Israelis Shift Winter Holiday Plans Away From Turkey to Greece, Cyprus
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli winter holiday preferences are shifting away from Turkey towards Greece and Cyprus for the 2026-2027 season, driven by a desire to feel comfortable and safe abroad. Eastern European cities and Balkan destinations are also gaining popularity for their affordability. The primary concern influencing travel choices is the daily experience and perceived local attitudes towards Israelis, rather than just price or weather.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis are prioritizing feeling comfortable and safe abroad when choosing winter holiday destinations.
- Turkey is declining as a preferred winter holiday spot for Israelis, with Greece and Cyprus rising.
- Concerns about daily experiences, like hostile attitudes, are influencing destination choices.
- Eastern European cities and Balkan countries are becoming more popular for affordable European trips.
- Perceived hostility is causing some travelers to avoid Western European cities like London and Paris.
Israeli travelers are reconsidering their winter holiday destinations for the 2026-2027 season, with a growing emphasis on feeling comfortable and safe abroad, according to a new report by Humanix. This shift sees Turkey, a former top choice for all-inclusive vacations, largely dropping off the list of preferred destinations. Instead, Greece and Cyprus are emerging as leading alternatives, offering a familiar European experience with perceived greater acceptance for Israeli tourists.
The primary concern influencing these choices is not necessarily physical safety, but rather the daily experience, including avoiding unpleasant remarks or hostile attitudes. Destinations perceived as unwelcoming are being bypassed in favor of those where travelers feel more welcome and secure, a factor particularly important for families and older travelers. This sentiment is shaping destination choices even before price comparisons begin.
Greece, particularly islands like Crete and Rhodes, is being positioned as a substitute for Turkish resorts, with travelers seeking a similar all-inclusive experience. While these destinations offer proximity, sunshine, and good hotels, some report that the level of pampering and pricing may not perfectly match what Turkey previously offered.
For those seeking European city breaks or accessible travel without high costs, Eastern European cities like Budapest, Warsaw, Krakow, and Bucharest are gaining traction. The Balkan region, including Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, is also attracting interest for its affordability and less crowded tourist spots. Even ski resorts like Bansko in Bulgaria are considered for budget-friendly winter trips.
Conversely, some travelers are avoiding major Western European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin due to perceived hostility and protests. The report also notes that while destinations like Lapland offer unique experiences such as the Northern Lights, their high cost makes them inaccessible for many. Dubai, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian destinations remain options for those seeking sun or longer, more affordable trips, but the overarching trend is a prioritization of feeling comfortable and accepted in the chosen destination.
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