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.

Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is evolving as a year-round destination with a key focus on regeneration through sustainable practices that include 100% commitment to renewable energy, modern technology to provide personalized digital services, and immersive experiences for a “true Arabian” adventure.  

The Red Sea will start welcoming guests in 2023 with 16 world-class resorts opening in the first phase of development. These include 11 resorts on hub island Shura, two resorts on the Ummahat islands, one resort on Sheybarah Island, and two inland resorts at Desert Rock and Southern Dunes.  

The second phase of development will conclude in 2030 with 50 resort openings and 1,000+ residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Each resort has its own unique attributes whether it be its architectural design or activities and attractions around the property.  

Each island is located just a short distance from the mainland and the Red Sea International Airport by airplane or boat ride.  

Keep reading for a sneak peek of what Saudi Arabia has in store for regenerating the Red Sea…

Sustainable Practices 

The Red Sea is home to one of the last thriving coral reef ecosystems on the planet. With an unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural, cultural, and historical environments, the Red Sea will be the first tourism project of its size to be powered solely by renewable energy.  The Red Sea embraces the “Neo-Saudi Explorer,” someone who is respectful of ancient culture, discovering new territories in a safe, secure and crafted manner. 

The Red Sea Development environmental initiatives include:  

• Less than 1% of the entire area of the destination will be developed  
• 75% of the islands will remain untouched  
• Nine islands designated as special conservation zones  
• Development of a sustainable food supply  
• Visitors capped at 1 million people per year  
• Single-use plastics banned once fully operational  
• On-site landscape nursery will provide more than 25 million plants  
• 100% renewable energy (24 hours a day via solar power)  
• Smart sensors to detect environmental impact  
• Zero waste to landfill Zero carbon footprint 
• Alignment with all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal is to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation. With many of these initiatives already in place for 2023, this long-term goal is well on track to be achieved.  

Immersive Experiences 

With desert rock mountains, sweeping sand dunes, and overwater villas with hues of blue and green, The Red Sea offers spectacular views and activities for travelers of all interests.  

Marvel under the night sky while camping under the Milky Way. Look up and learn the traditional importance of astronomy to Islamic practices and the way life has been guided for centuries in Saudi. 

Hike through canyons, sweeping dunes and rugged mountains, or bike through ancient volcanic lava fields, with their cinder cones and craters.   

Take an aquatic adventure by night diving, reef diving, or heritage diving among some of the world’s most thriving corals. There is also plenty to see while snorkeling or kayaking in crystal blue seas over carefully protected coral reefs. 

Smart Systems  

The Red Sea is implementing an extensive smart digital system to allow visitors to have the most seamless and modern travel experience throughout their stay. Highly personalized digital systems include: 

• Virtual concierge services complemented by the highest level of personal attention  
• Luggage sent from The Red Sea’s iconic airport straight to guest’s hotels, dispensing with the need for immigration and customs queues 

With all these developments in the works, The Red Sea will rapidly become a highly sought-after destination starting next year. What would you explore while visiting? The opportunities are endless.  

For more information about The Red Sea visit www.visitredsea.com.  

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