Goodbye Budget Lebanon

By Nick July 13, 2006

With the recent Middle East conflict between Israel and Lebanon, it’s starting to look like Lebanon will no longer be an attractive budget travel destination.

Just when it started to seem like Lebanon was starting to revitalize after their past conflicts with Israel, they started to get involved again. Economically, I do not see the point in being a nationalist in Lebanon because of the impact this will have on tourism.

Lebanon’s travel website boasts

Lebanon tourism prospects strong for 2006
Up to 1.6 million visitors projected this year

However, now those prospects are not looking too strong, atleast while they still detain two Israeli soldiers. If you couldn’t tell, I’m not a big fan of any conflicts in the Middle East, because most military action there just gets messy [see US/Iraq war]
Lebanon was a very cheap destination for travelers. Dorm style Beirut hotel rooms could be had for $6 a night, and double or triple rooms would never be more than $20. Full meals at the typical restaurant are usually around $2 or $3.
Popular ancient Roman ruins at Baalbeck, Lebanon

The most popular things to do in Lebanon include visiting the ancient Roman ruins at Baalbeck, walking along the Beirut corniche, which is a promenade along the Mediterranean Sea, and visiting the National Museum in Beirut. There are plenty of other things to explore in Beirut and in the rest of Lebanon also.

If you are still interested in traveling to Lebanon while Israel is slinging missles at Beirut’s airport, airbases, and the southern part of the country, I’m sure there are many great deals available since most of the Western world will be avoiding the area for awhile.

[tags]Lebanon, travel, [/tags]

Topics: Middle East |