The people of Israel are the real highlight

I've been to a lot of countries and the thing I'll remember most about Israel isn't Masada or even the extraordinary sabich — it's the people. In Jerusalem and out in the countryside, I encountered a warmth and generosity that felt completely genuine.

One local family essentially adopted me for an afternoon after I got lost trying to find Masada. Tel Aviv's beach and bar scene became a shared experience I couldn't have planned. That human connection is something travel can give you and Israel delivers it more than most places.