MEITAL SHARABI

Meital Sharabi is the editor of Maariv's Travel & Aviation section. She covers the tourism industry in Israel and worldwide, focusing on consumer insights, travel trends, destination guides, flight updates, and practical tips to help readers plan smarter, more affordable trips.

 PERFORMING the ‘Tashlich’ ritual on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah in Tel Aviv last year after Israel entered a second nationwide lockdown.

For the first time since Oct. 7: Tashlich ceremony to take place at Zikim Beach

New camping complex in Ein Bokek.

New Dead Sea camping complex opens for the holidays

Yali Sobol.

Weekend festival brings top authors and musicians to the Western Negev


The best family trips and nature routes for Rosh Hashanah

Explore Yodfat, Nahal Tzalmon, Belvoir Fortress, Tel Afek, and Hurvat Tal: Take your family into nature for a perfect trip during Rosh Hashanah.

Belvoir National Park.

Tishrei Holidays 2026: Is it really more cost-effective for families to fly abroad?

A holiday price comparison shows gaps between Israel and abroad, as families factor in high hotel costs, traffic, and weather to save money.

Family vacation at a hotel, illustration.

The European country strengthening ties with Israel – and Israelis are already discovering it

As Finland cuts UNRWA funds and boosts Israel security ties, it emerges as a top destination - from the Northern Lights to lakes and saunas.

Finland.

Vacation starts in traffic jams: Ben Gurion Airport prepares for an exceptionally busy month

After 2.65 million travelers in August, 3 million are set to pass through Israel Airports Authority sites in September. Top spots: Greece and Cyprus.

Passengers scramble at Ben-Gurion Airport after a staff strike halted Israeli air travel, August 20, 2026

An hour from the center: A weekend destination with art, music, and culture

Pardes Hana-Karkur turns into a big gallery: 120 artists open their studios, alongside live shows, talks, and unique gifts for Rosh Hashanah. Free entry.

Art Festival in Pardes Hanna-Karkur.

57 days until elections: Israelis abroad are already filling flights to Israel

Ahead of elections, the Fly&Vote initiative secures dedicated flights from New York and Lisbon following high demand and TAP route cancellations.

The flight information board at Ben Gurion Airport.

New direct flight route opens between Tel Aviv and Bologna

Blue Bird Airways will launch three weekly flights to Bologna starting September 2, before expanding operations to Rome and Naples later this month.

The rooftops of Bologna, Italy.

Forget fancy hotels and explore a fresh way to experience Dead Sea kibbutzim

Right before the holidays, we gathered a few hot recommendations from the Dead Sea region: The coffee, the drinks, and all the rest.

Coffee overlooking the desert.

The surprising numbers behind Israelis' summer vacation habits

The Summer 2026 MAX Index reveals: A quarter of Israelis book flights last-minute, families are returning abroad, and young adults prefer Asia.

Petri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece.

Checking in and getting your room key from a hologram: Astral Hotels’ new innovation

Astral Hotels debuts a check-in kiosk with an AI holographic avatar at Eilat’s Queen of Sheba Hotel, with plans to expand across the chain.

Check-in kiosk featuring a hologram.