Episodes
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 70
In this second special wartime episode, Mark Gordon and David Zev Harris speak to experts about the tourism situation in the aftermath of the Gaza war. When will foreign airlines return to Ben Gurion? Will there be cruises out of Haifa port in the next 12 months? Which destinations will Israelis shun and to which will they flock in 2024?
Published 11/21/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 69
A month after the Hamas invasion, we look at the war's impact on every aspect of tourism to, from and within Israel. Mark and David speak with experts from the government, hotel and travel agency sectors to find out how bad the situation is and how long it might take to recover.
They also hear about Bar Tomer from the Elkonin Hotel in Tel Aviv, whose life was tragically cut short on October 7th at the Supernova Music Festival. This...
Published 11/09/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 68.
With direct seasonal flights from Tel Aviv, the Trnava region is proving to be hugely popular with Israeli visitors. A famous spa, historic city, old synagogues and much more are putting this delightful region on the map. This time:
Getting our bearings in Piešťany, a beautiful spa townRemembering in the former labor and concentration camp and Holocaust museum in SeredPiešťany, the jazz meccaTime to bathe - in mudCan Mark and David...
Published 09/27/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 67
You have to feel for Mark and David as they force themselves to try the high-quality gins, vodka and bourbon at Thinkers Distillery - it's a tough old life. Meanwhile, Mark gets jealous, as David samples the delights of Venice.
Published 09/11/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 66
Bratislava lies on the majestic Danube. It's a compact capital city with something to please everyone: two castles, great food and lots of fascinating Jewish history - and not just the story of the Hatam Sofer (Rabbi Moses Schreiber).
This time:Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a choo-choo train - sort ofHistoric Bratislava CastleMeeting the city's Jewish communityThe gallery literally in the middle of the DanubeDevin: Where...
Published 08/28/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 65
Kosher travel has come a long way since the heyday of the Catskills, a couple of Jewish hotels in Europe or a trip to or in Israel. The world is now the Jewish traveler's (kosher) oyster! Mark and David speak to three experts in the field who tell the story of the development of kosher vacations and offer hot tips on what's available today - from Latin America, via Africa, to Asia, alongside some old favorites - and don't forget cruises...
Published 08/15/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 64.
Mark and David travel to Riga, the compact, beautiful capital of Latvia on the Baltic Sea. Hear the city's story, including that of its Jewish populations through times good and bad. This time:An introduction to the cityThe tragic story of the Riga Ghetto and uplifting moments in the Holocaust museumUNESCO-protected art nouveau at its finestThe gorgeous old townAn appointment with city hallInside the wonderful downtown Peitav Shul -...
Published 07/31/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 63.
Hong Kong tourism is back in full swing after the three-year hiatus. So, we ask Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific airways what makes the destination so special. Then we're off for a one-of-a-kind visit to the home of reggae and one of the world's unique synagogues - tropical Jamaica.
Published 07/17/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 62
Join Mark and David as they sample the delights of two of the latest hotels to open in Israel - Teatron in Jerusalem and Elkonin in Tel Aviv. Both are members of the MGallery Collection of exclusive hotels. While very different, the pair offer great amenities, terrific food and the coziness of home.
Published 07/03/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 61
Some call it The Shuk, others Mahaneh Yehuda. Either way, the market has seen many changes in recent years. Mark and David take you on an audio feast that will arouse all your senses as they take in the sights, sounds, smells and, most importantly, the tastes of this Jerusalem landmark. This time: So what are our favorite Jerusalem attractions (other than food!)?Meet the most colorful of tour guides and guess the accentWhy is this...
Published 06/19/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 60
We hear about two magical countries from women who've left their hearts in Asia. Author and journalist Jessica Mudditt talks about tourism and living in Myanmar. While diplomat Abby Ya-Ping Lee offers some great tips on vacations in Taiwan.
Published 06/05/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 59.
The Eastern Mediterranean is now a major hub for many international cruise ships, with Haifa at its epicenter. Mark and David learn about sailings from Haifa and internationally in the company of senior executives from MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Israel's own Mano Cruise
Published 05/22/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 58.
Mark and David meet up with some of Brazil's top tourism ambassadors to learn about some of the country's offerings including Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. Then the Philippines' ambassador to Israel talks about the special connection between his nation, the Jewish People and Israel, while giving us an insider's view on the best things to do in his home country.
Published 05/08/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 57
Mark and David examine the cost of a vacation including flights, accommodation, food and entertainment. They also look at tourism in Israel post-COVID and ask if things are back on track. They tackle the success of the Abraham Accords or otherwise and chat about the ongoing controversy surrounding sending Israeli kids on Poland tours.
Published 04/24/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 56
Mark and David take you around the "Manchester of Poland." It has had to change with the times - from cotton powerhouse to post-industrial entertainment center via World War II and communism. They discover how the city's Jewish community contributed to Lodz' significant growth.
This time:
We're here but have no idea how to pronounce the city's name!
What Lodz has to offer the visitor
Turning a huge cotton mill into a 21st-Century...
Published 04/10/23
Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 55
This time, Mark and David learn of the delights of two great tourist destinations. Charming Slovakia is the perfect European getaway with so much to see and at really reasonable prices. Then it's on to Colombia, which offers six distinct regions, including coastlines on two oceans, the Andes and the Amazon.
Published 03/28/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 54
With direct flights from Tel Aviv, Poznan is a very affordable destination for a city break. It has a small Jewish community and a fascinating old town. Mark and David wandered its historic center and surroundings before heading out of town on a nostalgic journey... This time:
When is a brewery not a brewery?Playing a barrel organ isn't too easy, as Mark discoversJewish history meets applied artFace to face with a pair of rambunctious...
Published 03/13/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 53
Mark and David head to Bucharest, the capital of Romania to find out why it's become such a tourism center in recent years and learn there are plans afoot to develop it a whole lot more, with the old Jewish quarter at the very heart of its future. This time:
The story of one of the world's largest buildings - Ceausescu and The Palace of ParliamentWe're off to City Hall to get the lowdown on tourism in Bucharest including the old Jewish...
Published 02/20/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 52
Mark and David travel the silk road between two of the most important cities in Uzbekistan. This time:
Magical Bukhara by nightAn early start and a great train journeyThe finest Islamic architectureThe importance of numbersWho was Amir Timur?One of the world's finest squaresA famous musician and a sound like no otherAn insider's viewTo biblical Daniel's tombAn incredible 700-year-old way to see the starsMeeting the Jews of SamarkandA...
Published 02/06/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 51
No, not that Georgia. We're off to the Caucuses to hear about khachapuri and the world's oldest wines. Then we ask a leading expert to name her top three vegan destinations. Which are yours?
Published 01/23/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 50 Remarkably, more Israelis visit Bucharest than people from any other county. As soon as you land, it's clear to see why it's such a popular destination: some of the top restaurants are run by an Israeli chef, the old Jewish area is rich with culture past and present and there's a burgeoning art scene to cap off a great visit. This time: Where art thou, Mark? Is it a synagogue, opera house or both? The wonderful Zambaccian art collection...
Published 01/09/23
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 49 Mark and David fulfill a lifetime ambition with a trip to Uzbekistan in Central Asia to meet the friendliest of nations including today's leaders of the country's ancient Jewish communities. This time: Parting is such sweet sorrow Happy birthday Catherine The Tashkent International Tourism Fair - the big launch Music and dance, Uzbek style A dip into magical Khiva Gold embroidery, from Bukhara with love Uzbek wine is pretty good Reunited...
Published 12/26/22
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 48 We join skipper Warren Marland as he embarks on a new enterprise - kosher yachting in the Mediterranean .Then Mark regales us with tales from his recent journey through India. Join the boys for a half hour of travel adventure and their own particular brand of humor. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Published 12/12/22
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 47 Mark and David drop in on Scotland's capital to learn about the Festival, Castle, Royal Mile and more, with a Jewish twist and maybe a little haggis. Then David reports on his recent trip to Newport, Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, with a low-down on the kosher and vegetarian scenes. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Published 11/28/22
The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 46 ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort lies between mangroves, a golf course, flamingo lake and The Arabian Gulf. It's the perfect place to relax, have the latest high-tech treatments and delicious calorie-controlled food and as Mark and David discovered far more besides. This time: Mark and David decide it's time for a lifestyle change! Of waterbeds and waterjets I've got a toothpaste kinda feeling Breathe slow, breathe deep - or just open...
Published 11/14/22