Israelis Flock Abroad for Holidays Amid Rising Travel Costs

Israelis are actively booking international trips for the upcoming autumn holiday season, with a significant surge in travel expected through the country's airports. Over 3 million passengers are anticipated in the coming weeks, with Ben Gurion Airport expected to handle approximately 2.5 million of them. On peak days, daily passenger traffic could reach nearly 100,000.

Popular destinations remain those offering short travel times and a balance of leisure and reasonable expenses. Greece and Cyprus continue to be top choices, with Italy, the UAE, Georgia, and other European countries also showing considerable interest. Greek islands like Rhodes and Crete are particularly favored for their short flights and warm weather in September, with package deals for Rhodes costing around $546 per person.

Cyprus offers a convenient option for short getaways, with flights to Larnaca and Paphos taking about an hour. While early bookings for round-trip flights could be found for as low as $85, prices increase significantly during the holiday period. For a family of three to four, a short trip including flights and accommodation might cost between 6,000 to 10,000 shekels, while a couple's short trip to Cyprus could range from 3,500 to 6,000 shekels.

Italy is attracting tourists with its cities like Rome and Venice, offering a blend of sightseeing and culinary experiences, with a four to five-night trip for two estimated at 5,000 to 9,000 shekels. The UAE, particularly Dubai, remains a popular choice for its beaches, shopping, and luxury hotels, with costs for a couple's four-night stay around 6,000 to 10,000 shekels, potentially exceeding 12,000 shekels for premium experiences.

Longer, more expensive trips are being planned to the United States, with New York, Miami, and Los Angeles being common destinations. A week-long trip for a couple to the US could cost between 12,000 to 20,000 shekels, with flights to New York alone ranging from $700 to $1,200. Georgia is noted as a budget-friendly option, with a four to five-day trip for a couple costing approximately 4,000 to 7,000 shekels.

Other destinations include Bulgaria, offering a seaside alternative to Greek resorts, with a short trip for a family of four estimated at 5,000 to 8,000 shekels. Budapest is popular for city breaks, with package deals starting around 359 euros per person. Paris remains a classic but costly choice, with a four to five-day trip for a couple estimated at 7,000 to 11,000 shekels. Munich is seeing increased interest due to Oktoberfest, with prices rising significantly during the festival period.

Travelers are advised that the total cost includes not just airfare but also baggage, seat selection, transfers, accommodation, and food. While some initial flight deals can be found, prices surge for holiday dates, making Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Georgia the most accessible options for short trips. Italy, Hungary, Germany, and France fall into a mid-range budget category, while the US and UAE are considered more expensive. Ben Gurion Airport anticipates heavy congestion, and passengers are urged to arrive early for check-in and security.