By Goway Travel

In the West, there’s no region of the world that people misunderstand more than the Middle East. This ancient part of the world is pitched as an area of unending political conflict in the news, but the reality is much more nuanced and startling, especially when traveling there. As travelers, we should strive to see other parts of the world clearly. Travel brings clarity and wisdom and humility about what it’s like to live in other parts of the world. So let’s bust some myths and learn about what travel to the Middle East is really like. 

It’s not too dangerous. 

This is the big one and perhaps the most controversial the longer that wars within the region cloud out any other news about the Middle East. But it’s true, even if it seems hard to believe. The Middle East is not dangerous. It’s a place that people have been travelling to for as long as there have been travel routes across our great planet. Arabs are notoriously hospitable. It’s a core part of their culture. 

In fact, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all rank as safer than the United States according to the Global Peace Index, which measures safety and social peace based on 18 different national factors. We’re not talking about entering warzones (God forbid). And petty crime exists everywhere (walk down an alley at night in any North American city and you might run into trouble). But that doesn’t mean you should worry when exploring the pyramids outside Cairo, touring Petra in Jordan, or shopping through the metropolises of the Arabian Peninsula, including Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. 

It’s not too hot. 

The Middle East is a desert region, and the desert is hot, especially in the height of summer in July and August, but it is not exclusively hot. Furthermore, if you travel in the spring, fall, or winter, it can be downright temperate, comfortable even. Deserts are warm under the heat of the blazing sun, but they can be cool once that sun dips towards the horizon. Spend a night under the stars in Wadi Rum, Jordan and you’ll be surprised at the chill of the wind on your face as you watch some of the brightest stars you’ve ever seen. The Jordanian capital, Amman can even get snow from December to February, as the high elevation attracts low temperatures and precipitation. In hotter destinations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, travel in the winter months and you’ll assure yourself comfortable conditions to see historic wonders and modern marvels. 

The Middle East is not only desert. 

There’s more to the Middle East than just desert. Northern Jordan is mountainous, with a temperate climate and even snow (as mentioned above). Coastal stretches of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are almost tropical, with sandy beaches and humid temperatures perfect for a beach vacation. Head to Sharm el Sheik in Egypt, Tel Aviv in Israel, or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and you’ll be shocked at the coastal vibes. The diving is also great in many spots, notably along the Red Sea, where the coral reefs are stunningly vibrant. And even within the rocks and sands of the desert, there are oases that explode the idea of a desert being dead. AlUla in Saudi Arabia is a perfect example of this, where palm plantations stretch as far as you can see within the valley, providing a burst of green in the red desert. 

It’s not too old-fashioned. 

Have you been to downtown Riyadh, where the streets are buzzing with people chatting energetically over espresso at 1am? Have you been to the malls of Dubai, where people shop for designer goods and walk around in outfits worth more than most people’s homes? Have you been to the streets of Amman, where young Jordanians bond over football matches and hit up the clubs for a night on the town (drinks included)? The Middle East might be ancient, but being there shows the vibrancy of youth and development and the promise of life as it’s lived in the 21st century. 

The Middle East is a diverse, welcoming, youthful region of the world. Don’t let the news dissuade you from experiencing its breathtaking landscapes, ancient landmarks, and astounding culture for yourself. 

About Goway Travel

Goway is one of North America’s leading travel companies, offering customized travel experiences to over 115 countries on all seven continents. Goway is a family-owned company still owned and operated by Founder & President Bruce Hodge that employs over 700 staff members worldwide. Its global headquarters is in Toronto, and it also has offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. Goway sells both retail and wholesale travel packages, planning trips for Globetrotters and helping travel professionals make their clients’ travel dreams a reality. It also has groups, air consolidation, and corporate travel departments. 

The post Busting 5 Myths About Traveling to the Middle East  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

Chelsea is an adventurous globetrotter who works in marketing for the travel tour company, smarTours. She’s been to 10 different countries and explored most of the U.S. Her passion is writing about the unique places she discovers and distinctive experiences she has around the world. Follow along Chelsea’s adventures on Instagram, thetravelingfemale.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

It’s no secret that Jordan was a top travel destination in 2018 and remains a desirable trip for travelers in 2019. Social media has exploded with stunning images, captivating videos, and incredible stories from those who have visited. With historical wonders, camel rides, desert aesthetics, and one-of-a-kind culture, it’s easy to see why Jordan is such a special place to visit.

Here are six reasons for Jordan’s major travel industry success—and why you should make the trip there yourself.

Culture & Society

The culture, people, and heritage of Jordan are a huge draw to the country. Although there’s western influence, the people blend together the old and new.

On Rainbow Street in the capital of Amman, there lives a modern hub of trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. But, throughout the city you’ll still see many people wearing traditional clothes, restaurants serving classic Jordanian cuisine, and historical sights standing proud.

Handicrafts and mosaics are also a distinctive part of their society. In Wadi Seer, the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative trains women to make traditional handicrafts and products like soap, pottery, clothing, and more. This provides job opportunities and keeps their heritage alive. In Madaba, “The City of Mosaics”, the Madaba Arts & Handicraft Center employs handicapped Jordanians and trains them on the art of mosaics. This was established by Queen Noor, the American and fourth queen of Jordan.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

History

The country has a rich history intertwined with various dynasties and ancient empires—no matter what city you travel through, there are stories and history to be told.

In the city of Petra, a new Seven Wonders of the World, you’ll walk amongst land that Arab empires and Western and Eastern dynasties all once ruled. At the Al-Khazneh temple nearby, travelers admire the elaborate temple steeped in Bedouin history, as camels pose in front of it for a perfect photo op.

Visitors to Jerash will discover some of the most well-preserved ruins from the Greco-Roman empires during the 1st to mid-8th century before an earthquake destroyed most of it. It’s said that these ruins rival the ones in Rome.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Religion

Religion is a quintessential part of the country’s DNA. People of Muslim and Christianity faith co-exist peacefully, which makes Jordan a welcoming and safe place to visit.

Throughout the country you’ll find a plethora of Holy sites, churches, mosques, and temples. In Madaba, a city of Christainity, there’s a well-preserved 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. And at Mount Nebo, the presumed site of Moses’ death, there’s beautiful views overlooking the Holy Land and Dead Sea.

Traveling from Petra to the Dead Sea, you can see where Jesus was baptized at John the Baptist’s settlement at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Hospitality

There are inevitably misconceptions about Middle Eastern countries, but Jordan’s a great testament to how wonderful it is to explore this area of the world. A lot of that has to do with its hospitable people. They continually invite and encourage people to visit their home because they are proud of their heritage and want others to learn more about it. Their economy also thrives on tourism, so they ensure you have a unique and memorable trip.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Easy Exploration & Diverse Landscapes

Jordan has range of landscapes that are not only breathtaking, but are also easy to reach. You’ll be able to wander through the mesmerizing sandstone terrain of Petra, and then with a short drive, be at Wadi Rum having a Jeep adventure over the golden desert dunes while rugged mountains surround you. Jordan’s also famous for the Dead Sea, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. Wherever you stay, you won’t be far from an afternoon of floating in the lake’s clear blue water.

Photo(s) Courtesy of smarTours

Jordanian Food

Jordan’s Mediterranean-based food is a delicious experience. Mansaf, a lamb dish, and Maqluba, a meat, rice, and vegetable dish are very popular, as is Turkish coffee, lime and mint juice, and Barazek cookies. Bedouin people commonly cook Zaarb, a dish of marinated meat mixed with vegetables, slowly baked in a pit of hot coals covered by sand.

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Interested in learning more about Jordan? Check out the new Journey Through Jordan tour by smarTours, a brilliantly curated trip for an affordable price that includes airfare and taxes!

smarTours offers 50+ one-of-a-kind tours across all seven continents. Every one of their tours include expertly curated itineraries, airfare and taxes, passionate guides, 4-star+ accommodations, and smart-sized groups averaging 23 travelers. Some of their most popular tours include Egypt, South Africa, China, Greece, and Peru. 

The post 6 Reasons Jordan is Winning at Tourism in the Middle East appeared first on USTOA Blog.