Middle East

Home to stunning dive sites, intriguing archeological ruins, historic forts and souqs (markets) and some of the region’s best hiking trails, Oman promises an unforgettable travel experience. Visas to visit this complex, storied land are easy to obtain, but there’s some red tape to navigate compared to its Gulf neighbors. Many people visit Oman after […]

Rainbow Street invites visitors and locals to do something that’s not always easy or possible in Jordan’s crowded capital: walk! As a city built on hills, plagued by traffic and dotted with sporadic sidewalks that are often obstructed by planted trees or parked cars, Amman is not terribly pedestrian-friendly. But Rainbow Street – the nearly

Visiting Jordan during the month of Ramadan is an extraordinary opportunity to experience local life and culture, and it’s unlike any other time of the year. The holy month is known as a period of spiritual discipline for Muslims, but it’s also incredibly festive with family gatherings, decorative lights, late-night eats and entertainment. For the

Jordan, still too often dismissed by overly cautious tourists who skip over the entire region, has been quietly building itself into the adventure hub of the Middle East. Long blessed with myriad archaeological sites to tempt travelers on a cultural safari through the country’s historical treasures, Jordan also beckons with an experience-stuffed itinerary to quench

In 1972, my grandfather travelled to Jordan for work and ended up falling in love with the country and its people, documenting his time with a series of incredible photographs. Some 47 years later in September 2019, I ventured to Jordan armed with his printed 1970s slides, a whole lot of excitement and a smidge

Jordan’s capital city of Amman is a destination in its own right, worthy of at least 48 hours of your time. It also makes an excellent base to explore a number of nearby attractions. Castles, rock climbing, cooking lessons, Roman ruins, hiking trails, handicraft workshops, and more are all within reach (and most within an

Qatar is well known for its towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and impressive feats of engineering that have enabled the cosmopolitan city of Doha to spring up in the middle of the desert. Common preconceptions lead many visitors to believe that a large proportion of their time in Qatar is likely to be spent inside air-conditioned

Five years ago, Smarttravelly Local Polly Byles followed her heart to join the man she loves in the Middle East. She didn’t know a great deal about the tiny peninsula country of Qatar before she made the leap to move there, but its capital, Doha, rapidly became a city that she speaks about with affection,

The small peninsula country of Qatar has earned its place on the tourist map, having positioned itself as a vibrant and welcoming layover destination for those transiting between the east and the west. Occupying prime position in the heart of the Middle East, there are a growing number of interesting reasons why you should plan

Qatar’s dining culture has come a long way from humble beginnings. Now, you’ll find world-class restaurants, fusion cuisine and unique concepts that will blow your mind in a land that prides itself on its food and the hospitality that comes with it. So rich is the culinary landscape of this country, no matter what cuisine