CAPITAL JERUSALEM - POPULATION 7.1 MILLION - AREA 20,770 SQ KM -OFFICIAL LANGUAGE HEBREW
Though best known for its continuing security problems, Israel is increasingly making travelers' long-weekend lists, with the last intifada seeming to finally be behind it. Budget airlines are targeting Tel Aviv as prime territory for all-night partying, shopping and winter rays, and its newly redeveloped port is filled with bars and top-end shops. To escape the city, head north to the Golan Heights – disputed territory with Syria – for wilderness trekking in its numerous national parks. Alternatively, float it out in the Dead Sea while you still can: it's diminishing at an alarming rate and it may not be possible to get that perfect shot of you toes-up and reading The Times for very much longer. |
