Middle East Travel Guide
Middle East Travel Guide: Where to Go, When to Go, and How to Plan
The Middle East can feel like one big question mark on a map — rugged deserts, ancient ruins, hyper-modern cities, slow mountain towns, and coasts where history meets dazzling hospitality. After combing the original “Ultimate Middle East” guide and updating it with extra planning details, here’s a single, readable, practical guide that helps you plan anything from a 10-day highlights trip to a slow, multi-week exploration of the region. This guide covers where to go, when to go, how much it costs, safety and cultural etiquette, sample itineraries, packing, and tips to travel responsibly. The Blonde Abroad
Quick snapshot: what “the Middle East” covers (and why it’s so diverse)
The region spans multiple countries with different languages, religions, and travel realities; the original guide notes the Middle East is made up of many countries that vary wildly in style — from the ultra-modern UAE to the archaeological riches of Jordan and Egypt. Expect everything from cosmopolitan skylines to windswept deserts and centuries-old bazaars; each country demands a slightly different approach to planning. The Blonde Abroad
Best time to visit and why season matters
The sweet spots for travel across most Middle Eastern countries are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months daytime temperatures are comfortable, evenings are cool, and outdoor sightseeing (ruins, desert tours and hiking) is far more pleasant than in the heat of midsummer. Peak tourist season falls in those months, so book ahead for accommodation and popular tours. If you’re headed to coastal areas or the Gulf and prefer beach weather, summer works — but expect higher prices and heat. The Blonde Abroad
Top destinations and what makes each special (short country snapshots)
Jordan — Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and excellent desert experiences; ideal for history lovers and adventure travelers. Egypt — Pyramids, Nile cruises, and Red Sea diving make it a must for ancient history and marine life. Turkey — Istanbul’s layers of empires, Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, and Aegean coastlines offer incredible variety. United Arab Emirates — Dubai and Abu Dhabi are about skyscrapers, luxury, and desert day trips. Israel & Palestine — dense history, religious pilgrimage sites and unique food cultures. Oman — a quieter, very hospitable country with stunning wadis, forts and a soft pace. Lebanon — great food, vibrant Beirut nightlife and archaeological sites. These are the core “bucket list” places most travelers mix and match. The Blonde Abroad guide highlights these hotspots and why they’re repeat favorites. The Blonde Abroad
How much does a Middle East trip cost? (realistic budgets)
Budget traveler: $35–70/day — Turkey and parts of Egypt or Iran can be very wallet-friendly with hostels and cheap local food. Mid-range traveler: $80–200/day — comfortable hotels, guided day tours and sit-down dinners. Luxury traveler: $250+/day — upscale hotels, private guides, premium desert camps and fine dining. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and some parts of Israel and Jordan will pull the daily average upward. If you plan luxury experiences or private transport, budget accordingly. Book key attractions in advance where possible (e.g., Petra or private museum tours) to manage costs and time. The Blonde Abroad
Visas, entry rules and paperwork — a practical checklist
Visas vary greatly: some countries offer eVisas or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities; others require pre-arranged visas. Always check official government sources before travel and factor in processing time. For Jordan, for example, the Jordan Pass can bundle visa and major site entries and is a visible money-saver for many travelers; the original guide calls this out as a useful tip. Keep digital and hard copies of passports and travel insurance, and register with your embassy if you want extra safety net support while abroad. The Blonde Abroad
Cultural etiquette and dressing smart — practical rules to avoid awkward moments
Many Middle Eastern countries are conservative; public behavior, clothing, and alcohol rules vary. For most places, dressing modestly in markets, religious sites and smaller towns is a respectful default — that usually means shoulders and knees covered for both sexes. Women may choose a scarf for mosque visits; men should avoid shorts in conservative areas. Learn a few local phrases (hello, thank you) — people notice and appreciate the effort. Read local laws about photography (avoid police or military personnel) and always ask before photographing people, especially in rural communities. The Blonde Abroad guide emphasizes conservative packing and cultural respect as essential for smooth travel. The Blonde Abroad
Getting around: flights, buses, trains, and local transport
Flights connect the big hubs (Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo, Amman, Doha), and budget carriers make island-hopping between cities affordable. Trains are excellent inside Turkey and parts of Israel; buses are the backbone of overland travel for many routes in Jordan and Egypt and are often safe and inexpensive. In cities, Uber/Careem/taxis are common in the Gulf; haggle for price or confirm meter usage in other areas. For desert tours and remote sites, a private driver or organized tour is usually easier and safer than public transport. Book long-distance overnight buses in advance during peak season.
Health, safety and common-sense precautions
Overall, many Middle Eastern destinations are safe for travelers who follow local rules and avoid high-risk zones. Stay updated on travel advisories for specific countries (your government’s foreign travel advice), register with your embassy if recommended, and keep emergency contacts saved. Drink bottled or filtered water when advised, pack a small medical kit, and check routine vaccinations. If you’re taking medication, bring prescriptions and carry them in original packaging. Respect local drug laws — penalties can be severe.
How to plan an efficient 10–14 day Middle East itinerary (two sample rhythms)
10-day Highlights (fast-paced): Days 1–3: Dubai or Abu Dhabi (city + desert day trip). Days 4–6: Fly to Amman — Petra day trip and Wadi Rum overnight. Days 7–8: Dead Sea float + optional Jerash. Days 9–10: Cairo for pyramids and museum (or swap Egypt with Turkey’s Istanbul for a different vibe). Slow 2-week cultural trip (moderate pace): Days 1–4: Istanbul — Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus ferry. Days 5–8: Fly to Cappadocia or fly to Amman for Petra + Wadi Rum. Days 9–11: Egypt — Luxor/Nile cruise or Cairo. Days 12–14: Relax on Red Sea (Dahab/Aqaba) or coastal Oman for slower beach days. Tailor days to logistics; flying between major hubs saves time but land travel adds texture. The Blonde Abroad
Must-do experiences you can’t get anywhere else
Sunrise at Petra’s Siq and Treasury; camping under the Wadi Rum stars; floating in the Dead Sea; a sunrise hot-air balloon over Cappadocia; cruising the Bosphorus at dusk and photographing Istanbul’s layered skyline; scuba diving the Red Sea coral reefs; and the hyper-modern skyline contrast of Dubai. Those are the “big” experiences — but don’t miss local markets (spices, sweets), small family-run eateries, and a slow morning tea in a mountain village for true travel depth.
Responsible travel: how to leave a positive footprint
Support local guides and small family businesses, favor eco-certified tours for desert camps and marine activities, avoid single-use plastics, and respect sacred sites. Tip locally when service is good; buy handicrafts directly from artisans. For fragile ecosystems like coral reefs, use reef-safe sunscreen and follow dive-guide rules. Thoughtful spending and behavior help preserve the places you love.
What to pack (light, practical and culturally sensitive)
Pack light layers for variable day/night temperatures, a breathable scarf (handy for mosque entry and sun protection), a modest swim coverup for conservative beaches, sturdy walking shoes for ruins, a compact rain layer for spring visits, and a power bank. Bring a small first-aid kit and any prescription medicine with copies of prescriptions. If you’ll dive or camp, bring technical gear you prefer; otherwise rentals are common.
Money, cards and tipping guide
Major cities accept cards widely, but you’ll want cash in smaller towns and markets. ATMs are common in tourist hubs; notify your bank before traveling. Tipping expectations vary: about 10–15% in restaurants is typical in many countries; small tips for guides/drivers are welcome. Check country-specific advice for tipping inside Gulf states or Israel, where service customs differ.
Simple safety checklist for travelers
Register travel plans with family or embassy, carry a copy of your passport, keep digital backups, buy travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover, avoid protest zones and follow local media for real-time developments, and don’t display expensive items in crowded markets.
FAQs (short and useful)
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to the Middle East? Check your national health guidance; routine vaccines are usually sufficient, but some countries advise specific shots. Is it safe for solo female travelers? Many places are popular with solo female travelers; dressing respectfully and staying in well-reviewed accommodations is wise. Can I travel between countries overland? Yes in many parts (e.g., Turkey–Georgia, Jordan–Israel), but always check visa rules and border status. Is English widely spoken? English is common in tourist hubs and cities, less so in rural areas — learning a few local phrases helps enormously. How should I plan for Ramadan? During Ramadan, public hours for eating/drinking may be restricted and some tourist sites could have altered opening times; respectful behavior is important.
Traveler’s reflection: The Middle East is complicated, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding
If you let the region’s stereotype fall away, you’ll find people and places rich in hospitality, fierce in preserving history, and endlessly inventive in food and culture. Travel here rewards curiosity, flexibility, and respect; plan the big logistics ahead, leave room for small detours, and you’ll take home a mix of awe-inspiring ruins, dramatic natural landscapes, and unexpected local stories.