Why Travel to The Middle East? The Middle East is situated in the Arabian Peninsula and is home to some of the most picturesque destinations, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, the Levant, and Iraq. Sixteen countries comprise the area, but it is one of the world’s least traveled regions. Why? Political turmoil and war have dissuaded people from visiting this part of the world. But that’s changing now. Whether you want to visit the pyramids of Egypt or experience luxury in Dubai, you’ll find that more and more people are traveling to this region. It is full of rich history, culture, and architectural feats unlike anywhere else worldwide.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide dedicated to travelers, the Middle East Trip Plan.
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What is the Middle East?
This area used to be known as the Near East, but around the beginning of the 20th century, the term ‘Middle East’ became popular. It was in 1902 that the term ‘Middle East’ was created to designate the countries between Egypt and Singapore. This is where you’ll find several points of access to Asia, such as the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, the Persian Gulf, and more. If you were wondering ‘what is the Middle East,’ then the answer is that it refers to certain countries within a specific geographical area.
Fun Facts About The Middle East
Here are five facts about the Middle East that you should know:
- The languages that are spoken most commonly in this region are Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Berber, and Kurdish.
- If you visit the Dead Sea, you’ll be close to the lowest point on the planet. The Dead Sea is around 420m below sea level.
- If you visit Kuwait, you can see people camel racing. Camel racing is very popular in this region, and the camel is also the national animal of Kuwait.
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world. It’s around 829.80 mts high.
- The largest country in the Middle East is Saudi Arabia. This country is also known for being so dry that no permanent rivers exist. The royal family of Saudi Arabia is considered the most prosperous royal family in the world.
Top Destinations In The Middle East
If you’re traveling to the Middle East, then you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the following:
1. Dubai
Here, you’ll find significant, beautiful monuments, tall skyscrapers, stunning beaches, and malls that look like they’re from the future. Millions of tourists visit Dubai annually, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Middle East. Dunai is situated within the United Arab Emirates.
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March.
When you’re in Dubai, don’t forget to check out the Burj Khalifa, the Mall of Emirates, the Jumeirah Beach, and the Dubai Creek. You should also visit the Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Global Village, and Wild Wadi. The Dubai Fountains, the Dubai Aquarium, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center are other great spots to add to your travel itinerary. In just three days and two nights, you should be able to visit most of the tourist attractions in Dubai.
2. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, also in the UAE, is situated on an island in the Persian Gulf. You’ll find beautiful beaches, monuments, and a thriving nightlife here. In Abu Dhabi, the old-world aesthetics of the region exist alongside attempts at ultra-modernization. A popular tourist destination, you’ll find several things to do – from participating in heritage village tours to desert camps. Abu Dhabi can accommodate your needs to experience thrilling adventures or have safe fun with your family.
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between late October and April.
In Abu Dhabi, visit the Marina Mall, the Mushrif Central Park, the Saadiyat Public Beach, and the Heritage Village. You should also visit the Dalma Mall, the Ferrari World, the Louvre Museum, the Emirates Palace, and the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. Also, visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Stay in Abu Dhabi for three days and two nights to enjoy everything this city offers.
3. Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, situated in Israel, is a happening destination, popular among people of all ages. From thrills and adventure to leisurely activities, there’s something for everyone here. Sandy beaches, historical museums, bustling local markets, and picture-perfect cafes welcome tourists to Tel Aviv.
The best time to visit Tel Aviv is between March and April and again between September and November.
You should check out the Hilton Beach, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Port of Jaffa, and Rothschild Boulevard when you’re in Tel Aviv. Also, visit the Carmel Market and Yarkon Park. The Tayelet and Joseph Bau House shouldn’t be missed either. Spending two days and two nights in Tel Aviv will give you time to make the most of your trip here.
4. Doha
Doha is the capital city of Qatar and is situated by the Persian Gulf. Known for its larger-than-life buildings and monuments, heritage markets, museums, and amusement centers, Doha is a must-visit destination when you travel to the Middle East. It is a city that is developing economically rapidly, and each time you visit, you’ll find new things to do. Doha is also known as one of the ‘7 New Wonder Cities Of the World’.
The best time to visit Doha is between December and February.
Visit the Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art, The National Museum, The Pearl Qatar, and Souq Waqif in Doha. You should also visit the Msheireb Museum. Stay in Doha for just one night and two days to experience everything this city offers.
5. Cairo
Cairo, in Egypt, is one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East. Pyramids and palaces exist alongside mosques and minarets. Cairo isn’t just known for its rich historical heritage and thriving markets and nightlife. Situated on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is an unmissable destination to add to your Middle East Trip Plan.
The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April.
Stay here for three days and two nights to give yourself time to visit all the places Cairo offers. Visit the Khan-el-Khalili, the Giza Necropolis, the Pyramid of Djoser, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Why Travel To The Middle East?
An alluring destination full of wondrous places, the Middle East wasn’t always popular among tourists. This was due to political strife and war in certain Middle Eastern countries. Middle East today is primarily a safe destination, with many tourists visiting popular places like Dubai and Cairo every year. Looking at ‘What is the Middle East,’ you’ll find a broad mix of countries that are situated geographically close to each other. Many countries, such as Egypt, UAE, and Qatar, are safe to visit.
You’ll find more than historical buildings in the Middle East but also a diverse cuisine. Hummus is possibly one of the most well-known dishes originating from this region. You should also try the tabbouleh, baklava, and other local delicacies. The history of the Middle East has also had an impact on the history of the world. Three dominant world religions – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism- were born in this. Aside from great shopping destinations and beautiful beaches, the Middle East attracts devout pilgrims yearly.
The best time to visit the Middle East is between March and May or September and October. This is when you’ll find the daytime temperatures cool and the nights comfortable. Note that this is also when most of the tourists flock to the Middle East as well.
Things To Consider Before You Travel To The Middle East
You should start working on your Middle East travel plan before your trip. You’ll need to get your visa to travel to specific countries. This means you’ll need to know where you’re going ahead of time. You’ll need a valid passport and valid visa to gain entry to different countries in the Middle East. Your passport should be valid for six months from the time you land in the Middle East. You’ll need an international driving permit to drive in the Middle East. You’ll also need to get travel insurance and have documents about your medical record.
You’ll need to pack appropriate clothing as well. The Middle East can be a conservative part of the world, so pack clothes that cover your chest, arms, and legs. This is especially true if you choose to visit during Ramadan. Pack a pair of sturdy shoes, as wearing flip-flops to rural destinations can make you go home with dirty feet. If you plan on visiting a mosque, you must ensure you’re covered. In some countries, like Turkey, women visiting mosques must keep their heads covered. This isn’t necessary in every Middle Eastern country. Keeping head scarves with you for your trip can be a good idea.
During Your Trip To The Middle East
You may wonder what you can add to your Middle East travel planner to make the most of your trip. Your Middle East trip plan should include not just which cities you’ll be visiting but also which attractions you’ll be visiting in those cities. If you’re on a budget, pocket-friendly countries you can consider visiting include Turkey and Iran. In the Middle East, you’ll be expected to tip servers. In the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, you can expect to pay around 15% to 20% of your bill as your tip.
You can find public transportation easily in most Middle Eastern countries. Cities like Doha have a metro as well. Buses, taxis, and other forms of transportation will be available to you. If you plan on going to remote parts of the Middle East, consider renting a car.
Solo Traveling And Safety In The Middle East
If you plan your trip carefully and do prior research, it can be safe to travel alone in the Middle East. Not all countries in the Middle East are safe for solo travelers, but popular destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be safely visited alone. There are war-torn areas within the Middle East that you shouldn’t visit, not even in a group. Add popular Middle Eastern travel destinations to your Middle East trip plan and ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. Traveling between countries in the Middle East can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to go through various formalities. Create your Middle East travel guide to accommodate the time it takes to travel between Middle Eastern countries.
Countries that are safe to travel to in the Middle East (but may be subject to change due to geo-political events) are Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Israel. Countries that could be unsafe in the Middle East are (but we all hope may change over time) Syria, Yemen, Libya, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
You can also depend on experienced tour guides to support you. They’ll know the situation and steps should be taken if there is a problem. In many Middle Eastern countries, tourist police also help ensure that tourists stay safe. In Egypt, your tourist bus or taxi must be part of a convoy if traveling through a particular road.
One-Week Budget for Traveling in The Middle East
For a single person, it can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $5,000 for a week, depending on your travel preferences. You can always opt for cheaper accommodation or visit more budget-friendly countries. Around Turkey and Iran, you can find hostels that let you stay for as low as $15 to $30 per day. In cities like Dubai, your accommodation costs will be higher and can quickly go up to $300 per day.
In Conclusion
Traveling to the Middle East can be exciting, relaxing, and full of exposure to cultural and historical destinations. Create your Middle East travel guide to ensure you know exactly what to expect from your trip. The Middle East is home to both luxurious and budget-friendly destinations. You can also keep visiting the Middle East to explore new exciting cities and learn more about their culture.
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