Cross Post - Single female traveling alone in ME?

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ellalangoon
ellalangoon

Just cross-posting this in all the individual country threads. As an added note - the list of countries is not the order of which I would plan to travel them.

Hi all

Can anyone tell me what it’s like travelling in the ME independently (in particular as a single female)? I’m considering planning a trip there for Dec 2010/Jan 2011 (only time I can get off from work) but have been told I should only go with a group (that should have at least 1 guy in it) to avoid harassment. Can’t convince anyone I know to go with me. I have looked into various tour companies such as Intrepid, Kamuka and Peregrine, but the problem is I’d like to take in Turkey (would like to, at the very least, incl. Cappadocia, possibly Gallipoli & Troy), Iran (mostly for Persepolis), Syria, Israel (mostly Tel Aviv, but also Jerusalem & maybe Bethlehem), Jordan (for Petra), Lebanon & Egypt. As one of my main goals is to explore the architecture of the places (I’m an arch. student) I’m not really sure if going on an organised tour would allow me the time/freedom to explore places and record them (sketchbook, not just snapshots) etc. The tour itineraries just seem to blast through each destination.

Is it safe to travel alone as a female in these places and wander around etc (obviously avoiding dodgy/dangerous areas, of course) or would I experience a lot of harassment/chauvinism?

How much money do you think would be needed to do a trip like this over two months (in reasonably priced accom, ie not fancy but not dodgy either, & eating cheaply) & is it possible to do it in 2 months? Also, what is transport like getting around each country and to the various sites, as well as between each country?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done a similar trip (or an organised tour) recently, and would appreciate any info, feedback, tips etc anyone can provide.

Thanks in advance!

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zincou
zincou

Hi,

The area is one of the most safest in the world. I you keep in mind the respect of the culture and the people, you probably have no problem only spend time drinking tea with locals...

But each country is different, Turkey and Syria are very different and Egypt too. If you read posts on the TT you will understand that. you have on year to try to make your plan and choose your destination. Read and feel the things...

You can travel in all this area, we can say Istanbul to Cairo, in one week or in 6 months it's up to your travel habits. 2 months to do Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iran. There is so much places to site. I came in Lebanon and Syria since 10 years and i always discover new places. Read and you can make a travel as you need.

At MY side, Turkey is really interesting but on the east side, Syria is a must, Lebanon is really beautiful country a mountain country, Jordan nice but not really full oh history places. It's for me a nature place with Petra and deserts, Egypt is a huge country, you have deserts, pharaon places, Cairo, Islamic Places...

Enjoy this area, a beautiful area

Have a beautiful travel.
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je55689
je55689

it is no problem to travel alone i did about a year ago jan09 is a good time to go off season i am a male but I don't see you having any problems
decent hotel will set you back 20-25 usd buses 5-10 street food a few bucks
i am sure you know if you want to go to Isreal you will have to go to syria first and then cannot rerturn to syria
i would not recomend a tour as i like my own pace and not to be tied to a blow by scehdule i am not a tour type so if you want to enjoy things at slowere pace go on your own you will not have problems
have fun

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iolanthe
iolanthe

Syria and Jordan, few if any problems (although I write as a male from observation so it could be there's various stuff going on that I haven't noticed so perhaps better to say no obvious problems). Egypt, as far as I can see, more or less constant harrassment. I suspect physical risk is low in Egypt but constant propositioning is probably your lot. This is reduced but not eliminated if you are with a male and without one greatly increased. If there are any problmes in Syria or Jordan loudly pointing out how unacceptable the behaviour is will generally elicit a tounge lashing from passers by for the culprit and possible a good kicking!

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vanessaaa
vanessaaa

Hello!!
Well for my part I did traveled to Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israël and Palestine for 3 months in April-July 2008. I had the most amazing time ever and I did vist a lot of countries. As a solo female traveler never had such a wonderful time. They are so respectfull if you are too towards their culture. I also did couchsurfed a bit everywhere including Iran. You should have nooooo worries. PM me if you want more infos, I can give you advise if you want. Moreover I liked it so much that I'm in arabic studies now and i'm going back to Turkey and Syria for the holidays. Have a nice trip!

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