So you have decided to take the family and visit Israel – the Holy Land. Although tourist numbers are at record levels and Israel is a tiny country (smaller than New Jersey), there is no doubt that there will still be plenty of room and hospitality for you and yours.
If you have not previously visited the Holy Land, undoubtedly you have already done your research as to the best places to visit in Israel.
Whether you want to base yourself in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and take day trips to the north and south of the country, or you want to actually travel to the north and south and make a base from there to tour around each area.
The decision will likely be a matter of personal preference and budget, but there are plenty of suitable options either way in Israel. The country may be small but it sure has a lot going for it.
And because it is such a compact country, you can do and see so much in a relatively short amount of time.
If you have previously visited Israel, you’ll already have some idea of what awaits you. However, despite its ancient history; Israel is far from being a fossil! It is always evolving and no doubt you will find new attractions to enchant you.
Options for accommodation are numerous. From backpacker hostels to five star hotels and everything in between, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
Staying in Jerusalem
If the main goal of your trip is to see the many holy sites in Israel, staying in Jerusalem may be the best choice. By placing yourself in the city, you’ll be able to visit the most historic sites early on each day, before tourists arrive to crowd the areas.
The city itself has many must-see holy sites, including the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock, and is also just a short drive away from Jericho, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea.
If you want to stay around the centre of the country, the two obvious choices are to stay in Tel Aviv or in Herzliya.
Both cities are based on the beach, have extensive shopping and fine dining facilities, and are well serviced by public transport should you not want to hire a car yet still be able to get around easily.
Staying in Herzliya
Herzliya Pituach is amongst the most exclusive and pricey area in Israel. With vast, expansive beaches and just a 15-minute drive from Tel Aviv, Herzliya is more laid-back and cultured than the frenetic Tel Aviv.
It has a diverse, multicultural population, with many embassies being based in Herzliya and many ambassadors choosing to make it their home.
Staying in Tel Aviv
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, finding a hotel or luxury apartment in Tel Aviv is the way to go. Tel Aviv is right up there with any of the major capitals of the world for nightlife, art, culture and a young vibe.
One of the most popular places to visit in Israel, the city is pulsating at 200 beats per second twenty-four hours a day – and all this on the shores of the beautiful Mediterranean.
Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem whichever, whatever, however, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the historic and vibrant country of Israel. Add on an Istanbul vacation and a visit to Egypt, and you’ll have a trip to remember for a lifetime.
What a wonderful trip that would be !!