I saw on my Egypt friend’s blog that they just got back from a 2 week trip to Morocco so now I have the travel bug. I checked out travel guides on Jordan, Egypt, traveling the Middle East on a Shoestring, and the 2009 Eurail guide. Oh, and I ordered the brand new Lonely Planet guide to the Middle East on Amazon that will arrive tomorrow.
I always have just as much fun planning a trip than I do taking it (probably more!). And especially since I can’t fathom being able to fly overseas and take crazy buses and trains all over Europe and the Middle East, for now reading is safe entertainment.
I finished the Eurail guide and realized we have to save mucho bucks if we decide to travel at all in Europe. Limited access train passes will cost 2k and that doesn’t include lodging. Yikes! Good thing we’re starting to save already.
It was funny reading the guide about the Middle East: “you may not want to visit during Ramadan because people aren’t allowed to eat or drink during the day and it makes them cranky.” Other facts of interest: people of Jewish faith aren’t allowed visas to travel to Saudi Arabia, there are a few countries that require Western women to cover completely (except for hands and faces), and lots of tipping is expected in every country except Yemen.
And this warning regarding traveling with children: “As for hotels, you are going to want something with a private bathroom and hot water, which will normally preclude most budget accommodations.” Um, yeah. I think private bathrooms and hot water are a must.