State Department Travel Warning
According to the U.S. State Department's travel warning about Israel, hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens travel to Israel every year without falling into harm's way, but "the security environment remains complex in Israel and the West Bank, and U.S. citizens need to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to these areas." Read the warning by logging onto the State Department's site for travelers, www.travel.state.gov, and searching for "Israel" in the travel warnings list. U.S. citizens traveling to the country should register with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so that the embassy can contact them in the event of an emergency and also inform them of events that could pose a security risk. Register at https://step.state.gov/step.
Where to eat and stay
Arcadia, a sophisticated Jerusalem restaurant, epitomizes New Israeli cooking (http://arcadiarest.com). At Tishreen, a restaurant in a former home in Nazareth, traditional food takes on a modern flair (http://tishreen.rest-e.co.il). The Golan Heights Winery has received international awards (www.golanwines.co.il/english).
The Dan Hotels are known for their upscale elegance (www.danhotels.com). Hotel Mizpe Hayamim, near the border with Lebanon, is part spa, part hotel, part organic farm (www.mizpe-hayamim.com).
more information
Israel's official tourism site is at www.goisrael.com.
Kerri Westenberg
