Have you ever wanted to travel to Israel, but aren't willing to cough up the big bucks? A flight can cost over $1,000. Add in a hotel, food, and other expenses, and you will have to pay a pretty penny to travel to Israel. Fortunately, you can remove those concerns from your mind, because there is a way to fly to the Holy Land free of charge with Birthright Israel.
Birthright Israel, the 10-year-old organization provides an exciting, safe trip for all who are willing.
That iss correct, Birthright Israel will pay for your airfare, hotel accommodations, and a majority of your meals. The only requirements are: 1) you must be 18 - 26 years of age, 2) you must be Jewish, and 3) you must not have been on Birthright prior.
The reason Birthright Israel is able to provide this wonderful, gratis service is that the Israeli government foots the bill with tax payer dollars. In return, Israel is able to boost it's economy as it relies on tourism in part to thrive.
At this point you may be mulling this free trip over with Birthright Israel in your mind. Free flight? Check. Free food? Check. Free hotel? Check. Security? Birthright has done an excellent job of making the travel experience extremely secure. They accomplish this by using trained security guards, not disclosing the full itinerary of the trip to anyone, even the travelers, and finally, they don't travel to the battleground areas such as the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
I was fortunate to travel with Birthright Israel on Oranim (the best option) back in the summer of 2004. We flew on El Al, arguably the world's safest airline, and proceeded to travel to Tel Aviv. From there, we visited Jerusalem, Haifa, the Negev Desert , and a Kibbutz (Jewish community living) to name a few.
If you are programmed like me to eat Middle Eastern food, you will thoroughly enjoy the Shawarma (thinly sliced beef of chicken), hummus, kebabs, and other treats. Additionally, if you are underage at the time of travel, you will be able to consume alcohol if you are at least 18. I do not recall being carded at all.
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend traveling to Israel with Brithright Israel. There certainly is no other such free trip available, to my knowledge, and I can guarantee you will love every minute of it.
By Bryan Wisotsky who writes at Storybook Vacations.
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