Three Steps to Enjoy Travel

How to enjoy travel according to a 14 year old (me):


Step 1. Meet People
You can understand another culture a lot better if you talk to a few locals than if you read an encyclopedia (though I would recommend doing both). There are many people in the Middle East and Europe who I would consider my friends. Now, when I say meet people, I don't mean just walk up to a person on the street and expect to become lifelong companions. Instead, maybe ask the tour guides a few more questions than the average tourist. Or strike up a conversation with a shopkeeper about local events. It makes your trip much more enjoyable if you can get a local's perspective.

Step 2. Don't be lazy
You can sleep in another time, folks. For many people, a trip like this is a once in a lifetime event. Use your time here to the fullest. Get up early, stay out late, always be rushing to the next sight. Enjoy yourself! To get the most out of your time, it helps to know what you want to see, so you may want to research a little beforehand. There is always one more thing you can visit!

Step 3. Go outside your comfort zone
Most of the time, people plan vacations to relax. I think that vacations should be a time to try new things; a time to be adventurous. Whenever you think you are too tired, or too nervous, or you don't have enough time, ask yourself "when will I have the chance to do this again?" Another part of getting out of your comfort zone is abandoning technology. Computers and Ipads should be left at home. Sure, bring your phone, but don't use it to check your email five times a day. When my Dad and I were in the Middle East, we joked that there could have been a new President elected in America and we wouldn't know it. I think that it's a good thing to be unplugged from the news for a little while.

Abide by these three simple ideas and your trip to wherever you're going will be a pleasant one.

Email me at michaelworldtravel@gmail.com. I would love to answer your questions and respond to your suggestions.

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Three Golden Rules for Safe Travel to Jordan

1. Always look at the American State Department Warnings at travel.state.gov for the most recent events in tourist safety.


2. Be careful not to get ripped off. Scams and conmen of all kinds are abundant in tourist rich areas. When I was there, a tour guide from a tour company we were traveling with tried to charge us $200 for a 20-minute detour to Kerak castle. Always decide what things are worth to you before consulting a local tour guide. That said, locals are usually very friendly and will want to help you.


3. Ask shopkeepers for advice or directions rather than passerby. People who own or work at shops are usually nice and speak good English. All of the shopkeepers I met were very kind and willing to give us directions. It is unwise to ask the opinions of people out on the street. Also, don't publicly say that you support Israel. Old wounds between these countries take a long time to heal.


Jordan is an excellent country to visit, if only for the spectacular rock-carved tombs at Petra. They are also one of the most stable nations in the Middle East. Don't let anything you hear stop you from going. If you want to see more Golden Rules, click here.


E-mail me with any questions at michaelworldtravel@gmail.com. Or just e-mail me anyway. You will probably receive a response quickly, because I am somewhat unoccupied.

Three Golden Rules for Safe Travel to Israel

1. Check the Travel Warnings of the U.S. State Department at travel.state.gov before planning your trip and continue checking until you leave for Israel. They will update their warning with any recent news. I know I write this in all of my posts but I can't emphasize enough how useful this is.


2. Avoid travel through the West Bank except for Masada and the Dead Sea. The West Bank is governed (badly) by the Palestinian Authority, and is essentially cordoned off from the rest of Israel. Riots frequently arise here and have to be defeated by police forces.  There are, however, several Christian Pilgrimage sights in the area, most notably Bethlehem, and these places are safe most of the time. If you do chose to enter the West Bank, do so at your own risk.


3. Do not travel in or near the Gaza Strip at any time! This location is known for its rocket and bombing attacks on Israeli security forces, and their retaliatory air strikes. Terrorists have launched rockets many kilometers from Gaza before, and may start again at any time. I do not advise travel here for any reason.


Following these three simple rules can make your trip to Israel a very pleasant one. Israel is a country filled with history and a great place to go. Click here for more Golden Rules.


E-mail me with any questions at michaelworldtravel@gmail.com. They are very likely to get answered, as no one has e-mailed me yet.

Three Golden Rules for Safe Travel to Egypt

1. Check the U.S. State Department warnings at travel.state.gov in the weeks leading up to your trip. They periodically write notices about riots, terrorism, and other dangers. Also be prepared to reschedule your trip if it gets too dangerous.


2.  If possible, take a guided tour with a reputable company. I particularly like Isram World (www.isram.com) because they have the only tour I could find that goes to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. I highly recommend taking a tour as the Guides are always aware of local events and steer you away from danger areas.


3. Plan your trip to avoid danger zones especially on Fridays, Friday is the Islamic day of worship, and protests and clashes with police are far more likely to occur on these days. It would also be wise to spend the minimum amount of time in Central Cairo on these days. Cairo is a lot safer than news programs would make it appear, but there are still dangerous areas, such as the Defense Ministry. Most importantly, do not approach or attempt to photograph protesters.  You can instead spend most of your time at Giza and Saqqara. These places are known to be far safer.

For more Golden Rules, click here

E-mail me at michaelworldtravel@gmail.com with any questions.