If you are still deciding where to spend Passover, then check out Passover Listings and Passover Program Reviews on Facebook to find the perfect Pesach getaway for your family. With so many new programs out there and a pricing tool that will give you a pretty accurate estimate, searching for that perfect destination has never been easier. “With just a single click you can discover just how much it will cost for you and your family to go away for Pesach this year on any program in any location,” says Doni Schwartz of Passover Listings and My Jewish Listings. Just pick a program, enter the age ranges of your children and in seconds you’ll have a close ballpark as to how much it will cost for you and your family to get away.
“People feel more comfortable going away because of these reviews. Every year there are always stories – the good, bad and the ugly, and these stories, for better or worse, show the value of our site and our social media outlets because they put the spotlight on these issues to help consumers and program operators avoid them in the future.
But, if you’re not sure where to start, Schwartz suggests first deciding on a budget. “Obviously there is a budget to consider so make sure you come in knowing what your budget is and you’ll find programs for a broad range of budgets.” Using the toggle button on the site, users can select a budget that works for them and then continue to filter their search by location, amenities, and so much more.
“Reviews are key and you want to make sure you do your research before spending any amount of money.” The Passover Program Reviews and Passover Listings are the ultimate source for information, showcasing thousands of reviews from over 120 Pesach programs. “We make it easy for the consumers to find honest, unbiased reviews from real vacationers who have actually attended the programs.” Reviews cover a whole range of topics from the food, to the entertainment, and even the program operators themselves. Consumers are able to get a real sense of what to expect from operators based on their experience and all the programs they have run in the past.
As for the reviewers, Schwartz and his team vet every single word before it makes it onto the site. “In review season, we are working with people to ensure that all of the reviews are constructive, unbiased, valid, and true. Heard something from a family member or friend and think you need to post it on the site? Don’t bother. “We don’t do hearsay, so we’re not going to take a review because someone heard something from someone they know because only people who have actually attended the programs can submit reviews.” Reviewers must provide proof that they attended a particular program and also attest to the fact that they are not affiliated or related in any way to the program or tour operator they are reviewing.
Once a review gets posted to the website, the program owner/operator is given an opportunity to respond publicly and generally speaking, operators understand that there may be reviews that won’t be as flattering as they would like them to be. Schwartz, however, cautions, ”We are not a forum for complaints. Our platform is meant to provide constructive criticism and feedback on how a program can be improved or what worked well.” Set your expectations accordingly and ask questions, whether to us, to the program operators, or people who have been on the program, and make sure you get answers to those questions,” says Schwartz. You always want to go with good and reputable operators and no matter what, you should always take out travel insurance.
Schwartz advises people to start researching Pesach getaways no later than late fall, even before the early bird discounts are announced. The best time to book is during the early bird special period because you can cash in on those specials. Schwartz cautions that, “There is a preconceived notion that the best time to book a program is by waiting until late in the game to try and get into a program for a great deal. But that could not be further from the truth.” The discounts that are being offered now will not be available by the time February or March hits. Programs are usually 80-90% booked and those last few bookings will not have any leverage by that point. You have more leverage now. Besides, if you need to book flights for your Pesach getaway, you’re going to want to book them early to avoid paying much higher prices.
Be sure to check out some of the new programs this year. From long-time operators Leisure Time Tours and Kosherica who are both running exciting new programs out of the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, in addition to their regular programs in Italy, The Bahamas, Florida, New Jersey. With unique activities and excursions that you can only find in Phoenix, Arizona, expect those programs to fill up fast.
Thinking about a west coast Pesach getaway? You might want to check out Upscale Legacy’s program at the Hilton Costa Mesa in beautiful and scenic Orange County, California. The company is new to the industry but the program operator has been running Pesach programs all over the world for the last twenty years.
If Mexico is more your speed, then take a look at Hafikoman Passover Puerto Vallarta program. “It’s one of the best programs in terms of getting bang for your buck. The program is very consistent and affordable and if you look at the reviews, you’ll see how much people love it.“ It’s earned a great reputation and the reviews do say it all – which may be why this program has been around for so long.
Look for new programs in Guatemala, Chile, Brazil, and Panama. Also be sure to look into some exciting new programs in Tokyo, Japan, offered by the Gil Travel Group. Find more programs in Spain, Croatia, Greece, South Africa, and of course, Israel, all on passoverlistings.com.
Looking to travel at other times of the year? Check out My Jewish Listings for all the latest information on the most sought after kosher destinations for yeshiva winter break, summer vacations, and even Sukkos and Shavous programs.
