Planning a middle east itinerary can open doors to the world’s least-traveled region for leisure tourism. This extraordinary region has 16-17 countries and several ancient wonders of the world, yet remains overlooked by many travelers because of decades of misrepresentation.
Many Middle Eastern countries are safer than some Western nations and have low crime rates in certain areas. My research into the best middle eastern countries to visit showed that this region has everything from budget accommodations to luxury experiences. Travelers can find rooms in Turkey and Iran for just $15-30 USD per night, while Dubai offers premium stays. The best time to create a middle east travel itinerary is during March to May or September to November when temperatures are moderate.
This middle east travel guide shows how to maximize regional offers like the Jordan Pass ($99-113). The pass covers visa costs and entry to 40 top attractions including Petra and Wadi Rum. Choosing which countries to visit in the middle east might seem overwhelming. Local experts have helped create the best middle east itinerary that combines cultural immersion with historical exploration and practical travel advice.
Break the Stereotypes: What the Middle East Is Really Like
“I beg young people to travel. If you don’t have a passport, get one. Take a summer, get a backpack and go to Delhi, go to Saigon, go to Bangkok, go to Kenya. Have your mind blown, eat interesting food, dig some interesting people, have an adventure, be careful. Come back and you’re going to see your country differently, you’re going to see your president differently, no matter who it is.” — Henry Rollins, Musician, writer, spoken word artist, and world traveler
Travelers need to move past outdated stereotypes about the Middle East before planning a complete middle east itinerary. The region’s true nature is nowhere near what you see in mainstream media.
Common myths vs. reality
People often skip certain countries to visit in the middle east because of false beliefs. Many think the whole region is unsafe. The UAE ranks as the second-safest country globally. Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman share the same Level 1 risk rating as many popular European destinations from the U.S. Department of State.
The Middle East has much more to offer than just sand dunes and pyramids. The region gives visitors a rich mix of experiences:
- Modern luxury and shopping in Dubai
- Ancient wonders like Petra in Jordan and temples in Luxor
- World-class SCUBA diving in the Red Sea
- Desert adventures under starlit skies in Wadi Rum
Why it’s safer than you think
Your best middle east itinerary should take into account that crime rates stay exceptionally low in most areas. Jordan and Morocco share Level 2 risk ratings with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Strict laws in Middle Eastern countries keep criminal activity low. People often leave wallets full of cash untouched for hours in busy shopping malls. Travelers can focus more on enjoying rich experiences and worry less about petty theft.
Understanding the diversity of the region
A middle east travel guide must recognize the region’s incredible diversity. More than 200 nationalities and countless faiths live together here. The Middle East can’t be easily categorized. Arabs, Persians, Turks, Jews, and Kurds each bring their unique cultural elements to the region.
Islam dominates the region, but the UAE’s religious landscape shows true diversity. You’ll find more than 40 churches, two Hindu temples, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist temple. Your middle east travel itinerary can include experiences from many cultural traditions and historical influences.
The region’s famous hospitality makes the best middle eastern countries to visit truly special. This part of the world offers much more complexity, safety, and diversity than most people think.
Essential Planning Before You Go
Planning a successful middle east itinerary can make or break your adventure in this fascinating region. The right preparation is key.
How to build the best Middle East itinerary
Your budget should guide your original country choices. Egypt and Turkey are great picks for budget-conscious travelers. Jordan might look affordable but its strong currency puts prices on par with Europe. The Gulf countries, especially Dubai, sit at the luxury end of the price range.
The Jordan Pass ($99-$113) is worth every penny if you’re headed to Jordan. It covers your visa costs and gets you into 40 attractions.
What documents and visas you’ll need
Most countries in the region want your passport to be valid for at least six months after you arrive. You’ll also need:
- International driving permit (if you plan to rent vehicles)
- Travel insurance documents and medical records
- Prescription medications with doctor’s letters (rules are different in each country)
Visa rules change a lot among the best middle eastern countries to visit:
- UAE: U.S. citizens get a visa-on-arrival good for 90 days
- Saudi Arabia: You need to arrange your visa beforehand, and tourist visas usually let you stay 90 days
- Jordan: It’s best to get your visa in advance or grab a Jordan Pass
Long-term stays often need medical checks. The UAE requires HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis tests if you want a work permit.
When to go and what to avoid
Your middle east travel itinerary works best during April-May and October-November. The weather is nice and you won’t deal with intense heat. Oman and Egypt are perfect to visit from December through March.
If you don’t mind temperatures over 40°C (104°F), June-September brings smaller crowds at major sites. The heat stays very dry across most places during these months.
Check if your trip overlaps with Ramadan (the dates change each year). Business hours and services usually shift during this sacred month. Saudi Arabia also stops visit visa holders from entering Makkah during Hajj season (April-June 2025).
Country Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
The perfect middle east travel itinerary comes down to picking the right mix of iconic places. My extensive travels through this captivating region have led me to put together these amazing spots you shouldn’t miss.
Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan
The first sight of Petra’s Treasury, carved into rose-colored cliffs, will take your breath away. This ancient Nabatean city reveals its magic as you walk through the narrow Siq canyon. You should get there when it opens at 6 AM to beat the crowds and snap perfect photos.
The nearby Wadi Rum feels like another planet with its red sand landscapes. You can sleep under a blanket of stars in authentic Bedouin camps. A jeep tour will take you to natural stone arches and ancient petroglyphs that make the desert experience complete.
Pyramids and Cairo in Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza will amaze you up close. Head there early before the tour busses show up, then check out King Tut’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum. Old Cairo’s Khan El-Khalili bazaar is a feast for your senses with its spices, crafts, and local life.
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel
Jerusalem’s Old City splits into four quarters – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian. Sacred sites like the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher sit just steps from each other. Tel Aviv brings a different vibe with Mediterranean beaches, Bauhaus architecture, and buzzing nightlife. They say Jerusalem prays while Tel Aviv plays.
Cappadocia and Istanbul in Turkey
Cappadocia’s dreamlike landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings looks magical from a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Pick an authentic cave hotel to make your stay special. Istanbul connects continents where the Byzantine Hagia Sophia and Ottoman Blue Mosque create a stunning historical backdrop.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE
Dubai shines with the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa) and amazing feats like Palm Jumeirah. Abu Dhabi’s Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque stands out with its 82 white marble domes and room for 40,000 worshippers. The new Louver Abu Dhabi shows off amazing collections in a stunning architectural masterpiece.
Expert Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew
Local knowledge makes traveling through the Middle East a breeze, especially the kind of tips you’d only learn after several visits. These practical suggestions will substantially improve your middle east travel itinerary.
How to dress and behave respectfully
Women should pack loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, knees, and chest while visiting conservative areas in the best middle eastern countries to visit. Religious sites require men to avoid shorts. These customs aren’t restrictions – they’re chances to embrace local traditions. A lightweight scarf proves useful from the start. You can cover your hair, shield yourself from the sun, or spread it out as a picnic blanket.
Using local transport like a pro
Ride-sharing apps go by different names across the region. Careem works in most countries, while Bolt serves Turkey. You should agree on taxi fares before getting into the vehicle to avoid awkward situations. Long-distance travel between cities? Turkish overnight busses might surprise you with their comfort levels and regular refreshment service.
Saving money with regional passes
The Cairo Pass costs about $100 and complements the Jordan Pass we discussed earlier. Both passes work best with off-season visits from late November through February. You’ll save money on attractions and accommodations during these months.
Staying connected with local SIMs
Skip expensive roaming charges and grab local SIM cards as soon as you land. Tourist packages with plenty of data for 7-30 days are available from Etisalat and Du in UAE, Orange in Jordan, and Vodafone in Egypt. Remember to bring your passport – airport kiosks need it for registration.
Avoiding tourist traps
Camel rides near the pyramids cost 5-10 times more than local rates. The best authentic experiences happen away from TripAdvisor’s top recommendations. Markets in your middle east travel guide experience welcome friendly bargaining – the first price usually doubles the reasonable amount.
Conclusion
A trip to the Middle East gives you experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This magnificent region breaks stereotypes and offers amazing diversity in culture, landscapes, and experiences.
Safety worries shouldn’t stop you from visiting countries like UAE, Qatar, or Jordan. These countries are as safe as many European destinations. Your Middle East adventure will be better with good preparation. You’ll need to check visa requirements, pack the right clothes, and pick the best time to visit. The weather is most pleasant during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November).
The region’s amazing sights are waiting for you. You’ll see Petra’s rose-colored facades, Wadi Rum’s starlit desert camps, Egypt’s ancient pyramids, Jerusalem’s sacred quarters, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, and Dubai’s architectural marvels. Each place has its own unique story that you need to experience yourself.
Note that showing respect for local customs through proper dress and behavior will open more doors than it closes. Local transportation and regional passes can save you money and give you real cultural experiences.
The Middle East will amaze travelers who look beyond the headlines. I’ve been there myself and can tell you that few places combine such rich history with such warm hospitality. Take that first step, plan well, and let the Middle East’s wonders change you. Your trip through these ancient lands will become one of your most precious travel memories.
FAQs
Many Middle Eastern countries are safer than you might think. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman have low crime rates and are classified as Level 1 risks by the U.S. Department of State, similar to many popular European destinations. However, it’s always wise to check current travel advisories before planning your trip.
he ideal times to visit most Middle Eastern countries are April-May and October-November when temperatures are pleasant. If you can handle high temperatures, June-September offers fewer crowds at major attractions. For Oman and Egypt, December-March is excellent.
Visa requirements vary by country. For example, U.S. citizens receive a visa-on-arrival for 90 days in the UAE, while Saudi Arabia requires a pre-arranged visa. It’s essential to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit well in advance of your trip.
In conservative areas, it’s respectful for women to wear loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders, knees, and chest. Men should avoid shorts in religious sites. However, dress codes can vary significantly between countries and even cities, so research the specific areas you’ll be visiting.
Consider purchasing regional passes like the Jordan Pass or Cairo Pass, which can offer significant savings on attractions. Traveling during off-season (late November-February) can reduce costs for accommodation and attractions. Using local SIM cards for data and ride-sharing apps for transportation can also help cut expenses.
