As many of you are starting to research and book Passover programs for 2025, we want to highlight a few key things you don’t want to do during the process. While it might seem early, starting your research now will give you more options. It also provides you with the time needed to make informed decisions, helping you avoid common pitfalls and challenges that come with booking a Pesach program..
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran of Passover programs, TJT is here to guide you through the specifics of choosing the right program. These are 5 things you should never forget when planning your Pesach vacation. Let’s get started!
1. Don't Overlook Minyan Options and Program Atmosphere
Choosing the right Passover program goes beyond amenities—it’s also about finding a setting that aligns with your religious practices and overall vibe preference. While some programs offer both Ashkenazi and Sephardi minyanim, others may have only one nusach or combined services for all guests. If you have a preference for a specific nusach, confirm with the operator beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Equally important is the atmosphere. The crowd type and program ambiance can make or break your experience. Details like mixed swimming or pool, gym, and spa hours separated by gender offer clues to the crowd’s religious leanings. Family-friendly programs with extensive children’s programming tend to attract young families, while a more subdued adult-oriented atmosphere may be found in programs without such offerings. The tone of the program can vary year to year, but speaking with the operator or past attendees can help you gauge whether the crowd aligns with what you're looking for during Yom Tov.
By addressing both the religious services and overall ambiance, you can ensure the program will provide the right setting for a meaningful and enjoyable holiday.
2. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While paying for your vacation with a credit card offers some protection, it’s limited, and many Passover programs do not accept credit cards at all. To truly safeguard your investment, consider buying travel insurance as soon as you book your Pesach program for 2025. Travel insurance can cover unforeseen events, including trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical needs, which can be crucial if you face hospitalization abroad—potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
Key Coverage Considerations:
- General Coverage: Most standard policies cover flight delays, cancellations due to illness, and emergency medical care.
- Specialty Coverage: If you plan to engage in extreme sports or bring valuable electronics, be sure to add coverage specific to those needs.
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): CFAR coverage allows you to cancel up to 48 hours before departure and recoup up to 75% of non-refundable trip costs for reasons outside of standard coverage. While this option is more expensive and only available as an upgrade to standard policies, it’s valuable for flexibility.
Travel insurance policies vary widely, so it’s important to read the fine print carefully. For 2025, be sure to check travel warnings issued by the Department of State or any official government agency in your country and understand how these might affect your coverage. Some policies may change coverage terms or exclusions based on these warnings. Proper coverage lets you fully enjoy your Passover vacation with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for unexpected challenges.
3. Don't Assume Kid-Friendly Options Are Included
If you’re traveling as a family, especially with young children or a range of ages, ensuring the program has suitable kids' programming is critical. Don’t assume that every Passover program offers childcare or structured entertainment for kids. Make sure to ask whether there are activities geared toward different age groups so that all your kids, from toddlers to teens, are engaged and entertained.
Look for programs that provide a variety of kid-friendly options, such as children’s meals, babysitting services, and kids' clubs with fun activities. It’s also important to find out if the program offers evening activities for kids, which can be a lifesaver when you want to enjoy adult programming or relax during the evening. Some programs may even have special holiday-themed entertainment, like Pesach carnivals or educational activities, which can make the experience more memorable for your children.
Confirming these details ahead of time ensures that your kids will have a great time, and you'll be able to enjoy the program without worrying about keeping them entertained.
4. Don't Skip Researching the Program’s Kashrut Supervision
Food is a central issue during Pesach, given the many restrictions and varying minhagim. Beyond avoiding chametz, families have different customs, and it’s essential to ensure that a program’s kashrut meets your specific standards. One of the most common considerations is kitniyot, which Sephardic Jews may eat, but most Passover programs don’t serve. Even so, it's always best to double-check, especially if this is a concern for your family.
Then there’s the issue of gebrochts, which some families avoid, and cholov yisroel, which might not be available at all programs. Different programs also operate under different levels of kashrut supervision, and standards can vary. That’s why it’s crucial to not only check the hashgacha but also research who the supervising rabbis are. Are they well-known and trusted within the kosher community? If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask the program operator to speak directly with the kashrut supervisor. This can provide peace of mind, especially if you adhere to stricter standards.
Whether your concerns are kitniyot, non-gebrokts, cholov yisroel, or any other nuances, the first step when considering a Passover program is to make sure the food meets your family’s needs. By doing a bit of homework up front, you can avoid any surprises during your Pesach vacation.
5. Don't Ignore Reviews and Feedback, but Make Sure They're from the Right Sources!
There are so many Passover programs out there, it’s difficult to know which ones are good. Reviews are a great resource, but it’s important to be careful about where you get them. Anonymous reviews on Facebook groups or forums can be unreliable—both good and bad. You never know who is behind these reviews, and in some cases, people affiliated with the program might post overly positive feedback, or disgruntled attendees might exaggerate their complaints. This is why you’ll often see conflicting reviews on social media.
To get a clearer picture of the hotel and accommodations, focus on unbiased reviews from reliable platforms like Google, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor. These reviews are generally more trustworthy, as they’re less likely to be influenced by those connected to the program. Pay attention to patterns in the reviews. If you see recurring praise or criticism across several sources, it’s likely a good indication of what to expect.
If possible, speak directly to people who have attended the program in the past to get a balanced perspective on whether the program will meet your expectations. By relying on trustworthy review platforms and firsthand feedback, you can make a more informed decision and avoid any unwelcome surprises during your Pesach vacation.
Ready to start planning? Here’s a quick recap of what to avoid when booking your Passover program! [Infographic]
Ready to start planning? Here’s a quick recap of what to avoid when booking your Passover program! [Infographic]
Conclusion
Planning the perfect Passover vacation takes careful thought and attention to detail. Avoiding these common pitfalls can make all the difference. By researching minyan options, understanding the crowd, ensuring kid-friendly programming, double-checking kashrut supervision, and reading reliable reviews, you'll be well on your way to finding a Pesach program that suits your family’s needs. With the right approach, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth and enjoyable Pesach vacation.