One of the most important things any traveler planning on visiting the Middle East should do is plenty of research.
The Middle East is a region filled with many religions and customs that dictate ways of dressing and behaving. There are often misunderstandings about the Middle East and researching local cultures can make the trip easier. Some countries are more tolerant of other cultures, religions and behavior and local customs can vary. For these reasons, traveling with a licensed tour guide is highly recommended.
For example, even when traveling in Israel, men and women should dress conservatively when visiting temples and religious sites. Also, tourists should plan to spend time at locations they can easily walk to during the time of the Sabbath.
In Egypt, loose clothing should be worn to keep cool because bare legs and arms are frowned upon.
Depending on the location, information varies when it comes to local currency, bargaining at local stores and food. Travelers should be aware of local laws pertaining to passports; and they should consult their physician whenever traveling to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. They should also read up on whether they should drink tap or bottled water or eat fresh produce.
All of this can be found by spending a little time doing research and there are many places online to find this information.
