By Michael Marcus
Israel has something for everyone--skiing on Mount Hermon and a coral reef at Eilat; Jewish history at the Wall and at Masada, and early Christian churches in the Galilee; Crusader, Ottoman, and British structures piled on top of each other in Acco; tourist hotels and
resorts in Tel Aviv, and modern development towns where people just live and work. With so much to choose from, to see and to do, planning the perfect trip can be a challenge. Here are some tips to make it easier.
Choose the Right Time of Year
The first thing you need to do is decide exactly when you want to visit Israel. Accommodations in the country are most crowded during the major Jewish holiday seasons: Passover in the spring and Rosh Hashanah in early autumn.
The weather will also be factor in the decision. Israeli winters are mild but can be very rainy. The summers are just plain hot, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the Huleh and Jordan Valleys and the Negev Desert. All of this needs to be taken in to account.
Rent a Cell Phone
Israelis are among the most plugged-in people on Earth. Sometimes it seems that everyone in the country has a cell phone; even 10-year-old kids get "pelephones," to keep in touch with Mom and Dad.
All of this means that cell service is both extensive and high quality. Tourists can take advantage of Israel's high-tech geekiness and rent a cell phone. Companies such as Israel Phones or Cellular Abroad offer good packages for cell phone rental.
Stay in Small Towns
With its huge tourist economy, Israel is full of big tourist hotels. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Teverya: All of the major cities have their share of hotels.
This however is not the way to see the country. Try looking for a smaller hotel, or even a bed and breakfast, called a "tzimmer" in Hebrew. These tzimmers are found all over the country, and they offer more personal service and lower prices than the big hotels. Tzimmers can range from romantic honeymoon getaways to furnished apartments available for short-term lease. Their greatest advantage over the big hotels is their hominess. Tzimmers are found in the smaller cities, towns and villages, and a stay in one will give you a real taste of daily life in Israel.
Hire a Guide
The best way to see Israel is with a good tour guide. Guides in Israel are licensed and regulated and build their business on their reputation. A good guide will personalize your tour and show you parts of the country away from the big tourist attractions. In addition, a guide will know how to rent a car, how to find a hotel or tzimmer and even where to find the best street falafel in Jerusalem. Whether you want to follow Jesus's footsteps in the Galilee or tour the battlefields of the Golan, a good tour guide can make it happen and make it come alive.
Resources
About the Author:
Michael Marcus is an American writer based in northern Israel, where he has been living since 2004. He has specialized in writing Web content for the last 3 years, producing a variety of informative articles, keyword articles, SEO materials, and marketing materials.
