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Shaping What Comes Next
Togethering Starts Here.

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20 couples. One (highly-subsidized!) luxury getaway.
Lifelong community.

Togethering brings mixed-heritage couples on immersive getaways across North America—where awe-inspiring destinations are just the beginning. You’ll explore Jewish wisdom and practices, connect with couples navigating similar paths, and find space to reflect on who you are, where you come from, and what kind of Jew-ish life you want to build—together.

On the Trip

Fresh perspective. Meaningful conversation. Scenic beauty. Authentic connection. Days away that feel both expansive and grounding. (And fun! We promise.)

Back Home

You’ll return empowered to begin crafting the Jew-ish life you desire, and with a community that feels like it was made for you — that continues to grow with you, long after the trip ends.

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Step Away, Together

Escape to incredible destinations and reconnect away from everyday life.

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Where Community Begins

Cultivate community with couples from your home city navigating similar journeys.

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Jewish—But Make It Yours

An opportunity to remix identity, meaning, and connection into something new.

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Real Couples. 
Real Community.

Where We're Going Next

About Togethering

Who We Serve

Togethering welcomes mixed-heritage couples ages 25–40, with at least one Jewish partner. Maybe one of you comes from a different tradition—religious, cultural, spiritual, or secular. Maybe you both identify as Jewish, but your upbringings couldn't have looked more different. However you arrive, if you're asking questions about how Jewishness fits into your life together - you're in the right place, and we're so glad you're here!

Just To Be Clear...

We're not here to convert anyone or box you in. We're here to honor both your backgrounds and everything you're bringing to the table. What matters is that you're curious about building a Jew-ish life that reflects who you are, what you value, and the story you're creating.

Why We Do This

It’s no secret—Jewish partnerships are evolving. In fact, 72% of non-Orthodox Jews who’ve married since 2010 are in mixed-heritage relationships. And yet, so many couples still don’t feel fully seen or supported. That’s why we exist: to offer space, conversation, and community for couples exploring how Jewish wisdom and practices can enhance the lives they are shaping together. In a world that often asks you to choose sides, we're here to help you create a Jewish life that feels authentically yours, alongside others who are doing the same.

Our Impact

From coast to coast, we're creating communities where modern couples can try on traditions, explore Jewish wisdom, build authentic connections, and gain tools to shape their own custom version of Jew-ish life.


The result?

Couples who feel confident in their choices, connected to community, and excited about the future they’re 
building together.

200

+

Togethering Couples

7

Magical Destinations

Post-Trip Togetherings

Our Impact

From coast to coast, we're creating communities where modern couples can try on traditions, explore Jewish wisdom, build authentic connections, and gain tools to shape their own custom version of Jew-ish life.


The result?

Couples who feel confident in their choices, connected to community, and excited about the future they’re 
building together.

Where Our Couples Call Home

Every trip sends local mixed-heritage couples to a new destination—and they return with a brand new community right in their own backyard.

Meet the Togethering Team

Our team brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and stories—just like the couples we serve.

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Sophie Hearne

Executive Director

Sophie is the Executive Director of Togethering, where she leads the organization's strategy, programming, and growth. Raised in a mixed-heritage family—with a Jewish mother and an atheist father—Sophie developed a deep appreciation for how her parents and grandparents navigated the melding and embracing of each other’s traditions, teachings, and holidays. She is passionate about creating Jewish experiences, spaces, and communities that she wishes had existed for her parents and that reflect the evolving needs of today's Jew-ish couples and families.Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time in Maine with her husband, Chris, and their son, Max; gardening in her backyard; and discovering the best bakeries wherever she travels.

Sophie Hearne

Executive Director

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Sumiko Zayon

Program Manager

Sumiko is delighted to support all elements of program design and implementation because Togethering resonates so strongly with her own personal experience. Originally from Cuba, Sumiko accompanied her husband on his Jewish conversion journey and was inspired by their shared experiences and the sense of belonging he found in the community. Together, they emigrated to Israel and a few years later made Miami home with their two young children. Sumiko was the Youth Engagement Director at Temple Beth Am, a prominent reform congregation in Miami, and is a skilled salsa dancer and passionate amateur singer.

Sumiko Zayon

Program Manager

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Elana Pollack

Experience Designer

Elana comes to the Togethering team with over a decade of experience in creating and facilitating immersive Jewish experiences for learners of all ages. Having grown up in the quaint, sandy town of Vero Beach, Florida where the Jewish community was small but mighty, she found her passion for fostering connections to Judaism through travel and experiential learning while working in Jewish summer camp. After seven years in the camping field, she shifted her focus to young couples and families from diverse Jewish backgrounds. As a Jewish communal professional, Elana strives to build relationships and connections rooted in trust, the value at the center of all her work. Elana lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, young daughter, and their family dog.

Elana Pollack

Experience Designer

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Amanda Brooks

Operations Specialist

Amanda manages the many logistics for delivering Togethering retreats. Working as a Trips Operations Specialist at Honeymoon Israel provided her with the expertise and know-how for ensuring smooth operations. Prior to Honeymoon Israel, she worked as an educator teaching the culinary arts to high school students. She is very involved in the Phoenix Jewish community, serving on different boards, working at various Jewish summer camps, and teaching at local schools. In her spare time, she enjoys finding trendy brunch spots and hanging out with her family.

Amanda Brooks

Operations Specialist

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Miriam Bader

Experience Design Consultant & Co-Facilitator

Miriam is a learning designer on a quest to strengthen our ability to lead, learn, and make social impact. She creates dynamic in-person and online programs, trainings, and gatherings for NGOs, cultural organizations, and small businesses to strengthen their leadership. As a traveler and digital nomad, Miriam balances curiosity and cultural humility with confidence in our ability to solve complex problems together.

Miriam Bader

Experience Design Consultant & Co-Facilitator

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Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

Brent is widely recognized as one of the most inspiring rabbis in America. In his work with soon-to-be-wed couples, he is committed to helping couples work together as a team, regardless of gender, sexual orientations or faith backgrounds. Describing himself as “an accidental Rabbi”, Brent grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn but without much religious influence – he never even had a bar mitzvah. Today, Brent lives in Beacon with his wife and their two children.

Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

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Rabbi Samuel Klein

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

As Director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Samuel believes that curiosity and inquiry are central to Jewish practice. Across two decades of accompanying couples and young families craft their Jewish journey with intentionality, Samuel has designed and led initiatives for couples of mixed heritage backgrounds in a variety of community settings including Synagogues, JCCs, and Federations nationally. Originally from London, Samuel is the proud father of three (all living on different continents!) and lives in Seattle. An avid runner and hiker and you can often find him running the Seward Park loop

Rabbi Samuel Klein

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

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Sophie Hearne

Executive Director

Sophie is the Executive Director of Togethering, where she leads the organization's strategy, programming, and growth. Raised in a mixed-heritage family—with a Jewish mother and an atheist father—Sophie developed a deep appreciation for how her parents and grandparents navigated the melding and embracing of each other’s traditions, teachings, and holidays. She is passionate about creating Jewish experiences, spaces, and communities that she wishes had existed for her parents and that reflect the evolving needs of today's Jew-ish couples and families.Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time in Maine with her husband, Chris, and their son, Max; gardening in her backyard; and discovering the best bakeries wherever she travels.

Sophie Hearne

Executive Director

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Sumiko Zayon

Program Manager

Sumiko is delighted to support all elements of program design and implementation because Togethering resonates so strongly with her own personal experience. Originally from Cuba, Sumiko accompanied her husband on his Jewish conversion journey and was inspired by their shared experiences and the sense of belonging he found in the community. Together, they emigrated to Israel and a few years later made Miami home with their two young children. Sumiko was the Youth Engagement Director at Temple Beth Am, a prominent reform congregation in Miami, and is a skilled salsa dancer and passionate amateur singer.

Sumiko Zayon

Program Manager

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Elana Pollack

Experience Designer

Elana comes to the Togethering team with over a decade of experience in creating and facilitating immersive Jewish experiences for learners of all ages. Having grown up in the quaint, sandy town of Vero Beach, Florida where the Jewish community was small but mighty, she found her passion for fostering connections to Judaism through travel and experiential learning while working in Jewish summer camp. After seven years in the camping field, she shifted her focus to young couples and families from diverse Jewish backgrounds. As a Jewish communal professional, Elana strives to build relationships and connections rooted in trust, the value at the center of all her work. Elana lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, young daughter, and their family dog.

Elana Pollack

Experience Designer

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Amanda Brooks

Operations Specialist

Amanda manages the many logistics for delivering Togethering retreats. Working as a Trips Operations Specialist at Honeymoon Israel provided her with the expertise and know-how for ensuring smooth operations. Prior to Honeymoon Israel, she worked as an educator teaching the culinary arts to high school students. She is very involved in the Phoenix Jewish community, serving on different boards, working at various Jewish summer camps, and teaching at local schools. In her spare time, she enjoys finding trendy brunch spots and hanging out with her family.

Amanda Brooks

Operations Specialist

Icon

Miriam Bader

Experience Design Consultant & Co-Facilitator

Miriam is a learning designer on a quest to strengthen our ability to lead, learn, and make social impact. She creates dynamic in-person and online programs, trainings, and gatherings for NGOs, cultural organizations, and small businesses to strengthen their leadership. As a traveler and digital nomad, Miriam balances curiosity and cultural humility with confidence in our ability to solve complex problems together.

Miriam Bader

Experience Design Consultant & Co-Facilitator

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Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

Brent is widely recognized as one of the most inspiring rabbis in America. In his work with soon-to-be-wed couples, he is committed to helping couples work together as a team, regardless of gender, sexual orientations or faith backgrounds. Describing himself as “an accidental Rabbi”, Brent grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn but without much religious influence – he never even had a bar mitzvah. Today, Brent lives in Beacon with his wife and their two children.

Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

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Rabbi Samuel Klein

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

As Director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Samuel believes that curiosity and inquiry are central to Jewish practice. Across two decades of accompanying couples and young families craft their Jewish journey with intentionality, Samuel has designed and led initiatives for couples of mixed heritage backgrounds in a variety of community settings including Synagogues, JCCs, and Federations nationally. Originally from London, Samuel is the proud father of three (all living on different continents!) and lives in Seattle. An avid runner and hiker and you can often find him running the Seward Park loop

Rabbi Samuel Klein

Rabbinic Advisor & Co-Facilitator

Come for a Weekend,
Stay for a Lifetime

The real magic happens when you return home. Our alumni don't just exchange contact info—they become each other's chosen family. From Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings to birthday parties and showing up for life’s big moments, you’ll realize what community was always supposed to feel like.

Because your future favorite people are wondering the same things

Are we eligible for Togethering?
I'm Jewish but I don't practice. Is this ok?
Do we have to identify as an interfaith couple?
What if we have children? Can we bring them?
If we don't have children yet, do we need to want 
to have children to be eligible?
What if I'm pregnant?
Are we eligible for Togethering?
I'm Jewish but I don't practice. Is this ok?
Do we have to identify as an interfaith couple?
If we don't have children yet, do we need to want 
to have children to be eligible?
What if I'm pregnant?
Are we eligible for Togethering?

Togethering is open to couples of all cultural, racial, religious, gender, and sexual identities, and you should be committed and/or married life partners, who are starting to build their lives together. To be eligible for a Togethering trip, at least one partner must be Jewish. We think of this broadly, such as having one Jewish parent or grandparent, choosing to be Jewish, and more. Couples should be between the ages of 25-40, and at least one partner must be between 25-40 at the time of the trip. Neither partner must be over 45 years old. If married, couples must be within the first five years of marriage or very close to it. Couples cannot have participated in a Honeymoon Israel (HMI) trip. If you applied to an HMI trip but didn’t travel, you are eligible to apply for Togethering. Finally, all Togethering experiences are based on city-specific cohorts, and you must reside in that city (or have concrete plans to move there in the next three months).

I'm Jewish but I don't practice. Is this ok?

Yes! Togethering is designed for couples like you who are exploring ways you might want to incorporate Jewish life and community into your relationship, family, home, and beyond.

Do we have to identify as an interfaith couple?

You do not! We look forward to meeting couples who are both Jewish, using a broad interpretation of what it means to be Jewish (see “Are we eligible for Togethering?”). We know that some couples who share different faiths may not feel the term ‘interfaith’ describes them or their family. Identity is multifaceted and complex, and we understand that. Our goal is to curate cohorts that are reflective and inclusive of the great diversity that makes up the modern family.

If we don't have children yet, do we need to want 
to have children to be eligible?

Absolutely not. All families look different for a variety of reasons, and we think your partnership is enough.

What if I'm pregnant?

If you are currently pregnant or become pregnant before your Togethering trip, we ask that you include this on your registration or notify us directly. We will also need you to submit a doctor’s note clearing you for travel at least two weeks prior to departure.

What is the Togethering application and selection process?
Another city's trip dates work better for us. Can we apply with another city?
What if we are planning to move or have recently moved?
Why is Togethering only leading trips from a few cities?
Are we eligible for Togethering?

Togethering is open to couples of all cultural, racial, religious, gender, and sexual identities, and you should be committed and/or married life partners, who are starting to build their lives together. To be eligible for a Togethering trip, at least one partner must be Jewish. We think of this broadly, such as having one Jewish parent or grandparent, choosing to be Jewish, and more. Couples should be between the ages of 25-40, and at least one partner must be between 25-40 at the time of the trip. Neither partner must be over 45 years old. If married, couples must be within the first five years of marriage or very close to it. Couples cannot have participated in a Honeymoon Israel (HMI) trip. If you applied to an HMI trip but didn’t travel, you are eligible to apply for Togethering. Finally, all Togethering experiences are based on city-specific cohorts, and you must reside in that city (or have concrete plans to move there in the next three months).

I'm Jewish but I don't practice. Is this ok?

Yes! Togethering is designed for couples like you who are exploring ways you might want to incorporate Jewish life and community into your relationship, family, home, and beyond.

Do we have to identify as an interfaith couple?

You do not! We look forward to meeting couples who are both Jewish, using a broad interpretation of what it means to be Jewish (see “Are we eligible for Togethering?”). We know that some couples who share different faiths may not feel the term ‘interfaith’ describes them or their family. Identity is multifaceted and complex, and we understand that. Our goal is to curate cohorts that are reflective and inclusive of the great diversity that makes up the modern family.

If we don't have children yet, do we need to want 
to have children to be eligible?

Absolutely not. All families look different for a variety of reasons, and we think your partnership is enough.

What if I'm pregnant?

If you are currently pregnant or become pregnant before your Togethering trip, we ask that you include this on your registration or notify us directly. We will also need you to submit a doctor’s note clearing you for travel at least two weeks prior to departure.

What is the Togethering application and selection process?
Another city's trip dates work better for us. Can we apply with another city?
What if we are planning to move or have recently moved?
Why is Togethering only leading trips from a few cities?
What is the Togethering application and selection process?

Because we have limited spaces per trip, we do have an application and selection process to determine who can join us on each trip. We invite you to submit an application and appreciate the time it will take to answer all the questions. We do ask that both partners answer the questions and we also ask you to upload a photo of you together.

After submitting the form and uploading your photo, you will receive an automated confirmation email. We will carefully review your application and invite a certain number of applicants to an interview, which will be conducted virtually.

We’re looking at a variety of factors and will do our best to get to know you to understand whether Togethering might be a good fit for you. If you are accepted on the trip, we will ask you to secure your spot by paying a nonrefundable deposit within a few days.

Here are some tips as you prepare for your online application: 

  • Give detailed answers to the questions – the more we know about your background, current situation and hopes for the future, the easier it is to understand whether Togethering is a good fit. There are no right or wrong answers – we simply want to get to know you.
  • It’s critical that both partners complete the application together. We want to see that your answers reflect both your voices.
  • Be honest! We’re not looking for any particular “type” –  Togethering is completely open to couples of all diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Another city's trip dates work better for us. Can we apply with another city?

Building friendships with other couples from your local community is core to the magic of Togethering. And the only way to make sure you can keep building your community when you get home is to ensure that all trip participants are full-time residents of the same city (as defined by neighborhood or zip code). Email us at info@togethering.org if you’re unsure whether you live within the catchment area for our trips.

What if we are planning to move or have recently moved?

You must be a permanent resident in the city from which the trip departs to ensure you’re available for pre-trip events and preparation. Being a resident of the departure city will also allow you to benefit fully from the community-building opportunities that will be offered after the trip.

Why is Togethering only leading trips from a few cities?

Togethering is currently in its second year of the pilot phase and has expanded to new cities. We expect to bring our program to many more cities across the United States in 2026. Sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on future city launches!

What does the participation fee include?
This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?
What is the cancellation policy?
What does the participation fee include?
This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?
What is the cancellation policy?
What does the participation fee include?

Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we are able to offer Togethering experiences for $360 per person – a special gift as you embark on building your lives together. The total value of the trip is approximately $3,100 per person but you will only pay $360 per person.

What’s included in this experience:

  • Round-trip group airfare or ground transportation to and from the venue
  • High-end hotel accommodations with private rooms for couples
  • Group transportation to and from destination airport
  • Support from Togethering staff members and facilitators
  • All organized activities (including hikes, yoga, and more)
  • Engaging content, including exploring Jewish ideas and culture
  • Three delicious meals a day, snacks, and alcohol at dinner
  • International medical insurance (only for Baja)
  • Post-trip gatherings

What’s not included:

  • Travel/cancellation insurance
  • Transportation to/from your local airport
  • Personal purchases (like souvenirs or extra wellness services)
  • Flight upgrades or changes
This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

No catch! We understand that many young couples don’t know where to find entry points into Jewish life or feel uncomfortable in traditional Jewish spaces. If this sounds like you, Togethering is here to help you and your partner figure out your connection to Jewish life and community with no expectations about your religious beliefs or level of involvement with Jewish life.

Our goal is to support you on your journey of figuring this out on your own terms and in community with others navigating a similar pursuit. We invite you to learn, ask questions, take risks, and have fun along the way; we provide the container and the catalyst, and the rest is up to you

What is the cancellation policy?

The $360 per person fee is non-refundable. However, if prior to the trip you are facing a personal or medical emergency that prevents your participation, please reach out to the Togethering team so that we can find a solution

What's expected of us on the trip?
Who will we travel with? Where will we stay?
What is the departure time of the group flights? And do I have to take them?
What if I can only attend part of the weekend?
What should I pack?
Do I need a passport?
What's expected of us on the trip?
Who will we travel with? Where will we stay?
What is the departure time of the group flights? And do I have to take them?
What if I can only attend part of the weekend?
What should I pack?
Do I need a passport?
What's expected of us on the trip?

Our trip itinerary will be full, from morning until evening, and will include a rich variety of experiences and programming. You will need to participate fully in the Togethering itinerary, which means attending all organized components of the weekend, but don’t worry – we promise you will also have free time to enjoy your surroundings and relax!

Who will we travel with? Where will we stay?

Along with up to 19 other couples from your city, you will be joined by a small team of Togethering staff and facilitators. We will stay at unique upscale venues, with beautiful accommodations, natural beauty, excellent food and amenities. The venue name and information will be provided upon acceptance to the program

What is the departure time of the group flights? And do I have to take them?

Yes, participants are required to fly as part of the group reservation, which was secured at a preferred rate, or, if we offer a trip within drivable distance to the venue, you are required to take the ground transportation we will reserve. If accepted into the program, you will receive specific transportation details for your group, which may include flight and ground transportation to the venue, or just ground transportation, depending on the trip.

What if I can only attend part of the weekend?

We require full participation for the duration of the program. If you have a personal emergency or are asked to leave the trip due to inappropriate conduct, costs associated with leaving early (flight changes, transportation, etc.) will be your sole responsibility.

What should I pack?

We will provide you with a detailed list in advance of your trip.

Do I need a passport?

For our Baja trip you will need a valid passport to travel and for the duration of the trip. Please be sure to check the expiration date of your passport as soon as you apply for the Baja trip. If you don’t hold a U.S. passport, you may need a visa or face other entry requirements. You’ll be required to provide us with your passport number and a photocopy before we can issue your flight ticket. For domestic trips you will need a valid, government-approved ID (appropriate for air travel).

Why do you have a rabbi join the trip? Are you trying to get me or my partner to convert to Judaism?
Why does Togethering use the language “mixed-heritage” and not interfaith?
Will this feel too religious or preachy?
What does participation in Togethering's program include? (Jewish content)
What if one of us isn't Jewish - will they feel left out?
Why do you have a rabbi join the trip? Are you trying to get me or my partner to convert to Judaism?
Why does Togethering use the language “mixed-heritage” and not interfaith?
Will this feel too religious or preachy?
What if one of us isn't Jewish - will they feel left out?
Why do you have a rabbi join the trip? Are you trying to get me or my partner to convert to Judaism?

No! We welcome you exactly as you are and have no agenda around conversion or affiliation with any particular form of Judaism. Rabbis and Jewish educators join trips to bring Jewish meaning to experiences, such as looking at nature through a Jewish lens on a hike or celebrating Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) together. They are also there to answer questions as they arise. Think of it as your four-day “ask me anything” opportunity.

Why does Togethering use the language “mixed-heritage” and not interfaith?

“Interfaith” doesn't work for everyone, especially when faith isn’t the center of your story. But heritage? Everyone’s got one. Or three. “Mixed-heritage” speaks to the richness of real relationships: layered, dynamic, and complex. That’s who Togethering is for—couples figuring out how Jew-ish life meets everyday life meets every other version of life that makes you, you. The remix. Well-blended. Definitely mixed.

Will this feel too religious or preachy?

Not at all. Togethering is designed specifically for people who might feel uncomfortable in traditional Jewish spaces. Our approach is exploratory, not prescriptive. We might explore what Shabbat means in a modern context or discuss Jewish values around community, but there's no expectation you'll adopt any practices or beliefs. Think thoughtful conversation with friends, not religious service.

What if one of us isn't Jewish - will they feel left out?

Absolutely not! We designed Togethering specifically with mixed-heritage couples in mind. Non-Jewish partners often tell us they feel more welcomed here than at family Jewish events. We explore questions like "How does Jewish culture fit into our life together?" rather than assuming anyone needs to convert. Your different backgrounds enrich the conversation—they're a strength, not something to "fix."

Can I still participate in Togethering if I have a disability or health/dietary/accessibility needs?
What happens if I get sick?
Can I still participate in Togethering if I have a disability or health/dietary/accessibility needs?
What happens if I get sick?
Can I still participate in Togethering if I have a disability or health/dietary/accessibility needs?

Togethering is committed to finding ways to accommodate all individuals who are selected for our trips. Please let us know how we can ensure your accessibility needs are met during the application process. In addition, we can accommodate dietary allergies and preferences.

What happens if I get sick?

Your health and safety is our top priority. Our team will support you and your partner throughout your illness or injury. If an individual requires medical attention for any reason, Togethering staff will transport individuals to nearby medical facilities, if needed, based on the severity of illness. We can also arrange to bring doctors to the hotel.

Our Partners

Our Partners

See Next Trips