So here are the ESSENTIAL travel apps we feel you really should have on your device when you start thinking about that trip to Israel – and the best thing is, they’re all FREE!

1. XE Currency

OK, first things first, do you have enough money when converting it over to Israeli shekels (Warning: Israel is a lot more expensive than you might think…)? The XE Currency app will convert to and from almost all currencies and will be a big help when trying to work out if the taxi driver has just conned you out of your hard-earned cash… XE Currency is available for all the main platforms, including iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android.

2. Hipmunk

If you need to check flights and the most efficient way of getting to Israel, the Hipmunk app is a great little addition to your smartphone. There’s even a nice graphical way of working out the most hassle-free way to fly, in regards to stopovers (it also integrates nicely with your phone’s calendar). Don’t even bother with the (er, crappy) hotel search option – use Trip Advisor’s app for that (see below). Hipmunk is available for iPad, iPhone, and Android.

3. Trip Advisor

It’s no accident these guys are one of the very best for independent travel reviews. The Trip Advisor app is a great tool for searching for restaurants and hotels in Israel, and we’d highly recommend it for its extensive coverage of options, especially based on some of the weak rival apps we checked out. Not everybody loves Trip Advisor, but this is a wonderful resource for a whole bunch of things to keep you fed and happy. Trip Advisor is available for iPad, iPhone, iPod, Nokia, Windows and Android.

4. Lingopal OR Google Translate

One of the first things you’ll come across on a trip to Israel is…Hebrew. We’ve got two options for you: Lingopal (you have to be 17+), or the old standard Google Translate. Both are great, although Lingopal will also teach those of you who need it how to flirt in Hebrew (and upgrade to get even more fruity, plus access to more languages). Great apps if you want to learn some of the local lingo. Both are available on the App Store and for Android.

5. Instagram

Taking pics on any vacation is, of course, a must. Taking pics on a trip to the Holy Land is an ABSOLUTE MUST! Instagram has become our favorite tool for taking pics and has fast become one of the most popular apps around. We love those filters, so come and find us – just search for igoogledisrael, we’ve already clocked up over 500 pics! Facebook may have recently purchased them, but Instagram looks like it’s here to stay… Instagram is available for the iPhone and Android.

6. Wi-Fi Finder OR Skype Wi-Fi

Finding some Internet-juice is often a tricky task, with most options we’ve ever come across when traveling demanding payment of some sort. But use either Wi-Fi Finder or Skype Wi-fi to locate those wi-fi spots, whether paid or free. It might be a good idea to use both if you’re in real need, just so you double your chances of finding a spot – and use your Skype Credits to pay for your online juice with the Skype Wi-Fi app. Both are available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

7. VISITLV

There weren’t too many Israeli apps that impressed us, but the VISITLV app was definitely one we’d add to this list. It had a pretty comprehensive list of things to see and do and some decent info for users too. It’s officially part of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality’s tourism push, and does a pretty good job, especially with the call and map options to each place and info on the free tours you can take. VISITLV is available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android.

8. Waze

If you’re going to be driving around in Israel, this Israeli-created app is a MUST. Waze is a community-based driving app, meaning other drivers out there have posted updates, including police traps (which have saved my bacon on a number of occasions) and reports of heavy traffic. It’s a great navigational tool, with a useful GPS engine that will help you out if you don’t know where you’re heading in Israel. Waze is available for iPhone and Android, as well as Windows and Symbian devices.

9. Old City Walking Tours

Let’s face it, the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the places you’re more than likely going to squeeze in to a visit to Israel. And what better way to enjoy the twists and turns of the Old City than with the Old City Walking Tours app. You have to download each tour before you begin, but they only take a few seconds to get up and running. And they provide you with pretty much all the info needed for a great little tour! Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and Android devices.

10. Skype

Making free / very cheap calls (and don’t forget the video and messaging options) back home is what it’s all about, right? So we’d suggest getting the Skype app installed and jumping on a wi-fi network. We’ve not always experienced the best quality when calling internationally, so if you’re calling others with an iPhone, definitely try Viber, another FREE option but only available for iPhones (download it from the App Store – and make sure the person you’re calling also has it!). Skype is available for the iPad, iPhone, and Android.

And another couple of apps that were almost in the running (and if you know of any other must-have apps, please let us know!)…

Get Taxi – If you plan to catch taxis in Israel, the Get Taxi app is a great little app to have. You have to sign up using your mobile number, via which you’ll get sent an SMS with a code which will enable you to use the system, but it does look like a great option to  have if you’re unsure how to grab a taxi in the Holy Land. Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

telobike – If you fancy taking advantage of the bicycle rental system in Tel Aviv, install telobike, which gives you live updates on the status of bike stations around the city (but is mostly in Hebrew only). Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

One aspect of tourism that has shown a noticeable change over these years is the shifting preference for spending the holiday in a city apartment as opposed to a hotel. Not that the hotels are complaining as they still command high prices for restricted sea frontage. There undoubtedly remain some tourists that prefer the hotel holiday lifestyle and will not relinquish this pleasure. Others have realized that their money can go further and explore the alternatives available to them.

As a case study, let’s look at the bustling and ever popular Tel Aviv vacation rental scene. Beautiful long beaches, bars and cafes stretching the length of the sand. Seasoned Tel Aviv visitors have realized that there is much more to the city than just being a ‘beach town’.

In order to maximize their ‘authentic’ Tel Aviv experience they need to live more like a local. This means renting a ‘short-term’ apartment somewhere within the hustle bustle of the city. As well as being significantly more cost effective, there are other benefits that an apartment has over a hotel room. Families prefer having a kitchen to feed children at home, a private balcony or garden means they can enjoy the sunshine without having to go down to the public hotel pool area.

The rise in popularity for apartments can be seen by the increase in the number of companies offering short-term apartment rentals. Tel Aviv based company ‘Stay at my Place!’ offered this insight into the growing trend: ‘Israel tourists today are much more street savvy than they once were. They know that the cost of coming here and eating out and shopping is not cheap so if they can save some money on their accommodation they will.’

It is equally as easy to book an apartment today online from anywhere in the world as it is a hotel. Websites are in English and have a list of apartment options with locations throughout the country. Some companies act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for travelers in Israel wanting to stay in different cities. By visiting www.stayatmyplace.co.il, a tourist could book a trip all the way from Eilat to Netanya, stopping off in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on the way.

Cara Katz of ‘Stay at my Place!’ thinks that the Israeli tourist is inherently different to your typical tourist: ‘They come here because they feel at home. Forget the beaches and tourist sites for a second, they are Jewish and for 2 weeks of the year want to feel like they are in their ‘religious homeland’. A home has to feel homely which an apartment offers much more than a hotel. This trend is only going to keep growing as more people keep coming back again and again.’

354,000 tourists visited Israel during the month, which was 19% up on last year, and 12% up on the previous highest ever April, back in 2010. In addition, the number of tourists that stayed more than one night – some 296,000 – smashed the previous record April month of 2010 by some 11%.

The total number of visitors who have now visited Israel in the first third of the year has passed one million, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. This is 6% up on last year, and 4% up on the previous record year, 2010.

Those first 4 months numbers also include an increase in those arriving by air, with some 793,000 entries (3% up on the same period last year) and around 140,000 tourists crossed into Israel by land, 8% up on last year.

If you’re not already here or on your way, what are you waiting for???

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to see in Israel on Google Street View, the places and sites we feel will give you a real taste of what Israel is all about. The list is a little different to our guide to the best things to see and do in Israel, because currently Google Street View is only available in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa.

And if this little lot don’t convince you to go buy that ticket, nothing will!

*** Depending on your Internet connection, the views below might take a few seconds to load.

The Western “Wailing” Wall (HaKotel)

The legendary Western “Wailing” Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem is a must-see and one of those sites that will stay in the memory banks forever…read more about the Western Wall here.

Tel Aviv beach front

Check out those amazing sandy beaches of Tel Aviv (to your left)!

Baha’i Gardens, Haifa

The Baha’i Gardens are one of northern Israel’s treasures, and highly recommended. You can’t actually access them in Google Street View, but you can get a glimpse of them and the surrounding area.

View of the Old City from the Mount of Olives

This is one of the most amazing views of the Old City and Dome of the Rock you can experience…

HaYarkon Park, Tel Aviv

HaYarkon Park is an amazing green lung in the heart of Tel Aviv. Have a stroll through the park, check out the HaYarkon River, and watch out for the mums with prams!

Allenby Street, Tel Aviv

One of Tel Aviv’s main arteries, we included it because from here you can get to some of the most happening streets in Tel Aviv, including Shenkin, Ben Yehuda, King George, and Dizengoff. And you can also experience some of Tel Aviv’s nightmare traffic!

Tel Aviv Port

Another of Tel Aviv’s most popular attractions, full of things to see and do…for all the family!

Via Dolorosa, Old City, Jerusalem

Stroll down the legendary Via Dolorosa – but watch out for the hordes of tourists!

Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv

One of Tel Aviv’s most charming and most photographed neighborhoods!

Old Jaffa

Have a look round the main streets of Old Jaffa and Jaffa Port. Unfortunately you can’t check out the charming old lanes that are a must-see (OK, so come and see them in real-time…)!

Petra, that magical collection of Nabatean ruins across the border in the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan, is a must-do side-trip when visiting Israel. Many visitors to Israel often pop over to Petra for a day trip, and even many Israelis join them, as the Jordanians allow Israelis to pop across the border ever since the peace treaty signed back in 1994.

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There are two main ways of getting to Petra, either through the Allenby border crossing close to Jerusalem, or via Eilat.

How to get to Petra from Jerusalem

First stop: head to the Jordanian Embassy in Tel Aviv to sort yourself out a tourist visa (ensure you have a passport sized pic). Once you have the visa, head to Allenby/King Hussein Bridge which is close to Jerusalem (about an hour away). You could always stop by in the Holy City to see some of Jerusalem’s attractions before heading to Jordan.

Once across the border (be aware that the crossing into Jordan can often take a lot longer than planned, so allow for at least 1-3 hours to be on the safe side), you can find taxis and buses that will take you to Amman, from where you can catch a bus to Petra.

The w hole shebang will take you around 3-4 hours, although if you rent a car in Jordan, it will take a little less – just be careful on those roads, and watch out for camels and Bedouin farmers! Obviously, if you’re planning on a day trip to Petra, it would make sense to get across the Allenby crossing as early as possible.

Heading back into Israel via the Allenby crossing is definitely doable, just be aware that queues can be long (although a new tourism border crossing center on the Israel side, opened in the spring of 2012, is expected to alleviate the time and hassles for tourists entering Israel from Jordan). Once across the border and in Israel, it is fairly easy to head back to Jerusalem via a sherut minibus.

This crossing is open 08:00 – 20:00 Sunday to Thursday for arrivals and 8:00 to 14:00 for departures, and 08:00 – 13:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Note: Using this border crossing, you WILL need a visa in advance, they cannot be obtained at the border.

How to get to Petra via Eilat

Getting to Petra via the Red Sea resort of Eilat is perhaps the easiest option, especially if you’re thinking of saving some time. The border crossing from Eilat into Aqaba is known for being a lot more hassle-free than the Allenby crossing.

The only question is whether or not you want to take the trek down to Eilat, and is probably only relevant if you’re going to be spending time in the Red Sea resort.

The best option is to stay overnight in Eilat (especially considering that Eilat is a 5 hour drive from Tel Aviv), and then cross the border into Aqaba in Jordan and make your way to the desert ruins, either through an organized tour (easily found in Eilat) or independently, hiring your own tour guide and driver on the Jordanian side of the border.

The border crossing is open from 06:30 to 20:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 08:00 – 20:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Note: Using this border crossing, you do not need to get a visa in advance, they can be obtained at the border.

And this is what awaits you in Petra…

Click here to view the embedded video.

A total of 388,900 tourists have arrived in Israel since the start of 2012, which is almost identical to last year, when 388,500 tourists arrived in Israel.

Based on Central Bureau of Statistics data, there was a significant increase in tourism to Israel: 32,000 entries were day visitors, 55% more than February 2011; 21,300 entries were recorded through land borders – 4 times the amount of February 2011, which was largely down due to the uprising in Egypt. Showing the big ease in tensions, there were 8100 entries recorded from Taba to Eilat – 5 times the amount of February 2011.

There is also a stable trend in flights to Israel, with the 172,000 arrivals in February 2012 actually 1% down on February 2011. Since the beginning of 2012, 329,000 tourists have arrived by air, which is 1% up on the same period last year.

With a long hot summer heading for these parts, Israel could well be on its way to another record breaking year!

And if you’re looking for a reason to come, here are ten awesome reasons to visit Israel in 2012!

There are a number of car rental companies to choose from throughout Israel including the major brands (Sixt, Budget, Avis, and Hertz), as well as local established companies such as Eldan. See our list below of leading rental companies in Israel for contact numbers you can call.

The most popular cars available for rent will be the Mazda 3 and 6 and Hyundai Getz/i10, with other, newer Hyundai models slowly being added to that roster. As buying a car in Israel is generally an expensive option in the Holy Land, rental cars tend to be less sleek and luxurious compared to other countries, but are generally up to date with the bigger brand companies usually offering newer models.

Where to rent a car in Israel?

Hiring a car at Ben Gurion airport is easy and you’ll find signs pretty much everywhere for various car rental firms. If you’re hiring a car away from the airport, many of the main cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat) have the big brand companies. You may find one or two hire options in smaller towns, but by hiring from a larger city you are better placed to compare prices.

For the best option, check out our list of contact numbers and websites below of the leading car rental companies in Israel.

Our top tips and tricks

In order to get the best deal possible, and to get the most out of your Israel car rental experience, here are some of our top tips:

• Check your driver’s license is valid BEFORE you travel.
• Check the insurance – always note what is and isn’t covered including any excess so that you know what your maximum liability is.
• Israel has laws regarding children traveling in car seats. Check before you book and hire a seat if required.
• Check the rental period. It is usually an exact 24 hours so a late return, even by minutes, might result in a further day’s charge.
• If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving, don’t forget to bring some music along.
• Crossing the border to Sinai or Jordan with rental cars is not permitted.
• When collecting a car at the airport, check what happens if you are delayed. The more established companies will check arrival times to ensure smooth collection.
• Think about your luggage: a car may fit four passengers, but will it hold four large suitcases? Five door cars usually have bigger trunks.
• Are you confident enough with maps? Consider whether you need to hire a GPS…
• When you collect your vehicle, always check for bumps, dents and scratches and have these noted on the contract. Check the hubcaps too and ensure dirt isn’t covering any damage on the car.
• It is also important to check the interior – radio, air conditioning and CD player and it is a good idea to start the car to see if any warning lights appear, such as an oil/engine light.
• Summer is especially busy so it is best to book in advance, even by as much as a few months.
• Consider how long you will need the car. A weekly rental is cheaper than daily and can even be cheaper than 5 individual days.
• Take into consideration that driving in Israel isn’t the stress-free option, especially in the larger towns and cities. Read our guide to the reality of driving in Israel.

With these handy hints, you should be able to rent a car in Israel with confidence.

Leading car rental companies in Israel

Shlomo Sixt 972-3-9773500 – www.shlomo.co.il

Avis 972-3-6170000 – www.avis.co.il

Eldan  972-3-5579040 – www.eldan.co.il

Budget 972-3-9350000 – www.budget.co.il

Hertz 972-3-6841000 – www.hertz.co.il

Family is central to Israeli and Jewish culture, and the source of the genuine warmth that gives the nation its character. eTeacherHebrew.com is a family business, like many of Israel’s greatest and proudest organizations. Company founders Boaz and Yariv are the grandsons of Aharon Rosen, a respected teacher, author and theorist in the field of Hebrew tuition for non-native speakers in the nation’s early days.

Rosen’s grandsons have combined state-of-the-art technology with their grandfather’s dream of teaching Hebrew to anyone who wishes to learn it, at any age, anywhere in the world. The Internet has provided the ideal medium to realize such a vision, bringing the best teachers in Israel to the homes of students throughout the world.

eTeacherHebrew.com is a friendly and intimate niche in the often impersonal online environment. Teachers and students – though separated by oceans and time differences – form strong bonds, in many cases traveling overseas and actually visiting each others homes in person.

Shira Cohen-Regev has been teaching with eTeacherHebrew.com for seven years. She has frequently visited and hosted her students from all over the world. This Passover, she hosted a ‘virtual Seder’ with her class.

“We read from the Haggadah, and I explained what everything meant. We sang the songs and talked about the food, the calories,” she laughs. “I felt so privileged to share Passover with them, to be their first connection with a real Israeli Seder.”

“For Independence Day I asked my students what they wished for the nation. Love and peace, money, and new immigrants were their answers,” she says.

Students at eTeacherHebrew.com have expressed their satisfaction with the program, and have been pleasantly surprised by the ease and effectiveness of the online learning method. Sanne Terlouw of the Netherlands says, “I had never expected that I would benefit so much from an internet school, but it really works.” Coyle Pam of South Carolina, USA particularly enjoyed the student contact. “This is the best course I have had. I signed up for a telephone course before, but it was one-on-one for the whole hour and it was too much pressure. With other students in the class, there are breaks between talking, and the other students are heard, so I learn from them.”

According to Tami Weil, Didactic Consultant to the writers and teachers of the eTeacherHebrew.com program, the online learning environment provides a unique opportunity for learning language at all levels – from beginners to advanced – while allowing for an enjoyable, social experience. “At Hebrewonline.com, our program is comprehensive, including homework, yet flexible enough to include interesting surprises, such as special exercises relating to current events and holidays, colloquialisms, slang speech and more. The pace of the lessons is quite challenging, yet there is the constant online support of staff and fellow students to ensure all participants gain the most they can at every stage of the course.”

eTeacherHebrew.com’s history is a heartwarming tale of one family’s success – of immigrant beginnings to international achievement, across the generations. It is also your opportunity to learn Hebrew from the comfort of your own home, yet truly connect with the land of Israel and its people.

eTeacherHebrew.com is part of eTeacherGroup, an online language academy offering Live Online language programs, including an exciting Biblical Hebrew program. With eTeacherBiblical.com, anyone can learn Hebrew as it was spoken in biblical times. eTeacherBiblical.com brings the most experienced teachers and scholars of Biblical Hebrew directly to you, so you can increase your understanding and appreciation of biblical texts in their original language.

The prestigious Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering eTeacher’s Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic courses for academic credit points.

eTeacherHebrew.com and eTeacherBiblical.com are the most effective, enjoyable and convenient way to learn Hebrew – without leaving home.

In January 2012, some 189,000 tourists visited Israel, almost identical to last year’s numbers, and 15% up on January 2010 – which was Israel’s record year for tourism.

There was also an increase of some 4% on the number of tourists arriving by air, with some 157,000 visits. And what is a boost for Eilat’s re-marketing efforts as a winter sun destination, some 5,400 tourists arrived by direct flights to Ovda and Eilat, which is up 15% on January 2011.

The situation in Egypt and Syria has not helped the number of day visitors, down about 27% compared to 2011. We guess those kind of visitors may well steer clear while the troubles in the region continue.

Our pal over at the Ministry of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, had this to say:

The year 2012 opened with vigorous and intensive work by the Tourism Ministry to achieve Israel’s tourism potential, by adjusting vacation cost and creating marketing activities to maintain Israel’s image as an attractive tourism destination. This activity will allow us to meet our target for the year 2012 – 4 million tourists and as a result, an increase in revenue for the economy and the number of employees in the tourism industry.

Come on you 4 million! If you still need convincing, here are ten awesome reasons to visit Israel in 2012!

Tel Aviv, often called The City That Never Sleeps, has slowly evolved over the past few years into an enthralling and engaging city, a city that will amaze, delight, and have you begging for more!

We’ve done our best to condense the very best Tel Aviv attractions into a list of TEN essential things we feel you have to see and do, but just be aware these are the tip of the iceberg. With ten miles of glorious sandy beaches, 300 days of sunshine a year, and locals ever more hungry for more culture, art, and good times, there’s just so many more things to see and do in Tel Aviv for those ready to explore further!

In no particular order, here are the TEN things you really have to see and do in Tel Aviv…

Explore the gorgeous neighborhood of Neve Tzedek

Probably Tel Aviv’s prettiest neighborhood, it regularly attracts swarms of visitors, all keen to stroll the many narrow streets and marvel at the amazing architecture of the area. There’s also some great little galleries and shops, and cute little cafes and restaurants to check out.

Definitely one place not to forget your camera! Read our full guide to Neve Tzedek here.

Haggle, haggle, and haggle some more at Carmel Market

There’s nothing quite like a visit to a local market to mix it up with the locals, and Carmel Market is THE one to see. It’s an amazing place, what with the astounding array of sights, sounds and smells that assault your senses! And the colors, oh boy…!

You won’t ever forget your visit to Carmel Market – and you might also learn to haggle like a pro! Read more here.

Catch some rays on one of Tel Aviv’s gorgeous beaches

The place to be in the summer (and the summers are long in Israel!), the beaches of Tel Aviv are hard not to fall in love with! Just a step away from the noise and hustle of the city, it’s always a pleasure to find yourself  opposite the blue, sparkling Med.

With 10km of fine, sandy beaches, it’s really just a matter of picking your favorite spot! Read our full guide to Tel Aviv beaches here.

Step back in time to the alleyways of Old Jaffa

The delights of Old Jaffa are located at the southern end of Tel Aviv, and those very picturesque alleyways are a must stroll down! They are a complete contrast to the modern bustle of Tel Aviv, and simply ooze with charm…

And while in Jaffa, we’d highly recommend a visit to the legendary nearby Flea Market where you can get your haggling hat on once again! Read more about Jaffa here.

Eat out at one of Tel Aviv’s amazing restaurants

Tel Aviv has over the last few years turned itself into a food connoisseur’s delight, with anything and everything on offer! Forget felafel and hummus, we’re talking about some awesome restaurants, host to some of the most talented and adventurous chefs in the world.

Check out our guide to the very best bars, cafes and restaurants in Tel Aviv!

Spend some time in charming Tel Aviv Port

This charming port has been transformed over the last few years from a derelict, rundown old thing into a site alive with culture, leisure, shopping and entertainment options.

Usually packed at the weekend, it’s a place for ALL: from families out with the kids or grandparents during the day, to party revelers at night – the place is buzzing! Read more here.

Get an overdose of culture at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Israeli art in the world. Here you can find the work of many Israeli artists who have made it big internationally, as well as the works of masters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Chagall, and Modigliani. With activities for the kids too, you could easily spend all day here!

Read more about the Tel Aviv Art Museum here.

Browse the delights of the Nachalat Binyamin art market

The Nachalat Binyamin market is one of Israel’s biggest arts and crafts markets and a superb place to browse for original Tel Aviv souvenirs (think ceramics, toys, paintings, framed photos and Judaical pieces); all handmade and sold by their artist creators!

This awesome market also runs parallel to Carmel Market, so makes a perfect day out! Read more here.

Enjoy Tel Aviv’s hub of entertainment and style, HaTachana

HaTachana (The Station), where uber-modern meets bohemian chic, where arty meets practical and where some of the best shops and restaurants ply their trade.

Originally the terminal for the Jaffa-Jerusalem railway, this revitalized space might be the New Kid on the Block, but has already become a huge hit with locals and tourists. Read our full guide here.

Stroll the streets and see amazing Bauhaus buildings

Tel Aviv has some amazing architecture to see, and in particular, watch out for the many white Bauhaus buildings which dominate the Tel Aviv landscape, and which have led Tel Aviv to be known as The White City.

Take a stroll down Rothschild Blvd, and Dizengoff and Bialik streets for the best of the White City! Read our full guide here.

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There are great additions to this list that we just couldn’t squeeze in to a Top 10, including a walk down the famous Shenkin Street (now being pedestrianized and upgraded as we speak), Tel Aviv’s amazing and world-renowned nightlife, and even the Luna Park, the amusement park your kids will love you for! There’s just so much to see in one of the world’s most happening cities…

And to add yet another reason to visit this cool city, and to give you an idea of how open, accepting and liberal Tel Aviv is, it was recently voted the Top Gay City in the world by a leading gay website.

Come on, what are you waiting for – Tel Aviv is waiting for YOU!

2012 really does look set to be another cracking year, and we’ve compiled a list of some very good reasons why you should be on your way to the Holy Land…

Legendary Holy Land attractions

With such an amazing collection of top tourist attractions (check out our top ten must-sees in Israel) in such a small country, you can pack in so much sight-seeing, if that’s what tickles your fancy. And let’s face it, whatever your budget or faith, how could you contemplate a visit to the Holy Land without stopping by at Jerusalem’s Old City, having a float in the Dead Sea, or tasting some of Tel Aviv’s awesome culture, beaches and nightlife…and then there’s the beauty of the Galilee, the rugged and magnificent Golan Heights, the majestic deserts of the south…shall we go on?

Top class entertainment, art & culture

With Israel getting ever more popular, international artists are flocking to the Holy Land like never before (for music concerts, see below). For pure entertainment you might want to try and catch either the Fuerza Bruta shows (in February) or the delightful Cirque du Soleil (in August). Or how about the world’s most popular opera Carmen performed by international opera stars at the foot of Masada in the Dead Sea? Alternatively, we’d highly recommend some of the amazing Israeli festivals and shows that happen throughout the year, including the alternative theater of the magical Akko Festival, and the annual Klezmer festival in Safed. Just click through to our art and culture section to see what you’re missing…

Mediterranean sunshine

What can we say about the weather that hasn’t been said before? With roughly 300 days of sunshine every year, the chances of you catching some decent weather are very good. The winters in Israel aren’t really winters (though the locals will try and convince you otherwise!), at least for those of us from colder climes, though the summers can be extremely hot and humid. Click here to see a breakdown of the temperatures in Israel throughout the year – and start getting jealous…

Yummylicious food

Israel has turned into a gastronomic wonder, and the pure range of options available in Israel these days is enough to satisfy the hungriest and pickiest of souls. We’d highly recommend trying some of the local delicacies (here are the five top Israeli foods you MUST try), and of course, some legendary felafel and hummus has to be on your menu! If you prefer your food a little refined, here are the best restaurants, pubs and cafes in Tel Aviv of 2011, all of which are well worth checking out. Yep, hungry is certainly one thing you won’t be when returning home from a trip to Israel.

Music concerts

2012 looks like being another star-packed year of international names hitting the stages of Israel. Last year saw, among others, Justin Bieber, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon, while this year it looks like a flood of big names will be appearing; the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Scorpions have already confirmed, and there are strong rumors that Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and Lady Gaga will be popping over. There are also a huge selection of Israeli music festivals in exotic locations throughout the year, including the Red Sea Jazz Festival (in January and August), the Tamar Festival near the Dead Sea, and the Desert Moon Nights Festival. Your ears will be well fed.

Super GLBT-friendly

Recently voted the Best Gay City in the world, Tel Aviv is without doubt the most liberal and accepting city in the Middle East. Pretty much anything goes in Tel Aviv (though it’s not exactly “in your face”), and while it’s definitely NOT the same for Jerusalem, a much more modest and spiritual city, you have to admire a country that accepts so easily others of a different sexual persuasion, especially considering its location in the world…

The Locals

We’ll be honest, it often takes time to get used to the prickly, somewhat aggressive behavior of locals. The slapping down of your change on the counter when buying something can be a little disconcerting, especially when coupled with a distinct lack of a please or thank you. But underneath that prickly exterior lies a generous and warm soul (usually!), and an inbuilt desire for hospitality that may well tug hard at your heart. Give ‘em a chance and you might just like ‘em!

The Shopping

With an ever-growing array of Israeli designers and boutique shops to browse, some of the streets in Israel have truly become a shopper’s delight. Shopping in Israel has definitely taken a step in the right direction, with a collection of modern shopping malls  and big name international brands, including H&M, Benetton, Burberry and Gap arriving in the last couple of years. We recommend you check out our friends at DreedTea for some very cool updates on the fashion scene and shops in Tel Aviv. Alternatively, if designer price tags and air-conditioning aren’t for you, you could always head off to some of the Middle East’s coolest street markets to try out your haggling skills.

Breathtaking vistas

The Holy Land is absolutely one place you don’t want to forget your camera, or run short of batteries. Some of the views you can see will simply take your breath away – and leave you thanking the stars for digital cameras (no more film to run out of!). From the vistas of the north, including amazing views of the Golan Heights from places like the magical Nimrod Fortress, to rooftop views of the Old City from the ramparts of the Tower of David in Jerusalem, to the lunar-type landscapes of the Dead Sea region best seen from the mountain top remains of the legendary Masada fortress, you won’t fail to be impressed!

Sports galore

If you love your sports, you’ll love some of the things you can experience in the Holy Land. If you’re a runner you could take part in the Jerusalem Marathon, one of the most inspiring runs in the world, or the Tel Aviv Marathon or 10km Night Run, or even the Sea of Galilee Marathon. And with the in-built Israeli penchant for excitement, you might be surprised to hear of some of the more extreme sports readily available: paragliding in the Galilee, kite-surfing in Tel Aviv, rappelling down the Ramon Crater, and even snow-boarding down Mount Hermon. Thrill-seekers should be more than thrilled with that little lot!

So, what are you waiting for??

OK, OK, if you’ve got four minutes and still need convincing this video is definitely worth a watch…and might just be the clincher!

Looking forward to seeing you in Israel!

Leading GLBT website GayCities handed Tel Aviv a landslide victory, with The City That Never Sleeps just “pipping” second placed New York to the post by almost 30%! See the final results here.

Those of us in the know know that Tel Aviv is an awesome city, full of things to do and see. That Tel Aviv is so accepting of alternative lifestyles (let’s face it, this is the Middle East!), you might not have known. That includes one of the biggest gay pride events in the world, every summer…

As the guys behind the vote put it:

The gay capital of the Middle East is exotic and welcoming with a Mediterranean c’est la vie attitude.

Couldn’t have put it much better ourselves.