BDI International Magazine - March/April Issue

Travel in Israel
Stephen Smith | Travel & Leisure
The climate of the Mediterranean
and its proximity to densely
populated countries within
Europe have made the nations
bordering the Sea extremely popular for
tourism. Spain, Italy, and Greece come
to mind immediately, and increasingly
Turkey, but there is a jewel at the
eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea
that can be overlooked. Israel not only
offers excellent value for those wanting
a coastal-based holiday, but it also has
a history as rich as any. Its significance
to three of the world’s major religions
cannot be underestimated, and
travelers interested in history and
culture will find much to see and do.
Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is the
main airport for international travel,
although there is a smaller airport
in the south serving Eilat. Israel has
been conscious of the importance of
security and the safety of visitors for
many decades. As a result, its national
carrier, El Al has proven to be extremely
thorough in ensuring its flights pose
no risk whatever. Traveling within the
country itself poses no safety issues
either.
Israel is a relatively small country, over
half of which is desert, yet it actually
exports fresh produce such as tomatoes,
an indicator of its advanced agricultural
technology. Its Mediterranean coastline
stretches 170 miles with sophisticated
cities like Tel Aviv, offering a vibrant
nightlife, top quality hotels, and fine
cuisine. Those keen on scuba diving
will find few better places than the coral
reefs in the Red Sea just offshore from
Eilat on its southern edge. Yet the seas
are just a small part of the story of Israel.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually
and mid-winter temperatures rarely
much below 20ºC, Israel is an all-year
round destination and a great escape
from winters further north and west. It
offers excellent value, both in flight costs
to get there but also in how far tourist
money stretches while exploring its
many attractions.
Jerusalem
This iconic city is sacred to Jews,
Christians, and Muslims. It is difficult
to imagine a satisfactory solution to the
political argument over the City, but
the United States of America has now
recognized it as Israel’s capital whereas
other countries still regard Tel Aviv as
capital. Visitors to Jerusalem can enjoy
a number of landmarks: the Dome of
the Rock, the Western Wall, al-Aqsa
Mosque, and the Church of the Holy
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