From Tradition to Travel: The Rise of Destination Passover Programs

For generations, Passover has been synonymous with family gatherings around the dining room table, folding chairs squeezed between cousins, and the familiar rhythm of a Seder passed down through generations. But in recent years — and especially in 2025 — a growing number of kosher travelers have been redefining what it means to “go away for Pesach.”

2024 marked the first full-scale, post-COVID Passover travel season, and we at TotallyJewishTravel.com witnessed a major resurgence. Not only did the number of Pesach programs increase significantly, but user inquiries more than doubled compared to previous years. Many programs sold out as early as February — weeks ahead of Pesach — showing just how strong the comeback has been for destination Pesach experiences.

This year saw a marked shift toward destination Seders, where holiday traditions are blended with cultural exploration, nature, and even a touch of adventure. From volcanic hot springs in Costa Rica to cherry blossoms in Japan, families are choosing Passover programs outside the traditional framework — and far outside the typical hotel ballroom.

A Different Kind of Freedom

At its core, Passover is about liberation — both physical and spiritual. It’s not surprising that more people are connecting with that message in places that feel expansive and inspiring. For some, that meant choosing a coastal resort in Greece, where evening Seders took place under the stars with the sea just beyond. Others found inspiration in the stillness of a Japanese retreat, where cultural immersion met Jewish ritual in a quiet, meaningful way.

This isn’t just about luxury or escapism. Many travelers are actively seeking experiences that feel intentional. They want to be surrounded by beauty, yes, but also by purpose — whether that’s in the form of locally-sourced kosher cuisine, smaller and more intimate Seders, or programming that includes Torah learning in unexpected settings.

Japan for Passover

What the Numbers Say

From our vantage point at TotallyJewishTravel.com — where we’ve been curating and tracking kosher vacation options around the world for over 25 years — 2025 brought more inquiries and bookings than ever before. We broke 2024 records, particularly in what we’d broadly categorize as remote or nature-based Passover programs. Remote destinations like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Japan — once seen as niche — were among the first to sell out.

Operators have taken note. In 2025, we saw a surge in Passover programs tailored to travelers seeking more than just a catered Seder — ones that offered guided hikes on Chol Hamoed, yoga and wellness components, or excursions that connected Jewish history with local culture. The result? A new category of kosher vacation that’s somewhere between a spiritual retreat and a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

New European Horizons: Malta, Montenegro, and Albania

One of the most fascinating developments this year was the emergence of new European destinations on the Passover map. While classic Pesach programs in France, Italy, and Spain continue to attract loyal followings, we saw a clear uptick in interest — and bookings — for programs in places like Malta, Montenegro, and Albania.

These destinations offer a unique combination: stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and an increasing ability to accommodate kosher needs. At TotallyJewishTravel.com, we saw a rise in travelers looking specifically for Pesach experiences that felt off the beaten path — places that offered something fresh without compromising on halachic observance or comfort.

Montenegro, with its dramatic coastline and quiet mountain towns, appealed to families wanting a slower pace. Malta offered a blend of Mediterranean warmth and centuries of layered history. And Albania, long overlooked, surprised many with its natural beauty, hospitality, and potential for curated boutique programs.

These programs weren’t just about geography — they were about experience. We’re seeing a growing demographic of kosher travelers who are curious, adventurous, and eager to discover something new while staying anchored to the meaning of the holiday. For them, a destination Seder in a lesser-known part of Europe can be just as powerful — sometimes even more so — than a traditional ballroom celebration.

Passover by the beach

Moving Beyond the Bubble

Another driver of this trend is the growing comfort kosher travelers feel in stepping outside the traditional Pesach hotel “bubble.” With increased access to kosher food, Chabad presence in remote areas, and a better understanding of kashrut logistics while traveling, observant families are more empowered to explore.

This year, some travelers opted for villa stays with private chefs, while others joined smaller boutique programs that emphasized local engagement over large-scale entertainment. Even in places with fewer Jewish amenities, travelers found ways to create meaningful Seders — often drawing from a sense of community and shared purpose that went beyond geography.

What This Means Going Forward

If 2025 is any indication, destination Seders are not a passing trend — they’re part of a larger shift in how families are choosing to travel and observe the Pesach holiday. The blend of halachic observance with exploration, curiosity, and meaningful rest is proving to be a powerful draw.

That doesn’t mean the classic Passover program is going away — far from it. But it does suggest that kosher travelers are mixing it up more — blending tradition with curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Pesach will always be rooted in tradition — but for more and more travelers, it’s also becoming a time to explore, connect, and create something new. And that’s a shift worth celebrating.