Israelis Favor Mediterranean and European Destinations for Sukkot Holiday Travel

As the Jewish Sukkot holidays approach in early September, many Israelis have already booked their vacations, driven by a combination of extended time off, pleasant weather, and a desire to travel. The timing benefits travelers since Mediterranean destinations still enjoy summer-like conditions while global demand remains moderate.

Travelers this year fall into three main categories: those seeking quiet beach resorts nearby, urban explorers interested in European cities and shopping, and those opting for long-haul flights to distant locations. According to tour operator Ofir Tours, Greece and Cyprus lead the beach resort segment, with popular spots including Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. These destinations offer family-friendly resorts, short flights, affordable prices, and comfortable weather.

For urban vacations, Central and Eastern European capitals such as Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, and Vienna remain favorites due to their value and quality hotels. Historic cities like Rome and Athens attract couples and cultural tourists seeking short, vibrant breaks. Long-haul destinations like Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar, New York, and Dubai also continue to draw Israeli travelers.

Industry experts note that Israeli tourists are increasingly value-conscious, balancing cost, flight duration, weather, and vacation experience. Data from Dizengoff shows bookings are well underway, with a slight decline in demand for some Western European destinations as travelers prefer longer stays in more affordable locations. Flight prices to the top ten destinations are about 10% lower than last year, aided by a stronger shekel and increased airline activity in Israel.

Tourism expert Yehuda Zafrani estimates that around two million Israelis will travel abroad during the holidays. He highlights the low dollar exchange rate and the return of airlines as key factors enabling more affordable and accessible trips. Provided the relative security situation remains stable, a record number of Israelis may take advantage of the holiday period for overseas vacations.