Kosher Travel: What to Check Before Going on Vacation?

We work hard all year, and it’s time to treat ourselves to a relaxing vacation. To ensure that your dream holiday doesn't turn into a disappointing nightmare, some important checks need to be done before booking. Here are all the considerations a Torah observant person should think about before the snorkel and fins find their way into the suitcase:

1. A bed-and-breakfast is the preferred choice for those seeking privacy and peace. At first glance, this seems like a more modest option since the accommodation is isolated and personal. However, an issue can arise when the property includes a swimming pool or jacuzzi in the yard, because even if it’s stated that the pool is private, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s hidden from others. Pictures may not reveal the true situation, and what appears completely private may end up being completely exposed to neighboring buildings or even other guests. In a bed-and-breakfast complex with only two units, the "private" pool and facilities are shared by all patrons.

2. Some accommodations offer breakfast cooked in the private kitchen of the property owners, wines, and certain food products. While the owners may claim everything is kosher (despite not having a kosher certification), without knowledge of exact halachic definitions of kosher food, their assurance cannot be relied upon. If they aren't Torah observant themselves, questioning them may lead to puzzled looks. As a rule, one cannot trust the kashrut of the food served if there is no kashrut certificate.

3. A well-equipped kitchen is nice in your home, but not in a vacation rental. If you plan to cook, it’s advisable to bring an extra suitcase for pots and utensils. Even if there are pots, pans, plates, and cutlery marked 'meat' or 'dairy', there’s no guarantee that the previous guests followed kosher kitchen rules. The same is true for a toaster, which might have one day been used for warming a non-kosher hot dog.

4. Opting for a hotel? Be aware there are high-standard hotels across the country that maintain a religious character and are suitably equipped for a kosher and enjoyable holiday. However, in hotels aimed at the general public, various spiritual issues can arise, such as immodest sights particularly during swim season, inappropriate atmosphere, low or non-existent kosher standards, and more.

If your holiday includes Shabbat, many aspects need to be checked in advance if the hotel is not aimed at a religious clientele. This includes if dining room check-in is conducted by a Jew, check-out times, if water urns are approved for Shabbat use by a halachic institution, if there are lighting sensors in the hallways and staircases, availability of room keys instead of electronic cards, if there are sensors that activate or deactivate electricity and air conditioning, alternatives to automatic doors, shabbat elevators, if there is a kosher eruv (technical boundary that allows Jews to carry in public areas on Shabbat) etc.

If you read this far, and Shabbat is important to you, you’ve likely given up on the idea of staying at a non-religious hotel for the weekend.

5. Whether staying at a bed-and-breakfast or a hotel, check in advance if there is an active synagogue with a minyan on-site or nearby the accommodation. Wandering the streets looking for a minyan when prayer time is almost over is not a relaxing way to start a vacation.

6. Planning to enjoy different attractions during the day? It's helpful to plan ahead to ensure the activities align with your lifestyle and aren't problematic in terms of modesty. If your holiday is not strictly for lounging with a book, and the attractions are the focus of your vacation, consider a location that offers suitable kosher and enjoyable activities are easily available.

7. Planning to dine out? It's advisable to check in advance the location of cafés and restaurants that match your kosher requirements. If you’re interested in a secluded small town without kosher dining options, it may be best to reconsider and find a different place to vacation.

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