hagia sophia in istanbul

Must-Visit Destinations for First-Time Travelers to the Middle East

The Middle East is a fascinating destination, rich in history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. While travel was challenging for a time, more and more people are now exploring its many wonders.

According to Statista, in 2023, 93.5 million international tourists visited the Middle East. The region experienced a sharp drop in tourism in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, since then, it has made a remarkable recovery, with visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

For first-time travelers, choosing where to go can be overwhelming, given the region’s wealth of incredible destinations. From bustling cities to ancient wonders, this guide highlights the most iconic locations to ensure an unforgettable Middle Eastern adventure.

START TRAVELING!
little tot on the trail

Travel Photo Challenge Day 6 – Petra

I’ve been nominated by some fellow bloggers, Tony and Margie with Back Roads and Other Stories as well as Jyothi with Travel Explore Enjoy, to post one favorite travel picture a day for ten days without explanation, then to nominate someone else to participate.  That’s 10 days, 10 travel pictures, and 10 nominations.  It is my understanding that the idea behind the challenge is to expose audiences to new bloggers and vice versa.  I’m always up for helping fellow bloggers, so I have accepted the challenge. 

That said, my rule following self is going to follow Tony and Margie’s lead and break a handful of them.  First, while a picture paints a 1,000 words, I’m incapable of posting a photo without some explanation.  Sometimes the story makes the image that much more special.  Second, though not specified, I think the intent is to post 10 days in a row.  I’ll be lucky if I post 10 weeks in a row. I also may post more than one photo at times.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Pamukkale

Turkey: Pamukkale and Heiropolis

I actually signed up for this G-Adventures tour, a budget National Geographic company, specifically because the itinerary included Pamukkale.  Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features natural travertine terraces of thermal pools.  I saw a picture of the famous site in a National Geographic magazine at least 10 years ago and have wanted to visit ever since.

Take a Soak!

Istanbul: The Asian Side

Istanbul is an enormous city of 14 million people and is separated into three sections by water.  The Golden Horn divides the European side into two while the Bosphorus Strait intersects the European and Asian side.  Istanbul is the only city in the world to span two continents.

In previous posts I wrote about the Sultanahmet (the Old City) and Beyoĝlu (the European Quarter).  This post will focus on things to do on the Asian Side of the city.

TAKE A STROLL!

Touring Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is completely different from most of the other cities that tourists visit in Israel.  While it does feature the city of Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv is very new, vibrant and cosmopolitan relative to many others in Israel.  Though a big city, it doesn’t take more than a day to explore the sites.

LET’S GO!
Shrine of the Bab

The Mediterranean Coast of Israel

Continuing our tour with G Adventures, the budget minded National Geographic company, we left the Sea of Galilee for the Mediterranean Coast where we visited two different places:  The Baha’i Gardens and Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel and Caesarea, Roman ruins which date back to 29 BC.  Both were wonderful places.

EXPLORE MORE!

Bethlehem and the West Bank

In order to get to Bethlehem, visitors must travel through the West Bank. For tourists, passing through the Israeli check point is generally problem free, but it is best to carry identification in case of a search.

LET’S GO!
jerusalem

Top Places to Visit in Jerusalem

I wish there were a way to sum up the history of Jerusalem in a paragraph or two, but its 3,000 years of complicated history requires a detailed write up that I will leave to historians.  Just the list of top places to visit in Jerusalem is extensive enough!

FIND OUT MORE!