I chose Israel Outdoors when I signed up for my Birthright trip and it was the best traveling decision I made! My travel preferences include a lot of hiking and nature-related activities so this was the perfect outlet! Below were some of my favorite activities: -Rafting in the Jordan River -Hiking Masada -Camping in the Bedouin Tents -Gardening at the Salad Trail My group and I also rode camels and walked through the underground water tunnels in Jerusalem (I would not recommend this activity if you're claustrophobic.) What I really enjoyed most about Israel Outdoors was the company of outr wonderful group leaders. They made the trip so special and more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. A big thank you to them! read more

I just finished the trip and went with my girlfriend. The experience was incredible. We had fantastic group leaders and were gifted (literally) an opportunity to see and experience more of Israel than any single traveler or tour group could do in 10 days. I couldn't think more highly of this experience. Don't let other specific bad experiences get you down, overall the program is fantastic. read more

Israel outdoors is a sponsored organization which coordinates free trips to Israel for Jewish young adults; ages 18 through 26. People from allover the United states are eligible to participate. The three conditions are that you are (1) Jewish, (2) aged 18-26, and (3) never been to Israel on a sponsored program before. It is a fascinating, educational, religious and enlightening experience. Whether you go during the winter trip session or the spring/ summer trip sessions you will enjoy yourselves immensely. I traveled winter 2005/2006 after being convinced by my brother Russ, his girlfriend Heather and her brother Jared who all traveled the year before. I decided to finally get off my reservations and just go! I had the best time of my life. Israel is the first stamp in my passport. When I returned and told my family the details of my experience (climbing Masada mountain fortress and watching the sunrise from atop it, floating in the Dead Sea, scuba diving 20 feet below the surface in the Coral Reefs of the Red Sea, wine tasting in the Galil vineyards up north, Camel riding in the Negev Desert and JERUSALEM). My brother and I soon came to the realization that we had one in the same guide: Einat. Israel is such a beautiful country and the natives there are so welcoming. Every Jewish young adult should take it upon themselves to use this opportunity to see it for free! A $250.00 down payment is all that is required. You will receive this back in the same form of payment after you return. The trip is 10 days long and will be THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE! The website is www.israeloutdoors.com there are 3 sub trip categories. I went on the sub trip called quest. read more

Horrible service - I never ended up going with them. When I first applied, I was waitlisted (no biggie.) They left a message one evening saying I had gotten off the waitlist. I called them 15 minutes after they had called me, but no one answered. I prepared for the trip all night, called them the next morning. Apparently the spot had been filled, but I was still on the waitlist and would be called for other trips. They called me again a couple of weeks later, offering a spot on a trip that wasn't for my age group and that I didn't select, so I declined. I did not receive a call again all summer, even though I know many people dropped out because of the fighting, and my friends who had signed up with other orgs got off waitlists. I then applied for the winter, and thought I'd give them one more shot. I got into a trip that starts a little before my grandfather's birthday, but my grandfather's health has been declining recently. I explained this to the organization, and asked if I could be put on the waitlist for other trips. They said no, that I would have to wait and reapply in the spring and I'd lose my deposit. Never thought a Jewish org would make me choose between spending time with my grandfather and visiting Israel. The only regret I have is leaving my deposit with this org. read more

This was a very good Birthright organizer. Obviously I have no point of comparison, but the American staff, Israeli guide and general operation of the trip were all very strong. And obviously, I had a great time exploring Israel with an amazing group of people. Would highly recommend, and do it again if they let me. read more

Changed my life. I went into this program not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I left Israel a new person. The experiences, and friends you make are like nothing you've done before. I highly recommend this trip to all Jewish people! I promise you'll leave being more proud to be Jewish than ever before! read more

Such an amazing experience! Truly a once in a lifetime gift. I recommend to all eligible participants to join and experience Israel first hand with Israel outdoors. You don't want to miss your opportunity!!! read more

Alert! Please read before choosing this group! This past month, my two sisters attended Birthright with Israel Outdoors. The elder of my two sisters has been living away from home for about 8 years, so planning the trip together, while accommodating each sister's schedule, was grueling. With patience, the journey ahead was cleared; though, their inspiration of exploring the country and its people together, while meeting others of a similar mindset, was thwarted by two unsympathetic and downright dictatorial group leaders: SHIRA TOBER and NICOLE ERDFROCHT. At every turn, my sisters were separated from each other. They were forced to sleep apart, made to move from one another on the bus, and even separated during a Shabbat dinner. Nowhere on Israel Outdoors' website does it say that siblings would be forced apart in such authoritative deceit. I do not mean to attack Israel Outdoors itself, but rather the group leaders that ruined the trip for my sisters because of what seemed like a power trip. For the 10 days, my mom and I sat in disgust and dismay at the stories we were told. It was a heartbreaking experience for the entire family, one I would never wish upon another family. I feel these two group leaders need to be removed from the program, or at least relieved of their current positions. I will continue to spread the word throughout the community, by means of social media, word of mouth, and even bringing in the attention of Local News outlets. What occurred during those 10 days was a crime, one I refuse to let go without reprimand. -Isaac Elimelech read more

Just came back from a 10 day Birthright trip with Israel outdoors. I thought I would like the trip but had no idea that I would love and be SO thrilled with the trip! I learned so much from our wonderful guide, Maxi, and our leaders, Stephanie and Josh, were so helpful, patient, kind, and fun! We went to so many amazing places and I made some life long friends on the trip. I never dreamed in a million years that I would have had THAT great of a time on the trip. I want to go again! Birthright, can you do reunion trips?!?! I don't care if we will have to pay in the future, it's 143% worth it!! read more

Israel Outdoors is an amazing 10 day experience in Israel! The itinerary was fun and diverse and the staff were the best!!!

Israel outdoors sent me on the trip of a lifetime. I've learned so much and truly grew as a person. Our tour coordinators are the best in the world and I wish I could do it all over again! read more

I attended winter 2018/2019. It would have been great if it was a 6 day trip and not a 10 day trip. A good 4 days were a complete waste. Tons of "group bonding" activities that could be done at a Jewish community center at home, not in a random room in Israel for days while missing work, family, and friends. However, if you enjoy group bonding, games, and reflection rather than exploring a new country, this trip is for you! Also, the itinerary was not accurate. We were told we would be wine tasting (on the itinerary and in orientation), but our group leaders had a completely different itinerary that did not include this. There were also many things that we passed by on the bus that would have been fantastic to see, but instead we drove on by and visited very ordinary locations like a botanical garden that could literally be found anywhere. I've been home for about 3 weeks, and I still can't decide if I was happy I went, or if it was a waste of time. read more