Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Stand UP Vietnam

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, offers an exciting introduction to Vietnam, where bustling streets, fascinating history, and lively markets create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Experience the city from a different perspective on a guided bicycle tour, taking in its architecture, neighborhoods, and everyday rhythms. Put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test during an interactive Amazing Race-style activity, and explore the colorful stalls of Ben Thanh Market, a popular destination for local goods and Vietnamese culture.

Discover an important chapter in Vietnam's modern history through visits to Reunification Palace and the Củ Chi Tunnels. Learn about the Vietnam War, its impact on the country, and the underground tunnel networks used during the conflict. The proposed itinerary also includes an opportunity to explore historical connections between Israel and Vietnam, adding another perspective to the journey.

Beyond the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta offers an opportunity to experience Vietnam's beautiful river landscapes and rural traditions. Travel through this remarkable region by bicycle and traditional rowboat, passing tropical vegetation, village pathways, and waterways that support everyday life. Learn about traditional canal fishing and explore local communities, discovering the important role the Mekong River plays in southern Vietnam's culture, agriculture, and economy.

Central Vietnam

Vietnam's central coast brings together beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain scenery, and centuries of cultural tradition. Near Đà Nẵng, ride a cable car high into the Ba Na Hills and visit the famous Golden Bridge, a remarkable walkway supported by two enormous stone hands. Surrounded by mountains and lush scenery, this memorable landmark offers incredible views and a completely different perspective on Vietnam's landscape.

Along the coast, enjoy time at Đà Nẵng's beautiful beaches, experiencing the warm waters and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Explore the city's lively night market and see the famous Dragon Bridge, known for its distinctive design and place among Đà Nẵng's most recognizable landmarks. Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens, taking time to connect, reflect, and share familiar traditions during your journey.

The nearby town of Hội An offers another look at Vietnam's remarkable cultural heritage. Discover traditional craftsmanship through a bamboo workshop and learn about the processes involved in silk production. Take to the water on the Coconut River, where traditional basket boats offer a fun and distinctive way to experience the region's winding waterways and lush surroundings. Enjoy time exploring Hội An's charming streets and local shops while discovering the traditions that have shaped this historic community.

Purposeful action is also an important part of the experience in central Vietnam. Participate in a planned community service project and explore the role of social entrepreneurship in supporting local communities. Through opportunities for hands-on involvement and learning, discover how individuals and organizations work to create positive change. The region also offers opportunities for outdoor exploration, including a proposed hike to Đỉnh Hòa Vân, surrounded by the natural beauty of central Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay

Towering limestone islands, emerald-green waters, and dramatic coastal scenery make Ha Long Bay one of Vietnam's most extraordinary natural wonders. Experience this spectacular region aboard a private multiday cruise, traveling between magnificent rock formations and peaceful waterways while enjoying views of one of Southeast Asia's most recognizable destinations.

Spend time discovering Vietnamese culture aboard the boat through activities such as a traditional cooking demonstration and group entertainment. Surrounded by remarkable scenery, enjoy opportunities to appreciate the region's natural beauty and spend time with fellow Jewish teens as you travel through the bay.

The adventure continues in nearby Lan Ha Bay, where beautiful limestone formations create an incredible setting for outdoor exploration. Paddle through scenic waterways on a guided kayaking experience, explore caves, and take part in proposed activities such as a jungle buggy excursion and a visit to a pearl farm. Learn about local traditions and industries while experiencing the remarkable natural environment.

Enjoy opportunities for sunset meditation and Tai Chi while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the bay. Explore more of the region's natural features, including Luon Cave, before enjoying some high-energy excitement at Sun World Ha Long's water park. With its combination of extraordinary landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, Ha Long Bay offers an unforgettable perspective on Vietnam's coastal beauty.

Sa Pa

High in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sa Pa is known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and beautiful highland landscapes. Trek through scenic pathways overlooking the rice terraces, taking in sweeping views of the mountains and agricultural landscapes that have shaped life in the region for generations. Along the way, discover the natural beauty of Vietnam's northern highlands and learn about communities living in this remarkable environment.

Experience another side of Sa Pa through a proposed local community visit, with opportunities to learn about everyday life, regional traditions, and the people who call the highlands home. Spend time exploring Sa Pa town, browsing local markets, and experiencing the atmosphere of this mountain destination.

Community service is also part of the proposed Sa Pa experience. Participate in a locally coordinated volunteer project, learning about community needs and opportunities for meaningful involvement. Through service and cultural encounters, reflect on the importance of listening, learning, and contributing thoughtfully when visiting communities different from your own.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in the beautiful surroundings of northern Vietnam. Share familiar traditions, participate in BBYO programming, and enjoy time together while reflecting on the experiences and connections you've made throughout the journey.

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital offers a fascinating combination of historic neighborhoods, lively streets, and important cultural landmarks. Explore Hanoi on a guided walking tour, experiencing the city's distinctive atmosphere while learning about its history and traditions.

Visit Hỏa Lò Prison, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton,” to learn about its complex history, including its use during the Vietnam War. Discover another recognizable part of the city at Hanoi's famous Train Street, where railway tracks run through a narrow urban neighborhood. Experience the atmosphere of Đồng Xuân Market, a bustling marketplace filled with local goods and cultural traditions.

Enjoy time reflecting on the service projects, cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures, and meaningful connections that have shaped your experience in Vietnam before continuing the next part of your summer journey in Israel.

Israel Journey

Northern Israel

Northern Israel brings together breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, and communities whose traditions reflect the country's remarkable diversity. Explore Tzfat, a historic center of Jewish mysticism, where narrow stone streets and beautiful synagogues tell the story of generations of Jewish scholars and spiritual leaders. Wander through the city's artists' colony and discover the connections between Jewish traditions, creativity, and life in Israel today.

The Galilee and Golan Heights offer incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike Mount Arbel for sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee, enjoy opportunities for water activities, and venture through the beautiful landscapes of the north. Take in the region's natural beauty while learning about the history and communities that have shaped this part of Israel.

Discover another side of Israeli society through encounters with local communities. Experience Druze culture through conversations and traditional hospitality, explore Haifa's diverse neighborhoods and beautiful Bahá'í Gardens, and learn about the traditions of people from different backgrounds. Participate in meaningful service opportunities and cultural experiences that offer a deeper understanding of everyday life in northern Israel.

Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in the Galilee, sharing familiar traditions while experiencing Jewish life in one of Israel's most beautiful regions. Whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or connecting with local communities, northern Israel offers opportunities to discover the country's many stories and perspectives.

Central Israel

Jerusalem is at the heart of Jewish history, offering an extraordinary opportunity to connect with places and traditions that have shaped Jewish life for thousands of years. Walk through the ancient streets of the Old City, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, and visit the Kotel (Western Wall). Discover the stories of Jerusalem through meaningful experiences at sites such as the City of David and its underground tunnels.

Learn about Israel's history and society through visits to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, and Mount Herzl, where the country's national memorials offer opportunities for reflection. Explore Mahane Yehuda Market, known for its lively stalls and colorful atmosphere, and discover how ancient traditions and modern life come together in Jerusalem.

Along the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv offers a completely different perspective on Israel. Experience the city's famous beaches, lively markets, and creative neighborhoods. Walk through the colorful streets of Florentin, browse Carmel Market and the Nahalat Binyamin arts fair, and explore historic Jaffa, where centuries of history meet modern coastal culture.

At ANU—Museum of the Jewish People, explore the remarkable diversity of Jewish communities and the experiences that connect Jews around the world. Through cultural encounters, conversations with Israelis, and opportunities to experience different communities, gain new perspectives on Jewish identity and everyday life in Israel.

Along the way, celebrate Shabbat, enjoy meaningful BBYO programming, and share experiences with fellow Jewish teens that deepen your connection to Israel and the global Jewish community.

Southern Israel

The Negev Desert offers some of Israel's most spectacular scenery and exciting outdoor adventures. Hike to the top of Masada for an unforgettable sunrise over the desert, explore the natural beauty of Ein Gedi, and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Learn about the history and geography of the region while surrounded by remarkable desert landscapes.

Take in the dramatic views of the Ramon Crater, where towering cliffs and colorful rock formations reveal millions of years of geological history. Experience the traditions and atmosphere of desert hospitality through cultural programming, and enjoy time beneath the stars surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Negev.

Farther south, Eilat offers an incredible contrast between the surrounding desert mountains and the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. Snorkel among colorful marine life, enjoy beach activities, and experience the excitement of Israel's southern coastline. Explore the Arava Valley and discover how local communities use innovative agricultural practices to thrive in the desert environment.

The journey also offers opportunities to learn about communities in the Western Negev, including Sderot and other communities near the Gaza border. Through carefully planned educational encounters and conversations with local residents, gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, resilience, and challenges of communities in southern Israel.

From ancient history and desert adventures to meaningful cultural encounters, southern Israel offers a powerful opportunity to connect the experiences of your journey with the people, places, and stories that shape Israel today.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Is airfare between programs included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the land cost for programs that connect. For more information, please visit our supervised flights page.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels in Europe. When booking accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. In Israel, many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
In Europe, each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. In Israel, each group is also accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. Teens are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver in Israel. Madrichim are not always the same between Europe and Israel.

Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
Summer weather in Vietnam and Israel can vary significantly depending on the destination. July in Vietnam is generally warm and humid, with tropical rainfall common in many parts of the country. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta typically experience temperatures in the 80s and 90s, with frequent rain showers. Central Vietnam, including Đà Nẵng and Hội An, is generally hot during July, while northern destinations such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay can experience high humidity, summer thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall.

The mountain region of Sa Pa is typically cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Rain, mist, and muddy trail conditions are possible, especially during hikes through the rice terraces and surrounding countryside.

Israel offers a very different summer climate, with generally hot and sunny conditions. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv often experience daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while the Negev Desert, Dead Sea region, and Eilat can exceed 100. Northern Israel may be somewhat cooler in mountainous areas, although warm conditions are common throughout the country.

We recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. A waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing are especially helpful for Vietnam, while a sweatshirt or light fleece may be useful for cooler conditions in Sa Pa. Participants should be prepared for humid, rainy conditions in Vietnam and hot summer weather throughout much of Israel.

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security.

What's the typical group size?
Group sizes vary by departure and program enrollment. Our Europe programs typically include approximately 34–42 teens per bus, with participants joining from communities across North America.

Our average group size for Israel programs ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.

Some teens may also be participating in connecting programs that combine two separate BBYO Passport experiences. For more information about group assignments and friend requests, please visit our General Travel FAQs.

What's the food like?
Ultimate Vietnam Israel offers opportunities to experience two distinctive culinary traditions. In Vietnam, teens may enjoy regional favorites such as phở (noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches), fresh spring rolls, rice and noodle dishes, and tropical fruits. The proposed itinerary also includes a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration during the Ha Long Bay cruise, offering an opportunity to learn about local ingredients and culinary techniques.

In Israel, food reflects the country's diverse communities and cultures. Teens may enjoy favorites such as falafel, shawarma, hummus, fresh pita, and Israeli salads, along with dishes influenced by Jewish communities from around the world. Visits to local markets and cultural food experiences provide opportunities to discover the traditions behind these flavors.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Vietnam. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa.

Will I need a visa to enter Israel?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.