As a new year begins, we’re dusting off our travel tour itineraries and considering some new locales for adventuresome travelers. We’d also like our readers’ input on these suggested destinations. Each of these countries is somewhat off the beaten path when it comes to tourism, whether due to a history of civil strife, remote location, or lack of public awareness. While they may be diamonds in the rough, each locale is also a real gem for the discerning world traveler.

Let’s take a look at five of our favorite nominations for new Deluxe Kosher Tours destinations:

Sri Lanka – This teardrop-shaped island lies off the shoes of India. A vividly beautiful and lush country, it has been battered by both manmade and natural disasters in recent years. Over 25 years of civil war had a devastating impact on the country and its tourist industry. Then the 2004 tsunami struck, causing thousands of deaths and incredible damage to the countryside.

The good news is that Sri Lanka has shown encouraging signs of recovery from both events. Today it is drawing visitors to its shores again. Its tropical offerings, from exotic wildlife to white sandy beaches, entice tourists looking for unique adventures. Whether you wish to “rough it” in the more rugged areas that team with eco-tourism riches or enjoy a more luxurious stay at a newer beachside resort, you can find an itinerary that suits your interests. With its 2000-year-old culture and a total of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural and historical tours are another intriguing option.

Montenegro – Lying on the Adriatic Sea in the midst of the Balkans, Montenegro has been called the pearl of the Mediterranean, and one visit there will convince you that this designation is not hyperbole. What strikes many visitors first is how colorful the landscapes of this country are – clear aqua sea waters, bright blue skies, striking white beaches, and deep green mountainsides. Although a small country, Montenegro offers a wide diversity of natural features – beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains – as well as cultural and historical wonders. Its national parks contain some of the last untouched forests in Europe today, and its picturesque fishing villages and cliffside monasteries take visitors back to earlier centuries.

Montenegro was both a victim and beneficiary of Yugoslavia’s civil war during the 1990s. Some of the country’s infrastructure remains unpolished. However, its independence as a separate country has led to its re-discovery by international tourists, and we predict that this country’s rough edges will continue to be smoothed.

Iceland – Located in the north Atlantic, between North America and Europe, this mountainous island is considered part of Europe. Potential tourists often assume that the country’s name describes its environment, but this is surprisingly untrue. Only about 10% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, and it is home to a relatively mild climate. The country’s tourist season peaks during the summer, but there is plenty to do throughout the year, and travel prices are significantly lower in the “off” seasons.

Iceland offers tourists the benefit of its dramatic scenery – huge national parks, volcanic craters, glaciers, waterfalls, and lagoons –and opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from snowmobiling to visiting one of its many spas built around its plentiful geothermal hot spots. Many visitors come to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, which are most easily seen in winter. For visitors wanting a city vibe, Reykjavik offers an active nightlife and lots of cultural activities.

Madagascar – Located in the Indian Ocean right off the coast of southern Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Famed for its remarkable biodiversity, the country is proud of the fact that 5 – 10% of its animal and plant life species cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Madagascar’s beauty is found in its lush rainforests, national parks, and thousands of miles of coastline, including remarkable barrier reefs.

In 2009, the country was rocked by civil unrest, and some political instability continues. The threat of terrorism to visitors is low, however, and usual travel precautions should keep tourists safe. Parts of Madagascar are still largely undiscovered and unspoiled. Some national parks, for example, receive less than 100 visitors per year. While travel infrastructure may be less than ideal, the country’s incomparable scenery and unhurried pace more than compensate. Madagascar is the perfect travel spot for a vacationer who wants a leisurely vacation. There are opportunities for relaxation in hidden coves, snorkeling and wreck diving, and whale watching along the coasts. Head inland, and the island’s deciduous forests and grasslands offer wonderful opportunities for bird watching and spotting everything from rare orchids to roaming lemurs.

Tanzania — Situated on the eastern coast of Africa, Tanzania is a land noted for its geographical superlatives – the highest peak (Mount Kilimanjaro), the largest lake (Lake Victoria), and the lowest point (Lake Tanganyika’s lakebed) on the African continent. While some of its attractions are deservedly famous, such as the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, the country is largely unexplored by tourists.

Tanzania is a largely peaceful country with huge natural abundance, so it is an excellent travel destination for the traveler looking for an out-of-the-way vacation spot that is both exotic and tranquil. Those looking for relaxation in the sun will appreciate Tanzania’s spectacular beaches, particularly in the Zanzibar islands, where palm-shaded sands stretch out near coral gardens. For the adventure vacationer, Mount Kilimanjaro offers a challenging trek to its snow peaks. Wildlife enthusiasts can experience a photo safari in the Serengeti National Park, where zebra and wildebeest are plentiful, or enjoy bird-watching in the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve. Historical enthusiasts can explore ancient rock paintings, historic villages, and remnants of the region’s days as a major spice trade center.

So there you have it: Five diverse destinations to consider for 2013 What they have in common are both the diversity and relative purity of their landscapes and wildlife and their status as relatively undiscovered gems.

We would love to add any or all of these countries to our 2013 tour itineraries. But what are your thoughts? Tell us which of these destinations would get your vote. Or share your own nominations for additional new tour destinations.

The world is waiting for discovery still, in out-of-the way locales around the globe. Which ones will you discover in 2013?

Stuart Katz

January 1, 2013

In a year filled with discoveries, triumphs, and conflicts, we also faced the loss of many distinguished Americans, without whom the world seems diminished. These outstanding individuals include seven innovatorswho are noteworthy because of their own pioneering efforts as well as their commitment to using their expertise and influence as widely as possible.

Senator Daniel Inouye(1924-2012)– A U.S. Senator from Hawaii, Daniel Inouye had a long career of great distinction, from his days as a World War II solder to his many years in the U.S. Congress. He first went to Washington, D.C. with the establishment of Hawaii as a state in 1959 and remained a spokesman for his home state for over 50 years. While Inouye was soft spoken and often worked behind the scenes more than in front of the camera, his influence can not be overstated. The first Japanese-American elected to either branch of Congress, Inouye served two terms in the House before being elected to the Senate in 1962. He went on to become the Senate’s senior member and its president pro tempore. While a strong advocate for Hawaii’s interest, he also dealt with issues on the national stage, including a key role in the Watergate investigations and the Iran-Contra hearings. A decorated war hero, Inouye’s legacy includes his commitment to seeing the truth prevail in political discourse.

Dr. William House(1923- 2012)—A pioneering medical researcher, Dr. Williams House brought the gift of hearing to countless thousands of individuals – and directly contributed to putting one man on the moon. House is noted for his invention of the first cochlear implant, considered to be the first device to actually restore any human sense. He also developed a surgical treatment for Meniere’s disease, which causes severe vertigo. His treatment of astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., when he became stricken with the disease, allowed Shepard to participate in the Apollo 14 mission which took him to the moon. House also developed the use of microscopes in surgery, brain tumor surgical procedures, and other medical innovations. Amazingly, House never sought to patent any of his medical inventions, advocating for continued research and development by others. For this reason, his legacy includes not only his brilliant medical research, but his stance as a humanitarian role model for other researchers in the field.

Elwood Jensen(1920 – 2012) — A pioneer in breast cancer treatment, Elwood Jensen is credited with extending or saving literally hundreds of thousands of women’s lives due to his studies in steroid hormones. Through the use of radioactive tracers, Jenson was able to demonstrate that such steroid hormones as estrogen affected cell growth by binding to specific receptor proteins. Estrogen-positive breast cancers could be treated with medications or surgical procedures that inhibited estrogen in patients, leading to disease remission for many. Jensen received the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award in 2004 for his outstanding contributions to cancer research and was a Nobel Prize nominee. A molecular biologist, Jensen served as the Charles B. Huggins distinguished service professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and most recently worked at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Sally Ride(1951 – 2012) – A true trailblazer in the heavens, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space when she joined the crew of space shuttle Challenger. A Stanford graduate with a Ph.D. in physics, Ride competed with 1000 other applicants for the opportunity to join NASA’s astronaut program. Her ultimate dream was realized when she completed her first shuttle mission in June 1983. After two shuttle missions and an illustrious career in NASA, Ride became director of the University of California’s California Space Institute and a professor of physics. A large part of her legacy is her effort to inspire young women to pursue training in the fields of math and science. Through her company, Sally Ride Science, she provided her greatest legacy, as she inspired untold numbers of girls to explore their own dreams.

Neil Armstrong(1930 – 1912) – The world lost another great astronaut with the passing of Neil Armstrong, internationally famous for being the first man to walk on the moon. His iconic words, “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind,” summarize both the humbleness he exemplified and the enormity of his undertaking. After a long career with NASA, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering and served in private business as the chairman of a technology firm. While he always shunned the spotlight, Armstrong continued to quietly offer his support of further space discovery. He served as vice chairman of the Presidential Commission that invested the space shuttle Challenger accident, and testified to Congress in 2010 on his concerns about the cancellation of the Constellation program, which would have included another moon mission. His legacy includes not only his role as first man on the moon, but his continued advocacy for the U.S. to remain a world leader in space exploration.

Arlen Spector(1930 – 2012) – A long-time U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, Arlen Spector was most noted for his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where his courageous and outspoken positions influenced a generation of judicial policy. On his watch, the Senate deliberated on the Supreme Court nominations of such figures as Clarence Thomas and Robert Bork and the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Early in his career, Spector served as a lawyer for the Warren Commission investigating President John F. Kennedy’s death. He went on to serve for almost four decades in the U.S. Senate. Even in his last years, Spector was not afraid of controversy, as demonstrated when he made his famous switch from being a life-long Republican to a Democrat. His role as a political centrist drew fire, but it also enabled him to have an often deciding voice in some of the most pivotal legislative decisions of the last few decades, leaving a lasting public legacy.

Dr. Joseph Murray(1919 –2012) –The first successful human organ transplant was conducted almost 60 years ago by Dr. Joseph Murray, who completed a kidney transplant between twins in 1954. He also performed the first successful transplant with a non-identical recipient, and the first cadaver kidney transplant. These accomplishments led to Dr. Murray being awarded the Nobel Prize in 1990. He served as the director of Harvard Medical School’s Surgical Research Laboratory, as well as at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, where he continued his research in decreasing organ rejection. Dr. Murray’s legacy includes not only his own pioneering efforts, but his lifetime of training of other physicians, many of whom became leaders in transplant innovation in their own rights.
From the disparate fields of space exploration, medical research and the halls of politics, the United States has lost some of its brightest lights this year, each with a legacy of both personal accomplishment and the desire to share their gifts with others.

Stuart Katz

December 31, 2012

How It All Started

Today marks the end of a most unique experience in my life – a week in New York with six Israeli teens on a mission.  I accompanied them to  the U.S. to both lend a hand in the post-Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts and to be, in effect, young ambassadors for Israel in a country with historically close ties.

So much in life is a matter of timing, and of seemingly separate threads coming together at an opportune moment.  The genesis of our recent journey was such – an unlikely combination of a daughter’s wish, the spark of new war activity in Israel, and a hurricane striking an ocean away.

As you may know from my previous blog series at http://www.deluxekoshertours.com/blog/, I recently spent a week myself in the greater New York area helping out with post-Sandy assistance.  Having once lived on Long Island, I had the same impulse to help out my former hometown areas as I had to help out Israel in times of crisis—it’s a dual loyalty many of us have experienced.  Although I am now based on the other side of the Atlantic, the compulsion to help out has still been strong.

When I returned home to Hashmonaim after my week’s sojourn, my youngest daughter in particular was struck by the stories I told of the situation I found in the tri-state area, as well as the need for further assistance.  Dafna was clearly ready to hop the next plane stateside with me and lend a hand herself.  After some discussion, we reached a compromise:  if she would wait until her school vacation over Hanukkah, I would take her to the U.S. with me if there was still a need for assistance.

So the deal was struck, and Dafna’s enthusiasm spread to several of her friends, who also wanted to get involved.  And so MasaHashemesh was born.  The requirements to become a member of this effort were simple – a willingness to:

• Give up a large part of one’s holiday break;
• Work from morning to night for an entire week;
• Pay one’s own way.

We limited the trip to six teens, and I made certain that I either knew each kid or got to know them well enough to ensure that they would be a “good fit” for this volunteer crew.  The final group included:  Brad Eckman ,Lipaz Hirsch, AyeletKoplon,  Rami Lesnick, Yoni Wolfand of course my daughter, Dafna Katz, and myself.

We came up with an official name for our group because of my experience contacting various organizations in the U.S. about volunteering.  Invariably, they wanted to know with what organization I was affiliated.  As we were strictly grass roots in our efforts, we decided to call ourselves MasaHashemesh and create some semblance of being an official group.  The name, which can be roughly translated to “Sunlight Journey,” was selected with some thought, reflecting our desire to bring some sunshine to the areas we visited – particularly fitting during Hanukkah’s season of light.

My years in the travel industry were put to good use, as I was able to quickly put together an itinerary, make travel arrangements, find host homes, and iron out details tomake the trip a meaningful one for both the group and those with whom they came in contact.  In designing the trip itinerary, it was important that we achieve a balance of:

• Hands-on volunteer efforts to benefit the New York area;
• Opportunities to represent Israel well with U.S. young people;
• Seasonal and social activities – after all, hard-working volunteers need times for relaxation and celebration!

What had started out as a simple plan for post-Sandy clean-up evolved into its larger mission when Israel once again found itself in armed conflict with Gaza.  We decided that part of our mission should be to share information about Israel’s situation with others and emphasize the mutual support upon which our two countries both relied.  Student to student dialogue seemed an ideal way to proceed with this mission.

So MasaHashemesh moved forward with a critical underlying message:  after decades of looking to the U.S. for support, Israel also stands ready to offer its support to Americans – regardless of religion or ethnicity.

One week ago, our group landed in the United States and began its whirlwind week of demolition work, soup kitchens, school presentations, and holiday fellowship.  What a week it was!

In Part II, I’ll review in more detail all the activities of this incredibly special week, and the impressions that were left in those we met.