Travel to Israel – Episode 167
categories: asia travel, middle east travel
The Amateur Traveler talks to Douglas Duckett about his travels to Israel and his popular travel guide to Israel and a regular contributor to the TripAdvisor forum on Israel.
Douglas has fallen in love not just with the “holy land” but with the modern nation of Israel.
We address the issue of “is it safe to travel to Israel” at this time when Israel is at war with the Palestinians in Gaza. He takes us on a virtual trip from the beaches and nightlife of Tel Aviv, through the working city of Haifa with the beautiful Baha’i Gardens and the informative museum about the modern Jewish immigration. We stop at Lake Kinneret (also known as The Sea of Galilee, also Sea of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias) at the town of Tiberius. We make a detour to the historic site of Gamla the “Masada of the North” before turning our face toward Jerusalem. On the way to Jerusalem we stop at Megiddo (Armageddon in the bible) and the Roman ruins at Beit-Shean.
In Jerusalem we talk about the overwhelming religious and historic significance of the city and how some people come down with ” Jerusalem syndrome”. We suggest a walking tour of the city, a tour of the Mount of Olives, the holocaust memorial and the Israel Museum. We also talk about the work the Jerusalem YMCA is doing to promote peace with their peace preschool that teaches Jewish and Palestinian children together.
click here to download (mp3)
click here to download (iTunes enhanced)
Show Notes
“Israel: A Personal Travel Guide” by Douglas E. Duckett
Travel to Jerusalem – Episode 192
Israel
Dan Gardens Haifa Hotel
Baha’i Faith
The Scots Hotel on Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee)
Gamla (Masada of the North)
Map of the old city of Jerusalem
Jerusalem International YMCA
Jerusalem International YMCA – Three Arches Hotel
Walking Tours of Jerusalem
The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority
Israel Museum
News
Travel News – 9 Muslims Deplaned, More Outrageous Law Suits, Drunk Pilot, When Monkeys Attack, Are Bikinis Legal?
- 9 Muslim passengers kicked off flight after remark
- Outrageous airline lawsuits
Internet Resources
“Israel: A Personal Travel Guide” by Douglas E. Duckett
Community
Ali asks: Is there going to be a podcast on minority solo travelers’ experiences?
Michelle loved the Scotland podcast (not so much the hagis)
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Israel and Palestine – Episode 558
Travel to Jerusalem – Episode 192
4 Day Road Trip in Israel – Biblical Sites, Ruins, Castles & Humus
Israel Travel Advice – What to Know Before Your First Trip
by Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.+Chris Christensen | @chris2x | facebook
14 Responses to “Travel to Israel – Episode 167”
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Tags: audio travel podcast, israel, jerusalem, podcast
Dr. Diane Gartland
Says:January 4th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Chris, the podcast on Israel was so wonderful, words fail. Doug has been a marvelous asset to the tripadvisor and has certainly helped to make my planning easier. When one thinks of going to Israel as a tourist or pilgrim, it just seems so overwhelming that it is difficult to structure it in a doable way. People like Doug create it as a meaningful adventure while helping a person formulate a plan of travel that is practical and invigorating. I wish I could jump on a plane today. Thanks again for this exciting podcast.
Chuck Prevatte
Says:January 6th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Chris, this was a great show. Doug was a wonderful guest and really comunicated his passion for travel to Israel. I hope people take hart to what he said about not on seeing the “Holy Land” but see Israel, the modren state also. Keep up the Great Work!
Tourist Israel
Says:January 7th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Very cool! Israel is the place to be!
Max Taylor
Says:January 7th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Douglas Duckett was an exceptionally articulate guest! His spiritual attachment to Israel was apparent from the beginning of the interview, yet we didn’t feel like we were being escorted on a pilgrimmage tour. His passion for Israel is infectious. Such a good show!
Douglas E. Duckett
Says:January 8th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Thank you both for your very kind comments, and I’m glad you enjoyed the show. Chris is a great host and offers a great service!
Daniel Herrold
Says:January 11th, 2009 at 7:05 am
I always listend to your podcasts when I’m on road trips or traveling long distances in my car. Had an opportunity as I was heading back home to Houston from a day trip to San Antonio and I listened to the Israel podcast.
Kudos to Doug – he was a fantastic guest. Really described the trip which got me excited about possibly going. Israel was never in my “Top 10” but has quickly become so after listening……nice job Chris!
chris2x
Says:January 11th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I was very pleased with the show also. As I mentioned this week, Douglas and I have been talking about having him come back on to look at Jerusalem in more detail.
Mark Nielsen
Says:January 13th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Dear Chris,
I want to thank you for all of the effort and time you have invested in the American Traveler Podcasts. I have been a casual listener for a few months and have completely enjoyed all of the programs that I have listened to. The most recent one that I listened to was Episode 167, Travel to Israel. I have visited Israel about 12 times in the last few years but unfortunately all of my visits have been for business and my time in country has always been packed with meetings. In listening to Douglas’ description of the Israel it appears that I have completely missed the country. I have seen none of the sites or vistas that he mentioned even though I been in of very close to several of the area he mentioned.
As a result of listening to this latest podcast I have started the process of planning a trip with my family (2-adults, 2-childeren, 18 & 15) for next year, 2010. I hate to admit this but, my work for a previous employer required that I travel as part of my business development activities. However, all of my trips where spent in airports and conference room. As a result, I have visited many countries but I have seen very few.
Regards and continued success.
Mark Nielsen
Nielsen101@gmail.com
chris2x
Says:January 14th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Mark, it’s not too late to see more than conference rooms. Glad we could help in some small way.
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Says:February 25th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
how can I get a podcast onto my iPhone?
Michael Browne
Says:February 3rd, 2019 at 6:27 pm
As we plan our first trip to Israel, I as usual started with your podcast. So very helpful.
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