Hot tips for a hot spot

Visiting a foreign country is often daunting, especially if the native language is unfamiliar. For anyone looking to travel to Israel (as I firmly suggest), there are two things I recommend doing once you are there to feel more comfortable.

Firstly, picking up some common catch phrases is useful for any traveler. I've found the best place to practice these is in the local "shuks," or marketplaces, around Israel. Market in Jerusalem Salesmen and women are usually more willing to indulge the wandering tourist in patchy Hebrew. Go on, be brave! While you're there, you can also pick up a few of the country's infamous chotchkes for family and friends. Shuks can be found all over the country, but my favorite is the one in the Arabic quarter of Jerusalem (pictured). Another well-known and lively market is the Shuk Carmel in Tel Aviv, which features loads of nearby restaurants, cafes, textile shops and more.

Another smart tip for travelers to Israel is to make friends with the locals. Me with two soldiers Israelis make this task especially easy. Hitchhiking is not only allowed across the country, but it's also very common. The last time I was there, I met several young, traveling soldiers (pictured). They gave me better advice about where to go and what to see than any expensive guide book (or silly Web site) could offer. For example, the girls in this photo took me to several places around Tel Aviv that aren't known by tourists, and I was able to experience a side of Israel that many Americans probably miss.