middle east
The Middle East may not have peace, but the region is perfect for travelers looking for gorgeous views, rich history, and cultural diversity.
Climbing Mount Masada
The sun had barely crested the horizon when my Canadian friend, Freddy, and I tightened the straps on our packs and set off toward the base of Mount Elazar. The air felt still and almost sacred, as if the desert was quietly breathing before the day began. My boots crunched over gravel and loose stone as we found an easy rhythm, our shadows long and lean in the rosy morning light.
By Chad Pillai2 days ago in Wander
Getting Around Turkey (Turkiye) by Air and Bus
In an earlier article, I wrote about a nice little hack of getting to and leaving from Turkey by way of connecting flights in Warsaw - an absolute delight. Now, I am going to give you the skinny on traveling by air internally in Turkiye (Turkey) via AJet and Pegasus Airlines, Istanbul's two major airports (SAW and IST), plus a few tips on traveling between cities by bus all based on a trip we took in September 2024.
By Richard Soulliere16 days ago in Wander
City thrice holy
My visit to Israel in the 1990s felt like a homecoming. Don’t ask me why. A quick tour of Jerusalem took in many historic and religious sites. Not least the excavations beside the Western (or Wailing) Wall. Here, becloaked scholars read ancient Hebrew scrolls, praying with their voices, hearts, minds and bodies. Here, Roman street divides modern office and apartment blocks. Here, east meets west, Jew lives alongside Arab. Here the most holy of Christian monuments has a church that is bisected by a line cutting through two walls, floor, ceiling and alter. One side Catholic, the other Greek Orthodox.
By Raymond G. Taylor17 days ago in Wander
I Thought Leaving Kuwait Would Be Straightforward.. AI-Generated.
For a long time, Kuwait felt like a place defined by routine. Not in a dull way, but in a steady one. Life moved at a pace I understood. Workdays followed patterns I had grown used to, and weekends slipped by quietly. Somewhere between familiar roads and predictable schedules, Kuwait stopped being just where I lived and became where my life happened.
By Ahmad Byatabout a month ago in Wander
The Future Floated Beside Me: My Impossible View of the Burj Khalifa 2026
The energy in Dubai on December 31st isn't just excitement; it’s a physical pressure. The air vibrates with the collective anticipation of two million people actively waiting for the future to arrive.
By The Quiet Hustleabout a month ago in Wander
TeamLab Phenomena: A Guide to the Newest Phenomenon in Saadiyat Island
The Saadiyat Cultural District in Saadiyat Island is one of the best destinations in Abu Dhabi. The name says it all, as it features architectural masterpieces (e.g., Louvre Abu Dhabi) and cultural treasures (e.g., Abrahamic Family House). It is also adjacent to an exclusive beachside community (i.e., Mamsha Al Saadiyat), with a lovely promenade lined with lovely restaurants and cafés overlooking expansive sea views.
By TasteTravelLive2 months ago in Wander
15 Must-See Places and Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah for Every Type of Traveler
Thinking about Ras Al Khaimah for your next trip? It’s got more than just sunshine and sand. From desert drives to historic villages and plush Ras Al Khaimah hotels with beach views, here’s a local-style roundup of what to see and where to stay. With its mix of heritage, adventure, and hospitality, the Emirate deserves more than just a quick mention on your itinerary.
By TasteTravelLive4 months ago in Wander
How Pilgrimage Removes Pride and Teaches Humility
The sacred Hajj and Umrah are not just physical journeys, but transformative experiences that transform the soul and heart. Every step in Hajj and Umrah, from making intentions to donning the ihram and circling the Ka’bah, teaches you lessons and brings you closer to Allah (SWT). One of the most striking lessons of pilgrimage is how it strips away pride and nurtures humility, reminding us that all power, status, and wealth belong to Allah (SWT) alone.
By Abdul Rahim Khan5 months ago in Wander
