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Middle East Travel


Focus on Middle East Travel

The great pyramids of Giza, the pink facades of Petra, the blue minarets of Istanbul, and the storybook walled cities of Jerusalem and Damascus are some of the highlights that lure travelers to the Middle East.  If you make it to these postcard spots, you won’t go home disappointed.  But if you do have time, make it off the tourist path and visit some of the lesser known sites.  Find it all in this Matador Guide.

Middle Eastern Women Redefining Politics and Public Space

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NEWS:   From Tehran to Cairo, Arabic women are redefining politics and society.   More »

Middle East Travel: By the Numbers

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TRAVEL WRITING:   "Dates with Muslim girls: 3"  More »

In Jordan, Forget Lonely Planet. Bring a Bible.

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TRIP IDEAS:   With its welcoming people, small size, and manageable number of sacred sites, Jordan is the place to go biblical.  More »

Useful Arabic Phrases For Travelers

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ABROAD:   Ana saeed Bush halas means ‘I’m glad Bush is gone'.  More »

Discovering Israel's City of the Future

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TRIP IDEAS:   This often-overlooked Mediterranean city may be the only place in the Middle East where members of 5 different faiths coexist peacefully.  More »

How to Travel Safely in the West Bank, Palestinian Territories

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TRIP IDEAS:   Conventional guidebooks are of little use to travelers in the West Bank. Here's some info to take instead.  More »

Escape From Iraq: A Muslim Family Finds Solace In Ramadan

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SPIRIT:   On a visit to Yemen, Sarah Shourd is invited to an enlightening dinner with an Iraqi family.  More »

6 Under-the-Radar Destinations In The Middle East

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TRIP IDEAS:   These trip ideas will you get off the tourist trail in the Middle East.  More »

7 Reasons To Travel To Iran NOW

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TRIP IDEAS:   You Should Travel to Iran in 2008. Here's Why.  More »

How Well Do You Know the Middle East?

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NEWS:   ...  More »

Bullets And Backpackers: Political Tourism Hits The West Bank

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SPIRIT:   Take a political tour of this controversial territory.  More »

Hidden Kingdom: Understanding Womens' Rights In Saudi Arabia

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SPIRIT:   For visitors to the Kingdom, judgement isn't always black and white.  More »

What Every American Should Know About the Middle East

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GEAR:   ...  More »

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Matadorians who know #middle east travel

Sarah Irving

"Expert on the West Bank having worked as a human rights observer in the area"


Jason Rezaian

"Expert on Iran, having traveled extensively in the country "


Baxter Jackson

"Expert on Oman having lived in the country for almost a year"


Nick Rowlands

"Expert on Egypt, having worked as a tour leader in the country for two years "


Kelli Russell

"Currently in Kuwait as part of a trip around the Middle East "


Abha Malpani

"Expert on Dubai, having lived in the city for over ten years. "


David Bender

"Expert on Syria, it was home for almost three years. "