Palestinian National Authority Quick Guide

It's not easy being a Palestinian, you have to live and think like one. You may feel you need an independent travel guide to explain the complexities of the Middle East and provide a little guidance, but many people find it difficult to understand. The good news is that you don't have to be a knowledgeable traveler to know where to go and what to do. If you want to visit the West Bank or Judea and have no knowledge of how to get there, then you should get a knowledgeable tour operator who knows all the places of interest and can help you plan your trip. You will also get more knowledge about life in the West Bank and how to get to the Bethlehem area or Jerlem.

Most people who plan to visit the West Bank don't realize that they can get an inexpensive tour from a leading tour company that includes all transportation and hotel arrangements. This is becoming more popular now because of the peace process and the increased awareness of people that the borders are changing. Most of these tours run in a variety of formats, depending on the level of detail and concern of the participants. For example, some groups include a meeting at the Bedouin village of Abu Dis, a traditional Bedouin village that is located adjacent to Ramat an ancient Tel Aviv. A representative from the PLO or the Palestinian National Authority would be there to sign papers and make announcements. This meeting may not be as detailed as a tour of Jerusalem, but it will still provide some background information about life in the area.

If you are planning a trip to Bethlehem, you may have a difficult time getting information on the West Bank, but you should still be able to get some Bethlehem tour information from some people who have lived there for generations. Check with friends or local organizations and see if anyone has a trustworthy source. Then, contact the National Parks service and get brochures or travel guides that take you to several sites in the Bethlehem area. If you want to spend your time wandering the landscape, that's okay, but you should keep a tour guide or someone who can help you get around if you're not familiar with the area.

Your first stop may be Jaffa, which is the biggest commercial center in the coastal region of the West Bank. You can find anything from traditional restaurants to modern shops. Ask the representative from the tourist office, what tourist information they can provide you with so you don't get lost on your way to the city. Tourist brochures are usually available at tourist offices, too. Make sure you get one before you leave for Jaffa, too, so you know exactly where you're going and what you need to bring.

You need to know more about Jerusalem if you're traveling to the Old City, so make sure you check out the area's holy places. The Western Wall, where Jesus Christ was born, is also located in this area. There are plenty of tours and educational programs based on Jesus' journey to this area. You can also visit Mount Zion, where God promised that He will be buried. See this holy place from the Holy Land with your own eyes and feel the peace and security that come to visit such a site.

Ramleh is an ancient desert city that's located in the Jordan Valley. Many of the country's Bedouin live here, so you can easily get a feel for their culture. The village of Masada also offers a historical tour of the desert. The Pertinent events of the Bible are also located here, so you can learn more about the Bible while you enjoy some of the sights and sounds of this historic area.

Jericho is another area you should definitely see on your trip. This is where the Biblical account of the tribe of Jezreel arrives to recruit David into the Promised Messiah's army. If you want to read about the Bible in a different setting, visit Jericho, where you can get a dose of history by visiting Stone Church of Annunciation. You can also get to know some of the locals in this area through the tours organized by the PA.

Khan Younis is another interesting destination for anyone interested in religious history. You can go to the Western Galilee, where you'll meet some of the most ancient inhabitants of Israel. The Temple Mount is also located in this area. It's another great place to take a tour of the holy places in Israel, so try to include it in your travels and you'll get to see this sacred place even without visiting Jerusalem. Your own private tour company can arrange this for you, so you won't have to wait for any organized group tour.