Things to Consider Before Booking a Passover Program

You may think there is barely anything to consider other than the food and amenities when it comes to booking a Passover program. But you would be surprised what people are asking about.

Some examples may include- what is the political leaning of the group? How religious is the crowd? Will there be Ashkenazi and Sephardic davening? Is there mixed swimming? Does the crowd accept women who wear pants? What brand of wine did they serve seder night? Was there a wine expert? Were the wine options low end or more varied? Were wine classes offered? People take their wine very seriously.

Are the meals buffet or waiter service? How long are the lines to get food? Are there vegan and vegetarian food options? Are there nut allergy considerations? Or any allergy considerations at all? Are the seders in a private room or together with the rest of the guests? Is the food gebrochts or kitniyot? Will the hotel be completely taken over or just half? Are there charter flights? What is the level of kashrut? Are there Chol HaMoed activities planned? Are there child and teen activities? Is there programming for singles? Is there a day camp for children?  What’s the weather like? Is there sunshine? Is it chilly at night? Is there a pool? How about a gym? Is the staff present and respectful? Who are the speakers? Will there be entertainment? Will there be a tearoom? What is included in the tearoom? Does the tearoom have a variety of foods? Will there be food available late at night? Is this the first time the operator managed a Passover program? What is their experience? Is it a new program? Are those who attended happy and satisfied? Would they attend the same program again? Why or why not?

As you can see, there are a tremendous number of factors to consider before booking your Passover program. You might think it’s an over exaggeration, but for some people it’s not. People want to be comfortable when they’re going on vacation, especially when it’s a costly vacation for eight days. So, make sure to do your research and ask as many people as you know before booking. You have a lot of time till Passover, use it.