With Pesach less than two short months away, I’ve been thinking a lot about my upcoming trip to Europe, for a brand new Pesach program in a city I’ve never visited. As the holiday comes closer, Pesach plans become a predominant topic of Jewish community chitchat. “Where are you for Pesach?” is almost synonymous with “How is your family?” this time of year. Yes, Purim is first, but when it comes to planning and preparing, Passover takes the cake. See what I did there?

North America vs. Europe:
The New(ish) Pesach Frontier

When I first learned of Pesach programs as a kid, it was mostly about programs in America. I then learned of people flying to Mexico for a more tropical and beachy Pesach experience. The continent gaining much attention in recent years is Europe. Some of Europe’s programs’ attractiveness comes from the fact that they generally maintain a lower price point, compared to their American counterparts, and because they offer lots of opportunities for exploration.

European programs truly are a different breed. They have their own vibe and priorities, and align with a more European approach to life. American programs generally want to keep you guessing, thrilled and excited. They pack in tons of programs, activities and lectures. There are endless options of what to do and they keep you busy and moving.

European programs also have delicious food, tea rooms and programs and kids programs … but they are notably more calm and collected, modest and generally run at a slower pace. Because they know that guests travel a significant distance to arrive at their program and to experience the beauty of its natural surroundings, they focus a little less on the full-time, nonstop programming, keeping in mind that you likely will want to leave the hotel, travel, tour, spend time at the beach, or otherwise venture out. In doing so, their programs allow for a wider range of pricing, with more affordable options being a keynote distinction.

While on a surface level, a European program might scream expensive, the ability to choose levels of participation and price accordingly makes a big difference. Programs like this are definitely a significant expense, but there are ways to mitigate the size of that. One helpful mechanism for budget-conscious program searching is on websites that host all program pricing like Passoverlistings.com, offering users a pricing tool to help them get a clearer and faster understanding of program pricing early on in their search. Enter the number of rooms and guests per room, and the site populates approximate prices for various programs.

What Makes This Program Different From All Other Programs

Whether in Europe, North America, Mexico, Israel or anywhere else where Passover programs exist, many try to distinguish themselves by offering unique features, environments, styles, amenities and ambiances.

Some program attendees prioritize the “where” of the Pesach program while some choose a program based on the “what.” It’s the key offerings, amenities or focuses that attract their guests. Programs in Florida, Cyprus, the Bahamas and Arizona boast in-resort water parks, which will keep kids busy and smiling for hours, and that’s always a win for families. In Malta, guests can relax in the quiet of an adults-only program. There are programs boasting top current Jewish performers and musicians like Benny Friedman, Ishai Ribo, Moshav Band, Modi, Yochai Sponder, Elan Gold and more.

Do You Know Who’s Coming?

If you haven’t chosen your program based on where it is or what they offer, maybe who you can expect to be there is your make or break. There are websites like Passoverlistings.com and Facebook groups like “Passover Program Reviews” that provide program seekers with reviews, allowing them to glean all kinds of information and details from past attendees who want to assist others in making their choice by sharing their experiences. Acquiring a better sense of the crowd, the vibe, the entertainers and other facets of a program educates program seekers and renders them more informed, providing them with an overall picture, and positioning them to pinpoint the perfect program for them.

On passoverlistings.com, at the bottom of the listing, you can actually see if there is separate or mixed swimming or filter for programs that are gebrokts or non-gebrokts, etc. To some it’s a big deal and to some not as much. There isn’t a right or wrong, better or worse. It’s just one of the many factors that help guests decide where they will feel most comfortable.

Nu? What’s New?

Now that we’ve covered where you can go, what you can do and who you might see, let’s talk about the exciting new programs and destinations Pesach guests can choose from this year. Upscale Legacy in California, Quest Passover in Guatemala, Gil Travel in Japan, Pesach Panama by Michael Schick and UPassover Pucon in Chile have launched this year as their first year. Leisure Time Tours opened in Arizona, World Wide Kosher has moved to Carlsbad, California, Five Star Kosher Tours has landed in Punta Mita, Mexico and Sky Events has found a new home in Cyprus.

From locations to novel experiences and crowds to the new and exciting, Passover programs have grown and evolved over the years. Like the Jewish community, they have expanded, diversified and offer something for everyone. With this evolution and expansion, there are more opportunities for Pesach program seekers to find the best match for their families. Wider ranges of price points, many more destinations, unique features, and experiences all open up the potential to go on a program for those who may have thought they were “not for them” or out of reach. What we’re seeing, with both the diversity and assortment of programs, is that the type of people who attend Pesach programs is broader. What’s nice about that is that it ensures that there’s a seat at the table for those who want to find the best fit.