A Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel (price estimates)

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We constantly have requests when our clients are asking us to help arranging Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel. One of the first questions people are asking: How much will it cost?
We decided to share a sample itinerary for August with approximate costs for family of 4 who go by themselves (without an organized group) for 12 days.

Please note that the actual price might be different based on your situation, needs, number of days, whether you want to use private tour guides or not and so on.

Total:

$13,750 - $27,900

1. Air

$1,400-1,600 x 4 people = $5,600 - $6,400

     2. Hotels

$220-350 x (10-12) nights = $2,200 - $4,200

     3. Bar Mitzvah ceremony

$650-$1,200

Notes of Bar Mitzvah:

1. I would suggest having the ceremony in Jerusalem instead Massada because it will be too hot in Massada
2. The price will be more if the ceremony conducted in Massada (up to $1,200) vs. Jerusalem ($650-$800) because of the travel costs
3. This price includes all communication with the Rabbi over Skype before arrival; meeting the Rabbi before the ceremony; conducting the ceremony

     4. Private Tours

$450-$800 per day x (4-12) days = $2,500-$9,600

Notes on tours:

1. Good private guides charge $600-$800 per day including car,gas, parking and excluding entrance tickets and accommodations for tour guides if they need to travel with you far from their home.
2. Most guides (but not all) want continuous days for their services. For example, if you have 4 days of tours they want 4 days in the row. Also they want to charge the full day fee even though they spend only 3-6 hours for certain tours. However there are guides who will reduce their fees if you take only a half day tour. I have different options for tour guides.

5. Entrance fees/activities/taxis

$800-$2,500

6. Food/restaurants

$2,000-$4,000

Sample itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to Jerusalem
Day 2

Old city of Jerusalem - Mount Scopus, Mount of Olives, City of David, Old City, Jewish Quarter including the Western Wall and the Western Wall tunnel

Day 3

New city of Jerusalem - the Israel Museum, Mahne Yehuda Market, Emek Tzurim - experience of material from the Temple Mount, the Archaeological Park (Davidson Park).
Day 4

Around Jerusalem - Herodion - the place of King Herod's palace and his tomb, En Kerem, Kennedy Memorial, 9/11 memorial. Evening - the Night Spectacular in David Citadel.

Day 5

Dead Sea - St. Georg Monetary overlook, Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, Ein Gedi nature reserve, Float in the Dead Sea.
Day 6

Bar Mitzvah ceremony in Masada and touring after the ceremony, En Bokek stream - short hiking with water and pools.

Day 7 
Tel Aviv - Flea Market in Jaffa, Old Jaffa, Sarona Templar's colony, Yitzhak Rabin Memorial, Rothschild Avenue.
Day 8
Underground bullet factory in Ayalon Institute, the Stalactites cave.

Day 9 Along the Coast - Caesarea, Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, grottoes in Rosh Hanikra. Overnight in the North.

Day 10

Zafed, Hula lake bike's, Rafting in the Jordan river, ATV.
Day 11

Return to tel Aviv
Day 12

Flying home

Top New Luxury Cruise Itineraries for 2015

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Top luxury cruise lines are offering new opportunities to broaden horizons with new itineraries, onboard features, and more that provide a gateway to new experiences this year. From immersive culinary cruises to joining global celebrations, read on to discover which cruises you’ll want to explore in 2015.

Oceania Cruises

Set sail on 7+ night Oceania Cruises and enjoy some of the best culinary experiences at sea. The renowned Jacques Pepin acts as Executive Culinary Director for the cruise line, which has created the only cooking school at sea – the Bon Appetit Culinary Center. In addition to new epicurean sailing programs to look forward to, Oceania Cruises unveiled 27 all-new itineraries for their 2015-2016 Winter Collection. Here are a few of our favorite new offerings!

• Oceania Riviera sailings in December invite cruisers to ‘Celebrate the Sunshine’ on new 12-night sailings to the Caribbean with ports-of-call including St. Barts, Saint Lucia, and Barbados
• New Oceania Marina, Nautica, and Riviera sailings to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean with new ports-of-call in Greece, Spain, and Croatia

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Specializing in 7+ night cruises to the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is the ideal cruise line for travelers seeking a secluded paradise in 2015. Enjoy all-inclusive amenities onboard, such as water sports equipment, performances by Les Gauguins, and luxurious spa. Shore excursions offer in-depth opportunities to discover the nature of the Polynesian islands, and this year cruisers will be able to explore even more destinations in the South Pacific and beyond!

• Sail to Fiji onboard a brand new 10-night cruise onboard Paul Gauguin for a voyage exclusively to Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu
• Enjoy the same great intimate Paul Gauguin experience in a different destination with a new 7-night roundtrip sailing from Venice with stops in Croatia and Slovenia onboard Tere Moana

Insider Tip: Paul Gauguin Cruises recently announced their 2016 itineraries which includes a 7-night version of the popular sailing to Motu for the first time!

Azamara Cruises

With inclusive amenities such as incredible AzAmazing Evenings exclusive events on most voyages and pristine butler service for suite guests, travelers can’t go wrong with 7+ night Azamara Cruises sailings this year. Expect exciting new AzAmazing Evenings, Land Discoveries, guest lecturers and hosts, and more to accompany cruises in 2015, inspired by world events such as Carnival in Rio and new destinations such as Australia!

• Be one of the first to explore Down Under with Azamara Club Cruises onboard premier Azamara Quest sailings to Australia this December and discover Bali, Komodo, and the Great Barrier Reef
• Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on Azamara Quest cruises to Northern Europe this Summer where the unique opportunity to attend the British Open and golf famous courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland await

Other notable inaugural luxury sailings this year include Crystal Cruises’ Mediterranean Majesty itinerary and new offerings of Silversea Cruises’ popular L’École des Chefs cruises.

Argentina's Currency Exchange- a Quick Note

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Please note: I am not advising you to do anything illegal as I am just trying to re-iterate experiences from my past clients traveling to Argentina. You just need to use your own judgement what works the best for you. 

Many American tourists visiting Argentina exchange USD to Argentinian pesos not at ATMs, but on the black market. They do so for pragmatic reasons. Let's say in ATM they get 8 pesos for $1 and if you stroll Florida in Buenos Aires you will see people offering you 12 pesos for $1. So many people decide just to get more money for their buck.

Some shops and restaurants have prices in USD $ and you can make your calculations what would be better for you. From what we know $50 bills get the best rate on the black market and they don't want anything lower than $20 bills. You can google 'Blue dollar' . Also there is a twitter account that publishes 'unofficial' rate. See https://twitter.com/dolarblue

And again, if you decide on doing exchange on the black market there are risks that you can be cheated.

Featured Promotions for Monday December 22nd

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World Exploration: 

Adventures by Disney:Australian Tour: 12 Days / 11 Nights Sydney, Ayers Rock, Tasmania & Great Barrier Reef

Take a hop "down under" on Australia tour that gives you a first-hand look into this fascinating country where you'll experience the elegance of modern life as well as the traditions of the past. From the Sydney Opera House to Ayers Rock, the Australian vacation package offers the best of both worlds.

Australia Trip Highlights

• Great Barrier Reef 

  

  
  
  View the dazzling array of sea life by snorkeling among the coral forests and shimmering fish of the world's largest tropical reef. A marine biologist is on hand to answer your questions.

• Aboriginal Cultural Park 

  

  Participate in Aboriginal traditions as Tjapukai tribe members share their culture with song and dance. Listen to a didgeridoo and learn how to throw a boomerang and a spear.

• Ayers Rock (Uluru) 

  

  
  
  Head off to Australia's famed outback for a privately guided hike around the base of sacred Ayers Rock, also known by its Aboriginal name, Uluru.

• Explore Scenic Sydney 

  

  
  

  While in Sydney, pedal around scintillating Sydney Harbor on a privately guided bike tour, visit the stunning Sydney Opera House, and get a private surfing lesson at the famous Bondi Beach.

• Tasmania Discovery 

  

  
  
  Soar over eucalyptus trees on zip lines. Paddle a sea kayak on the brilliant waters of Coles Bay. And enjoy visiting the Tasmanian Devils and other intriguing animals at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Resorts
Club Med Ixtapa and Punta Cana  Up to $600 air credit per adult
Le Blanc Cancun Up to 30% Off
Beaches  Book now and save up to 65% at the all new Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos (see below for more info)
Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe   Up to 30% Off
ClubMed Ixtapa and Punta Cana: The more you stay the more air credit you get

LeBlanc Cancun

Book your vacation at the amazing Leblanc resort now and save up to 30% instantly!
There is nothing ordinary about the 260-room, adult only, all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort located in the heart of Cancun, Mexico.  Everything from the wine lists to your workout has been tailored to be top notch. It feels more South Beach chic than Cancun party, with a hip, gorgeous aesthetic throughout the entire pristine white property.
The rooms are thoroughly modern and bright with minimalist decor and stunning ocean views (some with large Jacuzzi baths).  Most of your time should be spent experiencing the top-of-the line spa, the chic restaurants (especially the stunningly designed Lumiere), and heavenly white-sand beach.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Book now and save up to 65% at the all new Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos

Weaving modern touches with casual elegance and unparalleled luxury, the award-winning Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is proud to announce the stellar addition of the all new Key West Luxury Village to its existing three villages: Caribbean, Italian and French. Located adjacent to the Italian Village, the resort’s fourth village encompasses the charming vibes of Key West and boasts 800 feet of ocean frontage along Grace Bay Beach—regarded as “the last of the true exotics”. Just as its counterparts, the resort’s newest village features Beaches’ all-inclusive concept, renowned for providing guests with the highest quality and service imaginable—and making Beaches Turks & Caicos an even more incredible vacation experience.

At the Key West Luxury Village, the laid-back vibes and casual elegance of Key West charm guests as the playful allure of island life comes together with the striking azure water and a magnificent white-sand beach. Here you can swing on a hammock-bed, take a leisurely bicycle ride or refresh in one of three inviting pools. Plus, with the resort’s debut of exotic plunge pools, you don’t even have to leave your suite to bask in the Caribbean sun. Escape to a world where time goes a little bit slower and laughs last a little bit longer. Discover the all-new Key West Luxury Village.

Cruises

Regent: Up to $1,000 credit per cabin PLUS up to $999 air credit for Business Class Air

Azamara: Up to $300 Free Onboard Credit, Free Internet Package, PLUS Free Specialty Dining for Two AND, Free Amazing Double Upgrades! (see below for more info)

Royal Caribbean: 50% Off second guest + up to $300 onboard credits + 50% reduced deposit 

(see below for more info)

Oceania: Up to $1,000 Shipboard Credit AND Free Pre-Paid Gratuities AND Free Unlimited Internet 

(see below for more info)

Azamara Cruises

The only thing better than an upgrade is a DOUBLE UPGRADE!!!

And right now its yours when you book popular 2015-2016 Azamara sailings!
Plus, as an added bonus on select itineraries, you can also take advantage of up to $300 Free Onboard Credi, Free Internet Package, PLUS Specialty Dining for 2!
Experience the wonders of the world from your beautiful veranda view and enjoy included amenities from free gratuities to fine wines and international beers!

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take advantage of our richest sale of the year:

• Buy one, second guest goes half off. 
• Get up to $300 onboard credit to spend any way you'd like. 
• Plus deposit reduced by 50%

Oceania Cruises

Up to $1,000 Shipboard Credit, Free Pre-Paid Gratuities Free, Unlimited Internet

Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Frank Del Rio, Joe Watters and Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises is the world’s largest upper premium cruise line. Cuisine, Comfort, Service and outstanding value are the pillars that define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the line as the cruise company of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Our intimate and luxurious ships allow you to explore the world in unequalled style and comfort. Sophisticated, stylish and distinctly mid-size, you’ll find the onboard atmosphere is extremely convivial, and with an unrivaled level of personalized service as a result of us having two staff members for every three guests.
As the leader in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises sails to more than 330 ports around the globe. Itineraries are unique in that they call on the perfect mix of must-see marquee and boutique, off-the-beaten-path ports. Multiple overnight calls afford an in-depth, enriching destination experience and allow travelers to immerse themselves in the cuisine, culture and history of the ports we visit.

Barcelo Bavaro Up Close

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Last month, among many other resorts in the Dominican Republic, we visited the Barcelo Bavaro Complex. Our first stop was Barcelo Bavaro Beach (adults only part of the resort)- it offers the tranquil vibe of a smaller property, but the extensive features of a megaresort, including a spa, fitness center, golf course, and numerous pools. However, most of these amenities are about a five-minute shuttle ride away at the Palace Deluxe resort. This romantic, upscale spot in Punta Cana is located on one of the best beaches in the area, and features four on-site restaurants, two bars, and rooms with modern technology and beachy decor.

If you are on a budget and want a medium class, kid friendly resort in the Dominican Republic, then Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe is a great choice for you.

The 1,600-room Palace Deluxe is the main resort at the Barcelo Bavaro complex, and has tons of on-site features including an attractive spa, a 24-hour casino, four pools, and 11 restaurants. But aside from the substantial long lines at the front desk, the guest capacity of the resort rarely shows; guests do not have to search for spots at the pools and/or beach and reservation requirements keep restaurants well organized allowing couples, families, and partiers to mingle seamlessly at the property. 

Although the adults-only sister property, Barcelo Bavaro Beach, has a slightly more romantic vibe, plenty of couples opt to stay here as it is where most of the features are located. The hotel's rooms feature iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and attractive, sleek decor.

Paradisus x2...

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To make a long story short - the Reserve Paradisus Palma Real might be a better overall option if you compare it with Paradisus Punta Cana and Paradisus Palma Real.

It might seem a little bit bizarre how these Paradisus resorts are organized- they are spaced three miles away from each other. Each of them have two sections: Regular - Paradisus Punta Cana (or Paradisus Palma Real) and The Reserve - The Reserve Paradisus Punta Cana (or The Reserve Paradisus Palma Real).

The Reserve is further away from the beach, however, more peaceful as it is further away from the noise and kids zone. The Reserve sections is about an 8 minutes walk from the beach if you are in The Reserve Paradisus Punta Cana and 12 minutes if you are in The Reserve Paradisus Palma Real; both have frequent shuttles/golf carts driving you around.  

The Kids Zone is slightly better at the Paradisus Palma Real; however, the Paradisus Punta Cana has a separate Adventure Park Area with a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping and ping-pong tables that are awesome for teens.  

If you stay at the Reserve, you have preferential picking a place on the beach and more dining options; the food selection is slightly better at the Palma Real but the service is very similar- the service is marginally worse than similar resorts in Mexico.

Entertainment is very good when compared with the majority of different all-inclusives (though it starts late). Paradisus Punta Cana has bicycles for rent which can be very convenient if you have kids as it adds another mode of transportation around the resort; Paradisus Palma Real does not have bicycles. We personally liked the grounds at Paradisus Punta Cana a little more but Paradisus Palma Real has nice gardens leading you to the Spa. 

Both Paradisuses have adult’s only sections - Royal. Even though these areas look good if you want an adults only vacation but they are surrounded with families with kids.

Paradisus Punta Cana has more modern looking rooms.  As of right now, Paradisus Punta Cana Family Concierge is offered at The Reserve section; Paradisus Palma Real Family Concierge will be on the beach, which has pluses and minuses. Some of the pluses are: beach, close to majority of restaurants; negatives: it might be noisier and further away from Kids Zone which is in The Reserve section.

Do you really need a Family Concierge at both resorts? The answer: It depends- if your budget can afford it, then yes as it gives you some additional benefits: reservations are done for you, families are provided with a cell phone to stay connected, special treats for children, movie nights for kids only and so on. However I would like to note - don't expect too much from the concierge team. They are smiley and friendly- however overall, they are lacking the discipline to truly serve people.