A Travel Advisor’s Guide to Selling Kosher Vacations

Travel advisors with clients who follow a kosher diet may be worried about the restrictions and roadblocks that can arise during a vacation. But, according to Totally Jewish Travel — a leading kosher travel website for more than 25 years — kosher travel in 2025 is “far more diverse and accessible” than many realize.

“Kosher travelers today have few limitations and can explore destinations across the globe with ease,” said Raphi Bloom, co-founder of Totally Jewish Travel. “Organized kosher tours span a wide range of experiences, from witnessing the northern lights in Iceland or exploring Alaska’s glaciers to discovering the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and immersing in the vibrant cultures of the Far East, from Japan’s cherry blossoms to the bustling markets of Bangkok.”

Despite this, there are several misconceptions around planning vacations for clients who follow kosher dietary laws, which determine what foods are allowed or forbidden and mandate how foods must be produced, processed and prepared. Here’s what a few kosher travel experts had to share about the market.

Is Kosher Travel Restrictive?

According to Bloom, the idea that kosher travel is restrictive is an outdated assumption. Today’s kosher clients can enjoy many travel experiences that were once considered out of reach.

“Religious travelers are excited to experience other cultures and different types of people,” said Cali Stein, director of Four Hundred Advisor Network, who has planned travel for kosher clients. “And just because they can't eat all the food doesn't mean they can't appreciate the cuisine.”

Just because they can't eat all the food doesn't mean they can't appreciate the cuisine.

Clients can hire private kosher chefs, purchase kosher groceries to cook themselves or order meals from local kosher restaurants and caterers. However, Stein did note that not all kosher clients observe the diet at the same level. While some have to eat strictly prepared kosher meals, others will dine at restaurants but order vegetarian dishes.

“It's important to establish what each client needs,” she said.

Kosher travelers are also no longer bound to staying only in hotels. Totally Jewish Travel points to kosher hiking trips in Switzerland, kosher scuba excursions in the Caribbean and kosher safaris in Africa as examples of diverse travel opportunities.

“Gourmet Kosher Safaris is synonymous with continual innovation, absolute reliability and unwavering dedication to the highest standards of kashrut [Jewish laws that provide the foundation for a kosher diet], cuisine, accommodation and overall travel experience — no matter where you go,” said Warren Katz, business development and marketing for Gourmet Kosher Safaris, a tour operator that curates luxury kosher experiences. “As one client said, 'Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be having a sit-down gourmet kosher meal in the middle of the jungle in Brazil.’”

Myth: Kosher Travel Is Not Luxurious

Bloom of Totally Jewish Travel also notes that kosher travel has “entered the luxury market in full force,” with increased kosher options at five-star resorts and on private yacht charters. Gourmet kosher dining experiences are offered in myriad destinations, too.

Clients who prefer to manage fewer logistics can choose all-inclusive vacations, such as kosher cruises with operators like Kosherica Cruises or luxury all-inclusive resorts such as those in the Ani Private Resorts collection, which has properties in Anguilla, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and Thailand. These resorts offer kosher dining programs  with customized menus.

“All-inclusive vacation packages allow kosher travelers to fully enjoy their trip without the hassle of finding kosher food, accommodations or suitable tours,” Bloom said. “There is also a huge range of bespoke kosher vacation programs that operate around Jewish festivals [and holidays]. The fact that 130 to 140 [hotel brands] sell out for Passover programs — and many more over the year — means they see the value of kosher travel.”

All-inclusive vacation packages allow kosher travelers to fully enjoy their trip without the hassle of finding kosher food, accommodations or suitable tours.

Myth: Kosher Travel is Expensive

Like most types of travel, kosher travel is available at several price points, from budget-friendly options to high luxury. That means that kosher clients are no longer required to spend more to ensure their dietary requirements are met.

While clients may choose to splurge on all-inclusive luxury vacations, advisors can also help plan independent travel that takes advantage of kosher-friendly accommodations, grocery stores and restaurants in a select destination. Advisors should keep in mind that larger cities usually have more options.

Then, as an alternative to fully kosher cruises, many cruise lines provide accommodations for kosher passengers on larger cruises, including the option to pre-order kosher meals or have food prepared onboard using disposable cookware. In January and August on select ships, Royal Caribbean offers The Fresh Kosher Dining Package at Solarium Bistro, with a rabbi coordinating the dining experience. Advisors should check with cruise lines directly to ensure their kosher policies meet clients' needs.

Traveling on Shabbat

Clients who keep kosher may also observe Shabbat, a period of rest from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. During that time, some people choose not to operate electrical appliances (including turning lights on or off or using phones and computers), drive or ride automobiles or machinery (including in elevators) or perform any tasks considered work.

“The role of a travel advisor is especially important for kosher travelers, due to their unique needs,” Bloom said. “Flight schedules need to be planned around Shabbat, and late check-out options may be required. Many hotels present additional challenges on Shabbat, such as electronic keys and automatic doors, but some offer Shabbat-friendly solutions like manual keys and other accommodations.”

It’s also important to do the research, Stein said. She once had kosher clients honeymooning in the Amalfi Coast, and when there were no kosher restaurants in the area, she had a Shabbat meal delivered by ferry.

“The closest [kosher] caterer was in Capri, so I ordered a month before — and then made sure it actually got to the hotel before sundown,” Stein said. “The benefit of using a travel advisor was that this couple didn't have to worry about a thing. They just showed up, knowing the proper food would arrive in time for Shabbat.”

As mentioned before, elevators are another consideration. Advisors with clients who observe Shabbat may need to book hotels without elevators — or select rooms on lower floors — and request rooms within walking distance to central areas, restaurants, pools and beaches. Advisors can work with hotels to ensure necessary accommodations are arranged before Shabbat begins, including bypassing in-room electronics, arranging pre-payment for restaurants and enlisting staff assistance to access guestrooms.

The good news is that many hotels and restaurants now know how to help kosher travelers.

“Long gone are the days of kosher travelers needing to heat up airline meals and feeling like second-class citizens,” Bloom said. “Kosher travelers today can eat gourmet, freshly prepared, strictly kosher food and still take the same tours, cruises and vacations as anyone else.”