Middle East
Ancient wonders, desert adventures and ultra-modern cities: the Middle East on a budget or in style.
The Middle East pairs some of the world’s oldest sights with its newest cities, and both are more affordable than their reputation suggests. Jordan’s Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea anchor one of the region’s best one-week itineraries, with the Jordan Pass trimming visa and entry costs. Dubai runs from genuine luxury to surprisingly cheap: metro transport, food courts and free beaches keep daily costs down outside the malls and towers.
Timing is simple: October to April is the pleasant season almost everywhere, while June to September brings 40 °C-plus heat that reshapes any itinerary around early mornings and air conditioning. Ramadan shifts opening hours and dining rhythms; it is a fascinating time to visit if you plan around it.
The guides below cover costs, seasons and practical routes.