I am thankful to be debating this at all, but still some advice would be nice

My best friend lives in Haifa Israel and I have the chance to visit her as well as travel around Israel solo this January, I am a student so money is always a concern.

My set budget for this trip is currently 14 days at 50 dollars a day plus current aifare from Chicago which is around 780.00---not bad---so my total budget is around 1400. Not sure if that is going to be enough per day. I am not fluent in Hebrew or Arabic but am a fairly religious Muslim with an interest in all the faiths represented in Israel. My friend still doesn't know if she's going to be around during this time

But....

It keeps occuring to me that maybe I shouldn't go to Israel, especially if she isn't going to be there. I know that my money would stretch much, much farther in Ecuador, and I have wanted to go for a very long time. I figure 40 dollars a day x 14 560, plus airfare from Chicago at 640 is pretty damn good. I am also fluent in Spanish.

Thing is I already told my friend I'll probably come visit...I know she'll still be there January of 11 but I am not sure what to do

Thanks everyone

While frustrating that your friend can't pin down if she'll be there or not, it seems to me that Israel might be the one to spring for. We're talking about a difference of $280 between your two budgets...not really that significant.

I haven't been to Israel, though I have visited some of its neighbours, and it is a fascinating part of the world. And I loved every minute of it. I doubt that language would be much of a problem. If I can get by in Jordan and Syria with no Arabic, I'm quite certain that Israel - with its much heavier western influence, and greater wealth - should be a breeze.

Ecuador is also a fantastic destination...but I would definitely recommend going when you can afford to spend some time in the Galapagos, which is a definite budget breaker, but oh so worth it. Even on the mainland, $40/day is going to highly restrictive in finding accommodation, and, while food is cheap, anything remotely tourist-industry is quite expensive. What is it you're specifically looking to do and see in Ecuador? The answer to that question might change my answer.

If your friend will be in Israel, then go. I went to Haifa and it's a beautiful city. It's one of the most integrated and co-existing cities in Israel. Definitely worth a visit.

I've not been to Ecuador yet, but was just to Israel in January (though not to Haifa) and loved it. The people could not have been more friendly; I felt very safe traveling around, and the food was fantastic. I'm sure it would be wonderful knowing someone there and being able to travel around with them. Thumbs up for Israel.

I would go with Israel.
Now mind you I havent been to S. America. But I just think Israel and the surrounding area (despite all the friction) is home to some of the nicest and friendliest people in the world. Plus if you're a practicing Muslim a chance to visit the mosques Qubbat as Sakhrah and Al Aqsa would be awesome. AND if you're interested in Christian/Jewish and Muslim religions in general I dont think you could find a better place to go.

Plus think of the food...yum.

Plus think of the food...yum.

In fairness, I was never disappointed by the food in Ecuador, either.