Budget Planning

The Middle East is an absolutely fascinating and welcoming region. It is rich in history, culture and religion. It is the founding place for many major religions, and as such it is also the source of much tension among these groups. While the Middle East is often in the news as a dangerous area, the people you meet during your daily travels are likely to be some of the most friendly and kind people you encounter while on the road. If you open your mind, you are likely to have some incredibly memorable and life changing experiences.

Things to Do

Historic Sites: The Middle East is one giant historic site. Many major religions were founded in this area and some of the oldest cities in the world can be found here. Damascus, Syria holds the title of the old capital city in the world, and there you will find countless mosques, temples, and fortresses that date back thousands of years. In Jerusalem's Old Town you can't go anywhere without seeing a spot of significance. Petra, in Jordan has been immortalized in literature and movies alike. Elsewhere, throughout the Middle East's cities and countryside you will find a living museum dating back to the start of civilization and the rise of modern religions.
Souqs: Shopping in the Middle East is an experience in and of itself. The main "shopping centers" are souqs, which are narrow, interweaving aisles filled with compact and dense booths that sell anything from produce to odds and ins. Almost any large city or town has a souq, and they're a wonderful way to check out daily life in the Middle East. Some of the largest and most intricate souqs in the Middle East are in places like Aleppo, Syria, and Dubai, UAE.
Mosques: One of the most fascinating and enlightening experiences in the Middle East is to visit some of the larger and more historic Mosques. Mosques usually have a larger courtyard out front which serve not only as a religious space for the community, but also a place to socialize and relax. Visit the courtyards near these mosques and you'll get a unique insight into the community you're visit and the social aspect of Arabic life.

Budget Travel Destinations

The Middle East can be one of the most expensive, or most affordable regions in the world. Countries like Syria and Iran are known for their affordability. You can get descent quality accommodation for a very reasonable cost. In other areas, like Dubai, you can find some of the most expensive accommodation in the world. In Tel Aviv, Israel, accommodation, and food in particular can be quite expensive. If you hope to stick to a backpacker's budget, research the countries you plan to visit. Most people in the Middle East are incredibly welcoming and thrilled to have you in their country. You are likely to be invited to their homes for meals, and in restaurants you may even be offered complimentary fruit or dessert.

Transportation Budget

Throughout the Middle East, transportation is relatively easy and affordable. You can find buses, minibuses, and in a few places trains that generally travel on schedule with efficiency. One thing to consider in the Middle East is the Friday schedule. Friday is the Islamic holy day, and as such, much of the transportation shuts down completely. Definitely plan for this in your travel schedule, and you are best not to travel on these days.