Has anyone ever done it? Alone, or with a companion? I am so intrigued with this part of the world and have never been, but am hesitant, due to our (Western culture's) perceived role of women in that part of the globe.
Thanks for any/all comments!!
Ms. Gemini. Peace out.
Lorrie - a.k.a., WildChild
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Reply to this wildchild,i am planning to go to morocco myself.i have heard differing reports.i understand from several sources that fez seems to be hostile to western women.i am looking for the same info as u r,generally speaking-nagnes
Reply to this Hey Nancy :D. Yes, I understand that to be true also. I speak Arabic, but I am still an American. I spent most of last night looking at burkas and abeyas, lol!! UGLY things they are, but when I go, will carry traditional clothing with, so as not to offend. Also for protection. I mean, if I'm covered, they won't know I'm American until I open my mouth, right?? :D.
Reply to this I am moving to Egypt in 3 weeks, and have vacationed there before. Generally, just keep discreet in dress (i.e., no shorts, short skirts, revealing tops, super tight pants!). Short sleeves are okay, but maybe a very light long sleeved top to wear overtop would be good, too (even just for the sun protection). In general, take your cues from the local woment to a certain extent. Have fun.
Reply to this Dear friends, I'm Iranian student, and I'll welcome all those interesting come here. feel free asking any thing about IRAN.
Reply to this hi, im planning a short trip in Eastern Turkey-İran-Armenia, do have any info about the border between these countries? İs it possible to hitchike in this area... what s your recommendation for a student traveller about it? I have a very short time for this trip and want to see a lot😊
Reply to this I just returned from the UAE and Afghanistan. In the UAE, I was alone; in Afghanistan, I was with a group of 11 Western women, 1 Italian man, and Afghan men who were our guides and security detail. In the UAE, there was no need for special clothes or a scarf, and I roamed about Dubai without any concerns; everyone was quite friendy. In Afghanistan, we were told to wear a headsarf (hair could show) and markedly Western clothes (that were long and baggy, obscuring the busline and coming down well below the buttocks area) so that we would be given better treatment than Afghan women receive. Check out my journal for photos of how we dressed.
Reply to this Hiiii, i have been living in morocco , then i moved to algeria whoever i have been in all around al maghreb, and if you want to go alone to these countries in african, don't be afraid there's not any any problem that you are american, anyone! really in morocco they love the people who comes from outta the country, they are so polite and they respect y'all alot! but it'd be better if you wear a shela3aba, not for security, it's all about the religion! but if you don't want to wear it! trust me there's not any problem! just like in everywhere take care if you want to walk in the middle of a dark street or if you want to go to the beach too late, like that! but whatever all long maghreb it's too safe! just if you get friends there, and if they invited you to eat or to drink tea! never say not please! that's an offense, cause to be extremely good with their friends and guest it's also part of the islam religion! whatever the anwser of your cuestion and i'm talking about maghreb, YOU ARE SAFE HOWEVER YOU WEAR OR HOWEVER YOU TALK! you can also talk french in all maghreb! well greattings and hugs from mexico :P take care and have an incredible trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this Wish You a nice trip
will you take out your note either please
Reply to this "Jordan_Guest", I will thank you to NOT dilute my original post by attaching your unrequested spam. Kinda like, don't call us, we'll call you, sort of thing. Is there a way to delete that last spam from Jordan_Guest?
Reply to this I had no problems being female in the Mid East (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey). I was with friends; and we all kept shoulders, chest and to just below the knees covered (no tight fitting clothes). You expect to receive attention (and the random wandering hand in the street), but most of the time it is in jest and/or men trying their luck with you. If you are harassed walk away, or tell them "la" seemed to work, or you could start talking about the police. After dark we were usualy out with guys we were traveling with. Morocco - I was with one other friend (female) and traveled north to south on local transport; and we again kept covered. Had no problems in Fez with people being hostile because we were female (or any where else). Respect others and their culture/religion and you'll be respected in return. It's an amazing region to travel through; I'd recommend it to anyone.
Reply to this Hi! I'm Rcon, female, writer, 22 : )
In my trips to Morocco, I often travel alone and I never have gotten into any trouble or problem ever since.
Reply to this you are most welcome in the saudi arabia and any where in the middle east. i'm a saudi national and living and working in Riyadh and if you need any help or travel partner , pls. feel free to contact me. have fun.
Reply to this Hi wildchild, I've lived in the UAE for 10 years and I'm a travel writer, so I've travelled extensively around the Middle East. You won't have any problems as a female, travelling solo or with friends - in fact you'll be treated with more respect here than you ever have been. AJC mentioned wandering hands in the street - while I'm not saying that doesn't happen, I've never heard of anyone being touched, and I never have been myself in the MidEast although I have been in Italy. It's extremely rare - if it happens in the UAE, it will be an Indian/Pakistani worker in the souq, never an Emirati/Arab man.
The general rule is to dress modestly out of respect - no tight or revealing clothes, skirts below the knee, loose trousers, shirts with sleeves to elbow, no shoestring straps, etc - that should also apply to the UAE. While the UAE is extremely tolerant and an increasing number of tourists think they can wear very little, revealing dress still causes offense and you're less likely to meet locals (Emiratis). If you're going to Dubai, go to one of the souqs and buy an abaya - the ones in the UAE are very elegant - and a shaylah (the black shawl-like scarf they wrap around their heads) - get a lightweight one - some fold up to nothing. You can then slip these on when you're visiting Jumeirah mosque and other mosques in the Middle East so you don't have to wear the hideous ones they often give you to wear.
There are a lot of misconceptions about Arab women in the Western Media. Make an effort to meet them and talk to them - it's not hard if you try and you'll find out for yourself! Happy travels!
Reply to this Hello Wildchild 😊
I will be going to Iran, in a few weeks. It will be the first Middle Eastern country I visit(or is it in Asia. Iranians like to be called Asian).
As far as I have read, people in Middle Eastern countries have a few preconcieved ideas about the bad morals of Western women.
But I think it is safe enough in Iran, as long as one is prepared and has information about the dos and donts so one does not accidentally give the "wrong" impression.
I was in Egypt around 10 years ago. I heard from quite a few people, that it will be easier for me, to travel in Iran than in Egypt.
I think even if u are wearing a burka, they may know u are American. The way u walk etc.
Also, bear in mind that in some countries, it is considered overdoing it, if non muslim foreign women wears a burka. A 20 something girl in Egypt looked at me in astonishment, when I took out a headscarf and asked if I should wear it. She said, there is no way she is letting me put that on. Also, I heard that in Iran if a foreign women wears a burka it may be seen as a lack of solidarity with her Iranian sisters.
Grantourist is right. The women are very friendly and easy to get along with. In fact, if there is any man bothering u, move towards a group of women. They will immediately understand and they will be one of your best forms of protection.
Be very prudish and behave in a way that makes it clear to men and to women, that u are "decent" and wish to to put a distance between u and men. Also, if u have any man bothering u, another way to get protection is to go into the nearest cafe or restaurant. The hospitality tradition is very strong in N. Africa and the Middle East. When the cafe staff see what is happening, they will look after u.
Mel
Reply to this Hi
you can come to Turkey
the people in Turkey are very friendly people
and in Turkey
there are many interesting historical places and natural wonders
if you come to Turkey
I can help you
you can send me a private message and contact me
bye
Reply to this You can travel to Oman, this country is one of the most stable, safe and peaceful countries in the Arabian Gulf as rated by the 2007 Global Peace Index. Oman is also the 22nd most peaceful country in the world.
Before you travel to Oman visit the Oman Pocket Guide @ http://omanpocketguide.com
Reply to this I don't want to add anything more than what "grantourist" has mentioned about my country UAE. It is just fine there but just be little careful with foreigners who live there especially Pakistanis and Indians and some other Arabs.
If you wanted to talk to local girls you can do so when you see them sitting in the cafe for example. They may invite you their home for dinner if you are lucky.
Regarding Oman, it is beautiful and very safe country.
Reply to this Hi WildChild,
I am Yashar in IRAN, I invite you to visit ME, you will have memorable trip here. I can also help you visiting IRAN.
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