The new year is already here, holidays are almost over. Good willing resolutions for the starting new period are getting shape and we are probably turning around the same old topics. Healthy life, some more time for ourselves, caring for others or saving money for our next trips to Bali, New York or the Patagonia. These are perfectly valid topics but what about getting to know what’s going around the world and how life is for people living in different conditions? What about discovering it by yourself?
Yes, for this year 2019 we are encouraging you to book a ticket to an “unconventional” destination and enjoy it like a local. This year 2019 will be the year to come and visit the reality in the Middle East.
Dangerous? Not really.
Boring? Not even close.
Expensive? Not a cha.. wait, ok, quite expensive.
But nothing you cannot afford, we promise.
For this year 2019 we have selected 5 places in the Middle East whose colors, smells and people will make you dream of coming back and forth:
5. Luxor, Egypt
Known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is home to the Luxor and Karnak Temple complexes, as well as the Valley of the Kings and the Queens, just to mention some of the worldwide known wonders of the Ancient Egypt. The magnificent monuments were built while the city was known as Thebes and they are located right in the bank of the Nile river. Luxor, together with other Theban sites, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. But there’s more to Luxor than its monuments. For your next trip to Egypt, we encourage you to get out of boundaries and experience the real Egypt with local people: take Ubers, stay in local hotels, enjoy a faluca ride in the Nile and engage with Nubians in the South of the region.
4. Bethlehem, Palestine
Place of birth to Baby Jesus and the Christian capital city of the West Bank, Bethlehem is a small city that will definitely surprise you with its underground scene. After visiting the Nativity Church and the rest of religious spots we’re not gonna insist on, you’ll still have plenty of time to get lost in the Old City market, walk across the graffiti packed Wall separating the West Bank from Israel and obviously, to grab a tea or Palestinian beer at the newly opened hotel sponsored by Banksy: The Walled Off Hotel. Catalogued as the “hotel with worst views in the world”, there’s both an Occupation Museum and a Bookshop inside that will delight the most avid readers.
3. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Probably the most beautiful desert you will ever visit, Wadi Rum is a wonder by itself. Its red sands and vast mountains were inspiration to Lawrence of Arabia to write the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” and they certainly were our inspiration to write this post. Even if it’s for just a sunrise or a sunset, the colors of Wadi Rum will dwell deep into your heart. As part of the experience, sleeping in a Bedouin camp and enjoying food with locals will allow you to take a sneak peek of a sky filled with stars at night. If you are not short on money and the Bedouin experience is something you have already checked, you can always try one of the Martian camps.
2. Tel Aviv, Israel
Bauhaus, cats, sunsets and a lot of party. The world-known capital of Israel is a hotspot in the Middle East. A beach lizard, a party animal, an architecture lover and a foodie will be glad to converge in the so-called White City. While there’s not much history to discover apart from the old Arab city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv is an amazing destination to visit thanks to its splendid weather, amazing food and diverse cultural offer. Theaters, cinemas, music halls, concert rooms, clubs, galleries, restaurants and public spaces are all ready to receive both locals and foreigners in an always (even during Shabbat) lively atmosphere. You can check Telavivian for the best opportunities while in the city. No shit this is the MOST expensive destination of all.
1. Beirut, Lebanon
The Paris of the Middle East is, of course, our first choice. Lebanon has gone through a transition time, tourism is not exactly at its peak these days and this is exactly why you will fall in love with Beirut. Mixed architecture, the most amazing food you’ll ever taste and a bunch of cultured friendly people who will always be willing to show you the way to the best party in town. If this is not enough for you, we strongly encourage you to read our latest reasons why not to visit Lebanon and judge by yourself. You. will. not. be. disappointed. Need a home around the country? L’Hôte Libanais will save your life and conquer your heart.
Do you have any other suggestion?
Would you like recommendations on any of these destinations?
Please, leave us a comment and we will get back to you as soon as the New Year kicks off!
BEIT 