Luxury Travel on a Budget: Fabulous Escapes in the Middle East
The Middle East is a region shrouded in mystery, intrigue and wonder. From its ancient history to its modern-day charm, this region offers some of the most exotic and luxurious travel destinations in the world. But what if you’re on a budget? Fear not, for luxury travel on a budget is possible in the Middle East. Here are some fabulous escapes that won’t break the bank.
1) Oman
Oman is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the Arab world with an economy based primarily on oil and tourism. It has an array of natural beauty spots such as wadis (valleys), beaches, mountains and deserts which make it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the best things about Oman is that it’s relatively cheap compared to other Gulf states like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Accommodation can be found for as little as $50 per night, while street food vendors offer delicious local cuisine at very affordable prices.
Highlights include visiting Muscat’s Grand Mosque; exploring Nizwa Fort – one of Oman’s oldest forts; hiking through Wadi Shab – known for its beautiful turquoise pools; and spending time at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve where you can see green turtles laying eggs during nesting season.
2) Jordan
Jordan is another popular destination among travelers seeking adventure mixed with luxury. One of Jordan’s top attractions is Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of The World – which attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its immense size and grandeur.
However, there are many other places worth visiting too such as Amman (the capital city), Jerash Roman ruins, Madaba mosaics town, Mount Nebo (where Moses saw The Promised Land), Dead Sea resorts (the lowest point on earth) and Aqaba beach resort town located by Red Sea coast.
In terms of accommodation options, there are plenty available ranging from budget guesthouses to high-end resorts. Also, Jordan is relatively affordable compared to other Middle Eastern countries like the UAE and Qatar.
3) Turkey
Turkey is a country that straddles both Asia and Europe, making it an incredibly diverse destination. Istanbul – the city where East meets West – has always been a hub of culture, trade and history with its world-famous sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
In addition to Istanbul, there are many other cities worth visiting including Antalya (known for its beaches), Cappadocia (famous for its unique landscape) and Izmir (a beautiful coastal city).
Accommodation in Turkey can be found at reasonable prices but can also go up in price depending on location and type of accommodation. For example, a basic hotel room in Istanbul could cost around $40 per night while deluxe rooms could cost upwards of $100 per night.
4) Egypt
Egypt is another must-visit destination that’s steeped in history. The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly one of the most famous sights in Egypt; however, there are many more treasures to discover such as Luxor’s Valley Of Kings, Aswan’s Temple Of Philae or Cairo Museum which houses Tutankhamun’s golden mask among other ancient artifacts.
Other activities include exploring Siwa Oasis – an isolated desert town located near Libya border known for its natural springs; taking a cruise down Nile River; or diving/snorkeling at Red Sea beach resorts like Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.
As with all destinations on this list, Egypt offers budget-friendly accommodation options ranging from hostels to luxury hotels overlooking iconic sights like pyramids or temples. Food is also very affordable with street vendors selling delicious Egyptian cuisine at low prices throughout cities across the country.
5) United Arab Emirates
The UAE has rapidly grown into one of the world’s top tourist destinations over recent years due to its modern architecture, luxury shopping malls and man-made islands. However, it’s also a country with many cultural treasures such as Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort.
Dubai is the most popular city in UAE due to its skyscrapers (including Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world), beaches, water parks and desert safaris. However, there are other cities worth visiting too like Sharjah (known for its Islamic museums) or Fujairah (offering natural beauty spots like Hajar Mountains).
Accommodation options range from budget hostels to high-end resorts but can be quite expensive compared to other countries on this list. Also, food and drink prices vary depending on location and type of establishment.
In conclusion, Middle Eastern escapes offer a wealth of experiences that cater to all budgets. From ancient history and natural beauty spots to modern-day luxuries like shopping malls and theme parks – there is something for everyone here. So why not start planning your next adventure today?