Tagged: middle-east

When Should You Book Plane Tickets in 2026? The Iran War Is Changing Those Calculations

Timing matters when it comes to airfare.We discussed that just a little over a week ago in an article about how buying trends from 2021 through 2025 could serve as a road map for…

Does the Trump Travel Ban Mean Americans Can't Visit the Blocked Countries?

As of Monday, the Trump administration's new travel ban has taken effect. Foreign nationals from 12 countries, mostly in the Middle East and Africa, are barred from entering the United…

Disruptions to Airplane GPS Systems Are on the Rise—What Passengers Should Know

If there’s one thing most of us take for granted in boarding a commercial aircraft, it’s that the plane is headed where we expect it to go. If you’re flying from New York to Miami, it…

From Souks to Skyscrapers: Astonishing Then-and-Now Photos of a Middle Eastern Metropolis

The Middle Eastern nation of Qatar gained its independence from the British in September 1971. In the 50 years since, this tiny nub of land on the northeastern coast of the Arabian…

Camel Races, "Grass Mowing," Saunas, Singapore's Food Stalls, and More Get Heritage Status

Singapore's food stalls, Middle Eastern camel races, North African couscous, and Finland's saunas have all been officially recognized as invaluable expressions of humanity's…

Saudi Arabia Blocks International Pilgrims from Mecca

For the first time in modern history, Muslims from around the world will not be allowed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca this year. Saudi Arabia announced yesterday that international…

Can't Find a Cheap Hotel in Europe? Try the Ramadan Trick

Usually, Frommer's warns readers to check for local holidays before booking trips. When festivals and religious observances are on, availability can dwindle, opening hours can be…

After 50 Years, Jesus' Baptism Site May Fully Reopen to Tourists

The section of the Jordan River traditionally designated as Jesus Christ's baptism site, where the Man from Galilee kicked off his mission to bring peace to the world, is currently…

A Major Study Is Out And What It Says About Trends In Airfares Could Save You Big Bucks

For aviation geeks (like me), the day that the Airline Reporting Corporation releases its annual survey of airfares feels like a birthday—one on which you don’t get any older. And…

Israel Unveils a Sweeping 18% Tourist Tax. Will the Additional Costs Deter Visitors?

Israel is already the 8th most expensive country on the planet to visit, according to the World Economic Forum. But a new 18% tax on car rentals, hotel rooms, private guide services…

Peru with Kids: Appreciating Machu Picchu & Much More

"The most desirable human sacrifice," Rudy says with a grin, "would have been a teenage girl about your age." He casts a mischievous glance at my 14-year-old daughter, who cracks a…

Lito's Tech Tip: A Snowboarding Primer

Few things are as humbling or as stimulating to a good skier as abandoning the security of a sport already mastered to become, once again, an awkward beginner. This is true on…