Thinking of Travel? A Jewish Vacation May Satisfy Your Adventurer's Thirst

The holiday season is the perfect time to travel with family and friends. Given the added work incentives, the allotted time for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and relatives going home from far places to meet with their loved ones, it is a great period for catching up and sharing of experiences. If you’re looking for places to visit, a Jewish vacation is a good addition to your bucket list.

The perks of a Jewish vacation include historical places and cultures of communities that will surely put you in awe. Right now, to cut the burden of making an itinerary for travel, there are Jewish heritage tours that offer opportunities to immerse into Jewish rich historical background, infrastructures, and preserved remains of the early inhabitants.

Here’s a summary of recommended places to go if you want to indulge in  Jewish vacation: 

1. Jewish Ghetto in Venice. When the Jews were relocated in Venice, this has become their ghetto. It is considered crucial in Jewish history. Right now, it houses the museum and five ancient synagogues.


2. Subotica synagogue in Serbia. Built when the art nouveau architecture flourished in the early 1900, this synagogue isn’t only significant for sacred activities such as prayer, reading of Tanakh, study, and assembly but also famous for its complex architectural design and structure.


3. Jewish cultural quarter in Amsterdam. This has become the resettlement site of immigrants from Spain and Portugal that became a city’s Jewish district, including museums, a synagogue and a former theater. Then, turned into a detention center in 1942, now a war memorial.
   
   Also, don’t forget about the wonderful places that will surely bring you closer to nature, history, and architecture.


4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A place that marries the richness of history and architecture,  it was considered as the  2019 European Capital of Culture. You can witness intact, Greek-era amphitheater alongside a cobblestoned, 19th-century historic district lined with Nationalist Revival-style buildings in this place.


5. Normandy, France. This place allows you to experience the wonders of cobblestone villages, spectacular white stone cliffs, medieval cities with vibrant Jewish communities. Apart from the interesting architectural structures, Normandy is also the residence of Monet’s favorite cathedral and the recently discovered 12th-century yeshiva that may be France’s oldest Jewish artifact. 

Aside from the usual plane travel, you can also travel to some of these places by booking a cruise. There are travel operators such as Kosher Riverboat Cruises that combines the luxury and ease of riverboat cruising with exciting and educational land touring and delicious Glatt kosher cuisine.

You’ll surely enjoy intimate moments with your friends and family inside a cruise while traversing the world's most famous rivers and immersing into the ever-vibrant Jewish heritage and culture.

Vlog-worthy Ideas In Cambodia

On your most anticipated Jewish travel to the glorious kingdom of Cambodia, do you already have ideas on how to keep your memories? Souvenirs and photographs are surely cute ways to make mementos, but have you thought of vlogging?

Kosher vacations will surely be more awesome when you video, record and share it on your Facebook and Instagram profiles. If you’re  interested, here are some great vlogging ideas that you can do on Cambodian soil.

Cambodian Gastronomy

Instagram loves food! Why not take a Cambodian foodie mukbang with the following kosher meals:

Photo Credit: theculturetrip.com

• Nom gkow (Rice custards) - Prepared with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar mixed together then steamed on a small banana leaf basket. This rich and sweet dessert will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, especially when topped with jackfruit or nuts!


• Mee cha - A big plate of this Cambodian savory delight will surely satisfy your cravings! This exquisite meal is cooked by tossing bean sprouts, scallions, and veggies over stir-fried noodles. Yummy!


• Bai Krob Chanti (Cambodian Cashew Cinnamon Rice) - The smell alone of this traditional Cambodian dish will make you melt. Tasting this cinnamon, cashew and butter-infused delight will turn up your rice game.

Cultural Sites

One great thing about the Khmer kingdom is its landmarks of historical and cultural significance. Take a vlog and share their stories all over the internet.

Photo Credit: longtimespent.wordpress.com

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  The Silver Pagoda - Named after the thousands of silver tiles inside, this Cambodian gem is an image of olden days, showing the important mementos of Khmer royalty.


• Wat Ounalom - Most famous for the Buddha with tufted hair between his eyebrows, this temple is considered to be the oldest among the five wats in Phnom Penh. Don’t forget to check out the memorial stones that tell stories of people who lost their lives during the Cambodian civil war.


• Central Market - Housed on a 1937 Art Deco structure, this market is known for its cheap goods that you could bring home as souvenirs. Scarves, clothes, shoes, and jewelry made by local manufacturers are surely attention-stealing.

Create memories in this humble Cambodian nation through vlogging. But before you take videos in the kingdom and its landmarks, make sure that you ask the authorities if it is allowed or not.

If you still don't have a way to travel to Cambodia for your kosher vacations extravaganza, why not take a magical cruise along the Mekong River with Kosher River Cruises? They will make your cruising experience unforgettable. Feel free to check their website to learn more.

A Beginner's Guide to Cruises

Are you a cruise rookie? First of all, congratulations on finally booking that cruise vacation you've always wanted! It's very exciting, but it can also make you feel nervous if you don't know what to expect. Here are things to remember before going on the first of many Kosher riverboat cruises that you will go on.

Never forget those travel documents!

Not only is it important to check if your passport won't expire by the time you go on vacation, you also have to review the VISA requirements for the countries that are included in your cruise's itinerary. Don't forget to also check your tickets immediately in case there are any errors in the information.

Pack Smart

For this, it is wise to check your ship's dress code, as well as any scheduled activities that have a specific attire, such as theme parties and formal nights. Practical items to include are chargers, adapters, your water bottle, and sunscreen. If you want to bring something but are not sure if it's allowed, it's best to check the list of prohibited items on the cruise's website.

Medicine is a Must

While there is a medical center on every ship, it's best to stock up enough of your prescription medications for the entire duration of your trip. You can never be too sure. The only way you'll be able to fully enjoy your trip is if you're in good condition to experience everything! Health is priority number one.

Research Your Destinations

Jewish travel is an immersive experience if you know what you're getting into. Having some knowledge of the places you will be visiting not only builds up the excitement but also informs you of the things you need to be looking out for to maximize your visits to those destinations. Getting some travel guides are helpful!

Prepare Your Home Before You Leave

The thought of getting away is exciting, but you don't want to go home with your plants dying because you forgot to ask someone to tend to it. Make sure to leave instructions to someone you trust. Happy cruising!

The Two Douro River Villages

Redefine your Jewish trips by taking a cruise through the golden river that flows through Portugal and Spain, the delightful Douro. There are lots to see in this part of the world, and it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options. Many tourists have taken the beaten path around the Douro, so how can you get a unique experience while you're in the golden river?

Experienced travelers speak of the two Douro River villages that are not just scenic, but they pack a lot of history in it as well. You may know this region for its port wines and the troubles of differentiating Portuguese and Spanish, but when you take a more intentional approach to your travel, you'll see that the journey is beyond mere sights and sounds. Feel the heart of the Douro as you visit these two villages.

Castelo Rodrigo

Not far from the Spanish border stands the historic Portuguese village of Castelo Rodrigo. It was said that Alfonso IX of León founded this village as a gift to Count Rodrigo Gonzalez de Girón. Legends will speak of how the village came to be, but its tales will fall pale in comparison with the historical disputes and battles that the village went through.

The castle ruins you'll see are the only reminders of those battles. The peacefulness that surrounds the village today makes it hard to believe that great conflict once resided in Castelo Rodrigo. Nevertheless, it's one site you need to go to if you're traveling to get out of the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Barca D'Alva

If you're in a serious peaceful village hunt along the Douro River, you can't pass up on the opportunity to see Barca D'Alva. This sleepy destination east of the Douro River is a classic favorite for guests that go on kosher river cruises. These kinds of cruises serve the best kosher Portuguese and Spanish cuisines onboard, and they are constantly on the hunt for epic destinations like Barca D'Alva. This particular destination is known for its unique microclimate that grows its brand of almonds and olives.