I think if you look on the Foreign Office website it will probably advise against visiting Israel at the moment.

People's preconception of Israel is a country where you are likely to be blown up at any moment. Sadly this can happen just about anywhere in the world, not just Israel. People still go to South Africa on holiday despite the bloodshed that we know goes on there. Similarly people holiday in Spain where if they were to be in the wrong place at the wrong time they could find themselves in tense situations. Turkey has problems, the list is endless. (Even holidaying in this country could be dodgy if you were to think too deeply about it). The truth is that if you are concerned about safety (and who isn't), but still want to go to Israel, then Eilat is probably the safest place. If you want to visit Jerusalem then there are trips from Eilat.

I spent a week in Israel earlier in the year, split between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and I just made sure that I knew where I was and where I wanted to go at all times (as I would do in any major foreign city) and I had no problems or concerns. Israelis sometimes come across as being a bit on the brusque side but they can also be some of the most helpful and charming people you could meet.

Go to Eilat, enjoy yourself and don't worry.

Babs135

I really fancy Eilat too but can't seem to find a package. Can anyone recommend a company to use?

Many thanks.

There are a number of travel agents who specialise in Eilat/Israel holidays. Try
Longwood: http://www.longwoodholidays.co.uk
Superstar: (not sure of web address)
Issta Travel: http://www.isstadirect.com

There are others, so if the above can't help, please re-post and I'll dig out more addresses; just didn't want to overload you with loads of addresses

I think the rise of Sharm and hurghada has meant the demise of Eilat. Its a great place for diving and you can do the Dead sea and Masada too. Can you still fly direct?

Hi I won a holiday to Eilat 20 years ago,visited the dead sea,Masada,and Timna Valley national park,it was a fantastic time and I too,would love to return some day.I think we flew into Ovda airport but cannot remember our departure airport.

Was Ovda the airport that was just on the outskirts of Eilat? You used to be able to get off the plane and walk to your hotel/hostel. There were always a lot of hostels where you could get very cheap digs while taking the top diving course... and sometimes if you swept the hostel floor and did the next days breakfast, you would have free bed for the night! Israel also used to have the best bus service ever, so you would not have to rely on organised tours.

Actually the lady I work for recommended Eilat to me as a change from Sharm just the other day. She said great diving and still on the red sea.

I dont know if the recent events in Israel will mean the foreign office advising against travel to this area at the moment.

I have said this on another topic; once Obama is in on 20 Jan and Isreali Prime Mimisterial elections are over on 10 Feb, it should as safe as anywhere, and with added security. I am not a political analyst-I just watch newsnight sometimes.

I was in Eilat when the Americans used Uk airbases to bomb Libya...very worrying for my Mother, but it was not really discussed in Eilat. Its not a very religious place.