Thorn Tree travel forum

Middle East FAQ thread

The countries covered by this FAQ are: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Please read this thread first if this is your first visit to the Middle East. There is some travel information about the Middle East in Lonely Planet's Destination pages.

If you don't find the information you are looking for in the FAQs, please start a new thread outside the FAQ thread - don't add your question to this thread. Read the tips below before you start your thread. Anyone who has information they believe needs to be in the FAQ section, please feel free to add your tips and info. We will go through and delete obsolete content when we can. Thanks!

*Tips for getti... more »

Safe places in Yemen

Hi, I want to visit Yemen in february 2010 alone and using public transportation. I would like to know which areas I can visit considering safety and transportation issues.
As far as I know there are not many problems towards the east and south of Sanaa? Any updated info?
Thanks in advance

Aden (Hotel)

Hey guys

Off to Aden from Jordan (Amman) on friday 4th Dec.Does anyone have any contacts or address for cheap hotel in Aden ?.I will be working for UNHCR in Khormaksar so any places located in and around there would be great.Its very hard to find contact details for any on the web.

cheers.
Phil

SYRIA - some findings

I've just returned from a 8 day trip to Syria - taking in Damascus, Bosra and Palmyra.
The place has everything I could hope for and more: great sites, lovely people, decent food, nice weather and excellent overall value for money.

For your reference: I spent about about 1500 SYP per day, half of which went to private accomodation.

So here are a few findings that might turn out to be useful for those preparing their vacation.

1. ACCOMODATION

Finding a cheap single room in DAMASCUS was a bit of a hassle at first.

• I had booked in advance at Al-Rabie (800 SYP), but when I showed up at 3am they had given it away ("we had a large group arriving"). This seems to have happened to others as well.
• Luckily there was the Al-Mahaba & Al-Salam Hotel (1200 SYP) nearby: back down to Shoukri al-Quwatli and then 2nd hotel on your right. Quite nice but make sure you get a room awa...

Update needed about entry visa at Damascus Airport

As we all know, the rules are changing probably on a daily basis. I have a flight ticket at Sunday do Damascus, it is now possible to get an entry visa at airport Damascus? I am a Swiss passport holder. While living in Lebanon, I have been told by many tourists, that they just can cross to Syria with paying 60$ at the border! I called the Syrian Consulate in Switzerland, and they just told me, actually I do need a Visa but I can try to get one at Damascus! Does somebody made any experience in the last days/weeks?

West Bank

My friend and I will be in Jerusalem for 3-4 days (maybe longer) in January. We would like to head over to the West Bank for at least a day trip. We were wondering where people would recommend? Bethlehem would be high on this list, but we are open to any ideas. Perhaps we can travel further on after visiting Bethlehem? How would people suggest we do this? I have seen a few people mention a taxi driver they enjoyed showing them around. I have also seen alternative tours mentioned. I'm a bit confused as when I googled 'alternative tours' I got a website alternativetours.ps ; and another one toursinenglish.com. I'm not sure which of these groups people are talking about. Any thoughts on either? I'm not big on the tour group thing, in fact the only time I have taken one was in Tibet. What would be our other alternatives?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Burj Dubai Tower

Hi

What is the best metro station to use to see the tower? I guess not too close or we won't see it properly...

Does Etihad Airways has bad reputation?

I have found a cheap flight ticket with Etihad Airways, but read about several complaints about this airline: lost baggage etc.

Anyone with experience of flying with them?

Also, how generous are their luggage overweight policy? I will be carrying a lot over the allowed 20 kg.

BMI cancels Aleppo service

Not much good news for BMI recently -

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6932432.ece

and...with today's announcement, starting in January they will no longer service Aleppo!

Still waiting to hear my options from them for my London->Damascus, Aleppo->London flight that I have booked for March, don't really want to have to fly in and our of Damascus, really frustrated as had my holiday planned out perfectly.

Sorry whinging over! But thought I would pass along the news...