Travel Blog

Most families come to us at the same stage: they have the idea, they’re not sure whether it’s actually possible, and they have a list of questions they may feel a little embarrassed to ask. If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you. Do we need to be religious to do this? No. This is probably the question we hear most often, and the answer is simple: not at all. Families across the full spectrum — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, unaffiliated, interfaith

The part of the itinerary that families almost cut When we first present an itinerary that includes a Tikun Olam — a volunteer day, a giving-back component — we sometimes see hesitation. The trip already has a lot in it. Is this really necessary? Will the kids even connect with it? Can we move it to the end when everyone has more energy? After years of doing this, our answer is: please don't cut it. And here's why. What Tikun Olam means in this context Tikun Olam — repair of

Before we start These stories are composites; drawn from the hundreds of families we've had the privilege of traveling with over the years. Names and some details have been changed. The moments are real. The family that almost cancelled They called us six weeks before their departure date. There had been news reports about unrest in a part of Israel they weren't even going to visit. The grandmother was worried. The father was privately having second thoughts. The bat mitzvah

The person who ends up running everything In every large group, there's one person who ends up being the de facto coordinator. Usually a parent — often a mom, though not always. They're the one fielding messages from seven different relatives about whether the hotel has an elevator, whether the flight has kosher meals, whether grandma can handle the Masada cable car. This post is for that person. Consider it a briefing on everything you'll need to think about — so that when y

The kid who didn't want to go We hear this story constantly. A 13-year-old who was resistant from the start. Too much flying. Too hot. Too far from friends. Too much pressure around the ceremony. They wanted the party at home, not a trip halfway around the world. And then they went. We cannot count the number of parents who've told us, after the fact, that their reluctant child came home a different person. Not in a dramatic, overnight-transformation way. In a quiet, hard-to-

The question that surprises families Most families who start planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel assume the ceremony location question will be the complicated part. It usually isn't — once you understand what each location actually offers. The complicated part is figuring out which one is right for your family. Not for families in general. For yours specifically. We've helped hundreds of families make this choice. Here's our honest breakdown of the five locations we

When families begin thinking about a Bar or Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel, one practical question usually comes up early: “How far in advance should we start planning?” The good news is that there’s no single perfect timeline. We’ve planned extraordinary trips more than a year in advance and others in just a few months. Starting earlier simply gives you more flexibility, while shorter timelines may require a bit more adaptability along the way. Here’s what the planning process t

Written by a 12th grade student on the Lev v’Nefesh program, this blog captures an unexpected journey—from feeling disconnected from Israel to finding a deep sense of belonging. One month into the program, as war breaks out, she reflects on how moments of fear, community, and resilience transform Israel from a place she was visiting into a place that feels like home.

Planning a meaningful Pesach experience that keeps every family member engaged—from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents—feels like...

The Western Wall is unlike any other place in the Jewish world. It’s a physical remnant of the Second Temple and a symbol of Jewish resilience and faith. Over centuries, millions have come here to pray, leave notes tucked between ancient stones, and seek spiritual connection.

Mitzvah projects in Israel connect your child to the land and the people in a tangible, inspiring way. These hands-on experiences build empathy and identity in a way that stays with your child far beyond the trip.

Join us for a live briefing with Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi, founder and chairman of Israel's Defense and Security Forum. Amir will address the threats from Iran and Gaza, and share insights on what lies ahead for Israel and the region in the aftermath of the current conflict.