Middle East Gap Year & Tours

The Middle East is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world with ancient history, different religions, cultures and world famous tourist sights. Start planning a dream trip to the Middle East today.

Middle East Backpacking Trips

Destinations

There are seventeen countries in the Middle East including: Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza (Palestine), Jordan, Iraq, Iran, the countries of the Arabian peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait), and Egypt and Libya.

Backpacking in the Middle East

Some of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East include Israel, Jordan and the UAE, but there are amazing places to go throughout the region.

There are destinations for everyone, from seeing world famous and important religious sites, seeing ancient ruins, going on a desert adventure to relaxing on beautiful beaches and staying in some of the most lavish resorts in the world.

Please note some countries in the Middle East are very unstable at the moment and either foreigners are banned from entering or it is best to avoid. Check latest news and safety information before visiting this region.

Middle East Gap Year Ideas

If you would like to spend your gap year in the Middle East there are so many ideas for things to do. From exploring the region on an organised tour, to learning a language, doing an exchange program, helping good causes or getting paid to live and work in the region.

Middle East Tours

Booking a tour is one of the safest and best ways to see the the Middle East. You will get to travel with likeminded people, get taken to the best locations with experienced guides, go off the beaten track and see world famous historical sights.

This is one of the safest ways to get around, as most guides are local and can take you to the very best locations. You’ll also not have the hassle of worrying about transport or booking accommodation. Some trips visit individual countries whilst others travelling overland visiting multiple destinations as part of the same trip.

Paid Work in the Middle East

Working in the Middle East can be an amazing experience where you get to enjoy a new working environment, culture and immersion. There are so many reasons to consider working in this region including the warm weather, unique lifestyles and career benefits including high salaries and low tax – some countries have no income tax at all!

Teach in the Middle East

For a little bit of a difference on your gap year, or a unique career break opportunity, getting yourself enrolled in a TEFL course and teaching English abroad is a fascinating way to live for a while. Not only will you make new friends in far off-lands and get an insight into local culture, the memories will stay with you for life. You can even make a career out of it upon returning to your home land!

Teaching English in the Middle East is one of the most popular and best paid gap year jobs you can do. Schools and institutions throughout the region hire English speaking staff to help students learn or improve their language skills. Salaries are high and students are very respectful and open to learning.

Volunteer in the Middle East

Volunteering on a gap year in the Middle East can be a really rewarding experience. There are lots of international and local organisations offering assistance to people, refugees, communities, animals and the environment.

Study in the Middle East

Are you looking to study abroad? There are so many reasons to book a course in the Middle East. You can choose between world famous modern cities or more historic locations. Studying a semester or academic year, or learning Arabic are are some of the popular choices with international students. There are lots of highly rated universities and language schools offering courses all year round.