Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Lavi

Advantages: Easy to find work
Disadvantages: The hostels are expensive

...I ran out of money while backpacking round Asia so off to Isreal. Found Kibbutz was hard work for no money and too little time off. I worked in the dining room and the kitchen and I had to start at 6am! Preparing vegetables and if I was really lucky or unlucky I had to gut the fish!!Having a quick break for breakfast then working through to the middle of the afternoon. The work was not very physical but when it is beautiful sunshine outside you don't want to be scrubbing the floor! Finding work in Tel Aviv was easy used to clean an office a few times a week and work in a bar in Tel Aviv 3 nights a week. Made enough money to carry on the travels.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: History, beauty, climate
Disadvantages: Fear, political situation, prices

...to be questioned, and don't take it personally. El Al are known for being the most security conscious airline in the world, understandably given the current climate. At least you know you will be safe flying with them. Israel boasts incredible history and is home to numerous religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the secret Druze faith and Ba'haism. It has beautiful Meditteranian beaches, dramatic mountains, and scorched deserts, all within a few hours drive of each other. There is a variety of accommodation available in Israel, from budget hostels, to mid range Kibbitzniks, to top of the range international hotel chains. Be warned - I had a fantasy about staying on a Kibbutz, chanting round the fire, children running amongst the flowers and so on. The Kibbutzniks that offer accommodation now are more like holiday villages, but they do... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beatiful
Disadvantages: Dangerous

...head while praying a local custom. The Dead Sea is about 1 hour drive from Jerusalem just next to the Syrian border, which is well worth a visit. Dead Sea mud supposedly has healing properties because of all the minerals. I think it is worth going just to sit and float. There are various ways of visiting Israel typically people visit on 3 day cruises from the Greek islands and turkey usually costing £200 per person. If you get the change I would go, don’t forget these companies know the black spots so will not be as risky as you think. Students wanting to visit Israel should look into working on a Kibbutz a very common destination for people taking a gap year, a friend of mine went and she had a brilliant time. It is basically a self-sufficient community that runs its self. My final advice on the matter is go, you only live... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful