing threat of kidnapping in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The frequent outbreaks of violence in these areas makes them extremely dangerous, even if tourists are not directly targeted.
Street crime is rare in Israel, though, and generally only a problem in 'bad' areas. The mugging of foreigners is unusual but pick-pocketing is not unheard of in busy market areas, so visitors should take normal precautions against this kind of crime.
Customs in Israel
Israel is a largely religious society and religious customs should be respected. Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and offenders will be arrested and fined heavily or imprisoned. Care should be taken not to photograph any military or police personnel or installations, and visitors should be discreet about taking photographs in Jewish Orthodox areas and of Jewish Orthodox people. It is advisable to carry official identification at all times, and to dress modestly.
Duty Free in Israel
Travellers to Israel do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of other types of alcoholic beverages; 250ml of eau de cologne or perfume; and gifts to the value of US$200. Prohibited items include fresh meat and fresh fruit (especially from Africa).
Doing Business in Israel
The majority of business in Israel is centred in Tel Aviv. Dress tends to be less formal than in the US and Europe, but as business people tend to wear suits for important meetings or presentations, formal attire is recommended. Women should dress more conservatively, especially in strictly religious areas.
Business cards are usually exchanged, though with little formality involved. Meetings often do not begin promptly and much time can be given to socialising. Business hours are usually from 8:30am to 5pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday mornings. Sundays are regarded as a normal business day.
Communication in Israel
The international access code for Israel is +972. The outgoing code is 00 (not from public phones) followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Israel
Tipping is expected according to the level of service, unless a service charge is added to the bill. Around 10 to 15 percent is customary.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Israel must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Visitors should also hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination.
Passengers intending to proceed from Israel to Arab countries other than Egypt, Jordan or the United Arab Emirates should ensure that their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamps, since no passenger is allowed to enter other Arab countries with such passports.
Travellers may enter Jordan directly from occupied territory, but must hold a visa for Jordan (to be obtained from a representation of Jordan abroad), otherwise entry will be refused. The Jordanian authorities will not permit re-cross to occupied territory. Travellers may also enter occupied territory directly from Jordan. The Israeli authorities will permit a re-cross to Jordanian territory.
It is highly
recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Tourist Offices
Israeli Tourist Office: http://www.goisrael.com
Israel Embassies
In the United States:
Israeli Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 364 5500.
In Canada:
Israeli Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613-567-6450.
In the United Kingdom:
Israeli Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7957 9500.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
West Bank and Gaza: Although information on disease risks in these areas is lacking, travelers to these areas should strongly consider getting a typhoid vaccine. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water. Typhoid vaccine is not necessarily recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to Israel.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
West Bank and Gaza: Although information on disease risks in these areas is lacking, travelers to these areas should strongly consider getting a typhoid vaccine. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water. Typhoid vaccine is not necessarily recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to Israel.
Note: Since 2012, MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) has been identified in multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula, including Israel, the Left Bank, and Gaza, and in travelers to the region. Please refer to the MERS in the Arabian Peninsula travel notice for more information.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Although Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Note that the US Department of State urges US citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank and strongly urges US citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html for more information.
Before you leave
Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
MERS in the Arabian PeninsulaJune 28, 2017The following countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula have confirmed MERS: Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Neighboring countries where precautions are recommended: Iraq, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, and Syria.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
Israel's currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS), which is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from 4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Exchange rate for 1 ILS - Israeli New Sheqel
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.25EUR Euro
0.27USD U.S. Dollar
0.21GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
41.15JPY Japanese Yen
0.37CAD Canadian Dollar
0.24CHF Swiss Franc
0.41AUD Australian Dollar
10.60UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
119.39KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
25,033.49LBP Lebanese Pound
1.31LYD Libyan Dinar
1.85BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
0.36SGD Singapore Dollar
2.91SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
15.63DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
4.56MXN Mexican Peso
164.21XOF West African CFA Franc
0.00PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.00FJD Fiji Dollar
0.00HNL Honduran Lempira
36.00DZD Algerian Dinar
0.00MMK Myanma Kyat
0.00BWP Botswana Pula
1.00PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
252.40CLP Chilean Peso
104.04AMD Armenia Dram
6.26CZK Czech Koruna
4.74MDL Moldova Lei
37.63ISK Icelandic Krona
3,384.17UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.19JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
10.26UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.00MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
2.93NOK Norwegian Krone
1.08PLN Polish Zloty
1.01SAR Saudi Riyal
0.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
9.89THB Thai Baht
0.99AED U.A.E Dirham
1.37BRL Brazilian Real
1.25RON Romanian New Leu
2.10HKD Hong Kong Dollar
164.21XAF Central African CFA Franc
6,833.13VND Vietnamese Dong
236.24ARS Argentine Peso
0.00XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.00GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
2.71MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.27PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.46AZN Azerbaijan Manat
1,054.32COP Colombian Peso
23.78KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
97.36HUF Hungarian Forint
2.93TJS Tajikistan Ruble
4,323.19IDR Indonesian Rupiah
12.90EGP Egyptian Pound
365.47KRW South Korean Won
2,005.51PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
1.27MYR Malaysian Ringgit
136.72CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.45NZD New Zealand Dollar
74.74PKR Pakistani Rupee
24.58RUB Russian Rouble
4.98ZAR South African Rand
0.84TND Tunisian Dinar
0.00BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.49BGN Bulgarian Lev
8.70TRY Turkish Lira
15.41PHP Philippine Peso
8.69TWD New Taiwan Dollar
313.30NGN Nigerian Naira
0.00XPF CFP Franc
0.00GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.00ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00BND Brunei Dollar
29.29RSD Serbian Dinar
1.95CNY Chinese Yuan
1.87DKK Danish Krone
0.94TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
22.44INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Israeli New Sheqel
1 USD = 3.72 ILS
Exchange Rate for Euro to Israeli New Sheqel
1 EUR = 4.00 ILS
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Israeli New Sheqel
1 CAD = 2.72 ILS
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Israeli New Sheqel
1 GBP = 4.67 ILS
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Israeli New Sheqel
1 AUD = 2.45 ILS
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Israeli New Sheqel
1 NZD = 2.23 ILS
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Israeli New Sheqel
1 ZAR = 0.20 ILS
Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV) Ben-Gurion International Airport http://www.iaa.gov.il/en/
Location: Tel Aviv The airport is situated 16 miles (26km) southeast of Tel Aviv, and 37 miles (59km) northwest of Jerusalem.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the end of March to the end of October)
Contacts: Tel: +972 3 975 5555.
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle service operates between the two terminals at 15-minute intervals.
Getting to the city: Trains are the best option for getting into Tel Aviv; they're clean, fast and cheap. Trains run from Level S of Terminal 3 to Tel Aviv Savidor Station and a trip into town takes around 20 minutes. Passengers arriving after midnight will have to wait until 3am for the first train of the day. Buses run from the nearby Airport City rather than the airport itself. Passengers can take the free Egged 5 Shuttle from the second floor of arrivals to Airport City.
Car rental: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Eldan, Hertz and Sixt have facilities at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis usually wait outside the arrivals hall. The trip into town is 16 miles (26km). There is an added fare surcharge at night, on Jewish holidays and the Sabbath.
Facilities: Airport facilities include currency exchange, ATMs, banks, a post office, luggage storage, business facilities and VIP lounges, information desks, two synagogues, medical clinics, a police station, a VAT refund desk, special-needs-assistance services, a playroom and a mother-and-child room. There are also myriad shopping and dining options.
Parking: The area directly in front of the terminals is reserved for pick-up and drop-offs only. Short-term parking is available in the parking lot in front of Terminal 3; long-term parking is available opposite Terminal 3. A shuttle bus runs from this parking lot to the terminal at 15-minute intervals.
Overview of the Attractions in Israel
As the birthplace of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, Israel is densely packed with enough religious and historical attractions and experiences to last a lifetime.
Lovers of sun, sand and sea should head to the renowned Red Sea and enjoy floating in its crystalline waters; or for a rejuvenating experience, visit one of the many Dead Sea spa resorts. Israel's popular tourist destination of Masada, located in the Judean Desert, is a must for anyone in the area.
Some of the country's most fascinating attractions include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Citadel of David. Bethlehem is worth a visit, as is Nazareth (two of the most important Christian holy sites), while Yad VaShem is a moving and interesting memorial to the Holocaust, providing a multifaceted tribute to the millions of Jews who died during World War II.
The best time of year to visit is during the spring (March, April) and
autumn months (September, October), when the weather is cooler and more tolerable for tourists. Since Israel is a small country, it's often better to drive to some places than to catch a plane. There are good public transport systems in place in the major cities. The best way to experience Israel is to hire a car and take a relaxed approach to seeing the country and exploring all the religious and historical sites it has to offer.
Masada Jerusalem
The mountaintop fortress of Masada (sometimes spelled Massada) is one of Israel's most popular and remarkable tourist attractions. Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, this site is where 967 Jewish Zealots rose against Rome in 66 AD, taking their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. King Herod built the ancient fortress they defended against Roman siege.
Visitors can still explore the ruins of ancient structures and palaces, and see the remains of the most complete Roman siege system in the world. The Roman camps, siege wall and ramp are still clearly visible. Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of profound interest for military-history buffs.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem
As the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest Christian place in Jerusalem. Emperor Constantine constructed it in 326, and its structure has suffered frequent damage over the centuries. The Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha and the three Stations of the Cross where Jesus was crucified, and the Sepulchre itself marks the place of his burial and resurrection. This incredible church is filled with treasures and should be of great historical and architectural interest regardless of one's religious beliefs. It is an absolute must for Christians. The church is home to several Christian denominations.
Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) Jerusalem
Temple Mount is tremendously important to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Located within the Old City's walled section, its glinting, golden Dome of the Rock is easily Jerusalem's most distinguishable feature. From a Jewish and Christian perspective, the large rock is said to be where Abraham offered his son Isaac up for sacrifice. Many believe that the First Temple once housed the Ark of the Covenant. Visitors should also note that the Israeli government prohibits non-Muslim prayer on the site. Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended to heaven from the same rock so, for this reason, they built the Dome over this site in the 7th century.
Western Wall (HaKotel HaMaaravi) Jerusalem
The Western Wall (Wailing Wall to non-Jews) is the most sacred Jewish prayer-site in the world. Thousands of worshippers gather year-round to pray here, and to place folded written prayers into the wall's crevices. The wall is all that remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, built by King Herod in 20 BCE. It is made up of enormous stone blocks, and endures as a tribute to the scale of workmanship in past eras. Following Orthodox Jewish practice, the praying sections have been separated for men and women. Men are required to wear a skullcap (kippah) and women must be modestly dressed.
Via Dolorosa Jerusalem
The Via Dolorosa (Road of Sorrow) is the route Jesus is said to have followed as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. There are 14 stations along the way commemorating different events, starting at Lion's Gate in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, where Jesus was convicted by Pontius Pilate, and ending at his tomb inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter. A steady stream of pilgrims remember and honour Jesus' sacrifice by walking the Way of the Cross every year.
Yad VaShem Jerusalem
The museum documents and commemorates the events of the Holocaust, and also furthers education through ongoing research into the period. In this way, it honours the millions of Jews who died during World War II. Visitors will find the largest and most comprehensive collection of Holocaust material in the world, which includes documents, photographs, films and videotaped testimonies of survivors. These can be read and viewed in the allocated rooms. Engaging with the information is a sobering, emotional experience.The Hall of Names recognises the Holocaust's six million victims, and is an inspiring tribute to them.
Website: http://www.yadvashem.org
The Israel Museum Jerusalem
The Israel Museum has achieved world-class status. Its remarkable collections include displays of archaeology from the Holy Land, a comprehensive compilation of Judaica and the ethnology of Jewish people, plus a fine-art collection encompassing Old Masters and renowned contemporary works. Many temporary exhibitions, publications, lectures and educational activities form part of the museum's cultural programme. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which date from between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, are perhaps the museum's most exciting artefacts. A young Bedouin shepherd famously discovered them in a cave in 1947.
Website: http://www.imj.org.il
Citadel or Tower of David Jerusalem
Called the Tower of David, Jerusalem's Citadel is a medieval fortress with architectural elements from later periods. Its tallest tower, the Phasael, is the best place to appreciate its magnificent view of the city. The Citadel contains the excellent Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which displays 4,000 years' worth of the city's past in its rooms and courtyards. Free tours of The Citadel and museum are conducted in Hebrew on Tuesdays at 10:30am, and in English every day except Friday and Saturday at 11am. The 'light and sound' show held almost nightly is also a delightful way to learn about the history of Jerusalem.
Bethlehem Jerusalem
Bethlehem is just six miles (10km) south of Jerusalem, and is a major tourist attraction for pilgrims and visitors alike. Reputed to be the birthplace of Jesus, the town is charming despite its tourist-centred commercialism. The Church of the Nativity is the focal point for visitors, and is erected over the site of Jesus' birthplace. Bethlehem is also a wonderful place to see a variety of monasteries that represent different Christian denominations. Christmas is celebrated on three separate dates in accordance with the Catholic Church calendar, the Eastern calendar followed by the Armenians, and the Julian calendar followed by the Greek Orthodox and Eastern churches.
Website: http://www.bethlehem-city.org
The Dead Sea Jerusalem
The Dead Sea and its immediate environment have many natural wonders. Wellness travellers are most interested in the high salt and mineral concentration found in its waters, which, besides enabling visitors to float effortlessly on the surface, give the region's black mud tremendous therapeutic properties. As the water is wonderfully warm, swimming is possible all year round. The Dead Sea region also boasts some fascinating archaeological sites, with traces of Persian, Greek, Roman and other civilisations remaining. Notable historical locations include the notorious biblical city of Sodom.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art Tel Aviv
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art has hosted the country's leading exhibition of modern art since its inception in 1932. It also has one of the best collections of Israeli art in the world. Art lovers will enjoy the museum's permanent collection of European and American art, which features prominent Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by Chagall, Dali, Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Monet, among others. Regarding the scope of its inventory, the museum showcases many mediums, including paint, sculpture, print, photography, film, design and architecture.
Website: http://www.tamuseum.org.il/en/
Eretz Israel Museum (The Land of Israel Museum) Tel Aviv
The Eretz Israel Museum's unique layout and character make it more like a park than a standalone establishment. It is clustered around the ancient mound of the Tel Kasile, where ongoing archaeological excavations are in progress. The museum consists of various pavilions, each displaying different cultural artefacts and collections. Visitors can purchase a map to help them navigate through this fascinating campus, which covers 3,000 years of history, culture and art relating to Israel. The permanent exhibits include displays on ethnography and folklore, ceramics, copper, coins, crafts, agriculture, domestic life, and many aspects of social and political history.
Website: http://www.eretzmuseum.org.il
Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Beit Hatfutsot) Tel Aviv
The museum conveys the Jewish people's story, beginning with their expulsion from Israel at Roman hands, and leading to their return. Multi-storey displays and exhibitions show a diverse range of Jewish communities, and the common cultural and religious links that have bound them. Visitors can engage with murals, reconstructions, dioramas, audio-visual displays, documentary films and interactive multimedia, and the Jewish Music Centre has thousands of recordings of Jewish music. Visitors will find traditional fare, music of communities that didn't survive the Holocaust, as well as works by Jewish composers.
Website: http://www.bh.org.il
Jaffa Tel Aviv
The historical port city of Jaffa is within walking distance of Tel Aviv. Its inhabitants have included notable biblical figures, and its name is said to come from Japhet, who was Noah's son. Archaeological finds show that Jaffa existed as a port city thousands of years ago, serving both Egyptian and Phoenician sailors on their sea voyages. The Ottoman Clock Tower is a prominent landmark and meeting point, and marks the Old Town's entrance, but the area's main draw is its ancient and magical atmosphere.
Hamat Tiberias National Park Galilee
The 17 springs of Hamat Tiberias have been used since antiquity to cure various ailments. In fact, the springs were so renowned for their healing properties and the relief they provided for various maladies that people were permitted to bath in them without censure on the Sabbath.
The pools and various spa facilities and treatments are still the greatest draw for visitors, but there are some cultural attractions as well. Built between 337 and 286 BC, the Hamat Tiberias synagogue contains the oldest surviving mosaic floor in Israel. The central mosaic is a beautifully preserved design representing a large zodiac. The Hammam Suleiman Museum is also located in the park and is situated right at the entrance.
Beit She'an National Park Galilee
Beit She'an was established in the 5th century BC. Its hilltop location made the settlement strategically valuable, meaning that many over the centuries sought to conquer it. It was the seat of Egyptian rule before falling to the King of Assyria, and was later resettled as a Hellenistic city during Alexander the Great's time.
A period of conquests followed until the Romans returned the city to its former residents. Beit She'an's face changed markedly after Christianity was declared the Roman Empire's official religion in the 4th century AD. Today, this thriving city lies around the remains of an ancient centre. The Byzantine bathhouse, Roman theatre and the Roman amphitheatre used for gladiatorial battles are among its most notable ruins.
Gan Hashlosha National Park (Sahne) Galilee
The Amal River's warm waters flow through the Gan Hashlosha National Park and can be enjoyed year round, with temperatures in the region averaging around 82F (28C). Park visitors can relax in its warm pools and rejuvenate in the natural Jacuzzi underneath an invigorating waterfall.
This is a wonderful place to spend the day swimming and exploring walking trails with the family. Lifeguards are on duty, and visitors will find changing-room and shower facilities, a kid's playground and plenty of tables and shaded areas for picnics. There is also a restaurant for those who don't want to bring their own picnic.
Scuba Diving
Israel is one of the scuba-diving world's better-kept secrets and a fantastic destination for amateur and veteran divers, as well as snorkelers. Many consider the Red Sea to be among the premier underwater realms on the planet, with its gorgeous coral reefs, rich marine life and excellent visibility. Some of the area's best dive sites are located off Eilat, where popular options include the Satil Wreck (suitable for all levels of experience), the Yatush Wreck (for experienced divers), Eel Garden, the Caves, and the Coral Beach Reserve.
Caesarea Galilee
Herod the Great established the ancient port city of Caesarea 2,000 years ago as a tribute to the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Before this, it was known as Straton's Tower after its founder Straton, who may have ruled Sidon in the 4th century BC. Caesarea is conveniently located between Haifa and Tel Aviv and is a popular excursion for visitors. Its rich archaeological heritage includes the remains of a Roman aqueduct and theatre, as well as houses and palaces. The Roman theatre is used as a concert venue for big Israeli and international stars and is a special place to catch a show.
Nazareth Galilee
Nazareth is one of the most important Christian holy sites, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Jesus spent most of his life in the area and, today, the city has both Muslim and Christian residents. Visitors can expect a quaint mix of red roofs and white churches to greet them from the Galilean hillside, the summit of which offers a glorious view of the Jezreel Valley. The area is also home to some significant religious places. Visitors should stop at the Church of the Annunciation, where the upper sanctuary's walls depict scenes from the life of Mary. Catholic communities from around the world donated the work.
Outdoor Adventures in Galilee Galilee
Galilee is renowned for its natural beauty and ancient biblical sites, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the region's many fun activities, which include camping, cycling, hiking, horse-riding, kayaking, 4x4 tours and river-rafting. Seasoned rafters and kayakers will find the area's white-water scene tame, though amateurs can look forward to some amazing river trips through the area's beautiful scenery. A few operators in eastern and upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights offer tours through the rugged and breath-taking landscapes. There are many different routes, covering various religious and historical sites as well as the region's natural features.
Eilat Tel Aviv
Eilat is a popular holiday resort located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, where temperatures seldom drop below a wonderfully warm 70F (21C). Many travellers visit Eilat to enjoy fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities in the Red Sea: one of the world's most magnificent marine preserves. Brightly coloured coral fish, moray eels and even manta rays can be seen, while landlubbers will enjoy lazing on the beautiful beach and splashing in the shallows. Swimming with bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment is one of the resort's more popular activities.
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park Tel Aviv
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park lies just south of Eilat and is conveniently close to Tel Aviv. Visitors can view a fantastic range marine life in its gigantic, seawater aquarium. Animals such as eels, sharks, turtles and stingrays are part of the population, while the rare-fish aquarium is home to some exquisite (and poisonous) species. The Red Sea is renowned for its colourful reefs and rich marine life, and the Marine Park's unique Underwater Observatories allow visitors to really immerse themselves in this underwater world. Visitors can also look forward to daily feedings, with shark feedings typically drawing the most attention.
Hezekiah's Tunnel Jerusalem
Hezekiah's Tunnel is an absolute must-see for those who like to combine their sightseeing with a real sense of discovery and adventure. The tunnel is about 2,700 years old and was built by King Hezekiah in preparation for an invasion by the Assyrians. His plan was to shut down springs based outside the city, and redirect water through a tunnel under the city walls. In this way, he looked to protect Jerusalem's precious water supply and outlast the invaders.
Carmel Market Tel Aviv
The Carmel Market (Shuk Ha'Carmel) will enthral all visitors to Tel Aviv with its bustling atmosphere and fine selection of goods and produce. It's located on the 'trendy side' of town (just off Allenby Street), and is essentially a long alley, jam-packed with shoppers and vendors loudly advertising their wares. Although shoppers can buy almost anything at the Carmel Market and usually at better prices than elsewhere in the city, the real attraction is its mouth-watering array of fresh produce. Visitors can shop for the freshest fruit and vegetables, cheeses and baked goods, while soaking up the typically Middle Eastern market atmosphere.
Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) Jerusalem
The Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) is a fascinating geological site in Israel's Negev Desert. Located about 53 miles (85km) south of Be'er Sheva, it owes its form to millions of years of erosion and weathering following the ocean's withdrawal, rather than a meteor impact. These days, the vast crater is housed within Ramon National Park: one of Israel's most popular ecotourism destinations. Shaped like an elongated heart, the crater is a magnificent sight and a powerful reminder of the region's incredible age. A variety of indigenous plants and animals populate the area, including the Nubian ibex, striped hyena, Arabian leopard and Dorcas gazelle.
Beaches Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is blessed with almost year-round sunny weather and warm sea temperatures. Its coastline is divided into about ten beaches, all of which have their own appeal. Hilton Beach is best for swimming, while Gordon Beach is popular with tourists and has some good bars and cafes. Backpackers and bohemian types tend to enjoy Drum Beach (where there are frequent evening drumming sessions), and gay travellers will feel especially at home at Atzmaut Beach. Hilton Beach South has some terrific waves for surfers; Givat Aliya Beach's calm waters, shallow ocean pool and children's playground make it a great stop for kids.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a rapidly expanding list of airlines are canceling flights to Israel as the nation prepares for an anticipated assault from Iran. Air service to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Lebanon, is also being put on hold, as airlines respond to the
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is repeating its warnings for American citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon over increasing security threats, as the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel on Lebanon’s southern border intensifies. In a security alert posted Thursday, the U.S. Embassy
Summer 2024 is nearly here, and you know what that means: Vacation time! As Americans across the nation plan getaways to all parts of the globe, travelers need to keep in mind that certain areas of the world are safer than others — after all, with two wars raging in Israel and Ukraine, the world at large
Following Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel late Saturday night, several airlines are canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv, as well as rerouting planes scheduled to fly over the Middle East. Over the weekend, much of the airspace over and surrounding the
Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past. On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel. She was the country's first woman prime minister. David Ben-Gurion called her "the only man in the Cabinet".
Meir was one of twenty-four individuals who signed the Israeli declaration of independence on May 14, 1948. The very next day
United Airlines on Thursday announced it will resume flights between the U.S. and Israel in March. “United plans to resume a daily flight from New York/Newark to Tel Aviv, the first step in restoring vital passenger and cargo service that was suspended in October,” United said in a press release
United Airlines (UA) has announced its plans to recommence daily scheduled services from Newark Liberty (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) starting on March 2. This is the airline's first step in restoring its passenger and cargo services that were suspended in October last year
The Lufthansa Group will be among the first carriers to return to Israel, with fights resuming on Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels and Eurowings airlines beginning January 8, 2024, the company announced on Friday
A unit of cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is making changes to its 2024 itineraries, canceling stops in Israel due to the Israel-Hamas war, according to an email sent to travel agents seen by Reuters
The US State Department issued a global alert recently due to surging tensions in the Middle East and other areas, triggered by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict
MSC Cruises has cancelled the full winter program of the MSC Orchestra that was planned in the Red Sea from November through April because of the proximity of some of ship’s ports of call to Israel and the number of restrictions in the bordering countries that would have adversely affected
Israelis who are trying to come to the United States are now able to apply to travel without a visa. The Department of Homeland Security started taking visa waiver applications from Israeli citizens a month earlier than previously planned
Across Israel and the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, hotels have emptied and at least six companies have stopped trips to top destinations like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the conflict escalates
Israel's military has warned 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate their homes, amid signs Israel is set to ramp up its retaliatory offensive against Hamas following the group's October 7 terror attacks
Governments and airlines scrambled to lay on flights to evacuate thousands of tourists from Israel and repatriate the country's citizens, as the industry faced a warning over insurance cover amid escalating violence in the wake of weekend attacks
Several international airlines have suspended flight services with Tel Aviv after the surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel over the weekend, impacting hundreds of flights
The Biden administration is admitting Israel into a select group of countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to the United States without getting a visa in advance. The decision announced Wednesday comes despite Washington’s concerns about the Israeli
The newly-opened Theatron Hotel, directly opposite the Jerusalem Theater in Israel’s capital, would seem a perfect opportunity to create a fun, themed property. A billowy stage curtain as you enter, a tight spotlight on the dessert station in the dining hall and the front desk staff
I was on a family trip to Israel a few years ago and as soon as we landed, it was obvious something was wrong. I’d flown over from New York with my parents and we were supposed to be meeting some cousins from London, who’d arrived hours earlier to Tel Aviv. But my
A United Airlines flight from New Jersey to Tel Aviv, Israel, turned around just hours into its trip because of an unruly traveler over the weekend. United Flight 90 diverted back to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday soon after taking off "due to a disruptive
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past. On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister
Three Israeli hotels have won 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. The guide is the self-described “global authority on luxury hospitality,” and rates and reviews hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships. The travel guide was born in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide and
A couple abandoned their baby at an airport check-in desk in Tel Aviv, Israel after arriving without a ticket for the child. The pair, who have not been identified, were checking in for a Ryanair flight from Ben Gurion International Airport to Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday with the infant. It emerged
As Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Jerusalem, the State Department has announced Israeli tourists may qualify for visa-free travel to the U.S., but only if Israel stops discriminating against Arab Americans. Israelis were rejected for U.S. visas last year at a low rate. But before
Prior to the pandemic, there was only one local Israeli cruise line sailing from Haifa Port in Israel, making the country less accessible to cruisers and harder for locals to cruise since major cruise lines didn’t operate from Haifa. After the pandemic, Haifa Port has seen a major
With an abundance of natural beauty, the Mediterranean coastline, and a bounty of cultural riches, Israel offers an exciting bucket list of things to explore in a country that lives and breathes history. Israel is a land of contrasts from meaningful holy sites and the bustling city of Tel Aviv to deep
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past. On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel. She was the country's first woman
A United Airlines flight heading to Israel was forced to turn around mid-flight after a pair of passengers tried to upgrade themselves to empty business class seats.
Wheel the World, a travel booking platform known for making global travel more accessible, recently launched nine itineraries, including a women-only tour of Morocco and a seniors trip to Israel
Try out activities like zip-lining, beer tours, equine therapy, eco-camping, water activities, exploring fjords, harvest and foraging foods in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, UAE, and more
There are hundreds of biblical sites in Israel - some have been identified with certainty by archaeologists while others require an act of faith. To what extent can we use the Tanakh, and its stories of David and Goliath, Samson et al, as a reliable tour guide
Among many of the network movements American Airlines made in 2021, the carrier’s return to Israel was one of the special ones. With two routes in operation and a third planned to launch this year
The Israeli government has confirmed the cancellation of its list of high-infection ‘red’ countries, including the UK. As per the recommendation set out by the Israeli health ministry director-general, Nachman Ash
Reports that the United States was on a list of countries that could soon be labeled “red” likely caused high blood pressure among many American-Israelis
Israel and Morocco are closing their borders to outsiders as they bunker down to ride out the latest COVID-19 threat. Israel closed its borders to non-citizens for two weeks at midnight Sunday. Morocco is suspending all incoming flights on Monday
From a Japanese art island to a creative colony among ancient olive groves in Israel, these are the global art towns, big and small, we'd happily visit
After more than a year of being cooped up at home, many Americans are itching to hop on a plane and resume travel abroad. For many, Israel — the Holy Land, the place where Jesus walked, gave sermons and performed many miracles — is at the
Israel will allow small foreign tour groups from selected countries to visit from September 19 under a pilot program to kick-start tourism, the government said on Sunday
Royal Caribbean has canceled a series of cruises that were set to depart from Israel this summer. The company's mammoth Odyssey of the Seas ship was supposed to set sail from
The U.S. State Department eased travel warnings for the United Kingdom and Israel just weeks after raising both countries to its highest travel advisory classification
The UK and Israel are poised to announce a travel corridor that is likely to open on May 23, with fully-vaccinated Israel expected to be on the green list
For more than two decades, Birthright Israel has brought young Jewish adults for an in-depth educational tour into their ancestors' homeland. But, like the rest of the world, the program had to shutter its doors in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic
March 18, 2021 - Keene, New Hampshire - Responding both to the resumption in booking activity and an increased interest in travel to Egypt and beyond, Alexander + Roberts announces a new 19-day journey, Grand Capitals of the Middle East with an inaugural departure in October, 2021.
The 74-year-old company has operated in the region since the 1960's and knows it well. Company president, Scott Avera, points out that since 'growth had occurred in all five destinations featured in this epic journey over the past several years, we decided to craft a program that comfortably combines them all. The new Abraham Accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates clinched the deal when a new non-stop between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi was
Royal Caribbean will set sail out of Israel for the first time this spring, and every passenger and crew member will be vaccinated. Starting in May, with three to seven-night journeys to the Greek Isles and Cyprus on its new Odyssey of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's newest ship "Odyssey of the Seas" is set to debut in May with departures from Israel with all passengers and crew over the age of 16 vaccinated. "In conjunction with Israel’s health and tourism authorities, Royal Caribbean will be the first to offer fully vaccinated sailings
After criticism, chaos and protests, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein announced Tuesday that Israelis returning from abroad will no longer have to quarantine in specially designated hotels, bringing the selectively enforced policy to an end. The government had announced the controversial measure last week following the spread of coronavirus variants in Britain and South Africa
The moment travel restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic are lifted, Peleg Cohen knows exactly where he is headed. The Israeli-born travel blogger, photographer and humanitarian, 37, says he has been on the road since his early 20s, visiting 150 countries and chronicling it all for his travel blog, Lonely Peleg.
On this day in 1970, Anwar El Sadat became the third President of Egypt. He was installed in office and served until October 6, 1981 when he was assassinated. He succeeded Gamal Abdel Nasser and modernized Egypt's role in the western world. Multi-party elections were instituted and he made definitive steps to secure a peace with Israel, a cause that was very unpopular in the Arab league.
Israir became the first Israeli airline to announce the first direct route to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the two countries reached a historic agreement last month to normalise relations
Authorities in Abu Dhabi sent a memo Tuesday instructing all hotels in the city to offer Kosher food and beverage options, anticipating a surge in Israeli and Jewish travelers following the landmark peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
As airline plan their return to normal, they must find innovative ways to support each traveler's needs. Israeli company DAG Wireless enters the picture with low-latency 5G wireless solution that changes the way we connect 30,000 feet in the air...
Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Croatia. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Soon, travelers in each of these trios may be able to travel freely within their partner countries—salvaging some part of the summer travel season for Europe and the Mediterranean's less-affected countries. The partnerships, called "travel bubbles" and "corona corridors" by some, are popping up
In 2007, Michael Paley went to Cairo to visit his daughter, Naamah, a junior at the University of Michigan who was spending a semester in Egypt studying Arabic. He had a work trip in Israel scheduled for a few weeks later, so he asked one of the trip administrators to book him a ticket directly from Cairo to Tel Aviv. It’s a 50-minute flight on a clear day. “I wasn’t nervous before about it,” he says, recalling
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week announced tighter restrictions on travel, including a “strictly” enforced lockdown during Passover, amid the coronavirus outbreak. The temporary lockdown is the strictest measure Israel has put in place to battle the pandemic. “Every family will have the Passover seder on its own. Celebrate only with the immediate family members who are now with
The Trump administration issued an advisory on Monday urging Americans to avoid traveling in areas of Israel and Palestinian-held territories including Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. An advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Israel did not provide a specific reason for the travel advisory, linking it only to heightened tensions in the Middle East. "Out of an abundance of caution
There are a lot of important historic and cultural reasons to visit Acre, one of the easternmost spots on the Mediterranean. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, with more than 5,300 years of existence and imprints from the greatest empires in history. Romans, Islamists, Moors, Crusaders, Ottomans, you name it: They were all here. So were Marco Polo and Napoleon. Now it’s a city with
Moonachie, NJ – (September 26, 2019) – Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are experiencing an uptick in travelers this month with an incentive travel group of nearly 5,000 passengers, the largest ever incentive group to visit Israel. Orchestrated by Central Holidays, the group is having a huge effect on boosting inbound travel
Jerusalem's Old City is many things: sacred to three major faiths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- and now, wheelchair accessible. After a decade of work that involved multiple private and public organizations in Israel, the city unveiled a comprehensive effort to make the Old City's narrow alleyways and steep inclines more friendly to visitors and locals with
Tech money is changing a city loved for its location amid the great outdoors but its cool offbeat feel – and famous beer and coffee scenes – remain. Division Street divides Portland in half, and a portion of the eastern section in the Richmond neighbourhood is buzzing with great affordable eateries including Aviv, a plant-based Israeli restaurant (savoury boureka
Moonachie, NJ – (March 6, 2019) – Central Holidays has unveiled its 2019 Africa and West Asia brochure featuring travel programs packed with exclusive experiences to destinations throughout Africa and West Asia, including travel to Eastern and Southern Africa, Israel
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past. On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel. She was the country's first woman
Rumors flew in 2015 that W Hotels was bringing an outpost to Israel’s 24/7 beachfront metropolis. It seemed indicative of the feeling here—the cool hipster wave washing through Tel Aviv’s galleries, innovative restaurants, and buzzing nightlife, the neighborhood of Jaffa in the thick of it. Now, finally, the doors of the 120-room hotel are open—not as a W, but as part of the
Israel said Tuesday it would slap high taxes on vacation rental company Airbnb and encourage legal steps against the site over its decision to ban listings from West Bank settlements. The threats of sanctions ramp up Israel’s fight against a global movement advocating for boycotts over the country’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Boycott, Divestment
Fattal Group, Israel’s biggest hotel chain, has apparently given up the battle against Airbnb and decided to join it. The move, which was first reported by Yediot Aharonot daily, quickly elicited an angry reaction from many in the hotel industry.
quint and it could be Tuscany, vineyards unspooling beneath sun-dappled limestone formations topped by pines. One difference: the area was making wine way before that Italian upstart. “At one point we believe it was the region’s main industry,” says Yitzhaki. “The Romans loved the local wine and exported it across their empire. It was the
They report that the Middle East and North Africa is surging in popularity, and have added five new itineraries because of the increased demand. Turkey and Egypt saw the largest number of bookings (up by 197% and 150% respectively). Jordan (146%) and Israel (101%) have also seen
A newlywed Israeli couple on their honeymoon collided while zip-lining in Honduras, leaving the husband dead and the wife seriously injured, Honduran authorities said. The wife was zip-lining amid the treetops in Roatan, the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands, when she got stuck shortly before 1:30 p.m. Thursday (July 5), Wilmer Guerrero, commander of the Roatan Fire
Israeli airline El Al said it would "immediately" remove any person from a flight who won't sit next to another passenger following outrage after four ultra-Orthodox men refused to take their assigned seats because they were next to women. An incident last Friday at Kennedy Airport on El Al's New York-Tel Aviv flight prompted one of Israel's
One of Israel’s largest tech firms has announced a boycott of national airline El Al after it once again moved female customers away from ultra-Orthodox Jewish men despite a court ruling against the practice. Barak Eilam, CEO of Ra’anana-based software company NICE Systems, said his company would not fly with the Israeli flag-carrier until it changed its “practice and actions
Central Holidays today unveiled its new “Top Ten Destinations” brochure, featuring vacations exclusively offered by the travel brand to its most highly requested destinations and guaranteed departures on the company’s most popular signature Italy and Israel Escorted Tours. Known for its specialized destination expertise and affordable-luxury line-up of diverse travel programs, Central Holidays is making it easy for agents to find the best program for their clients via this novel publication that showcases the top destinations and programs that travelers are booking this year.
Lavender paints a field purple in Provence, France. The apex of the Dome of the Rock shrine glints gold in Jerusalem, Israel. The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, jut into a boundless blue sky. Color makes us stop short in our journeys, compelling us to linger, gawk, and—long after we’ve returned home—remember a destination.
Not so very long ago terminally bland chain hotels were the mainstay of lodging in Israel—indeed, a certain generation of travelers can remember when they were practically the only choice in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv - October 31, 2017: Michael Federmann, Chairman of the Dan Hotels' Board of Directors, announced today the board's unanimous decision to appoint Ronen Nissenbaum as the next President and CEO of the Dan Hotels, effective January 1, 2018.
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past. On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel. She was the country's first woman prime minister. David Ben-Gurion called her "the only man in the Cabinet".
Although seated between Syria, Israel, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Jordan is an oasis of peace in a noisy neighbourhood. It’s not only safe and easy to enter (with a visa on arrival), but it has a quirky array of activities found nowhere elsewhere in the Middle East
Jerusalem has been declared out of bounds by the British Foreign Office (FCO) due to tension in the wake of Donald Trump’s decision to recognise the divided city as the Israeli capital
Kuwait Airways is not obliged to transport Israeli passengers, a German court has ruled. The verdict - delivered over a case in which the airline cancelled a passenger's ticket - has led to accusations of anti-Semitism
The line aims to start cruising in the Aegean as early as February and cruise through to November, possibly adding winter-sun destinations such as Cyprus and Israel
There are many reasons to visit Israel. Depending on your interests, you might go for the key religious sites dotted across Jerusalem. And, of course, the chance to fire a high-powered weapon, take part in a staged terror “incident”, and train in mixed martial arts with Israeli combat veterans
El Al, the national carrier of Israel, has been named Heathrow’s dirtiest and noisiest airline. The west London airport named and shamed those airlines that are failing to meet targets in seven categories
Packing to cover a nine-day presidential trip with stops in four countries — Saudi Arabia, Israel, Belgium and Italy — is a bit more complicated than packing for your typical family vacation. So what are White House correspondents Peter Baker, Mark Landler and I taking with us when we accompany President Trump on his first official foreign trip?
It wasn’t your average cruise. The ship’s first officer, walking very briskly, showed us to the small, dorm-like room we had been assigned. It had one single bed and a couch that had been made up into a second bed. There was also a desk, a small armoire and a very tight bathroom – all very clean but very modest. We had just boarded a Grimaldi cargo ship to spend five days sailing from Ashdod in Israel to Salerno. Jamie, my boyfriend, looked at me and smiled. We both knew this had been his idea. The trip was a fulfillment of Jamie’s dream and his love of massive industrial things. I was promised that I would have fun, too, but we both knew that my idea of fun involves circulating canapés
Tel Aviv is practically synonymous with the beach. But a new hotel is giving tourists an opportunity to experience that famous beach in a whole new way. One of the city's famous lifeguard stands, normally a tan color that blends in with the sand, has been repainted with Israel-inspired graffiti from local street artist Edgar Rafael and converted into a pop-up three-room hotel
At a time in our history when women are closer to the United States presidency than ever before, it is worthwhile noting great female heads of state from the past
Inside a single-room stone house in the village of Hurfeish, high in the mountains of northern Israel, about 40 women filled wooden benches, plastic chairs and modern leather couches. All were dressed in black or navy blue, wearing dresses or long skirts and blouses, with transparent white veils draped over their heads. Their hands were busy with sewing needles, making white lace or colourful embroidery
An El Al flight from New York that was escorted by military jets in Europe following a bomb threat has landed safely in Israel. El Al President David Maimon says Flight 002 from John F. Kennedy airport touched down on midday Tuesday. The airline previously said an anonymous tip was received regarding a potential bomb threat. France and Switzerland deployed military jets as escorts
One of the joys of flying economy and finding cheap flights is the often overlooked but never wasted "layover." I recently took advantage of that on a flight to Israel that left me and my daughter with a nine hour layover in Rome
Expert advice on booking Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean cruises, with tips on itineraries, ports including Athens, Israel, Crete and Istanbul and excursions
In a challenge to boycotts of Israel, the U.S. government has found that Kuwait Airways unlawfully discriminated against a passenger traveling on an Israeli passport by refusing to sell him a ticket for a New York to London flight
The Norman is a Tel Aviv hotel offering elegant interiors, an atmospheric outdoor restaurant, stylish rooms and a rooftop infinity pool, near Carmel Market and Rothschild Boulevard
