There are many Pesach programs in tropical locations on the beach (Envato)
In Part 1 of the Passover Programs 101 blog, we covered the basics about Passover and Passover programs. There, you will find an overview of what Passover programs have to offer, why people go on Passover programs, the kosher supervision at Passover programs and the bountiful food (it’s all about the food) that is served. In this post, we'll be covering Pesach program destinations. There are different factors to consider when choosing where to go for Passover. Some people have been going away for Pesach for years and choose to go to the same program each year or go away with the same program operator wherever they are making Pesach. Other people like to choose a different location each year and use Passover as an opportunity to travel the globe.
Passover 2024 falls a bit later in the spring season because 5784 is a Jewish leap year. Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024 and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 and Monday, April 29th in Israel. With Passover falling in late April, you'll likely experience warmer weather wherever you choose to spend the holiday. This weather might even impact your choice of Passover program destination.
Where do people go for Passover?
When people first started going away for the Pesach holiday, it was pretty limited to the Catskills, Israel and Miami Beach, Florida. Last year, there were more than 150 passover programs around the world. There were programs throughout the United States and Europe. More recently, Dubai and Mexico have become very popular Pesach vacation destinations. Israel is always popular for the Jewish holidays.There are new destinations each year, such as Tunisia, Croatia, Turkey, Thailand and Vietnam. We’re waiting to see what the new Passover program destinations will be for 2024.
Florida continutes to be a very popular Pesach vacation destination, especially Miami Beach and Orlando. Florida has great weather in the spring and so many sights, activities and water sports as well as the theme parks in Orlando. Other popular warm weather destinations in the United States include California, Hawaii, Arizona and Georgia. Pesach programs in New York and New Jersey are great options for people who have to go to work during Chol Hamoed. These programs offer amenities and a great location for day trips. A Pesach holiday in Vail, Colorado is a great choice for ski aficionados. Passover programs in Canada are another fantastic option for some spring skiing during your Passover vacation.
Tourists flock to Israel for all of the Jewish holidays, especially the shalosh regalim (three pilgrimage festivals). Pesach, one of the three holidays where Jews traditionally traveled to Jerusalem, is an ideal time to vacation in Israel. There are beautiful Pesach Hotels that will be open throughout the country, from Haifa, Nazareth, Herzliya and Tel Aviv down to the Jerusalem area and the Dead Sea. There are many nature and heritage sights as well as tiyulim (day trips) to keep you busy on Chol Hamoed. There are festivals and special activities celebrating the holiday, such as Birkat Koahanim at the Kotel.
Pesach programs in Israel (Envato)
Warm Weather Pesach Holiday Destinations
There are many Passover programs at hotels and resorts in tropical warm weather destinations, such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica. Many people choose these more exotic tropical countries or islands for Pesach. The Passover hotels and resorts are usually all inclusive so you never have to leave the resort if you don’t want to. There are usually activities day and night to keep everyone in the family busy, well fed and entertained. There are many interesting sights and activities for those who want to get out a bit and tour the area.
Dubai has become a very popular kosher vacation destination since the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020. Jewish tourists take advantage of the kosher amenities and the tourist attractions that are available all year round. Pesach is a great time to travel to the UAE, before the heat of the summer. There are many exciting places, museums, amusement parks and activities to keep the family busy during Chol Hamoed. Morocco is another popular destination, with great Passover programs and many sights and activities to keep you entertained.
Passover programs in Europe (Prague-Envato)
Pesach is a great time for a European holiday. There are all different types of Passover programs to choose from and so many Jewish heritage sights to visit. Some popular Pesach holiday programs in Europe include Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Prague and more. Many of the programs in Europe are all inclusive programs at resorts on the beach so that you have everything you need. They also offer day trips to local landmarks and cities in the surrounding areas. There are other programs that take place in the city center so that you can walk around the city or visit the local museums and points of interest.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no shortage of options for Passover programs in recent years. We expect even more programs for Passover 2024. Take time to figure out what part of the world you want to visit. Decide if you want to stay domestic or go overseas. Maybe you are looking to visit a city or country that you have never visited before. Then choose what type of Pesach vacation you are interested in. You might choose a program with exciting places to see or a relaxing program on the beach so that you never have to leave the resort. If you are very active, you might want a program with opportunities to hike, zip line, water sports or skiing.
Do some research about the different programs. But don’t worry because TotallyJewishTravel.com has got you covered. We have all the information about passover programs for you in one easy to navigate website. You can search for programs according to country and city.
Do some research about the different programs. But don’t worry because TotallyJewishTravel.com has got you covered. We have all the information about passover programs for you in one easy to navigate website. You can search for programs according to country and city.
Wishing you a great Pesach vacation wherever you choose to go!
Originally published: March 14, 2022
Originally published: March 14, 2022