Over the last several years, the violence in the parts of the Middle East has grown considerably. From political unrest to terrorist bombings in the region, many once popular travel destinations have become almost empty of tourists. However, there are still plenty of places in the Middle East that have not witnessed the bloodshed and violence that has dominated the nightly news. With that in mind, if you have a trip to the Middle East already planned, here are some things to consider to help you decide whether you should go.
• Work with a local – If you are unsure about the area you are traveling to, work with a local tour operator. They will know which areas to stay away from and can help you interpret local news if you don’t speak the language.
• Check out other countries travel warnings - the United States tends to err on the side of caution when issuing travel warnings. If you want to get a better idea of the country’s safety warnings, check out the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the Australian and Canadian governments travel safety websites.
• Stay away from obvious trouble spots – don’t go to large public gatherings to gawk and be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious about the local customs and patterns and follow curfew rules and keep your passport close.
• Have a plan B – if the area you are traveling to is fairly safe when you arrive, it doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Always have a plan B in case something changes and you have to get out of the area quickly.
Zachary Stephen Layton is a biomedical engineer who is planning a trip to the Middle East with his wife and two daughters. Along with their regular schedule, they have a detailed plan B but hopes they won’t have to resort to using it.
• Work with a local – If you are unsure about the area you are traveling to, work with a local tour operator. They will know which areas to stay away from and can help you interpret local news if you don’t speak the language.
• Check out other countries travel warnings - the United States tends to err on the side of caution when issuing travel warnings. If you want to get a better idea of the country’s safety warnings, check out the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the Australian and Canadian governments travel safety websites.
• Stay away from obvious trouble spots – don’t go to large public gatherings to gawk and be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious about the local customs and patterns and follow curfew rules and keep your passport close.
• Have a plan B – if the area you are traveling to is fairly safe when you arrive, it doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Always have a plan B in case something changes and you have to get out of the area quickly.
Zachary Stephen Layton is a biomedical engineer who is planning a trip to the Middle East with his wife and two daughters. Along with their regular schedule, they have a detailed plan B but hopes they won’t have to resort to using it.