General FAQs
Who’s eligible to apply to participate in Honeymoon Israel (HMI)?
Please see our Eligibility Requirements tab for a complete list of eligibility criteria. The best way for us to get to know you is by submitting an application. Please note that if you complete an application and do not fully meet the eligibility criteria, you may be disqualified from moving forward.
More eligibility questions? Find answers here!
If Honeymoon Israel isn’t currently running trips from our city, can we apply with another city?
No. We require all of our participants to live in the city from which the trip is based. Part of our mission as an organization is to help couples build a strong community in the city in which they live. Couples must live close to each other so they can participate in follow-up programming and events with our local partners.
What if we have children?
We love children and we look forward to meeting yours in the future, but we cannot accommodate them on our trips. For your children’s safety, and so you can receive the most benefit and enjoyment from the HMI experience, we cannot allow children of any age to travel with you OR any family member(s) on a trip with a similar or parallel itinerary to the HMI trip. We want you and others to be able to focus 100% on the trip experience.
How much does Honeymoon Israel cost?
The trip cost is $2900 per couple. This includes flight, hotels, planned activities, and about half of the meals for both partners. The couple is responsible for the remaining meals, as well as travel and health insurance. Honeymoon Israel offers payment plans and, in some cases, local partners may offer financial assistance to ensure that cost is not a barrier.
While the trip cost is $2,900 per couple, the overall Honeymoon Israel experience, including pre and post trip components, costs approximately $20,000 per couple. The remainder is a gift thanks to the generosity of federations, foundations, and individual donors and alumni who support our mission.
Why does Honeymoon Israel do this?
Our goal is to welcome all couples with at least one Jewish partner to the Jewish community. We’re here to help a diverse range of couples have a deeper connection to Jewish life in whatever way makes sense to them and their family.
What’s expected of me/us?
Our trips are designed to help young couples create community with each other and develop deeper connections to Jewish life. In order to do that, we are looking for couples who are willing to fully participate in all aspects of the program. This includes but is not limited to: three mandatory surveys about your experience (one pre-trip, two post-trip), two pre-trip gatherings, all trip activities, and a post-trip reunion.
The HMI experience encourages inquiry, questions, and discussion so we expect you to come with an open mind, ready to have fun, experience Israel, and connect with each other and your cohort so that you have the opportunity to build a community that can support you on your journey as you explore Jewish life.
If we are accepted, when do we have to pay our nonrefundable deposit?
If you are secured a spot on an HMI trip, you will be asked to register for the trip and submit your $2,900 payment within two weeks of notification. HMI can arrange an individual payment plan if necessary.
If we are not accepted, can we apply again?
If you are notified that HMI cannot secure you a spot on an upcoming trip, you are welcome to reapply in the next application cycle for your city. 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.
What will the accommodations be like during the trip?
Our program is called Honeymoon Israel for a reason! Participants stay in beautiful 4-5 star hotels throughout Israel. Each couple has their own private room. Hotels are often walking distance to restaurants in the major cities and beaches when near the water. All hotel stays include an expansive Israeli breakfast buffet for participants to enjoy each morning. The Honeymoon Israel trip is romantic, warm, and welcoming.
What if I’m pregnant?
Individuals who are pregnant are welcome to participate on a trip if they are able to provide Honeymoon Israel written approval for travel from their doctor prior to departure.
I’m a nursing parent, can I pump while on the trip?
It is possible to pump while you are in Israel. However, you may run into challenges regarding proximity to electricity and/or temperature control of your milk should you choose to transport it while in Israel. Please click here to learn more about pumping while in Israel.
Is Honeymoon Israel affiliated with any other organizations?
Honeymoon Israel is an independent 501c3 organization. We work in collaboration with local partners and organizations in each city, helping individual couples and groups of couples explore Jewish life and values. Honeymoon Israel is supported by funders throughout the Jewish community who share our goal of welcoming and building community for a diverse range of Jewish families, including interfaith couples.
What about safety and security?
Your safety, health, and security are our top priorities. Honeymoon Israel takes safety and security very seriously. We operate in partnership with a tour provider on the ground in Israel who is in constant communication with the Ministry of Tourism. Together we ensure that all HMI trips are following the most updated safety and security guidelines in Israel. We work with experienced, accredited, professional tour guides and trip operators who have access to the most up-to-date security information, and our trip itineraries are reviewed continually to ensure you have the best experience possible. HMI trip staff leaders go over safety and security protocols during pre-trip gatherings and are available before and during the trip to address any questions or concerns.
What is the application process?
The application process is a two-step process. First, you and your partner will complete an online written application when the application cycle in your city is open. The second step is an in-person or video interview. Not all applicants are invited to the second step of the application process due to limited capacity for interviews and trip spots. If couples are invited to an interview, the interview will take 30 minutes, take place on a designated set of dates, and each invited couple will have the ability to sign up for a slot.
Who are Honeymoon Israel’s local partners?
In every Honeymoon Israel community, we work with local partners who are integral to the HMI experience. Our local partners are senior educators and community workers who share our vision and values. They live and work in your community and will be available to you before, during, and after the trip.
Will Honeymoon Israel fill more than one trip with applicants from the same application cycle?
Depending on the specific cycle, Honeymoon Israel may fill more than one trip during one application cycle.
Will this be a religious trip?
Honeymoon Israel is not affiliated with any particular denomination, nor will any part of the trip be focused on encouraging conversion or a specific Jewish practice. The trip is focused on providing a platform for young couples to explore the ways in which they would like to incorporate Judaism into their relationship and family, in whatever way is meaningful to them. We find that providing the space for discussion is very powerful in a group setting.
Are people with physical disabilities or different access needs able to participate?
Honeymoon Israel is committed to finding ways to accommodate all individuals who are selected for our trips. If you choose to apply and are ultimately secured a spot on the trip, our team will discuss the best way to accommodate your needs and comfort level while in Israel.
Does Honeymoon Israel require health or travel insurance coverage for its participants?
Yes, Honeymoon Israel requires participants to obtain travel and health insurance prior to departure. Travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, health coverage, mandatory COVID-19 quarantine costs, luggage delays, and flight delays/cancellations. The cost of insurance is the responsibility of each participant.
Travel insurance offers you financial protection if your trip is disrupted due to COVID-19. Israel currently requires a five day isolation period after testing positive. If you test positive while on an HMI trip, you will be responsible for quarantine expenses and travel change costs, as well as any additional costs you may incur, such as separate hotel rooms for your partner if they do not test positive.
More questions? Head to the Honeymoon Israel website or contact info@honeymoonisrael.org!
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