How to Find Cheap Hotels in Israel

Israel, the world's only Jewish state, is often referred to as The Holy Land by most other religions as well. Located on the southeast edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is the focal point of much controversy as well as reverence and attracts pilgrimages from all over the world.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Choose Your Accommodations

1. Pick a hotel from one of the major chains. Rooms can be relatively cheap, running from $80 to $120 per day.

2. Rent an apartment in Tel Aviv if staying for longer than a few days. A cheap flat can be found for far less than $100 per day.

3. Kibbutzes, which are small independent communities within Israel, are becoming more and more popular with tourists looking for a more intimate experience. Rates vary widely according to amenities, but some kibbutzes are very cheap alternatives to hotels.

4. Stay at a youth hostel, which are very common in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and can cost less than $10 per night.

5. To book accommodations, contact Israel Ministry of Tourism at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

Get to Israel

1. Fly into Ben-Gurion International Airport, which is located a few miles south of Tel Aviv.

2. Consider renting a car while in Israel, because it's the most convenient way to travel. Remember that air-conditioning is a must.

3. Take a sherut, a shared taxi, while in the bigger cities. While it can take a long time to get to your destination because of the many stops, it is a cheap way to travel.

Explore the Holy Land

1. Visit the Israeli Museum in Jerusalem for a comprehesive view of Judaism and its history.

2. See the Church of St. Anne in Jerusalem, which was built in the 12th century and is one of the last buildings from the era of the Crusades.

3. Discover the Roman Aqueduct at Caesarea, which was built in the second century.

Tips & Warnings

• While Israeli customs and immigration officials are very serious about their work and can seem aggressive to tourists, they receive a tremendous amount of respect among Israelis because they are so effective at protecting everyone.

• While Israelis love to be flexible when observing their local laws, almost no one jaywalks.

• Always wear sandals when walking on the beaches, which can be quite rocky.

• Attractive women, especially when alone, can generate a lot of attention among Israeli men. Pinching, grabbing and fondling are common and can easily border on harassment.