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.

Family vacation at a hotel, illustration.

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

Finland.

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

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

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


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.

Where are Israelis escaping to during the holidays? Top destinations seeing a demand surge

Ahead of the High Holy Days, vacation demand has jumped 25%, with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Corfu leading as safety becomes a top traveler priority.

Le Morne Beach, Mauritius.

The new wave of Israeli hotels keeping vacationers in the country

We checked which new hotels opened in Israel this year. Four out of five are in Tel Aviv, each offering a completely unique concept.

Pool at Dizengoff 99 Hotel.

The next big thing in Pardes Hanna: Food, wine, and local produce all in one place

''The Stables Market'' is set to open on August 27 at Pardes Hanna's Artists' Stables, offering farmers' stalls, boutique wineries, local food, music, and a rustic atmosphere.

Shai Barkat and Meital Rusnak.

5 magical spots turning the road to Eilat into a trip of its own

Explore Route 40 to Eilat: Discover Bedouin hospitality tents, scenic hiking trails, local family farms, and off-road desert jeep tours.

Squills in Mitzpe Ramon.