These alternatives to the familiar Israeli travel circuit offer culture, nature, food, beaches and a quieter kind of escapeTzvika Borg|A glance at the flight map from Israel to popular vacation destinations around the world does not reveal many surprises. Travelers looking for a quiet corner to clear their heads, enjoy green landscapes or experience a slightly different urban atmosphere often find themselves choosing from the same familiar list.Again and again, packed planes take off from Ben-Gurion Airport to the same destinations: Athens, London, Paris, New York, Prague, Bangkok, Rome, the Greek islands, Berlin and Budapest.15 View gallery Costa del Sol, southern Spain. Beautiful sun-soaked beaches (Photo: Shutterstock/ASAP Creative)For anyone willing to open both their mind and the map, there are plenty of destinations that offer something different. Some are not especially remote, and some are not even very far away. What they do require is a willingness to step away from the automatic choices and try a vacation that feels less predictable.Here are six destinations that offer a different kind of escape.Where are we?
Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania and the country’s capital, with about 645,000 residents. Founded in the 14th century, the city has a long and layered history shaped by periods of Polish and Russian rule, influences that are still visible today in its architecture and culture.15 View gallery Vilnius, Lithuania (Photo: Shutterstock/ASAP Creative)Before World War II, about 30% of the city’s residents were Jewish, and Vilnius was known as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania,” a reflection of its status as a spiritual and cultural center for Eastern European Jewry. Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004 and has seen significant economic growth since. In 2015, the euro became the country’s official currency.Why go?
