wee

Got a once in a lifetime invite to go to Israel, specifically a place called Kamun, in November. I'm dying to go but am I crazy to consider it?

sandi

While I have no idea where Kamun is or who invited you or what you plan to do - there are still many people traveling to Israel. Go for it!

wee

Thanks, Sandi. I am a bit concerned about safety in Israel. Anyone have any recent information?

FainaAgain

If it wouldn't be safe you wouldn't get invited, right? I'd go! Please post your report when you come back. My son is considering going to college in Israel. The only thing what worries me is the possible language barrier if some lectures will be in Hebrew.

Mamamia

I too am wondering where is Kamun...

But otherwise -- don't think twice about it. Have been there twice this year, and had a great time.

Because of the recession there and slow tourism, you can find great deals.

November is a good time to go there. It's cooler, little rain, good opportunity to go to hot places like the Dead Sea (an absolute MUST) or Eilat at the southern tip on the Red Sea.

Go, have much fun!

wee

Thanks FainaAgain and Mamamia. I know we will go to the Red Sea and I will look into Eilat. My friend wants to show me Jerusalem as well. Glad to hear November is a good time of year...

FainaAgain

I don't know where Kamun is, but out of curiosity I did a search, and it pulled up Northern Israel, so I guess it's there somewhere

sandi

Yes, people are still traveling to Israel and parents (from the States) are still sending their children to school there (though less than usual).

My nephew traveled to Israel a few months back with a friend/business associate; this being his first trip since he had been in medical school there back a few years - they had a wonderful time.

And Jerusalem is a must.

Enjoy your holiday.

wee

Thanks for looking. I couldn't find it on my first go-round so you've inspired me to get serious about this trip. I admit I'm a bit anxious, especially since as a guest I won't have control over where we go. But it's a business trip and I'm sure no one will take any undue risks.

EugeneNY

You should definitely go. I was there for 10 days in mid-August and had a great time. Hadera, Haifa, Ma'alot, Dead Sea, Be'er Sheva, Tel Aviv - excellent trip.

With regard to security... This was my third trip to Israel, the first two happening in 1996 and 2000, before the outbreak of violence. I didn't see any significant difference, except for an increased number of roadblocks (most of the time the soldiers don't stop you but you have to slow down to let them see who is inside the car). Anyway, I'd go again without thinking twice.

abram

My adult daughter is there now, and my heart is in my mouth every day. She has lived there is the past, so is careful about not riding buses, staying away from crowded places, and spending most of her time in the country, rather than in the cities.

wee

Thanks abram. I still can't seem to find out where Kamun is. Anyone happen to know?

natjgc

I am going to Israel in November with my husband on a tour. We are really excited even though things are not going well over there.
We were there 2 years ago and covered many areas. We will be mostly in Jerusalem and Haifa. What is there to do in Haifa- and what is the weather
like in Nov?

mrwunrfl

wee, I don't think you are crazy.

Here's a link about a B&B in/near Kamun:
http://www.zimmer.co.il/SiteShow_EN.asp?site_id=310

And a map, if you read Hebrew:
http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/w...400/28400.html

wee

Thanks a million mrwunrfl. At least now I have some points of reference.

abram

November is very comfortable weather--upper 70s when we were there. The Bahai Gardens in Haifa are amazing.

Elaine22

My son took a sabbatical from his law firm and spent two and a half months in Israel this summer. He was totally comfortable, and his only comment in regard to safety was that he would not ride buses.

People were hugely grateful that he was there. Go and enjoy!

tajinder

I happened to travel to Israel on business in April for about a month and traveled around as well. Before leaving I had a lot of apprehensions and ppl scaring me. But after one month of stay, I didnt regret a bit. Israel is a an indescribable experience. So much history, religion,ppl & visibilty makes it a great touring place. Just be careful as you would be in any place and you'll be okay. Stay away from buses, crowded bars etc. Take guided tours, they are comparitively inexpensive about 50$/day.
One of the tour guides (ben harim tours) was the best guide I have ever seen. Highly recommended tours: jerusalem,deadsea, masada and nazereth

Lisette

I went to Israel last year. It's a wonderful place. I never felt scared. In fact I am so glad that I went, I will be going again in October. One thing is for sure, you will want to return some day. Have a great time.

wee

Turns out I will not be staying at Kamun. That's just where my friend's meeting is. Here's our itinerary:
1. Fly into Tel Aviv on a Friday
2. drive to Jerusalem
3. stay at King David hotel.
4. tour all day ancient city
5. dinner at the La Regency dinning room at king David Sat night
6. Sun morning drive to Tiberias and check into the Sheraton waterfront on sea of Galilee
7. tour Nazareth and Tiberias
8. dinner ?
9. leave mon morning early
This is a really crazy weekend but I just can't pass it up. I am dying to go! Does anyone have any suggestions for a Nazareth/Tiberias tour?
Just got a state dept warning for American tourists for Gaza and Golan. Will that apply to any of the above areas as well.