Tel Aviv - An Modern City On The Stunning Mediterranean    by Ben Pate

in Travel / Travel Tips    (submitted 2011-03-03)

There are so many stereotypical vacation destinations out there, and the last thing you want to do is go on a boring vacation. Tel Aviv is different. Located in Israel, this busy city is both gorgeous to the beholder and filled to the brim with culture and history also. Perched right on the edge of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is the second largest city in the country. If you are thinking of this place might provide the stimulating sort of vacation experience you need, you will first have to get a U S passport.

Generally the thought of having to get a passport evokes groans of frustration. The process is far from convenient. Having to run around to different places and then wait for months upon months for your passport to arrive seems archaic. Thankfully, however, the process has been streamlined and can now be done completely from your home computer. All sorts of passport services are available to choose from, including helpful ones like passport renewal.

Most people consider Jerusalem the place to visit while in Israel. While it definitely is an amazing city, it is mostly a governmental city. On the other hand, Tel Aviv is a center for culture. The nightlife in the city is so alive, and you will have no trouble finding bars and clubs to visit. In addition to this, there are so many interesting cultural and historical sites as well.

Old Jaffa is considered one of the top must-see spots in Tel Aviv. This little section of the city, which shows signs of habitation as far back as 7500 BC, is said to feature one of the oldest ports in the entire world. In reference to the Bible, many say this is where Jonah boarded the ship he would take before being swallowed by the whale. According to Classical mythology, the rocks jutting out from the coast is said to be where Perseus rescued Andromeda before she was eaten by the sea monster. The hill above the port, which stands at around 130 feet high, makes for a great view of the city.

Another very relevant site to visit is the White City, an entire section of Tel Aviv that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area features the world's largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings, of which there are 4000 in total. There is a lot of significance behind this area of Tel Aviv. During World War II, German Jews fled from the Nazi regime to Tel Aviv, where they brought this very unique and very recognizable style of German architecture. The buildings themselves are pure white and have clean-cut angles, but they still feel traditional and comfortable.

Among the biggest pulls of Tel Aviv is of course the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. The boardwalks along the beach feature bars, clubs, cafes, and make for a great atmosphere for a beach side walk.

About the Author

Don't expect to be let down when you visit Tel Aviv. A trip to this city covers the entire spectrum of vacation experiences, whether you want to lounge by the beach, surround yourself with culture and history, or spend late nights at the bars and clubs. Start your trip by applying for your U.S. passport today. Doing it all online grants you access to all sorts of services, such as U S passport renewal, so your trip can start as soon as possible.