Saudi Arabia (Bradt Travel Guides)

Description

Written by a female Middle East expert, Bradt''s Saudi Arabia is the first English-language travel guide from a mainstream publisher that focuses exclusively on the Kingdom, which has now opened for general tourism as part of rapid political, economic and social reforms. With detailed advice on what to see and do, listings for accommodation and restaurants, guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women and other diverse travellers, this book provides the practical information adventurous tourists need to explore this new, exciting destination.Saudi Arabia will appeal to adventure travellers, offering activities ranging from pristine, world-class scuba diving to mountain-trekking. With dramatic scenery including a desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres (where you can camp like a Bedouin) and several accessible nature reserves, visitors looking for undisturbed landscapes are spoilt for choice. Culture vultures will appreciate pre-Islamic rock art, Nabatean heritage, Mada''in Saleh (the sister city to Jordan''s Petra in Jordan) and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites rarely visited by international tourists. Particularly after sundown, when Saudi Arabia truly comes alive, urbanites can explore the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, where shopping opportunities range from traditional souqs to top-end malls where the wealthy go to see and be seen. Gastronomists can enjoy varied cuisine, from fine dining worthy of a Michelin star to traditional meals served on the floor, shared by all and eaten by hand. This guide dispels misinformation by providing an unbiased, up-to-date and comprehensive resource that accurately reflects what Saudi Arabia now offers visitors from all backgrounds. Most outsiders know little about the Kingdom other than from typically negative media coverage, so may be pleasantly surprised at its rich history and youthful population eager to extend hospitality to guests respecting their culture and traditions. A comprehensive guide combining detailed travel information about the entire Kingdom (from the Northern Borders to Asir, and from Hejaz to Eastern Province) with a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, plus contextual insights covering cultural etiquette, reforms and women travellers, Bradt''s Saudi Arabia is the perfect companion for people who thrive on off-the-beaten-path travel. Review: Wish I had this before I went to Saudi Arabia - I took a holiday trip to Saudi Arabia in middle of 2023. I had previously purchased Edwards' "Working and Living" book and loved it. Unfortunately this book was published yet. While I was in SA I stopped into a couple of bookstores hoping to find a tourist guide, but there was nothing available. I wish it had been available before I left. I bought this guide because I like to relive a little of my trips. There is so much to see and it changes all the time. Google Maps helped me navigate, and websites were often "hopeful" instead of accurate. If you only rely on Maps or websites, you miss the history and the rich culture from each area. Edwards does a great job of covering the big picture of being a tourist for each area of the Kingdom. She gives guidance on how to navigate the constant changing nature of tourism in the Kingdom. Remember, the details will change but the wealth of information about the culture and the history contained in this book is like having a friend whose been there give you advice. Again, I really wish I had been able to take this book with me. Enjoy your trip to Saudi! Review: unglaublich informativ - Alles was man wissen will - und muss. Der erste echte Reiseführer für Saudi Arabien und gleich in dieser Qualität - Nobelpreisverdächtig!