If you’re ever in Bethlehem, don’t miss the Walled Off Hotel, even if just for a cup of coffee. It was the most memorable visit of the entire week. Bankrolled by the artist Banksy, this is not only one of...
Is Bethlehem Safe?
I’ve been talking to people about my trip to Israel and have heard the same question, over and over: Isn’t Bethlehem In the West Bank? Wasn’t that risky? You went into the West Bank? Is that safe? The very...
How To Get From Jerusalem To Bethlehem Cheaply And Easily By Bus
Taking Bus 231 between Jerusalem and Bethlehem is a cheap and easy option that I highly recommend over a taxi or private guide. If you’ve been reading my Israel trip report, you know that we tried to keep expenses...
A Regrettable Airbnb Experience In Israel
As I alluded to in my reflections on Jerusalem yesterday, our trip started at an apartment booked via Airbnb. Sadly, we wound up vacating after the first night. Our Airbnb Jerusalem Expectations I say sadly, because look at the...
How I Spent Three Days In Jerusalem
We began our trip to Israel in Jerusalem, an ancient city with deep links to the Abrahamic faiths. Our three days focused on religious sites, but we also enjoyed the joy of bartering in the Old City and found...
Review: Ben Gurion Airport – Jerusalem High Speed Train
A new rail line connecting Tel Aviv with Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Jerusalem makes traveling from the airport to Jerusalem easier than ever. I had originally reserved a rental car for the entire week in Israel, but decided...
Introduction: A Week In Israel
Despite a lot of rain, my family and I had a good week in Israel. A great week actually. But I’m not sure how to write about it… My trip report will not be about flights, though I will...
The Jaffa Tel Aviv: Stunning New Marriott (The Luxury Collection) Hotel
I ended my trip to Israel with a splurge in Tel Aviv at The Jaffa, a recent addition to Marriott’s The Luxury Collection portfolio. My stay was flawless. I will publish a full review as part of my Israel...
Who Can Enter The Dome Of The Rock?
Are non-Muslims allowed inside the Dome of the Rock? Greetings from Jerusalem. This morning I took my family to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. The Western Wall was an emotional experience for my wife, as she felt...
Geopolitics Complicates My Trip To Israel
A U.S. airstrike in Iraq has complicated my plans to take my family to Israel tomorrow. Still, I don’t plan on suspending my trip. Yesterday, Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was blown up via a U.S. airstrike while leaving Baghdad International...
Help Me Plan My Trip To Israel!
I’ve decided to take my family to Israel next week. That doesn’t give me much time to plan. For years, I’ve wanted to take my family to the Holy Land. With so much uncertainly in the air for 2020,...
Help Me Get Home From Israel!
It is not often that the Award Expert needs award help, but I find myself in a unique position. I’ll spend Christmas in Germany this year and have a bit of time after for a trip with my family. I...
Award Space On United’s New Tel Aviv Flight From Washington Dulles
Earlier today, United Airlines announced new non-stop service between Washington Dulles and Tel Aviv. The flight is now available for booking revenue and mileage space. The new service starts on May 22, 2019 and will operate three-times weekly per...
