There has never been a better time to be a kosher traveler.
Not long ago, keeping kosher while traveling required a lot more planning. Independent travelers packed suitcases full of food, cruises often served pre-packaged kosher meals, and many incredible destinations simply weren't practical for kosher travelers.
Today, it's a completely different story.
Today, it's a completely different story.
You can explore Japan on a fully kosher guided tour, relax at a luxury beach resort with a synagogue on site, hike through the Dolomites while staying at a kosher hotel, cruise through Alaska with freshly prepared kosher cuisine, or discover the Galápagos Islands with kosher meals and daily minyanim.
Today, the hardest part isn't finding a kosher vacation. It's deciding which one is right for you.
Do You Love Planning Every Detail?
Does this sound like you?
✔ You enjoy researching destinations before you book.
✔ You like comparing hotels and reading reviews.
✔ Finding great kosher restaurants is part of the adventure.
✔ You enjoy building your own itinerary.
✔ You like the flexibility to change your plans along the way.
An independent kosher vacation could be the perfect fit.
For many travelers, the vacation begins long before they board the plane. Researching destinations, choosing the right hotel, discovering local kosher restaurants and checking how far the synagogue is from your hotel are all part of the excitement.
Planning your own trip gives you complete flexibility. You decide where to stay, how much sightseeing to do and how quickly or slowly to explore. Want to spend an extra afternoon wandering an old city, relax on the beach or change your plans because you discovered a hidden café? The choice is entirely yours.
Independent travel works especially well in destinations with established Jewish infrastructure, where kosher restaurants, Chabad houses, synagogues and kosher supermarkets are easy to find. The Totally Jewish Travel Directory makes planning even easier, with thousands of kosher restaurants, synagogues, Chabad houses, hotels, mikvahs and other Jewish travel resources around the world.
TJT recommendations:
- European city breaks
- Israel
- Road trips
- Beach vacations
- Multi-city itineraries
Popular choices include London, Prague, Rome and Marbella, where kosher restaurants, synagogues and Jewish facilities make planning your own trip much easier.
Would You Rather Someone Else Handle the Planning?
Does this sound like you?
✔ You don't enjoy planning vacations.
✔ You'd rather someone else organize the details.
✔ You want kosher meals arranged in advance.
✔ You enjoy traveling with a group.
✔ You prefer to relax instead of worrying about logistics.
An organized kosher tour, cruise or vacation program may be your best choice.
One of the biggest advantages of an organized vacation is the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything has already been arranged. Hotels, transportation, sightseeing, kosher meals and Shabbat are all taken care of before you even leave home.
Instead of wondering where you'll eat, whether there's a minyan nearby or how you'll get from one place to the next, you can simply enjoy the experience.
Organized trips also make it possible to visit destinations that would be much more difficult to plan on your own, opening up a whole world of travel opportunities for kosher travelers.
TJT recommendations:
If you've always dreamed of visiting Japan, India, the Galápagos Islands or the Arctic, an organized trip takes care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Are You Looking to Relax or Seek Adventure?
Does this sound like you?
✔ Your perfect vacation is all about how you spend your days.
✔ You'd rather relax on the beach than rush from attraction to attraction.
✔ Or perhaps you can't sit still and want every day packed with activities.
✔ You're looking for a vacation that matches your interests, not someone else's.
The best vacation is the one that suits your travel style.
Before choosing a destination, think about what you actually want from your time away. Some people are perfectly happy spending a week by the pool with a good book, while others would rather be out hiking, kayaking or exploring somewhere new every day.
Adventure no longer means giving up the comforts of kosher travel. You can go ziplining through the rainforest, kayak along a dramatic coastline, hike in the Dolomites, cruise to Australia and New Zealand or explore Iceland, all while enjoying freshly prepared kosher meals and access to Jewish life along the way.
There isn't a right or wrong choice. The best vacation is simply the one you'll enjoy the most.
TJT recommendations:
- Kosher beach resorts
- Active tours and hiking vacations
- Wildlife and safari adventures
- Expedition cruises
- City breaks and cultural tours
Who Are You Traveling With?
Does this sound like you?
✔ You're planning a vacation for more than just yourself.
✔ You're trying to keep everyone happy.
✔ Different members of your group enjoy different types of activities.
✔ You want a vacation where everyone has a great time.
Choosing the right vacation often starts with choosing the right fit for your travel group.
The people you're traveling with can have just as much impact on your vacation as the destination itself.
A romantic getaway for two may be all about boutique hotels, fine dining and leisurely sightseeing. Families with young children often look for swimming pools, kids' clubs and spacious accommodations. If you're traveling with grandparents, parents and children together, you'll need a vacation that offers something for every generation.
One of the biggest mistakes families make is thinking everyone has to do everything together. Some of the best multigenerational vacations include time for everyone to enjoy their own interests. While younger family members head off for a hike, a water sport or another adventure, grandparents may prefer relaxing by the pool, exploring a local market or visiting a museum. Meeting up again for dinner lets everyone share their adventures while still enjoying the vacation together.
TJT recommendations:
- Family-friendly kosher resorts
- Multigenerational vacation programs
- Private villas
- Guided tours
- Beach resorts with activities for all ages
What's Your Budget?
Does this sound like you?
✔ You're looking for the best value.
✔ You'd rather spend money on experiences than luxury hotels.
✔ Or perhaps this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you're happy to splurge.
There's a kosher vacation for every budget.
Setting a realistic budget before you start looking can make the decision much easier. From Airbnbs and independent city breaks to luxury resorts, cruises and all-inclusive vacation programs, there are kosher travel options at almost every price point. Once you know what you want to spend, you can focus on finding the experience that's right for you.
Finding Your Perfect Kosher Vacation
There is no single type of kosher vacation that works for everyone. The right choice depends on what you enjoy, who you are traveling with and how much of the planning you want to handle yourself.
Kosher travel has come a long way over the past couple of decades. Places that once seemed almost impossible to visit while keeping kosher are now well within reach. Today you can join a safari in Africa, explore India, experience winter in Lapland or even travel to the Arctic, all while enjoying freshly prepared kosher meals, daily minyanim and unforgettable travel experiences.
The perfect kosher vacation isn't necessarily the most expensive one or the one everyone else is talking about. It's the one that matches your interests, your travel style and the people you're sharing it with.
Whatever your travel style, Totally Jewish Travel makes it easy to explore the different options, from hotels and resorts to tours, cruises and vacation programs, and find the vacation that's right for you.