Winter 2026 brings a clear trend: Israelis are not canceling vacations, even with the Iranian threat looming. Alongside the tendency for short urban trips, many are opting for ski vacations. This winter season reflects a surge in demand for destinations with ski slopes and winter activity facilities - showing an interesting shift in Israeli vacation preferences: Fewer distant tropical beach destinations, more trips closer to home.
The PassportCard index reinforces this picture: The number of Israelis traveling abroad in January 2026 increased by about 20% compared to the same period last year, and even surpasses the numbers from January 2023, before the outbreak of the war. Demand for ski vacations is particularly notable - more than 16% of travelers chose a ski trip, a 40% increase compared to January 2023.
Georgia Becomes the New Ski Hub
For the first time, Georgia tops the list of ski destinations, which was previously considered a peripheral option for Israelis. Following it on the list are Bulgaria, France, Austria, and Italy, completing the top five. "This is a clear indication that Israeli travelers are looking for new and exciting destinations in the ski sector as well, not settling for the classic slopes," explains Ronit Segal, CEO of PassportCard.
Thailand Leads Overall Destinations
Alongside mountain adventures, Israelis continue to choose warm destinations. Thailand tops the list of popular destinations, with one in ten travelers visiting the Southeast Asian country, compared to third place last year and seventh place in 2023. Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic join the top ten, while the UK and Spain, which were previously leading, are now absent from the list.
"We are seeing rapid and dynamic changes in Israelis' travel preferences," notes Segal. "We continuously examine the data and ensure that our preparations are adapted to each destination and type of vacation - whether it is a ski trip, an urban tour, or a beach destination."
The data emphasizes that Israelis are seeking diverse winter experiences, combining activity, culture, and nature - proving that even in the Israeli winter, Israelis are willing to travel far to enjoy snow and mountain scenery.