If you are looking for an alternative holiday, there's some amazing places to visit in the Middle East, here's our 'top 3' travel guide.
Parts of the Middle East are now becoming exciting new destinations to travel to, yet people are still unfamiliar with the ‘whats and wheres’ of this region, partly because the Middle East is still associated with danger, unrest and violence. For the more adventurous traveller, looking for that alternative holiday away from the usual tourist traps, the Middle East is the perfect destination. A previous lack of tourism means travel can be grittier and more of a challenge. The area is also fascinating – with welcoming people, breathtaking scenery and an intricate past history. A real alternative destination for your golden gap year or dream holiday then, but parts of the Middle East are also perfectly easy to travel in, particularly if you’re on an organised tour, and there are more and more operators catering for tourists who want to start visiting this region of the world.
It’s a well told story, but one that rings true – countries that you feel are the most unsafe to travel to contain some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. A landscape of high, rugged mountains surrounding desert plains this country will take your breath away. Tehran, the hectic but vibrant capital; Isfahan, with some stunning architecture and relaxed tree-lined boulevards; and Kashan; the ancient city in the desert are all cities you won’t want to miss. Other places of note include Quesm Island – Iran’s largest island and home to a diverse range of wildlife in the marine forests, particularly birds; and Susa, Iran’s most ancient city.
One of the most peaceful Middle Eastern countries, Jordan is also one of the most familiar with tourists, and with good reason. Lost cities, desert landscapes and the romantic Lawrence of Arabia all conjure an air of the mysterious and unexplored. The most popular places to see in Jordan include Petra and Wadi Rum. Petra was lost for over one thousand years and only rediscovered in 1812. The buildings are stunning rose-coloured stone carved into the mountainside and they will take your breath away. Combine this with a visit to Wadi Rum, a wonderful desert valley in Southern Jordan. Ethnic Bedouin nomads move around this region but other than that it is largely a sparsely populated area, leaving you to absorb its magic.
Far more familiar to tourists and a world apart from most other Middle Eastern countries – you’ll either love or hate Dubai which is fast becoming a destination of choice for the nouveau riche. It’s the fastest growing city in the world – the Las Vegas of the Middle East. If you want shops, sunbathing and even skiing, Dubai is your dream travel destination. The stunning architecture of Burj al-Arab is a must see as is a trip to Dubai museum to understand the rapid development of what was previously a Bedouin fishing port. The rest is down to the credit card as Dubai is all about the shops – old town markets and wonderful smelling souks through to shiny, space age malls. Everything you could ever need is here.
Don’t eat with your left hand, or use your left hand to give money, shake hands etc – it is considered dirty.
Always cover your knees and shoulders and if you can wear long sleeved trousers and shirts. Tourism here is less well developed than somewhere like Southeast Asia where local people are more used to travellers making cultural faux-passes.
Learning basic Arabic will be extremely useful and people will become more friendly towards you.
Always read up before and during your visit on any potential political unrest.
Try the local food – its good. Rich meats, spices and curries balanced by yoghurt followed by kanafeh, a sweet cheese pastry served with honey.
Home
go back