After a period in which uncertainty caused many Israelis to delay vacation planning, travel habits appear to be changing again: More Israelis are booking their High Holy Day vacations far in advance this year, choosing mainly relatively close destinations with summer weather and more convenient prices. According to data from the Diesenhaus tourism group, the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe are seeing stronger demand, while some Western European destinations are losing a bit of demand.
Among the most sought-after destinations ahead of the holidays are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Paphos, and Ayia Napa, alongside Batumi, Budapest, Prague, and Albania. This is a combination of resort destinations ideal for a late-summer beach holiday and European cities offering city-break getaways at relatively accessible prices.
Mediterranean and Eastern Europe Lead Holiday Bookings
The fact that the High Holy Days fall this year at the very beginning of September also contributes to the demand for Mediterranean basin destinations. During this period, the weather in Greece, Cyprus, and additional destinations in the region is still summery, and vacationers can enjoy a sea and pool vacation even after the peak of the summer season.
According to Diesenhaus data, the average flight price to the 10 most sought-after destinations ahead of the holidays is currently about 6% lower compared to the High Holy Days last year. However, industry experts estimate that this is a window of opportunity that may close as the date of the holidays approaches, especially in destinations where the number of direct flights is limited.
The timing of booking is also changing. At Diesenhaus, they identify an increase in the number of Israelis who book their holiday trips more than two months in advance, aiming to secure a larger selection of flights and hotels and to enjoy current market prices before demand rises.
Early Booking Becomes a Growing Trend Among Israelis
Added to this is the favorable dollar exchange rate, which lowers some of the expenses associated with a vacation abroad for Israelis. According to the company, the combination of current flight prices, room availability, and the exchange rate could allow vacationers to save significant amounts compared to booking close to the vacation date.
The trend may be particularly significant ahead of Sukkot, which is considered one of the year's peak periods in the tourism industry. As the availability of direct flights and hotel rooms in popular destinations shrinks, a price increase is expected; therefore, anyone planning to fly during the holiday period stands to benefit from early booking.
Prices Expected to Rise as Holiday Demand Increases
Omer Chodorov, VP of marketing and social responsibility at the Diesenhaus Group, says that "this year there is a clear preference for vacations combining high value for money, and therefore Mediterranean and Eastern European destinations are expected to continue to lead bookings as we approach the holidays. According to the data, we see that Israelis have returned to planning their holiday vacations earlier than in the past. Those booking right now enjoy a larger selection of flights and hotels, and in many cases also more attractive prices. As we get closer to the holidays and seats on direct flights fill up, prices are expected to rise."