As summer officially kicks in, I hope you’re not still penned into your office cubicle while daydreaming of holidays in the sun, lying next to a softly lapping ocean, with perhaps a day trip squeezed in here and there for checking out some great tourist attractions. If you are, it’s time you stopped dreaming and started thinking about the perfect summer destination – Israel!
As the thermometer soars over here in the Holy Land, Israel really has so much to offer, you won’t be stuck for something to do. In fact, the only thing you’ll be sorry about is why you didn’t come sooner (and how can I get that air conditioner even cooler!)!
Apart from the must-see attractions, there are countless other places to see and events to catch throughout Israel. Tel Aviv is celebrating it’s 100th anniversaryso is holding a variety of events throughout the year. The next big ones to come your way this summer are the La Scala opera house’s freebie concert in Park HaYarkon, which is one not to miss for the culture lovers among you (July 16th), and the Teen City weekend in August (August 9-14), when Tel Aviv turns itself into a teen-infested festival (over 18s strictly refused entry!). Here are some other great alternatives if you’re bringing your kids.
And once you’ve checked out some of the great tourist attractions in Israel, isn’t it time for a little bit of fun and relaxation? You could check out the nightlife in the most happening city in Israel, Tel Aviv, including some of Tel Aviv’s best pubs, or even just make sure you check out some of Israel’s tastiest foods (mmm, there’s just so much great food in the Holy Land!). And if you just want to spend some time on some great beaches, check out our guide to the beaches in Tel Aviv.
If you’re a music lover, you’ll be pleased to know some great international acts have confirmed dates for the summer in Israel, including the Pet Shop Boys, Madonna and Leonard Cohen. If you’re on a budget and want to check out some local bands, try the One Shekel festival, the cheapest music festival of the summer.
And if you’re still thinking that Israel is a bus-ride away from another suicide bomber, or a shooting or stabbing away from turning the Middle East into the center of the world’s attention for all the wrong reasons, I seriously think you’re mistaken. The tourist trail you’ll likely weave is very safe, just as safe as any other tourist destination in the world. Yes, Israel really is safe to visit.
So come on, get cracking with the packing! Just think – guaranteed sun, sea and world famous holy sites! And look over there, that sunbed by the pool has your name on it!