Jewish Travelers

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Hi I would like to know if anyone has experienced Orthodox Jews in their travels and would like to share tips on how one would deal with Kosher Dietary issues. If anyone knows anything about keeping Kosher while hostelling in Europe, Please help.

Thanks,
Sasha

[nitsansh]

As a manager of travel forum in a Jewish state, I occasionally deal with questions from religious travellers.
The 2 issues they are most concerned are:
1. Kosher food, restaurants etc.
2. Shabat times.

Food is usually the major concern, since it's a daily necessity.
Kosher shops or restaurants can be found in many major cities in Europe, but not everywhere. There are also different kinds of Kashrut. Some websites provide this information, otherwise, you may consult the local Jewish community or chief Rabbi, who are usually helpful. They may also provide information on Shabat or festival prayers.
If one can't find Kosher food around, most people will pretend to be vegetarian. Vegetables and fruits are allways OK.
If mixing of genders bother you, there should be no problem to find hostels which keep men and women apart.

These sites should be helpful:
www.candlelightingtimes.org/shabbos/
shamash.org/kosher/
www.kosher.co.il/
www.kosherdine.com/

[Sasha]

Would you suggest packing a small gas powered stove and bringing non-perishable food with me for those times that I am outside the big cities?

                Sasha

[nitsansh]

Gas stove would be useful if you go camping... in many hostels there are facilities to cook food, and it's not necessary.
Take your own cutlery, though, if you are bothered by mixing milk and meat...
I don't think it's necessary to bring food with you... that would be a heavy load... buy it in the city before you go to the country...
Plan to be in big cities on weekends if you like to go to prayers (and stay near a synagog). You can walk around on Saturday as long as you don't pay entrance fees... or buy tickets in advance if possible.

[Sasha]

For Shabbos I would have to contact the local Chabad House in the city I am in. Have you had any experience with Chabad in Europe? I have looked on the internet and have found Chabad Houses in most big european cities. Especially Italy, which has alot of Kosher Resteruants and Shuls.

Sasha

[nitsansh]

I should make it clear that I am not religious myself...

If you belong to Chabad, I guess their centers will be your "home on the road". I see their centers in virtually every country, so you should have no trouble finding them.
They are listed on Chabad website:
www.chabad.org/centers/directory.asp?AID=9313

[Sasha]

Well, chabad is not just for people who consider themselves "Chabad", it provides for orthodox services like Kashrus and Shabbos, and more importantly a warm and familiar face while traveling. Even people with very minor religious observance will stop by chabad for some sense of community, and what not.

Sasha

[nitsansh]

You are right. Excuse me for showing off my ignorance...