Thinking about taking a trip this year? According to America’s first fashion magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Israel should be on your list as a vacation destination.
Founded back in 1867, Harper’s Bazaar has been showcasing the visions of editors, photographers and stylists for over a century. This week the iconic magazine published their list of “The 17 Best Places to Travel in 2017“, ranking Israel eighth.
“We tapped our bucket lists, insider knowledge and industry experts for the 17 destinations to have on your radar when planning this year’s getaways, adventures and retreats,” the magazine wrote.
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Topping the list of places to visit was New Zealand, followed by Canada, Finland, Pittsburgh (USA), Portugal, India’s Golden Triangle, and Rwanda. Israel placed right in the middle of the list at number eight, followed by Cape Town (South Africa), Warsaw (Poland), Madagascar, Japan, Colombia, Sānyà (China), Scotland, Vietnam, and Asheville, North Carolina (USA).
Must see: Tel Aviv & Jerusalem
Tel Aviv skyline
In describing Israel, the magazine advises readers, “Don’t be fooled; its vibrant culture, phenomenal food scene, historic landmarks, beaches and endlessly impressive hotels are too much of a draw to ignore.”
The magazine suggests visitors “start your trip in the bustling-metropolis-meets-beach-town of Tel Aviv, but then make sure to explore all that this country has to offer. Explore Tel Aviv and Jaffa’s vibrant food, arts and cultural scene.”
Regarding Jerusalem, Harper’s says, “Be sure to tour the shuks (markets) and the historic sites in Jerusalem–a trip to Israel is definitely not complete without a visit to the Kotel, the Wailing Wall.” While in town, be sure to enjoy the food; the delicious and dynamic scene at the Mahane Yehuda market is not to be missed.
Mahane Yehuda market
North, south or both
If adventure is your game, the magazine suggests you “head north to experience jeep rides and hikes in the mountains of the Golan, then head to the world-renowned Dead Sea spas in the desert or to Eilat for its hippie, beach vibes. Don’t get overwhelmed by the various experiences this country has to offer–you may want to spend 1-2 weeks here to soak it all in.”
Floating in the Dead Sea
For the desert experience
As far as lodging, the article suggests several top hotels throughout the country, but when in the desert recommends the Beresheet Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon as “the place to book”. Located 2,600 feet (800 meters) above sea level on sky-high cliffs that slope down into the desert lands of the Ramon crater, Harper’s describes the luxury resort-meets-natural-phenomenon as “the kind of experience that will have you wanting to stay forever”.
Beresheet Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon
Photos: Courtesy