Frequently Asked Questions

Trips through June 2026: Thanks to the generosity of our funders we are able to offer the HMI experience at the highly subsidized price of $2,900 per couple including airfare. 

What’s included in the $2,900 participant fee:

• Round trip airfare
• Hotel accommodations with private rooms for couples
• Private tour bus for transportation during group program
• Support from HMI team throughout the experience, including three staff people dedicated solely to each group: city-based staff, a rabbi or Jewish educator, and an Israeli Tour Educator
• All organized activities and touring
• Breakfast daily
• Some lunches and dinners
• Robust safety and security measures

What’s not included in the $2,900 participant fee:

• Travel and health insurance 
• Transportation to/from the airport in the U.S. and during free time
• Additional meals during free time
• Required entry documents, i.e. visa or ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization)
• Personal purchases (like souvenirs)
• Flight upgrades or changes

Trips beginning November 2026: The participant fee will be $500 per couple to make the experience more accessible and allow couples the flexibility to select and book their own travel arrangements. The lower fee will no longer include airfare to and from Israel or ground transportation to and from the Israeli airport. Participants will book their own flights and have more control over how and when they travel. Everything else noted above will still be included in the significantly reduced participant fee.

Participants are required to participate fully in the HMI itinerary, which means attending all organized components of the itinerary. We also ask couples to come with an open mind and willingness to be vulnerable in order to connect with other couples. Note that while there is some free time throughout the trip, it can sometimes be difficult to meet up with family and friends, but you’re welcome to make those plans in your free time.

You’ll explore Israel with approximately 20 couples from your city, along with a local HMI staff member, a local rabbi or Jewish educator, and an Israeli tour educator. You’ll also possibly be joined for a few days by 1-2 Israeli couples at a similar life stage as HMI couples.

You and your partner will have a private room in upscale hotels in prime locations throughout Israel. We’ll enjoy shared transportation on a dedicated comfortable tour bus and driver. Meals provided by HMI showcase the diverse local cuisine.

HMI trips include many must-see sites in Israel. We offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Israel through the diverse perspectives of our featured speakers, hands-on learning and activities that showcase history, politics, geography, cuisine, art, social action and community service, and so much more, and a group experience that fosters community-building and rich conversation.

Our team of Jewish educators has adapted our itinerary to build understanding of the October 7 attacks and ongoing conflict, with the understanding that these events have impacted our lives and relationships at home. Our trips equip couples to discuss these complex and emotional topics, and figure out how to navigate Jewish life together. We also recognize that Israel is so much more than the conflict, and we will ensure that you have the opportunity to experience Israel’s can’t-miss highlights and see the diversity and history of the country. Most groups will participate in community service. Our itinerary will be modified, if needed, to ensure a safe and meaningful experience.

Honeymoon Israel runs every trip with the support of our travel partners in the U.S. and Israel, Israeli tour educators, and HMI and local community partner staff. We have incredibly high standards for our experience, and want to ensure that each couple has the opportunity to build community and connect to Judaism in a way that feels authentic to their partnership.

No! We welcome you exactly as you are, and have no agenda around conversion. Rabbis and Jewish educators join trips to bring Jewish meaning to special moments like visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath). They are also there to answer questions as they arise. Think of it as your multi-day “ask me anything” opportunity. Each rabbi or Jewish educator is from your home city, so when you get home they continue to be available to provide you support as desired.

HMI has no agenda on how religious you and/or your partner are or want to be. Our participants come from a wide background of religions and religious beliefs, and enjoy the variety of religious sites we visit (we visit sites of multiple religions). We hope that you enjoy our opportunities to participate in Jewish rituals, holidays, and traditions. Our intention is to provide our participants with a variety of examples of how to “do Jewish” and let you choose what feels comfortable for you and your partner.

Yes! Whenever we can, we create opportunities for you to get to know Israelis. Often 1-2 Israeli couples close to you in age will join cohorts so you can get to know them informally. We strive to connect you to Israelis with a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds.

Yes! HMI is committed to exposing participants to a variety of narratives, identities, and voices in Israel. You’ll hear a range of perspectives about politics, religion, and Israeli society. Groups typically visit non-Jewish religious sites, such as Christian or Islamic sites, and hear from speakers representing both Israeli and Palestinian perspectives. The sites we visit and the speakers we hear represent a multitude of viewpoints to ensure that you can experience the full diversity of Israel. Click here to see a few of the highlights and speakers on the itinerary for our upcoming trips.

Pack your comfy shoes. Our trip itineraries include extensive walking each day, often on uneven surfaces, as well as opportunities for hiking, swimming, and more. The average day starts by 8am and finishes as early as 3pm or as late as 10pm. Our trip is designed to accommodate pregnant people and meet accessibility needs.

Guided by our Jewish values, we aim to be inclusive of all individuals with disabilities and to accommodate specific access needs. Please be sure to share during the application process if there are any ways we can ensure your accessibility needs are met.

We will provide a detailed packing list in advance of your trip that is tailored to your specific itinerary and expected weather.

We have had many participants join HMI trips with various types of food allergies ranging from mild to severe. Participants with food allergies should include this information in registration forms and be in touch with HMI staff about any questions/concerns.

Each cohort is a little different. Our groups focus on spending time together during free time, whether that’s trying a local restaurant at dinner, checking out nightlife, or enjoying each other’s company in the hotel. 

Trips through June 2026: Thanks to the generosity of our funders we are able to offer the HMI experience at the highly subsidized price of $2,900 per couple including airfare. 

What’s included in the $2,900 participant fee:

• Round trip airfare
• Hotel accommodations with private rooms for couples
• Private tour bus for transportation during group program
• Support from HMI team throughout the experience, including three staff people dedicated solely to each group: city-based staff, a rabbi or Jewish educator, and an Israeli Tour Educator
• All organized activities and touring
• Breakfast daily
• Some lunches and dinners
• Robust safety and security measures

What’s not included in the $2,900 participant fee:

• Travel and health insurance 
• Transportation to/from the airport in the U.S. and during free time
• Additional meals during free time
• Required entry documents, i.e. visa or ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization)
• Personal purchases (like souvenirs)
• Flight upgrades or changes

Trips beginning November 2026: The participant fee will be $500 per couple to make the experience more accessible and allow couples the flexibility to select and book their own travel arrangements. The lower fee will no longer include airfare to and from Israel or ground transportation to and from the Israeli airport. Participants will book their own flights and have more control over how and when they travel. Everything else noted above will still be included in the significantly reduced participant fee.

When you accept your trip invitation, you will be asked to pay your nonrefundable deposit within a few weeks in order to secure your spot.

Our experience is highly subsidized and as such we are not able to offer financial aid or scholarships. In some cases we are able to offer a payment plan for participants. If cost is a barrier to participation, we encourage you to reach out to local Jewish organizations for potential financial support.

Yes. Honeymoon Israel requires that each participant obtains travel insurance prior to departure. HMI recommends that you include the “cancel for any reason” benefit to your policy, in which case you will likely need to purchase it within 13 days of submitting your trip fee. 

Trip fees are paid via a secure online payment system. We accept credit and debit cards. 

After you submit your registration and payment, the trip fee is deemed non-refundable and any cancellations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Ensure that you fully understand your travel insurance policy for cancellation coverage. If Honeymoon Israel makes the decision to postpone a trip, we will be in touch about options for a refund or securing your spot on a new set of trip dates.

Trips through June 2026: HMI will book all airfare, and we strongly encourage participants to travel on the group flight to and from Israel. The group flight provides the greatest financial protection if HMI needs to postpone a trip due to unpredictable travel conditions.

Participants will be booked in economy seating on the group flight. Any seat upgrades, flight changes, or trip extensions are optional and at your own expense. Airlines may have specific rules for group bookings; upgrades or extensions typically include a change fee of approximately $100 per person, plus any fare difference.

If you choose to upgrade your seat or extend your stay, your ticket will be booked separately from the group flight, and you will be fully financially responsible for the cost of your airfare if the trip is postponed or if you need to cancel. 

If you plan to travel to another country before or after your HMI trip, you are responsible for the full cost of those flights, in addition to any upgrade or extension fees.

If HMI postpones your trip between now and June 2026, and you are not booked on the group flight, your deposit may not carry over to a future trip. These situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Trips beginning November 2026: Participants will book their own flights to and from Israel. This allows you more control over how you travel, from selecting airlines and departure cities to extending your time abroad or using airline miles and credit card travel rewards. This update makes our program accessible to more couples, while preserving the core of the HMI experience. This change also allows us to lower the participant fee from $2,900 to $500 per couple.

Please email trips@honeymoonisrael.org if you have any questions about our policy or your individual reservations.

YES! You need a valid passport to travel to Israel. If you don’t hold a U.S. passport, you may need a visa or face other entry requirements. Please contact your closest Israeli consulate for more information. If you don’t already have a passport, we recommend that you begin the process to obtain one as soon as possible. You’ll be required to provide us with your passport number and a photocopy so we can book your accommodations during the trip.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your last day in Israel. Please be sure to check the expiration date of your passport as soon as you apply for a trip. Canceling due to an expired passport may cause you to lose your trip fee if you are not able to obtain a new passport in time.

Starting January 1, 2025, all travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or  ETA-IL before departure. Check your eligibility for an ETA-IL or visa options here. You must apply online for the ETA-IL at least 72 hours prior to departure and you are responsible for the associated cost. 

After you submit your registration and payment, the trip fee is deemed non-refundable and any cancellations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Ensure that you fully understand your travel insurance policy for cancellation coverage. If Honeymoon Israel makes the decision to postpone a trip, we will be in touch about options for a refund or securing your spot on a new set of trip dates.

The trip fee is non-refundable and any cancellations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. While travel to Israel and the Middle East can be unpredictable, we are working to provide our couples with the safest and most meaningful experience possible. Each itinerary will be adapted to reflect the situation on the ground, prioritizing your safety and security. 

Yes, Honeymoon Israel requires that each participant obtains travel insurance prior to departure. HMI recommends that you include the “cancel for any reason” benefit to your policy, in which case you will likely need to purchase it within 14 days of submitting your trip fee and/or booking your flights. HMI’s recommended travel vendor can assist with booking a travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, medical expenses, luggage delays, and flight delays or cancellations. Honeymoon Israel does not review or manage travel insurance, so it is your responsibility to ensure your policy provides adequate coverage. HMI is not responsible for any additional costs resulting from insufficient or incorrect travel insurance. HMI recommends that you include the “cancel for any reason” benefit to your policy, in which case you will likely need to purchase it within 14 days of submitting your trip fee and/or booking your flights (for trips beginning in November 2026).

When selecting coverage, you may list the total trip cost as the non-refundable payment to HMI, the cost of your airfare (for trips beginning in November 2026), and any additional nonrefundable fees you have paid.

Yes, you can select your own insurance carrier. If interested, HMI’s recommended travel vendor can provide an option for insurance.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with your insurance plan to understand coverage and reimbursement requirements for events such as travel disruptions, illness, luggage delays, and more.

Trips through June 2026: HMI will book all airfare, and we strongly encourage participants to travel on the group flight to and from Israel. The group flight provides the greatest financial protection if HMI needs to postpone a trip due to unpredictable travel conditions.

Participants will be booked in economy seating on the group flight. Any seat upgrades, flight changes, or trip extensions are optional and at your own expense. Airlines may have specific rules for group bookings; upgrades or extensions typically include a change fee of approximately $100 per person, plus any fare difference.

If you choose to upgrade your seat or extend your stay, your ticket will be booked separately from the group flight, and you will be fully financially responsible for the cost of your airfare if the trip is postponed or if you need to cancel. 

If you plan to travel to another country before or after your HMI trip, you are responsible for the full cost of those flights, in addition to any upgrade or extension fees.

If HMI postpones your trip between now and June 2026, and you are not booked on the group flight, your deposit may not carry over to a future trip. These situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Trips beginning November 2026: Participants will book their own flights to and from Israel. This allows you more control over how you travel, from selecting airlines and departure cities to extending your time abroad or using airline miles and credit card travel rewards. This update makes our program accessible to more couples, while preserving the core of the HMI experience. This change also allows us to lower the participant fee from $2,900 to $500 per couple.

Please email trips@honeymoonisrael.org if you have any questions about our policy or your individual reservations.

Participation in the entirety of the program is mandatory. We do not allow participants to leave before the trip ends. In the event that you have a personal emergency or are asked to leave the trip due to inappropriate conduct, costs associated with leaving early (flight changes, transportation, etc) are the responsibility of the participant.

If your luggage does not arrive in Israel when you do, most airlines will offer some (minimal) compensation when you present receipts so that you can get some basics. Your trip staff and our travel providers will do our best to assist you working with the airlines and acquiring essentials until your luggage is located. Remember to carry essentials such as medications in your carry-on baggage. 

Airline tickets are issued based on the full given name(s) and last name that you put on your registration, which must match the full name on your passport. If there’s a discrepancy, the airline has the right to deny you passage or charge to reissue the ticket, and you will be responsible for any financial penalties. If you entered your name incorrectly or changed your name, contact us right away.

Trips through June 2026: HMI books all airfare for participants.

Trips beginning November 2026: Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their flights to and from Israel. Your flight must arrive in Tel Aviv by 2:00 pm Israel Time on the trip’s start date, and depart no earlier than 11:30 pm Israel Time on the trip’s end date. You will be asked to submit your confirmed flight details in advance of the trip and by a specified deadline.

HMI will refer couples to our recommended travel vendor who can work with each participant couple to find a recommended flight. Participants can also book through a travel agency or on their own as long as they arrive and depart by the required times. By working with HMI’s recommended travel vendor, participants will have support for flight preferences and in case of any travel disruptions. Flight prices, whether booked through the vendor or individually, will vary depending on time of booking and flight availability. 

Trips through June 2026: Yes, group transportation will be provided to and from the Israeli airport for all participants traveling on HMI’s group flight. Couples who choose to extend or adjust their travel plans will be responsible for their own airport transportation.

Trips beginning November 2026: While participants are ultimately responsible for transportation to and from the airport (U.S. and Israel) to the program meeting point, HMI will provide support upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on the first day of the trip and the last day. HMI will provide details on available transportation options in advance of the trip. 

In the event of an escalation of conflict or security concerns, HMI will support all participants traveling with HMI, whether it occurs during the trip dates or outside them. HMI and our tour provider partners follow all security guidelines and will not hesitate to change the itinerary or facilitate evacuation if needed. 

If a security situation arises, HMI will work with all participants to ensure they are supported within the country and have the best options for evacuation if needed. Participants who book with HMI’s recommended travel vendor can work directly with them to re-book tickets.

We care about our community, and want to keep everyone healthy and safe to the best of our ability. The HMI alumni community is diverse and has a variety of access needs, and as such we do our best to make accommodations to ensure that everyone can participate.

If you are attending an HMI event, we ask that you stay home if you are exhibiting contagious symptoms or feel unwell. If you have accessibility needs that put you at higher risk to infectious diseases, please let us know so that we can provide accommodations. 

On your trip, if you begin exhibiting symptoms or feel unwell, please remove yourself from group activities until you’re 24 hours fever-free, and your symptoms improve. Once you return to the group, please be prepared to take additional precautions to protect other members of your group, particularly those most at risk for severe illness. HMI staff can support you if you need additional medical attention or any testing for insurance purposes. If you have accessibility needs that put you at higher risk to infectious diseases, please let us know so that we can provide accommodations.

We have had many participants join HMI trips with various types of food allergies. Participants with food allergies should include this information in registration forms and be in touch with HMI staff about any questions/concerns. While we cannot guarantee that meals will not have cross-contamination, we will work with our travel vendors to do our best to ensure a safe experience.

The safety of our participants and staff is always our top priority. We ensure that all groups are following the most updated safety and security guidelines in Israel, and each group is accompanied by armed security personnel out of an abundance of caution. We work with experienced, accredited, professional tour educators and trip operators who have access to the most up-to-date security information. Our trip itineraries are reviewed continually to ensure that participants are safe and have the best experience possible.

After postponing many trips since October 7, we resumed Israel travel in fall 2025. After successful trips in November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, we made the sad decision to postpone our February/March 2026 trips due to the escalating tensions in the region. The safety of our couples and partners is our top priority, and we hope to be able to bring couples to Israel again in the near future.

For future trips, we’ve created an updated, diverse itinerary and conversations curated with intention to provide the space for you to ask the big questions and create lifelong bonds as you navigate your personal connections with Israel and Judaism.

In the event of an escalation of conflict or any threat of violence, HMI will not hesitate to change the itinerary and take any other necessary precautions. HMI’s travel partners in Israel are in constant contact with Israel’s security services who have responsibility for the safety and security of all groups in the country. 

Each HMI cohort is led by an Israeli tour educator, and accompanied by a community staff person and a rabbi or Jewish educator, both from the group’s city of origin. National HMI staff and our travel partner, Routes, also join all cohorts throughout the trip and provide additional assistance as needed.

Each cohort travels together as a group on a designated tour bus with the same driver for the duration of the trip. Nobody outside of the group will be permitted on the bus. When there is free time, such as some lunches and evenings, participants can travel by taxi or by foot with guidance from staff on the best areas to explore. 

No. In ten years of operation with more than 160 groups, Honeymoon Israel has never had any security issues or incidents.

Traveling to Israel and the Middle East can be nerve wracking, but at Honeymoon Israel, your well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Our experienced team and trusted trip providers have years of expertise in running meaningful and safe Israel trips. We have security measures in place and stay in close contact with Israel’s security services, and we’re always ready to adjust plans to keep our travelers safe as needed.

Yes. Wi-Fi is generally available on tour buses and at all hotels. We recommend that participants purchase additional international cellular coverage or a SIM card in order to stay in contact throughout the trip.

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment of any kind and are absolutely committed to providing a space of physical and emotional safety for all participants. If you violate this policy, you will be asked to leave the trip at your own expense.

If an application is open in your city, you and your partner should submit an application. Once we review your application, you may be invited to an interview. Interviews are an opportunity for us to get to know you and your partner and better understand how HMI can support you at this time in your life. We’ll then let you know whether we can offer you a spot on a trip. 

When an application cycle is open for your city, you will submit an online application by the posted deadline. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by HMI staff. When you submit your application, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email. If you don’t receive the confirmation email, email us at applications@honeymoonisrael.org. 

Here are some tips as you prepare for your online application: 

• Complete every answer with detail – we’re trying to understand your background, hopes, and understand how we can best serve you. Provide full answers to the questions.
• There’s no right or wrong answer. We simply want to better understand who you are as a couple.
• It’s critical that both partners complete the application together. We want to see that the answers reflect both partners’ voices.
• Be honest! Don’t try to “cheat” the process by trying to fit a mold that you think we’re looking for. HMI is completely open to couples of all diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Don’t use AI writing tools. We’re not looking for award-winning writing; we’re just excited to get to know you! We recommend not using AI when completing your application to ensure it’s truly authentic.

Once we receive and review your application, we’ll reach out to you via email to let you know if you’re invited to interview. The interview is a time for us to get to know you and your partner, and for you to bring your application to life. Before the interview, it’s helpful to get familiar with the HMI Experience. Other than that, there’s nothing you need to do to prepare!

After your interview, we’ll let you know via email whether or not you’re secured a spot on an upcoming HMI trip. If you’re secured a spot, you’ll be asked to register for the trip and submit your payment.

As long as you and your partner are still eligible for the trip, you’re welcome to reapply in the next application cycle for your city.

Depending on the specific cycle, Honeymoon Israel may fill more than one trip during an application cycle.

HMI does not automatically add all interviewed applicants to a trip waitlist, but in the case that a participant drops out prior to the trip, some applicants may be notified and invited to fill the spot.

We look at a variety of factors to determine who gets accepted, including whether a couple meets eligibility criteria. We will do our best to get to know you to understand whether Honeymoon Israel might be a good fit for you.

Honeymoon Israel is committed to finding ways to accommodate all individuals who are selected for our trips. If you choose to apply, please be sure to share any ways we can ensure your accessibility needs are met.

It’s important to us that anyone traveling while pregnant remains healthy throughout the trip. If you are currently pregnant or become pregnant before your HMI trip, you are required to include this on your registration or notify us directly and submit a doctor’s note clearing you for travel at least two weeks prior to departure.

Yes! You absolutely can pump while in Israel, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! You should be prepared for logistical considerations, such as access to electricity or temperature control for stored milk, though we’ll do our best to help you navigate them. Our trips often include full days of travel and exploration, which may make finding a private space for pumping a bit tricky at times. Our team is dedicated to providing as much assistance and flexibility as possible to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey.