Family holidays in the Middle East

Liddy Pleasants from our supplier, Stubborn Mule:
“The things that bring the biggest smile to young people's faces in Jordan are racing down sand dunes and climbing over rock bridges in Wadi Rum, covering their parents in thick gloopy mud on the banks of the Dead Sea, toasting flat breads over a tiny fire and brewing a pot of fresh mint tea during a break in a Wadi Feynan hike. Jordan isn’t for you if beach is a big priority, though – despite having beaches along the Red Sea coast, these are underwhelming and not usually somewhere to linger too long.”

Andrew Appleyard from our supplier, Exodus:
“Children love the chance to be Indiana Jones for a few days in Petra is obviously a highlight as is the chariot racing at Jerash.”

Ralph Foulds from our supplier Encounters Travel:
“Egypt is a great place for families with children to visit. The people are welcoming and very friendly, and there is a huge amount to see and do. Nearly all children will cover Egypt at school and have their imagination stoked by the stories and pictures they see. The good thing then is that when they get to Egypt, nothing disappoints. Everything is big, and the guides are great at bringing the ancient Pharaonic stories to life. So, kids don't get bored or have to be dragged around places; they're not just seeing arrowheads and pottery in a museum. The hotels are good value for money, so they'll have swimming pools everywhere they stay, and it’s easy to add a few days on the beach after doing some sightseeing.”

Nigel Fisher, from our supplier Wild Frontiers, discusses visiting Oman with kids:
“Be prepared for long drives and, of course, the heat. Also, don’t do too much, and just focus on the north. Maybe do an eight-day circuit with a couple of days on the beach in Muscat at the end.”