Israel is a modern country, with ancient roots. It lies at the crossroads of the Arab world, between Europe and Asia and has played an important role in the area since ancient times.

The state of Israel was founded around 50 years ago, and is home to some of the worlds most important and ancient religious sites. The country is also a modern, vibrant place and benefits from a Mediterranean culture and climate.

If you are a US citizen you do not need a visa unless you are planning on staying over 3 months.

The local time zone is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, or 2 hours ahead of GMT, so if you are calling home make sure you remember to check the time before you call or you could end up on the phone to a less–than–pleased friend or relative!

Hebrew, Arabic and English are all widely spoken and signs are often in all three languages. Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages however, so you may sometimes need someone to help translate (although it won't be hard to find someone willing to help!)

Unlike the US, Israel uses 220 volt three pin sockets. Unless you are in a hotel which sometimes have special sockets for US appliances, you won't be able to use standard US appliances in Israel.

Europeans will be able to use most two pin plugs with the relevant adaptors.

The country benefits from long summers from April right up until October. The winters are usually mild, between Novemeber and March.

Some areas of the country, including Jerusalem have cooler (and drier) weather most of the year round, and rainfall varies from heavy in the North part of the country, to very low in the south.

If you are visiting in the summer you can expect it to be hot, but depending on where you are in the country and what time of the year it is you can experience anything from the heat of the desert to snow in Israel.

Most of the items you would expect are covered by duty free and you can bring back 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine and 250 grams of tobacco.

Shops and businesses are usually open from Sunday to Thursday between around 9am and 7pm. A number of shops will close during the hot period in the middle of the day, usually between 1pm and 4pm. Fridays (and before holidays) shops close early in the afternoon.

Additionally Christian shops close on Sunday, and Muslim shops on Friday.

You can exchange dollars for local currency at most banks. Bank opening times vary greatly, but they tend to be open every day in the morning between 8:20 and 12 noon consistently.

If you have a credit card you can access cash easily from most ATMs and some stores (particularly high end ones) accept US dollars without exchange, which could save you a lot in exchange charges.

It is the custom to tip service industry workers, as with many countries, particularly hotel and restaurant staff, tour guides and drivers. A typical tip is around 15% in a restaurant.

Renting a car and driving offers you the freedom to explore a rich country at your own pace.

The country has 10,000 miles of well maintained roads. It is possible to drive along most of the coastline, and travelling between the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is easy due to the direct highway. Most of the major car rental chains have a presence in the country, and if you are arriving at the airport you can collect your car easily. All in all car rental in Israel is to be recommended!

If you wish to rent you will need to be between 21 and 75 years old, and have held your licence for a minimum of one year. Children under 4 must have a child seat in order to travel.

Traffic drives on the right hand side of the road. Most of the country has standard speed limits of 31 mph in the city and 49 mph on standard roads. Highways have a speed limit of 62 mph.

Parking is often available on the street with the correct ticket. A north to south toll road is currently being built, but all other roads are non-toll roads.

Should I bring certain items with me?

Most of the items you would want during your stay can be purchased there.

As with any warm country, you would be advised to take summer clothes during the summer, short sleeved shirts and shorts, sandals and bathing suits are all recommended, especially if you are spending time walking. You will want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and probably a hat most of the year round too.

If you are planning on walking, hiking or camping you will want to take suitable equipment and remember to take plenty of water with you before you set off!

If you are travelling into the mountains or desert areas you will want to take warmer clothing as temperatures can drop considerably overnight.

In the winter you will need warmer clothing, and it is worth remembering to bring suitable clothes for the rain!

If you are planning on visiting the Dead Sea you can take the plunge even in the winter, it is warm all year round!