Meital Sharabi

Meital Sharabi is the editor of Maariv's Travel & Aviation section. She covers the tourism industry in Israel and worldwide, focusing on consumer insights, travel trends, destination guides, flight updates, and practical tips to help readers plan smarter, more affordable trips.

Haifa Airport.

900 new parking spots: Haifa Airport prepares for surge in passenger numbers

ZAKA international team pictured at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Israeli man in his 30s found dead in Thailand hotel room

Passengers at the Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv, July 16, 2026.

Blue Bird Airways expands Italy network with four direct routes from Tel Aviv


New VIP lounge at Ben-Gurion Airport: Who enters free and what is the cost?

A new VIP lounge by Jetex and Layam opened in Terminal 3 with gourmet food. Some passengers get free access, while others can enter for a $100 fee.

Jetex VIP Lounge.

The secret northern pool: A short summer route leading to a cool spring

A year-round spring, ancient mill, and Syrian camp await on a short Nahal Jilabun trail - ideal for a refreshing northern dip without a full-day hike.

Officers' Pool, Ein Jilabun.

Heading to Eilat with the kids? Five stops to upgrade your vacation

Kids losing patience? Instead of a gas stop, try 5 places on the way to Eilat where you can burn energy, eat, and arrive at your destination relaxed.

Children on a road trip.

Not just for the rich: How you can enjoy Portofino even without a millionaire’s budget

The Italian Riviera town is considered a luxury destination, but smart planning allows travelers to enjoy its views, restaurants, and atmosphere for less.

Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Israelis return to booking vacations early: These are the destinations gaining popularity

Crete, Rhodes, Batumi, and Budapest lead bookings for the High Holy Days as average airfares remain 6% below last year, for now.

Margaret Island in Budapest.

August travel? These are the dates Ben-Gurion Airport will be packed

47 airlines will operate throughout the month, with Greece, Cyprus, and Italy leading the list of most in-demand destinations. The Airports Authority warns of heavy congestion.

 Travellers at the departure halls of Ben Gurion International Airport ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover. April 14, 2022.

Not just Berlin: Israelis return to Germany – and rediscover it

Germany recorded 685,000 Israeli overnights last year, up 11%, offering more than Berlin with 341 Michelin-starred restaurants, scenic nature, culinary routes, and global cultural events.

Hamburg, Germany.

Summer returns to the Gaza Border Region with dozens of agricultural activities

Touch the Land will run August 6–22, offering families subsidized agricultural activities, tours, navigation, cycling, and desert night experiences.

Koch Farm – the Touch the Land initiative.

Adapting to heat: Will we soon see air conditioners at the Colosseum and the Acropolis?

A new study found that while heat affects visits to Southern Europe's heritage sites, tourists keep coming and adapt without reducing satisfaction,

The Parthenon Temple, the Acropolis, Athens, Greece.

From the Nova site to blooming fields: First Race of Hope to launch in Gaza border region

Race of Hope 2026 will take place on October 16 through Gaza border memorial sites, kibbutzim, and fields, with races, local produce, and performances.

Race of Hope – Sponsored by Israel Marathon.