The traveler will discover thousands of years of history, diving and surfing opportunities and delicious Middle Eastern food in Israel. According to countryaah, Israel is a country with a long and colorful past. As far as the country is concerned, it is worth bearing in mind that Israel is a land of contrasts. The tourist will find modern cities in the country, but also ancient history.
Holy Land
The first group trips from Finland to Israel were made in 1954. Israel has always been a popular tourist destination, not least because the country has holy places of three religions. Both Jews, Christians, and Muslims have their own relationship to the land. Jerusalem in particular is a controversial city where everyone would like to own a piece.
As a result of decades of conflict, Israel’s reputation as an insecure country has been highlighted. Israel is a relatively safe country for tourists, but when traveling, it is always worth following travel bulletins and news. It is good to take into account the tensions by the time of arrival, but they often do not harm the foreign tourist.
The traveler avoids difficulties by refraining from speaking politics and treating local cultures with respect.
The Mount of Olives offers a view of Jerusalem.
A country full of history
Israel is an excellent cultural travel destination and especially those interested in history and religions will find something to see and experience in the country. The beaches of the Red Sea have been popular with divers for decades and are well suited for a beach holiday. Modern Tel Aviv is also a great beach and surfing destination, as well as opportunities to experience the local nightlife.
The most well-known destinations in Israel are Tel Aviv, the capital of the country, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea on the country’s eastern border. Red Sea dive sites such as Eilat are also popular.
Foreign countries have not officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, although Israel considers Jerusalem to be its capital. The state of Israel was established on a Palestinian-inhabited country in 1948, which led to conflicts with the Palestinians in the region. Finland has not recognized Palestine as a state, unlike Sweden, for example.
The climate varies in different parts of the country
The climate off the coast of Israel is Mediterranean. Summers are hot and winters are wetter and cooler. In winter, it is good to note, for example, that when it rains in Israel, it rains heavily in the country. In Jerusalem, for example, rains often mean floods, so it’s a good idea to follow the country’s weather reports.
Inland and in the mountains, summers are hot, but in winter it can even snow. The southern parts, on the other hand, have a typical hot and dry climate in the desert, which is also felt on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Israel is a suitable destination all year round, but especially in the summer it can be very hot. The best travel times are autumn and spring.
Note the contradictions
In most cases in Israel short for IL by abbreviationfinder, the usual precaution is sufficient. It is safe to travel alone in most parts of the country, but traveling in conflict areas should be avoided. According to the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all travel in Gaza must be avoided. Jerusalem and the West Bank must also be treated with caution.
Because of religions, for example, in the Old City of Jerusalem and other religious areas, dress should be restrained. The Israeli authorities accept same-sex registered partnerships, and in Tel Aviv, for example, attitudes are very liberal. However, it is worth remembering that extremist religious circles still do not accept homosexuality.
You should be prepared for occasional security checks, and you should always keep your passport with you. When returning to the airport security check, you should also set aside a little more time, especially if you are traveling with a group.
The price level in Israel is almost the same as in Finland. The country gets along well with English.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN ISRAEL
Modern Tel Aviv is the opposite of ancient Jerusalem.
By plane to Tel Aviv or Eilat
From Finland, there are two airports in Israel: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport and Ovda Airport near Eilat.
Scheduled flights are operated by Norway and Finnair, of which Norwegian operates direct flights to Tel Aviv once a week and Finnair to both Tel Aviv twice a week and Eilat once a week during the winter season. At best, direct flights can be obtained for less than 150 euros.
There are also direct leisure flights from Finland to Israel and you can fly via several European cities with a stopover. Travel agencies also arrange package tours to Israel, especially to Bible destinations and Eilat. Package tours to Tel Aviv are also available. Package tours are offered by Finnair Holidays and Aurinkomatkat, among others.
Lots of accommodation options
There is a lot of multi-level accommodation in Israel. Tourists usually stay in hotels or hostels, but alternatives can also be found in inns for campsites and Bedouin tents in the desert. The price level varies, but is often slightly cheaper than in Finland.
However, during the peak periods of tourism, you should be prepared for the fact that Beds in Jerusalem may be scarce. Jerusalem’s most popular travel time is October, when there are a lot of tourists and limited accommodation because tall buildings like Tel Aviv cannot be built in Jerusalem.
The easiest way to get around is the public
Getting around Israel is easiest by public transportation, which is also inexpensive. Israel is a small country, so distances are usually short. Israel has a well-functioning train and bus network, but it is also possible to rent your own car.
A taxi is a good means of transportation in cities, but it is more expensive than public transport. In beach resorts and cities, especially Tel Aviv, you can rent a bike.
