Two Bedouins chew the fat in the Israeli desert

In general, Israel enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate. July and August are the hottest months while January can be bone-chillingly cold, especially in Jerusalem.

Israel's official languages are Hebrew and Arabic; most people speak at least basic English and all street and road signs are in English.

Israel's currency is the shekel.

There is no end in sight to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, so if you're waiting for everyone to kiss and make up before you set foot in the Holy Land, you'll probably never get there.

While Israel is subjected to frequent terrorist attacks from Palestinian and Hezbollah militants, tourists are extremely unlikely to be victims of violence. To minimize your chances however, avoid crowded areas as well as public buses during rush hour. Don't drive in the Palestinian Territories with an Israeli license plate, or better still, steer clear of the Gaza Strip and West Bank altogether where foreigners have had encounters with Palestinian kidnappers as well as paranoid, trigger-ready Israeli soldiers.

Always report unattended bags or packages and in Arab areas of Jerusalem or in Palestinian districts, avoid speaking loudly in Hebrew or displaying typically Jewish jewelry or attire.

If you wanted to be extra vigilant in Israel, you could only enter restaurants, shopping malls or buildings with security guards out the front. Equally, don't be surprised if you and your bags are often searched upon entering cafes, museums and office buildings.

Even if you're Israeli, expect to be grilled by extremely unpleasant immigration authorities upon entering and leaving the country. Whether coming or going, arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight in order to undergo the humiliating but necessary security checks.

It is fine to discuss the conflict with people you meet. Most people are more than willing to espouse their opinions and hear yours. Keep in mind that tensions and tempers often run high in the aftermath of a suicide bombing, rocket attack or major military incursion and this is probably not the best time to engage either Jews or Arabs in a political debate.

Israelis tend to drive like the world's about to end - fast and furious and with little regard for other vehicles or pedestrians. In fact, more Israelis have died in motor accidents than in all the wars and terrorist attacks combined.

Always dress modestly when entering churches, mosques or synagogues as well as religious neighbourhoods. For both women and men this means covering legs and arms and often the head. Israel is a secular state and you'll see most young Israelis dressed in tight, skimpy clothing as befits the climate and fashion. Keep in mind that Mea Shearim - an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood in Jerusalem - is world's apart from the beachfront promenades of Tel Aviv and you'll be taunted or worse if you enter the area dressed inappropriately.

Israeli cuisine is delectable and varied, reflecting the diverse background of its residents. Middle Eastern, North African, Mediterranean, German and Eastern European fare have all been given a distinctly Israeli makeover. Popular national dishes include Egyptian felafel, Turkish borekas, European schnitzel, Yemenite malawach and Iraqi sabich. A typical Israeli breakfast includes a hard-boiled egg, a variety of cheeses, bread, salad, olives, coffee and fruit juice.

Over the Jewish Sabbath (from sundown Friday sunset to sundown Saturday), you might find shops, services and public transport limited in some parts of the country.

From Israel, you can easily travel overland to both Jordan and Egypt. Although Israel also borders Syria and Lebanon, ongoing hostilities means there is no possible land route to or from these countries. You may also experience problems entering a hostile Arab country if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. To avoid issues arising, try asking Israeli immigration authorities to stamp your landing card instead of your passport, although they are not required to oblige.

Ben Gurion International Airport is located roughly 15km southeast of Tel Aviv and is the major international gateway to Israel. There are also ferry services from Greece andCyprus.