A Beginner’s Guide To Traveling the Middle East

The Middle East gets a bad media reputation due to decades of wars and turmoils. However, if you take some precautions, it is very safe for travelers. Many people think that it is only a great plane of desserts, but actually, you can find many snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, hip cities, and beautiful coasts. You will also be amazed by many ancient sites like Petra or Isfahan. So do you want to use your Qatar Airways discount code and go for the trip of your dreams?

If your answer is yes, then take a look at the list below. We prepared a guide for new Middle-East travelers that will help you get to know everything about this part of the world. Here, you can find information about local food, religion, traditions, money, interacting with locals, and many more. Keep reading and always be prepared.

Food

You will be surprised by the diversity of Middle-Eastern cuisine. You can find all the common types of food here, such as Chinese, Italian, or Mexican, but you can also try traditional dishes - for example, shawarma, falafel, and many more.

Keep in mind that Middle-Eastern food is usually very spicy and hot. Spices are used in abundance, so you should be ready to eat tons of dried chili peppers, cumin, and garlic. They use a lot of olive oil too, but that is only good for you. 

In many middle eastern countries, local people usually eat only with their hands. You should be aware that it is considered impolite to ask for cutlery, so try to stick to the local traditions. 

Haggling

Many people think that they shouldn’t haggle because locals won’t like them for that. However, that isn’t true – on the contrary, most locals consider haggling as a sign of being a well-mannered person, and they really appreciate it.

For example, if you want to buy something from a market stall, don’t hesitate to haggle. Offer half of the price you see and then a little more than that. You will see that the seller will go down in some time, giving you a pretty good discount. Remember, though, that you shouldn’t drive the price down too low - otherwise, you will insult the seller. 

Religion

If you are traveling through Muslim countries like Turkey or Egypt, you should be careful not to offend local people with inappropriate clothing or behavior. Be very aware of your actions. If you want to visit a mosque, make sure to dress appropriately. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing clothes.

Don’t be afraid to say hello to people who cross your path on the streets and in the markets. It doesn’t matter if they are Muslims, Christians, or Jews – it is considered polite to greet everyone with “salam” or “salaam” (meaning “peace”). If someone greets you back, reply with “wa alaikum salaam” (meaning “and peace be upon you”).

Money

Always carry cash with you when traveling in the Middle East as it is much more widely used. It is possible that cards won’t work at some small stalls and shops so better be prepared. Also, remember that local people don’t like big bills – try to bring small notes with you.

Be aware of scams that often appear in many middle eastern countries where people will try to convince tourists to give them their money. For example, many thieves pretend to be police officers and stop tourists on the streets asking for their passports. Then, they steal your money while letting you go. Never give anyone your documents - even if the person looks like a police officer. Stay cautious. 

Emergency

If you are traveling alone, make sure always to have someone who can inform your family about your situation in case of an emergency. We would also recommend installing a messaging app that will allow you to set up geolocation tracking and check in with your family and friends via text messages and even phone calls.

For general safety reasons, try to use only the services of a licensed tour guide who knows the region well. This way, you will be able to travel without any worries, as a professional will lead you safely through the country. Furthermore, if you decide to go for a self-guided tour, always have a map and a compass with you. Also, learn some basic phrases in the local language – it will help in case you get lost.

Conclusion

The Middle East is a place of ancient history and stunning architecture. Don’t be afraid to come here - you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from the top of desert mountains and impressed by the beauty of the Dead Sea or the Red Sea. And if you worry about your safety, don’t - some preparation for the trip will be enough.

We hope that this article helped you learn new things about the Middle East and get ready for your next vacation. Now, start packing, and we hope that you enjoy your trip - whether to Egypt, Israel, or Saudi Arabia.