Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Israel. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Northern Israel

Discover the beautiful landscapes, historic communities, and outdoor adventures of northern Israel with plenty of time to explore the Galilee and its surroundings. Hike Mount Arbel for incredible views of the Sea of Galilee, enjoy time on the water at Aqua Kef, and experience the Golan Heights through off-road adventures and opportunities to learn about the region's history. Take on the thrill of rappelling near Keshet, surrounded by the natural beauty of Israel's north.

Explore the ancient city of Tzfat, known for its connection to Jewish mysticism, and wander through its winding streets and artists' colony. Discover local Jewish traditions through hands-on experiences like challah baking, and celebrate Shabbat together on a kibbutz in the Galilee. Along the way, connect with local communities through cultural encounters and opportunities to support initiatives that bring people together.

Along the Mediterranean coast, discover the ancient port city of Acco, take in the coastal scenery of Rosh Hanikra, and explore Haifa's diverse communities, including the beautiful Bahá'í Gardens. Enjoy surfing along the coast and learn about organizations like Sindyanna of Galilee, which promotes cooperation and economic opportunities through community initiatives.

Central Israel

Experience the energy of Tel Aviv and Jaffa while discovering how service can make a difference in Israeli communities. Roll up your sleeves with organizations addressing poverty and food insecurity, support agricultural projects, and take part in creative social action workshops. Past projects have included volunteering with the Jaffa Institute and Leket Israel, where teens contribute their time to helping people in need. These hands-on experiences offer a chance to put the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) into action.

Beyond volunteering, explore the colorful street art of Florentin, browse Carmel Market and the Nahalat Binyamin arts fair, and enjoy time along Tel Aviv's Mediterranean beaches. Discover the history of nearby Jaffa, take part in culinary experiences that introduce you to Israeli food and traditions, and meet Israelis from different backgrounds. With an extended stay in the region, there's more time to experience local culture, celebrate Shabbat, and get a closer look at everyday life in one of Israel's most vibrant cities.

In Jerusalem, connect with thousands of years of Jewish history while making a difference through meaningful service opportunities. Work alongside local organizations supporting food security, immigrant communities, and families in need through projects such as preparing meals, packing essential supplies, and participating in community initiatives. Explore the ancient streets of the Old City, visit the Kotel (Western Wall), and discover the City of David and its underground tunnels.

Learn about Israel's history and society through visits to Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, and the Knesset, and spend time exploring the lively stalls of Mahane Yehuda Market. Participate in thoughtful conversations and hands-on workshops exploring social innovation in Israel. Celebrate Shabbat in a city central to Jewish history and tradition, reflect on your experiences with your group, and strengthen your connection to the global Jewish community.

Southern Israel

Explore the Negev Desert through a mix of community service, outdoor adventure, and cultural encounters. Volunteer with organizations serving children and adults with disabilities, learn about local initiatives, and meet Bedouin teens through cross-cultural exchanges. Discover how people from different backgrounds are working together to support their communities and create opportunities for others.

Visit communities in the Western Negev along the Gaza border, including Sderot, to meet local residents and hear firsthand about life in the region. Through conversations and shared experiences, gain a deeper understanding of the people who call southern Israel home and the importance of supporting one another.

Take in the views of the Ramon Crater, explore the desert landscapes of Ein Avdat and Sde Boker, and experience the excitement of sandboarding. Discover the region's diverse cultures through Moroccan art and culinary workshops, spend an evening under the stars at a desert encampment, and learn how communities in the Arava Valley have adapted to life in the desert through agricultural and ecological initiatives.

Experience the beauty of Eilat, where you'll snorkel among colorful marine life in the Red Sea, enjoy water activities, and take in the striking contrast between Israel's desert mountains and coastline. Hike to the top of Masada to watch the sunrise over the desert, float in the Dead Sea, and explore the natural beauty of Ein Gedi. Throughout your time in southern Israel, share unforgettable adventures with your mishpacha (Hebrew for family) while discovering how service, Jewish values, and shared experiences can bring people together.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
Most of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses or hotels catered to group tours. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 4 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. They are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
The sun in Israel is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.

What's the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the date of the program. Our average group size for Israel programs ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.

What's the food like?
Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.