The Middle East

Is the Middle East your next stop? Check out the advice, stories and tips I can offer after my two trips there, which have seen me visit Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey; as well as important tourist destinations like the Dead Sea, the Western Wall and the Lost City of Petra. Information about traveling the Middle East with an Israeli passport stamp.

Why I Went Back to Israel

The reasons I opted to travel a second time to Israel were rooted mostly in my own curiosities and desires — and now, six months after the end of that trip, I know I made the right decision in going back.

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Why I Skipped Eilat, Israel

I don’t want to discourage you from visiting Eilat — I simply hope my reasons for not having spent much time there will help you decide whether or not you should.

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The Politics of Traveling to Israel

Do you have to be pro-Israel to visit Israel? And does being pro-Israel or pro-Israeli automatically make you anti-Palestine or anti-Palestinian?

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7 Things That Surprised Me About Istanbul

If you visit Istanbul the next time you travel in Turkey, keep these surprising characteristics of the city in mind.

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Exploring the Old City of Jaffa, Israel

The next time you travel in Israel, make sure and visit the old city of Jaffa, located just a few minutes’ walk south of Central Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean.

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Lebanon’s Sort-of-Underground Gay Scene

Lebanon’s gay scene is extremely open compared to most of its Middle Eastern neighbors, in spite of the fact that being gay is illegal in Lebanon.

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Is Travel in Istanbul Expensive?

A weekend in the city formerly known as Constantinople will be closer in price to an Athens or Madrid getaway than what you’d spend in New Delhi or even Shanghai.

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Beirut’s Hamra Street Festival

Although I never recommend you plan out travel too far in advance, I guarantee you won’t regret scheduling your visit to Lebanon around the time of the next Hamra Street Festival.

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7 Travel Tips for the Arab Middle East

If you find yourself frustrated when you land in Amman, Beirut or Cairo, keep these common-sense suggestions in mind to enjoy yourself more quickly and thoroughly.

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How to Get Around In Israel

Although some Israeli politicians view the state’s small size as an impediment to its national security, it makes traveling within Israel extremely quick and easy.

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