Five Kosher Adventure Travel Agencies

Sure, it's pretty easy for a Jewish traveler to find tour companies that offer kosher meals on their tours of Moscow or Paris, but what if you dream of trekking through the Amazon rainforest or white water rafting near Victoria Falls? Are you stuck having to pack enough canned fish for a week? Fortunately, the kosher adventure travel industry came about to help Jews and Jewish families avoid that unhealthy scenario.

These travel agencies, usually run by observant Jews, take kosher-trained chefs and mashgiachs along with them on their tours. When preparing kosher meals on the spot isn't an option, they'll fly in kosher food. What's more, they'll make sure you get a chance, if possible, to attend synagogue on Shabbat or at least won't plan anything that interferes with Shabbat observance. So if you're up for an adventure, here are some travel agencies to look into.

KosherExpeditions.com
A Panama Canal cruise, a South African safari, and a tour of Peru exploring ruins of ancient civilizations are some of this company's less traditional offer. If you prefer something a little closer to home, try the adventure ski trips in Banff, Canada or hiking in the Canadian Rockies. If none of their packages suit you, the company arranges private and customized group tours, too. Kosher Expeditions also runs a summer camp in Costa Rica for ages 15 to 17 that focuses on "exploring Judaism and nature." Take that, French Camp. On a similar theme, their "Academic Expeditions" for students provide customized programs for young people wanting to learn more about the rainforest while strengthening their Jewish identity.

KosherWildlife.com
No, it's not what it sounds like. This company, headquartered in South Africa, specializes in watching African wildlife. Their destinations include Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Botswana. It's not all about following the lions and giraffes around, though. Activities are as diverse as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and jetboating as well as milder adventures like cruises and scenic flights. Accommodation is surprisingly cushy and dining facilities elegant without losing their African sense of style. Different tour itineraries are organized each year and there are only a few tours each year, so if you're interested, reserve your place early.

TheWanderingJew.net
If you're looking for a milder adventure, this company has plenty of tours to suit you. Land tours More exotic destinations include Eastern turkey, Morocco, Tanzania, Nepal, and Vietnam, and Peru. There are also plenty of traditional vacation spots like Spain, Italy, and Central Europe. If you prefer the open sea, cruises around the Caribbean, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean and the Baltics are also available. This isn't for drinking and dancing. Attention is given to local culture, including local Jewish culture and history. Tours are run year-round, so no matter when your vacation time you'll find something that interests you.

EcuadorKosherTours.com
Yes, Ecuador does have a Jewish community and they've helped the FlashTravel Group open this mysterious land to observant Jews from around the world. The basic stay in Quito lets you explore the nature and culture of this country through the botanical gardens, Otavalo Indian market and other local attractions. There's also a chance to take a yacht around the Galapagos, tour the Amazon, or see the ruins of Manchu Pichu in neighboring Peru.

www.jewishadventure.com
Despite the name of the site, the only kosher adventure travel here is a program for teens ages 15 to 18. The destinations are Europe and Israel, so the "adventure" part refers more to the activities than to any exotic locations. Participants get a chance to go kayaking on the Jordan river, do water sports on the Sea of Galilee, and, in Europe, practice a little jousting. Guests stay in mid-range hotels, with the occasional night camping. Not only are kosher meals assured, but vegetarian options are also available.

Just because you want to keep kosher doesn't mean your stuck with same old big city destinations. Specialists in kosher adventure travel give you the chance to tour some of the most far-flung destinations on Earth without making sacrifices.