Every summer holiday, thousands of Israeli teenagers converge on Eilat, the most southern, cosmopolitan, and hottest (98 degrees Fahrenheit) city in Israel. Many high-school age teenagers in Israel go to Eilat for a week or so with their friends, where they are far from their parents.

Located on the Red Sea, Eilat offers many attractions for a nice holiday. Last summer, on my third trip to Eilat without my parents, I found myself searching desperately to find a cheap place to sleep. The accommodation ranges from five-star hotels, through youth hostels, to simple, small apartments.

The trip to Eilat takes six hours by bus (by Israeli standards that is a long trip) and costs about $28 round-trip. Some choose to fly in. The flight takes 40 minutes and costs between $19 and $75 (depending on the deal, time of the flight, etc.)

The average agenda for teens during their stay would probably include: hanging out on Eilat’s lovely beaches, doing water sports (“banana”, “TUBES”, jet ski, kayaks, paragliding, etc.), shopping at the mall, and walking around the promenade where most of the teenagers are gathered. At night the teenagers are found at parties, discotheques and the promenade.

Obviously, most parents are nervous when their children go to Eilat the first time on their own since they worry that they may get into trouble. But, everybody gets back just fine and happy.

If you have questions about life in Israel or would like to speak directly with Nadav, please contact him at .

Nadav Lobel’s Biography

I was born in December 1987 and have lived in Ra'anana my whole life. I live with my parents and my two younger brothers in a semi-detached house. I'm in the 11th grade of the "MetroWest" high school in Ra'anana. My majors are physics and advertising and public relations. I like hanging around with my friends and am a music fanatic.