1. When arriving at the Tel Aviv airport, make sure you dress well. Nothing perks up the interest of the airport security staff like a scruffy single person with a well-worn backpack.

2.  The ‘Tel Aviv’ airport is not actually in Tel Aviv, but about one-third of the way from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. If you are arriving late at night or departing in the early morning, don’t think it will save time to spend a night in Tel Aviv. It won’t. However Tel Aviv is a great place to spend a few days if you have time.

3. When approaching the passport desk at the Israeli border or airport, say ‘Shalom’ with a bright smile and look the officer in the eye. You’ll have that 3-month entry stamp quicker than you ever imagined.

4. So you want to visit the West Bank settlements and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. From the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv you can take a bus to almost any settlement, whether a large town like Ma’ale Adumim or a hilltop community like Yitzar. Check the bus schedules at http://www.egged.co.il/eng/

5. Although in Tel Aviv ‘anything goes’ (well almost), many communities in Israel and Palestine are very conservative with strict dress codes for their members. In Muslim and Jewish ultra-orthodox areas, women tend to cover up and even men do not wear shorts or tank tops. A good rule of thumb is to cover up your skin to the neck, to the elbows, and to the knees.

Muslim women often wear slacks or pants (trousers), however ultra-orthodox Jewish women only wear long skirts. These communities together account for about 25% of Israel’s population, and about 80% of the West Bank population. Please be sensitive to their needs.

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