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.

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…)!

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

Believe it or not, it hit 51.4 Celsius in the fields of Kibbutz Almog, next to the Dead Sea. In Tel Aviv it was high 30s, but because of the 95% humidity, it had a feel-good hot factor of 51C. Luverly.

While in the Lower Galilee, my car was recording temperatures of 39C at 6pm, while my mate left his car in the sun for an hour and was confronted with a temperature reading of 60C! By the way, the official record temperature in Israel is 54C, set back in 1942. I bet old Guinness was quaking in his boots this past weekend…

So yes, blisteringly hot over the last few days. If you can’t handle that kind of heat, it might be wise to steer clear of the Holy Land for July and August. Check out our guide to when is the best time to visit Israel for more information.

One huge tip: learn the word mazgan and learn it pronto. It means air-conditioning…

The National Geographic themselves called it Miami Beach on the Med, the polar opposite to the more religious Jerusalem. They also referred to “the bubble”, a common phrase used to describe Tel Aviv and its citizens, who can seemingly tune out all the regional stress and hatred and just keep living like life should be lived. Hence Tel Aviv’s reputation as one of the party capitals of the world.

If you haven’t been to Tel Aviv beach I think it’s time you darned well popped over for a visit! And to give you a visual taster of what it’s all about, here’s a clip I made a while back…enjoy!

Yes, despite what you might have been reading in your newspaper, or following on CNN or the BBC, Israel is pretty darned safe to visit! As always, international media does its best to paint a dramatic, war-torn picture, but the reality, although far from perfect, is a little different.

Does CNN show those beautiful sandy Tel Aviv beaches? Or the must see tourist sites in Israel, currently teeming with tourists? Do they heck. Believe it or not (and you’d find it hard to believe if your news source was CNN or the BBC) Israel is on course for a record year in tourism numbers. Which is a good thing, right? It must mean that the hordes of tourists coming to visit the Holy Land don’t take what they see on the news as gospel and have the intelligence to check things out for themselves in regards to how safe Israel really is…

And then there are the tourists who come to Israel for a holiday and are amazed at how safe Israel is compared to their own country. I personally know tourists who visit Israel regularly from South Africa and, in contrast to life there which basically ends at 7:30 every evening, they are always amazed at how cities like Tel Aviv keep on keeping on late into the night, every night. They are always gushing on about just how much living you can squeeze into a normal day in Israel.

My parents are actually coming over in a few weeks – they usually get a grilling at airport security for being non-Israelis (this is their third visit to Israel) but apart from that they usually have the time of their lives here…sun, amazing tourist spots, great food, beautiful people…and they feel remarkably safe here compared to back home in England. Believe it or not. OK, OK, no chavs, but Israel does have plenty of arsim.

Of course, these days the threat of terrorism isn’t limited to Israel. It can rear its ugly head at any moment, of course, something that you should clearly be aware of on any visit to Israel…or London, or Madrid…you get the picture. But in Israel you’re very unlikely to experience something nasty, especially if you’re going to keep to the well-worn tourist track and follow local advice on where to go…or not to go. This is the Middle East, so things do change quickly, just be aware…

But…Is Israel safe?

Yes! It might just seem a little intimidating at first what with all those soldiers (including cute 18-20 year old girls with huge M16s slung over their shoulders) and flashing blue lights on police cars everywhere (just so you know, if a police unit is on duty it has to have those lights flashing, just to scare off any would-be terrorists or homeboy criminals, regardless of whether or not there are any bad elements in the near vicinity!). But you soon get used to it. In fact, you might even find it reassuring after a bit!

So with all this security, there really is no need to fear coming to Israel because of safety reasons or security concerns. The media plays it role in hyping up everything and overdoing things…but that’s why this site exists in a way, to give you the real deal on Israel.

Don’t forget…have an amazing trip to the Holy Land!

This hasn’t exactly been winning over those in the Jordan tourism business, as most tourists aren’t spending their tourist dollars in Jordan.

As a result, Jordan last week announced new price hikes in the entry fee to Petra, but only for those tourists who come via the Arava (Eilat) crossing and who don’t stay a night at a Jordanian hotel. The current rate of $49 will apply to any tourist who stays a night in Jordan, but for those who don’t, and who come via Israel, they will have an extra $80 to pay ($130).

In a move that has angered Israeli tour operators, especially those in Eilat (they’ve even contacted President Shimon Peres in an effort to get him to convince the Jordanian King that the price hikes must go), many see this as a move to wipe out day-trips to Jordan from Israel, and feel that a large number of tourists will now hop over the border to Sinai where they can catch a ferry to Jordan and still pay the regular entry fee of $49.

For now, the price hike looks to be staggered in over the next few months: from March 1st it will cost $74, and from October 1st, tourists will pay $130.

The Israeli Tourism Ministry had this to say, perhaps rather optimistically:

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov sees a fundamental importance to cooperation between countries in the region in the area of tourism. According to the minister, ‘The Holy Land acts as a bridge for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood among the nations. Tourism is a joint interest of all the nations and countries. Joint activities in the past succeeded in promoting tourism – the pope’s visit, Christmas events, and more. I am certain that we will continue to collaborate in the future.

Better get your Red Rocks while they’re still cheap!

The answer is yes, but a cautious yes.

If you’re a genuine tourist with no real political reasons behind your visit, you should be OK at any of the immigration points upon entering Israel. Be prepared for a barrage of questioning, but if you answer all those probing questions honestly, you should be fine. And if you have a Muslim-like name, or have various stamps from frequent trips to Syria or Lebanon, you can expect that questioning to be just a wee bit more intense…

If you’re looking to visit the West Bank, things might get tricky. Bethlehem is, of course, an obvious tourist attraction that many visitors to Israel stop at, but if you start talking about other locations in the West Bank, such as politically sensitive towns like Nablus or Jenin, you could be given a visa that will provide you with access to the Palestinian Authority area only, and not Israel proper. That means no Tel Aviv, no Jerusalem, no Dead Sea…

If you’re looking for the easiest border crossing into Israel, you probably want to head to the crossing in the south (Aqaba-Eilat). The border at the Allenby crossing (between Jordan and Israel) is notoriously stringent. But again, if you’re visiting Israel for genuine tourist reasons, you’ll be OK at any crossing.

So yes, Israel will let any genuine tourist in, regardless of the stamps in their passport. Contrast that with the list of Arab countries that won’t let you in if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. Hmmmm.

Some hot tips on how to visit Israel when coming from an Arab country

Our hot tip for avoiding any future issues when visiting Israel from an Arab country: get a second passport. Americans should find this is easy to do: you will have to answer a questionnaire as to why you need it, but then you’ll get a passport valid for two years. So use this passport for visiting Israel and your regular passport for anywhere else in the world.

Another hot tip: use Cyprus as your route to Israel from Arab countries. Of course, immigration will know from which country (Cyprus) the plane has come from, but the plane before? Though, of course, if your passport is full of Arab countries stamps, you will face some tricky questioning.

One last tip: always answer honestly the questions thrown at you by Israeli immigration. If you’re purpose is purely vacation, you’ll be fine. If your intentions are less innocent, well…

This series is for those of us who have maybe stayed a bit longer than anticipated (I’ve just hit 19 years!), and hopefully will give you an insight into daily life in Israel and to what we’ve gotten used to over time…

Here they are, the final 10 signs you haven’t extended your Israel tourist visa recently…

1. …you’ve seen Midnight Express, Hair and The Princess Bride at least 5 times each.
2. …you know the words to Hotel California.
3. …you shorten supermarket to ‘super’.
4. …you consult your English dictionary far more than your Hebrew dictionary.
5. …you buy a water cooler.
6. …you start a blog or website about Israel.
7. …you get addicted to Israeli chocolate (oh my, you’re in deep…).
8. …you start your day with a cup of coffee known as “mud”.
9. …your “local” is not a pub, it’s a hummus bar.
   
10. …everything seems, well, normal.

It’s not unusual for a few drops of rain to beat down in September, but that’s all it usually is – a few drops. The deluge that soaked Israel last weekend is very rare and usually only comes some time in mid-late October. In Hebrew this first real soaking is known as HaYoreh (yes, even the first rainfall of the winter has a name!). As far as I know, the second deluge doesn’t get a name…

The rains really struck hard in the Golan Heights in the North of Israel, some 70 mm falling after only a few hours, while in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem only a few mms fell. Hopefully some of that rain will trickle down from the Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee, which is in dire need of some rain to replenish its receding water levels (you should know that the level of the Sea of Galilee becomes a national obsession during the winter months, especially during dry winters).

This early deluge is, according to Israeli meteorologists, due to a cold front that blew Israel’s way via Turkey and the Black Sea. And this winter you can expect a few more of them coming the Holy Land’s way, as this winter’s forecast looks like netting a 25% increase in rainfall over last year.

So, just in case, when deciding what to pack for Israel this coming winter, we’d highly recommend bringing something waterproof. And in case you want to keep an eye on the weather over the coming weeks and months, check out these links below:

• A weather forecast for Tel Aviv.
• A weather forecast for Jerusalem.
• A comprehensive 4 day forecast for practically every town in Israel.
• The Israel Meteorological service give you their forecast.

This series is for those of us who have maybe stayed a bit longer than anticipated (I’ve just hit 19 years!), and hopefully will give you an insight into daily life in Israel and to what we’ve gotten used to over time…

Here they are, another 10 signs you haven’t extended your Israel tourist visa recently…

1. …it’s 30 degrees outside but it’s September, so you refuse to go to the beach.
2. …you buy a thick winter coat on October 1st.
3. …you wear your new winter coat on October 2nd.
4. …you buy a car and leave the plastic wrapping on your new car’s seats.
5. …knives and forks feel, well, strange.
6. …you no longer laugh at the angles of scaffolding on buildings.
7. …you wear body hugging t-shirts to show off your love handles.
8. …you know enough Hebrew to make Israelis laugh their socks off.
9. …you’ve killed at least 100 cockroaches with your favorite ‘killing’ shoe.
10. …you look at the local women/men and start fantasizing about Scandinavian women/men.

Forget your luggage, your backpack, your whatever – just don’t forget to bring your iPhone!

1. UltraSn0w – If you want your iPhone to work with one of Israel’s mobile operators, you’re going to need to software unlock your iPhone 3G (this software unlock works on firmware version 3.0). By the way, if you want this software unlock to work on your phone, do not upgrade your firmware! You can get the file by adding repo666.ultrasn0w.com to your Cydia sources.
2. Skype – Quite possibly the best way to keep in contact with friends and family back home. Skype provides unlimited country and world plans and is easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
3. Dopplr – Known as “The Social Atlas app”, Dopplr enables you to share your travel plans with your family and friends, plus check out who you know that is already here in Israel. There are also city specific travel tips available. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
4. Flickr – Only officially released very recently, it enables you to easily share the photos you’ve taken with your iPhone camera, geo-tag them, and add them to sets. You can also search for photos and videos. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone (but not available worldwide).
5. Sit or Squat – If you’re searching for a public toilet in the nearest vicinity, this app points you in the right direction. Unfortunately, according to its map there are only four places to relieve yourself in Israel, but hey, this is your opportunity to be a hero in restroom folklore and genuinely put Israel on the map! Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
6. HebDict- If you’re looking for a Hebrew-English dictionary to help you out on your travels in Israel (maybe our survival Hebrew guide is enough), get this download (via Cydia), which is an addon to wedict which is easily located in the App Store on your iPhone (but no longer down-loadable for free).
7. IsraelMoney – When you’ll be haggling your socks off in Carmel Market, you might well need this app on your iPhone, just to make sure you get yourself a bargain. It gives exchange rates for the Israeli shekel with a number of foreign currencies. Easily downloaded for free from the App Store on your iPhone.
8. On The Road – Use this as a mini-blog to keep your friends and family updated. This app enables you to add photos, videos, slideshows, and GPS locations to your posts. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
9. Postino – Don’t bother looking for the same old “Holy Land” postcard to send to friends and family – this app gives you the ability to mail real postcards (printed on high quality paper) including photos of yourself in the perfect landscape (the Old City of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv beach…it’s all up to you!). Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
10. Fring – This application lets you interact with your friends on all your favorite social networks including Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo! and AIM. Easily downloaded for free from the App Store on your iPhone.
11. Backgrounder- This nice little app enables you to keep an iPhone app up and running even after you exit it. This is particularly useful for an app like Skype, which you can keep running in the background in case someone calls. This app can be downloaded from Cydia.
12. English Israel News - You can’t visit Israel and avoid the news. This little app will set you back a dollar but keep you updated with all the latest breaking news from the Holy Land, in English of course. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.