Israel tourism has been in an upward spiral over the last few years. Every year brings a new crop of travelers to the Jewish State—reflected in now-routine "this was the best tourism year ever" headlines—and they go home and tell their friends. That's how you end up with niche surveys about the popularity of Israel travel, like Israel being the number two destination for Russians.

Obviously part of Israel's tourism revolves around the country being a destination for religion travel. Jerusalem is and will remain by far Israel's most-visited destination (see our insidery tips for making the most of a Jerusalem visit here and here). But other parts of Israel are becoming famous for appealing to other demographics.

Forest-filled Haifa recently got the nod of being Israel's cleanest tourism city, part of a campaign to bolster green travel to and around Israel (El Al passengers flying from LHR to TLV can even purchase carbon off-sets).

And then there's Tel Aviv, which has just been voted the world's single best gay travel destination.]]> Omri 2012-02-01T13:39:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/14/213618/530

New York City may not be the first location that comes to mind when you think "tropical vacation," but for those who don't mind sandy strolls lacking the exotic, the Big Apple is fast becoming the worldwide leader in faux beaches.

Already featuring three locations of Water Taxi Beach, NYC will be trucking in yet another sandy lot this Sunday for the one-time-only Tel Aviv Beach in NYC event.

As part of the city of Tel Aviv's 100th anniversary celebration, organizers will bring a slice of the Mediterranean to Manhattan, putting together a 1,300-square-foot beachfront by the bandshell in Central Park. The beach vibe will come complete with backgammon and paddle ball (omnipresent activities along the Tel Aviv shore), while sunbathers will be serenaded with live Israeli music and a midday DJ set pumping out Euro club hits.

And for those who aren't quite sated by Israel-on-NY, representative of El Al will be on hand offering special airfare deals. L'chaim!

Related Stories:
· The Tel Aviv Beach in NYC [Official Site]
· Marathon on the Mediterranean [Jaunted]
· Where Does Bar Refaeli Dine When She's Home in Tel Aviv? [Jaunted]

[Photo: shyb] ]]> BS 2009-06-15T09:02:11-05:00 40.7826810 -73.964770 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/23/470/75584

It's too bad that for the next few months at least, US Airways will continue to be known as "the one that went into the Hudson River," or "the one that charges for pillows and blankets" when they've got so many other bits of good news to share.

In a time when other airlines are cutting routes, US Airways is spending 2009 expanding their trans-Atlantic service to some seriously intriguing destinations. Are you a Birmingham fan anxious to catch some footballer action in person? US Airways' direct to the UK city from Philadelphia began two weeks ago. Anyone for some lutefisk in Oslo, Norway? This route just took off at the end of last week.

Hopefully this spells the end of the staycation, as US Airways plans 23 transatlantic destinations for summer and a Tel Aviv direct within the next five weeks. La Chaim!

Related Stories:
· US Airways calls Philly-Oslo nonstop 'second phase' of trans-Atlantic expansion [Today in the Sky]
· US Airways [Official Site]
· US Airways Begs You to Go To Europe This Summer [Jaunted]

[Map: US Airways; Plane photo: mount_otz]]]> JetSetCD 2009-05-26T15:32:00-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/