In many ways, to fully appreciate the history and cultural complexity of Israel, as well as the heat and crowds at some of the honeypot sites, it is worth waiting until children are older to travel there with them. Yad Vashem’s Holocaust History Museum is not open to children under ten, for example. But to visit Israel without exploring its history, religion or politics with your children is a wasted opportunity to learn together. It’s not all museums and learning though, there is plenty of fun to be had too, from floating in the Dead Sea to snorkeling in the Red Sea.

The kibbutz plays a big part of Israeli tourism, and has done for years. Traditionally, they are communal living communities, based on agricultural practices, with a 70’s hippy vibe. But now many have developed into ecotourism ventures, with rural guesthouses and country cabins surrounded by farm life. For families that love the community ethos of youth hostelling or camping, kibbutz is perfect.