Israel
While Israel claims to be a world class destination with various cultural attractions, Israel does not appear to offer anything more than other middle eastern countries. It is overpriced especially considering how cheap Egypt and Jordan are in comparison.
- Location: Middle East
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Climate: Mainly hot and dry.
- Currency: Shekel (₪)
- Language: Hebrew (also Arabic and English spoken)
- Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle- east/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories
May 5, 2007 @ 3:43 am
Catherine said,
My husband and I visited Israel and really loved the place. We hired a taxi driver for 4days very cheaply, he took us where and when we wanted to go. He even took us to meet his family and found us very cheap a hotel room at the Jerusalem Tower. The food was good and wholesome and he even showed us places we would not have visited on a tour bus. It is one of the most memorable holidays we have ever had, and yes we are planning to go there again soon.
July 4, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
Shaloom said,
ya sure i agree with u it’s the best place especially when u know it’s real name is Palastain not Israel and when u know that it’s a captured country its original citizens were kicked out frm their houses, lands , farms, even schools… it’s a real shampful fact supported by tourests.. : ‘(
April 27, 2008 @ 9:05 am
Ruth Ray said,
Hey Shaloom-you can’t even spell Palestine, so it’s no surprise you don’t know the history of the country. If you can read well enough, why don’t you look it up online-all about the original citizens
April 27, 2008 @ 9:18 am
Sandra said,
It’s perfectly understandable that someone may know how to speak English and not know how to spell it if they did not learn English in an official school setting. It is a plus when people speak more than one language and honestly when you are traveling abroad speaking is more important than spelling.
May 25, 2008 @ 10:35 am
Uzitiger said,
Israel belongs to the Jewish people and Shaloom’s trying to politicize a tourist area is a cheap shot. He can;t even give the land an original name but one stolen from the Romans. I love traveling in Israel and seeing biblical history in every step I take in the Jewish land and if one is savvy then traveling in Israel is not so expensive. Naturally if you go to the big name hotels and restaurants it will cost a lot but you can travel and enjoy Israel inexpensively.
August 18, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Reen said,
i travelled to israel. and it was the bst country ever. scenery beatiful. everything was amazing. no reason why it should be in the worst destinations AT ALL
August 18, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Morten Sortodden said,
People in Israel are very unfriendly. It’s only the palestinian you can talk to. It’s terrible to see under which circumstances they are living, because of the occupant.
September 29, 2008 @ 11:10 am
My Name is Mud said,
My first tour to Israel was fantastic. Frankly out of all my world travels, the tour to Israel with Insight Tours was the best. Everything was wonderful.
My next tour to Israel was a year later over the Christmas & New Year holidays with General Tours (a company I have traveled with many times). The airline lost my luggage, which happens but the local tour company was of little assistance in ensuring the suitcases caught up with the itinerary. My luggage was playing catch-me for over half of the tour. The local company should have known our itinerary and which hotel I was at, but they could have cared less. Our tour guide smoked every step of the way no matter how many times we implored him to not smoke around us (not to mention it is a violation of the contract with General Tours). Our tour guide did not follow the itinerary but took us to military sites (he had been in the military) that were staked with ‘caution land mine’ signs. Christmas we were told there were no churches so we couldn’t attend church. I asked the Sheraton Tiberas concierge if there were any churches around and he quickly helped locate a church for a Christmas service. He said the tour guide had lied to us. Our tour guide made up strange stories and lies about historical facts. How do we know? He joked about it to other tour guides while in our presence! Talk about humiliating. While at the area that is the center of Jewish Mysticism he refused to answer questions and made nasty jokes about members of our tour group. I asked about Jewish Mysticism and he told me to ask Madonna. Apparently the pop singer Madonna has traveled there to study. He also screwed up our transfer to Petra, Jordan. My child and I spent half a day detained by the Jordanian military because the tour guide had directed the driver to take us to the wrong border crossing (where we couldn’t purchase entrance visas). After we returned from our ‘adventure’ in Jordan (I must say, however, the Jordanian military and local tour company were top rate), I received an e-mail from the company I scheduled the tour with. It was a “welcome home, take a minute and tell us about your trip”. I responded with an e-mail outlining the above. Within 36 hours the US tour company e-mailed the stateside company headquarters who e-mailed the local Israel Tour company (Gordon Tours—avoid at all costs). The night before flying home we were packing to leave and some manic nuisance of a man claiming to be President of Gordon Tours in Tel Aviv called me at the King David Hotel and harrassed me for complaining. Apparently there was fallout over my e-mail. What made it even worse was Gordon Tour company blasted me for not being happy and relaying our experience. You would think they would be concerned about an unhappy customer, the guy launched into a tirade yelling at me and pitching a fit. I hung up. Spent over $10,000 on our tour to Israel and that’s what I got. They even stalked us down the last evening in country to belittle and harrass. Blech.
If this were my only travel experience to Israel I would caution everyone to stay away. But the problem was a bad tour company (Gordon Tours).
September 29, 2008 @ 11:25 am
My Name Is Mud said,
Wanted to add that the Israeli and Palestinians both politicize the region. It’s personally appalling after Eastern European Jews being corralled in ghettos, that Israeli Jews would build their wall. It is starving the Palestinians, who gross annual earnings are 1/10th of the Israeli. I’ve heard every argument pro and con about the wall and still look at the Israeli’s wall with disgust. Anyone thinks a wall is a solution doesn’t know much about history. I had expected better.
Everything is politicized. There is a strange mindset I have not experienced elsewhere. The wall is a tangible object of what I sensed throughout my travels. Only in Israel have I been lobbied for US government assistance and money. Even the King David Hotel staff wanted to discuss US Politics and the upcoming 2008 election. I’m a freaking tourist! I don’t want a debate or to be drawn into their petty range wars.
November 21, 2008 @ 5:57 am
Amr said,
i am palestenian, im from jerusalem and my english is very good + OUR COUNTRY DOES NOT BELONG TO THE JEWISH!
انا فلسطبني من القدس
بلادنا ليست لليهود!؟
January 23, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Manuel said,
During my one and only visit to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (In 1968) I came across what I would have never expected anywhere. One afternoon, feeling tired from extensive travel and time changes, I decided to take a nap. Later on, after I had awakened and showered, a young Israeli room maid of about 35 knocked on my door and asked if there was anything she could do. She then looked at my bed, where I’d been minutes before, and angrily inquired: “Did you have to go to sleep in the afternoon and mess things up? Who do you think we are? Servants?” I did not reply to her anger, for I felt that I’d probably lose…
Two days later, as I was leaving, an elderly room keeper, stopped me prior to my entering the elevator and asked whether I was leaving without giving her a tip. When I paid no attention to her inquiry, she moved her hands disdainfully and said something in Hebrew which I did not understand. Ironic as it may seem, I had already left something in the room - a dollar for each of the nights I had slept there.
In my career, I visited 65 countries. Except for a frighteneing cab ride in Teheran and a driver who wanted a tip in advance prior to getting me to the airport if I didn’t wish to be left in the middle off nowhere in a dark night, I had never experienced similar behavior anywhere…
January 26, 2009 @ 3:58 am
kimo said,
The trip to Israel was one of the worst experiences ever, they linked everything to politics even the historical events the tour guide changed it to reflect their view,the people are not friendly and they are racist as they were dealing with me very badly cause I am black , I asked the traveling agency to arrange 1 day visit to Saint Catherin monastery in Egypt (it is a driving distance) they insist that it will take 2 days when I agreed they replay that I have to get a visa to Egypt while I went to Egypt before with out visa.
February 14, 2009 @ 11:23 am
Livin' in This Century said,
Manuel: I can see that your experience 41 years ago was seared into your memory. Don’t you think it’s time to let it go, or at least put it in perspective? Come on, Dude — I know you can do this.
August 25, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Madeleine said,
To Shaloom and Amr: No one can re-write history. Jews have been a presence in Israel since Abraham. get with it!! read the Bible. Further more do something positive for your people- stop the hate and violence!!
you never dared say a word under Jordan before 1967- Because Hussein took good care of the Palestinians in Black September!! REMEMBER??
Stop the hate and violence and copy what Israel has done for their People after the Holocaust!!! Learn something positive! Look what the Patah and Hamas how they are killing each other!! What is wrong with you People! We Jews celebrate Life: LEHAYIM and you celebrate DEATH!! Oh yes with 72 Virgins!!!
September 21, 2009 @ 4:18 am
Norman Bates said,
Israel is the most horrible country in the Middle East. There are stinking hassidic jews everywhere (they never bathe) and everyone trys to rip you off in typical jewish manner. It is a totally money orientated society, so your hotel will rip you off, you taxi will rip you off, everyone will rip you off. The airport is a nightmare and I was interrogated because I had an Arab country stamp in my passport. The whole state is supported by rich USA jews and you can tell. I have recently changed my opinion and support Iran’s quest for a nuclear bomb. Avoid Israel for a holiday; stick to Egypt, at least they are friendly and don’t treat the British people like scum (which is what Israeli jew do). It doesn’t surprise me now, that Germans developed a deep-seated dislike of the jews.
October 7, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
The Pig said,
Mr. Bates you are not worthy of a response due to your abhorent anti-semitic views.
April 28, 2010 @ 10:30 am
Alan said,
I think Israel is a really great place to travel too. I have been to Israel 6 times & each time you learn something. Israel is not just another middle east destination. I have personally travelled to many cities across the middle east, but nothing beats her. Go give it a try.
May 30, 2010 @ 4:29 am
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June 9, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
John Smith said,
Absolutely horrible, disgusting and illegitimate place - Aviod At All Costs!
I’ve been to the Palestinian occupied territories several times and to experience what Israel does to ethnically cleanse and commit genocide to have an exclusive, (extremely racist) solely-Jewish States is disgusting. Especially since Palestinians have live there for over 2.5 thousand years!
Israel itself is a horrible place for a holiday. Extremely political, US flags everywhere, unfriendly and arrogant masses (a greater proportion of neo-conservatives than any nation) and very expensive too!
I would like to see more people go to experience the plight of the Palestinians at the hands of this land-grabbing entity, but I urge you not to go and spend foreign money sponsoring apartheid.
Peace.
September 23, 2010 @ 8:46 am
Norman Bates said,
TO: John Smith
I agree. Israel is a complete shithole. America’s 51st state and full of filthy money grabbing dishonest jews. No wonder Hitler developed a deep dislike of these greasy specimens. The sooner Iran develops its nuclear bomb the better. Tel Aviv watch out, the big one is coming and it will be justice indeed for the way you have treated your arab neighbours in Palestine and Lebanon.
October 5, 2010 @ 10:32 am
Rachel said,
You can drink the water anywhere in Israel. Are you sure you want to do that in Egypt or Jordan? What a bunch of hateful people on this site.
November 18, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
Magda said,
Some people like Smith, Norman, Manuel, Mud and others Have a huge imagination and clearly they hate Jews, I wonder why? It is SO SAD that they use this forum to make up stories and spread hate. If you really have been in Israel and know the place and their people it does not match anything about what these people say. I just came from Israel and what the Israelis had done to this country is amazing! In spite of all the attacks against this democratic country the size of New Jersey, has transformed a dry dessert to arid lands, a place that is so high in technology and exports it to the world. Her medical advances, research and development contributes not only the country but the world. I visit Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem and sadly saw the amount of children having dialysis mostly Arabs. (Due to their high percent of intermarriage their kids have kidney problems). About tourism, Israel is the center for many religions and it is so beautiful and a spiritual place to visit the holy sites. Very clean, the food is delicious. The shopping from the Christian, Arabs and Jews vendors in the shook is a great experience. The food market is so much fun! The prices are not so cheap but you don’t have to buy everything you see. There are many tour groups and it has hotels have been packed lately. Regarding the security walls, they were built to stop terrorists to cross and blow themselves together with people like you and me. There are no walls in Jericho and other Palestinian towns only in the areas that need more control. Israel is a safe place to visit. Please don’t spread misinformation.
November 28, 2010 @ 11:07 pm
Quixzotek said,
You want a real holiday, outside the mainstream destinations go to Eastern Europe and experience real culture, delicious food, historically interesting sites, kind and friendly people who aren’t political and throw pity parties at every turn. I recommend Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia and Romania.
I CERTAINLY WOULD AVOID ISRAEL AND NOT WASTE ONE DOLLAR THERE. The people are self-serving, cruel and very rude. It is a politized police state and it’s an embarrassment to the world. The fact that the U.S. supports this sham of a country and their practices is beyond description. Israel is overpriced, not well run and quite frankly, outside of the few biblical places to visit, boring. Go to Tel Aviv and see the brothels, supposively illegal, at every corner. The police are on the take and often frequent these mafia run places where young naive Eastern European women are tricked into coming under the guise that they will be au pairs or work as a hostess.
Be aware of this place, as outsider, i.e. all gentiles, arabs, etc. are not welcomed. The irony of this in historical context is beyond explanation. The hypocrisy that floats around this place is laughable if it wasn’t so disgusting. This militarized and politicized police state is not the place to relax, grow and learn. The only thing you will learn is the lies we are told about this so-called democrasy!
December 25, 2010 @ 6:15 am
Femke said,
I traveled to Israel last year and had a very good time! The people were friendly, not different than other Mediterranean people. So I honestly can’t relate to the awful things written on this site. Jews, Arabs, they all live together in Israel as Israeli’s. We especially liked Tel Aviv; reminded us of Barcelona with a little bit of a New York twist. Good food, beautiful people and lots of fun. Jerusalem is a must-see. One of the most cultural places I have ever been to. Magical. The desert, the Dead Sea are also interesting. The nature and the wheather also very nice!
January 12, 2011 @ 4:56 am
Sharona said,
Israel is absolutely the best and most fabulous destination ever! The cities are getting top rankings in international tourism magazines and publications. No other country in the whole world comes close to what Israel has to offer. As for you hate-filled Palis if you stopped hating and started building you could be involved too. Your sour grapes are showing. 2010 was Israel’s biggest year EVER for tourism and 2011 looks even better. As for Norman Bates comments he obviously escaped from Alfred Hitchcock’s Bates Motel. Didn’t he own it along with his years-dead mother?
January 26, 2011 @ 7:26 pm
travel airline cheap said,
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Israel - one of the worst holiday destinations! certainly hits the nail on the head.
April 14, 2011 @ 3:43 pm
ADRIENNE said,
I wholesaled Israel for 10 years. During that time, I also lived among the Palestinians; especially during the first Intafada. They are some of the most gentle people in the world. Their children, like ours, want a better life, but some are not interested in staying in school and getting a higher education. The bullys in the states are no different and if their culture allowed, would also hurl rocks and bottles. These children are looking for their place in the “sun.”
The Palestinians worked in hotels and other responsible positions and their jobs were stolen by the Russians who didn’t stay long in Israel, and then the next Intafada took place. Not all the Russians who immigrated were Jews. They falsified papers to leave Russia. The Palestinians never return to the place of honor or trust and it became all out rebellion which has not stopped. Arafrat was a corrupt individual and his family stole the money of the Palestinians and now living in the lap of luxury.
Israel is the most fabulous destination imaginable. Gaza is the devils sore on the Palestinian people. Israel has endureed the horrors of a disfunctional few. Israel will succeed once again in creating peace for all who live under their territories.
June 16, 2011 @ 5:03 am
Usha said,
Israel is a beauiful Country for travel. couple of my friends shared their experience. I would love to visit Israel with my family. especially to see the places where Jesus Christ was born, baptised & Crucified.
August 29, 2011 @ 3:00 am
Identity Travel Israel said,
Israel is a wonderful destination to learn about the origin of your faith, culture and contemporary politics. It leans more towards Europe in tour prices than to other middle eastern countries but that is do to the higher standard of service, food, accommodation and transportation.
Having said that, where else did Jesus walk? where else was the Holy Temple erected? Where else can you find the lowest place on earth?
Comparing any destination to Israel and ignoring the heritage, diversity and uniqueness of the land and its people is a useless exercise.
Eran
Identity Travel Israel
August 29, 2011 @ 3:03 am
Christian Travel Israel said,
Eran is right. Israel is the fountain of the Christian Faith. Jesus Walked through here, sailed the sea of Galilee, preyed, died and was resurrected in Jerusalem. Seeing Jewish people abiding to the same traditions as Jesus did in his time is a wonderful experience, seeing the very pebbles on which he walked is unmatched any where else.
Finding the right tour operator is the most important thing
James
Christian-tour.com
August 29, 2011 @ 3:24 am
Geoff said,
The State of Israel was destroyed by the Romans and the Jewish people were dispersed. Any people exiled from its own land is entitled to return - no matter how long ago the exile took place. There has never been a sovereign Palestinian state. The Arabs living on the land in 1948 would have continued to live there had the Arab world not rejected the UN Resolution setting up the State of Israel and then attacked the country.
January 16, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
traveller said,
Isreal will be the best place to travel if your remove all the jews from there.
January 28, 2012 @ 4:09 pm
Anjolina said,
Israel is a beautiful country to visit and comments from anti semites on this site are so immature and angrily said, one wonders if these people have so many other issues with their lives that they feel that venting here is just a fun sport. Where else in the world can you get such diversity of culture. Religious Hassidics in Jerusalem, great beaches to swim at in Tel Aviv, magnificent gardens ( the Bahai Gardens in Haifa), a chance to float in the Dead Sea, underwater tunnel caves to explore and great nightlife too. Israel is something to everyone, it may be expensive but try going to Venice or Paris or New York or Sydney and it compares to a holiday in one of the major great countries of the world. You need to be well off to travel these days, unless you can travel and be resourceful. To the person who went to Israel and complained about leaving a tip, well there are poor people everywhere in the world who feel that an extra dollar or two makes a DIFFERENCE to their day. How many beggars are there in in India. To Norman Bates and Smith, didn’t your mothers ever tell you that if you cant say anything nice, then dont say anything at all. Perhaps you two should try and come back to Israel during one of the festivals, and enjoy the beautiful spirituality that Israel and her people have. Take a tour and enjoy the sights and most of all try and see the good in things in life, you will be amazed at how you will be happier in yourselves.
Anjolina from London.