Keeping kosher is an important lifestyle choice, but once one is in a foreign land, it can be increasingly challenging to find foods that fulfill the requirements laid down by the kosher standard.

For observing and practicing Jewish people, carrying out the necessary planning for keeping kosher is one of the most vital aspects of arranging travel. Here are some tips to ensure you are not deviating even if you are away from the comforts of home. 

1. A microwave can be very useful 

When booking your hotel room, ask for a room with a small built-in kitchenette with a microwave so you can heat ready-made meals that are kosher certified. Many people travel with these meals in their hand luggage, especially if they know it will be a shorter trip and they are going by themselves. 

If you are staying at a vacation rental or an Airbnb, you won’t have to make a special request since there will already be a kitchen and related appliances available for your use. The latter is an even better option if you like cooking and making meals from scratch. 

2. Prior knowledge of inclusive supermarkets and grocery stores

If you are keen to keep kosher during your travels and not have to compromise due to a lack of options, do your research well beforehand. Map out the most inclusive grocery stores within a walking or cab radius of your hotel or Airbnb, and make sure you store the information on your phone once you land.

Inclusive supermarkets will typically have aisles and sections dedicated to kosher food options and will also cater to requests. Look for packaged food options that are certified kosher grade. 

3. Kosher restaurants 

While you can always travel with portable kosher food options such as the ones (nuts, sweets, dates) commonly given in Passover gift baskets, knowing where the kosher restaurants are in the city you’re traveling to can be valuable information for when you need a quick bite or are meeting someone over a meal.

You can also go a step further and read reviews and ratings for the restaurants that serve kosher or have it as a meal preference on their menu. 

4. Packing the essentials 

Packing a few essential items, even if they take up extra space, can help you maintain kosher while on the move. Vacuum-sealed food packages, a sandwich maker or mini rice maker, and even daily use items such as disposable cutlery can make life easier when you’re abroad and are feeling overwhelmed regarding food choices.

Don’t forget your necessary travel documents. After all, they are required for travel. If you are within the US, you could probably get away with a temporary paper license. Still, you require your visa paperwork and passport for international destinations, so always pack essentials a few days before to avoid forgetting something. 

5. Inclusive hotels or resorts

Look for inclusive resorts that have menus dedicated to kosher delicacies and options.

Many resorts offer special kosher breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the provision of utensils for storing or preparing your own kosher food. Newark hotels are a great example as they have a lot of kosher-friendly hotels with comfortable rooms and studios.

Wrapping up

Don’t let keeping kosher stop you from traveling the world. Staying open-minded and planning ahead will help you enjoy travel without added stress.

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