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.
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 2025 begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025 and ends at sundown on Sunday, April 20, 2022 and Saturday April 19th in Israel. With Passover falling in the middle of 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 St. Martin, Croatia, Thailand and Vietnam. We're waiting to find out the new Passover programs destinations for 2025. Passover program destinations continue to be impacted by the war in Israel.
Florida continues 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 close to NYC, such as those in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut, 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.
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. This year is no exception, notwithstanding the current situation. Keep in mind that El Al remains the only airline consistently operating flights in and out of Israel, even when other airlines choose to cancel. There is no guarantee that other airlines will be flying in April so if you want to be sure to spend Pesach in Israel then that is something to consider.
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 Kohanim at the Kotel.
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 Kohanim 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. Most of these programs are on the beach where you can relax or try out some of the water sports available. 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. Most programs offer 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.
The war in Israel has affected Passover programs in Dubai and Morocco. The few programs taking place in Dubai are run by local operators with good relationships with local authorities. There are currently no programs planned in Morocco for this year. Due to the situation, the programs have been moved to other destinations.
Passover programs in Europe (Prague-Envato)
Pesach is a great time for a European holiday, especially this year. With Pesach falling late in April, the weather will be pleasant and in some cases, warm enough to go swimming. 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, Prague and more. Greece is emerging as one of the most popular European Passover program destination for 2025, with around a dozen programs.
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.
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 2025. 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