Middle East Vacations

The Middle East is an exotic region in Western Asia and Northeastern Africa. Its countries include Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.  There are several countries that are rife with political unrest--Palestine, Kuwait, and Iraq--but there are several popular Middle East vacations destinations spots as well.

Middle East all inclusive vacations have varied itineraries. The classic overland route of Istanbul to Cairo is full of history and rich folklore. For those who are on a spiritual journey, the Hajj, or Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, is a popular route as well.

This area of the world is one of the oldest vacation spots today's travelers can visit. Vacations in Middle East are popular due to the fact that it is the birthplace of several world religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Bahai), and the cradle of human civilization of the ancient world. It is also very important politically and economically.

Visitors can experience the exoticism of the ancient pyramids with Middle East all inclusive vacation packages to Egypt. Nile River cruises are popular here, as well as bazaars and markets. In Dubai, a quickly growing holiday locations for the rich and famous, Middle East all inclusive resorts give visitors a taste of luxury and opulence.  Those of Jewish heritage or an interest in the birthplace of Christianity make pilgrimages to the holy land of Israel, where Jerusalem has some of the most revered sites in the Christian world, and the Dead Sea is a natural spa and is famous the world over.

The famous food of the Middle East is a blend of different many different styles. From Turkish kebobs to Greek gyros, baba ganoush, couscous and lamb kofta, the food is exotic, pungent, and delicious. Healthy hummus and pita is even becoming popular in countries outside the Middle East. Beverages such as sharbat are made with fruits and yogurt, and coffee and teas often contain exotic spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.

Sports enthusiasts will find familiar and not so familiar sports here in the Middle East--including camel racing! Popular in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, it is an event for betting and tourists. Child jockeys often control the animals, and then can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour! It's truly a unique experience to attend one of these races, and if the opportunity arises, it should definitely be taken advantage of.