Israel - expensive or not?

lola_run

Thinking of going on holidays to Israel later this year. Has anyone who has been there tell me if it is an expensive destination - I'm not planning to stay in a five star hotel or the like - I just want to know if eating out, drinking, museums, etc. is more or less expensive than in Ireland.

Thanks in advance.

Bradidup

I was there in 1986 and it was expensive back then, id say it’s hardly got cheaper, In Jerusalem I found best value for money was the Arab quarters for accommodation, food, and souvenirs etc.

Stephen

I was there in 1997 and it was expensive then too. Although given the cost of living in Ireland today I wouldn't be surprised if it was cheaper than here by now.

Flying

I goto Israel every year, it is not really to bad, although parts of Tel Aviv can be pricey, Eilat is also a little dear but in comparsion to here it's peanuts.

Also a lot of Kibbutz and Moshav's also run guest house type accomadation for feck all.

Enjoy the trip, I am myself going to Jersusalem for my yearly trot in June

jonny68

On a separate note if one was to visit Israel would they then have trouble entering into an Islamic country given the friction between Israel and Islamic countries?

BuffyBot

It depends on the country. Some will certainly not let you in if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport (UAE and Saudi and a couple of others AFAIK)

Bradidup

jonny68 wrote:

On a separate note if one was to visit Israel would they then have trouble entering into an Islamic country given the friction between Israel and Islamic countries?

You can ask them to avoid a stamp on your passport, If you are thinking of travelling to an arab country from Israel as far as I know Egypt is the only country with open borders.

jonny68

Israel is not a place id ever want to visit anyway, their human rights record is amongst the worlds worst.:eek:

Neamhshuntasach

i went to palestine before with a group of friends and went into israel. a girl and guy in our group were abducted by israeli forces and interrogated for a day without alerting anyone. both said they were strip searched. left in a dark room and not fed and given mininal amounts of water. we were part of a solidarity group with palestine and one of them had a t shirt on stating that. so watch what you wear. i've heard stories of similar events from others who have been to the region

anyways it seemed expensive enough, but cheap compared to here

copacetic

I went 4 years ago and I found it quite cheap. certainly cheaper than here. It's comparable to most European sun destinations price wise I found. In general I found it an ok experience but I wouldn't rush back. Security leaving was a nightmare and it is one of the only countries I have ever been that thinks you being Irish is a bad thing. They assume you support the palestinians and treat you accordingly. Having said that I met plenty of very friendly and helpful people too. Eilat is good for a weekend and the reef is amazing even with just a snorkel. Jerusalem is a must see too of course, although it can be a bit intense and the street traders and 'guides' hound you the whole time. I'd also visit the dead sea and massada which are worth seeing and if you have time head in to jordan and/or Egypt.

jank

Does anyone know the best way or place of organising a holiday to israel?

Flying

what kind of holiday do you want I have a few contacts and good travel agents that do deals.

[mod edit] irrelevant, off topic rant removed [/mod edit]

BuffyBot

Flying, how about you read the charter?

If you have a problem with a post, report it. Do NOT bring it up in the thread. Further posting like that might lead to your access to the forum being removed for a while.

Flying

Well if you have a little read through the thread for example Johnny68, that is off topic.

Also point to note ireland has worse human rights violations.

Back on topic, junk i will pm you the details

BuffyBot

Did you report it? No. And yes, I see the other rant posted. And seem as youve breached the charter again, take a week off. PM me when it's up if you want access to the forum again, and are willing to stick to the rules.

Benedict XVI

I know a few lads that were there for the Ireland match in march ’05. Said it was brilliant, they did not mention that it was too pricey either.

I’d love to visit Israel, the history in Jerusalem itself must be amazing.

Plus I don’t like Arabs that go and blow up innocent people on buses and cafés, so I feel certain solidarity with the Israeli people

BuffyBot

Seem as people can't keep politics out of this thread, I'm closing it. It's a shame, because it could of been useful resource to some.