Author: Lydia Evdoxiadi Verniory
Source: ezinearticles.com

Traveling with children in the Middle East is a wonderful experience. Throughout the Middle Eastern countries, children are welcome and they elevate your status to ’serious traveller’. This is because these cultures are very family oriented and there is much respect for the family and tolerance for children.

Follow these 5 tips to ensure a great and hassle-free trip.

1. Stock on staples such as nappies, medicine, hats, sun-block and bathing suits. These are available in major cities, yet this can save you trips back and forth. If you are worried about space, most of these items will be used up before the end of your trip.

2. Stick with bottled water. Children tend to get sick easier than adults and more easily exhausted by dehydration.

3. Assign children tasks while on the trip. For example one can be the official photographer. Another can be the official bag carrier. Older children can do the money conversion exercise and keep the wallet with the change. Another can be the official teacher of simple words from the native language every evening.

4. Kid’s meals are not very common in the Middle East. Instead, ask for a few empty plates and share with children your basic meal. This wonderful for the budget, and in exchange you can give them a small allowance for souvenir shopping in the afternoon.

5. When possible let your children play with local children. You will quickly realize that the cultural and linguistic barriers are totally indifferent to children. They always manage to make do of what they have got and you will be surprised at how many words they will have learned by the end of the day.

Give your children this great opportunity to meet others and spend time with you in a more challenging environment. You will not only discover more about others and your self, but you will see a totally different perspective of your children. Assign them tasks to help them build communication, skills, and self-esteem strategies. You will all return a much richer family.

Lydia Evdoxiadi Verniory is a Cultural Heritage Consultant. She advises states on promoting their national cultural heritage through the development of local tourism. She specializes in the Middle East and works to bring closer the East and the West.