Family holidays in the Middle East

If you’re just planning to take your kids to relax on the beaches of Oman or Jordan, with minimal sightseeing, then you could take kids of any age. Jordan in particular is compact with short driving distances, and both countries have safe swimming waters, desert and camels, all of which younger kids will appreciate – though bear in mind that the heat of the summer will probably be too much for babies and young children.

Egypt family holidays are best enjoyed when children are a little older, and able to really engage with the history and politics of the country, as well as fully immerse themselves in its natural wonders too. The same goes for the history and cultural complexity of both Israel and Iran, which are better suited to older children or teenagers – Yad Vashem’s Holocaust History Museum doesn’t admit children under the age of ten, for example; and to visit either country without exploring its history, religion or politics with your children could be a wasted opportunity to learn together.

Snorkelling is nearly always on the agenda, with stunning reefs off the resorts of the Red Sea. There are also inland oases in which to take a dip. Oman is a veritable kid’s dream, jumping into a wadi full of water, clambering on boulders, swimming through caves and seeking out secret waterfalls. The Dead Sea is a hit with kids too – as is getting covered in its squishy, healing mud.

Liddy Pleasants from our supplier, Stubborn Mule:
“The things that bring the biggest smile to young people's faces in Jordan are racing down sand dunes and climbing over rock bridges in Wadi Rum, covering their parents in thick gloopy mud on the banks of the Dead Sea, toasting flat breads over a tiny fire and brewing a pot of fresh mint tea during a break in a Wadi Feynan hike. Jordan isn’t for you if beach is a big priority, though – despite having beaches along the Red Sea coast, these are underwhelming and not usually somewhere to linger too long.”

Andrew Appleyard from our supplier, Exodus:
“Children love the chance to be Indiana Jones for a few days in Petra is obviously a highlight as is the chariot racing at Jerash.”

Ralph Foulds from our supplier Encounters Travel:
“Egypt is a great place for families with children to visit. The people are welcoming and very friendly, and there is a huge amount to see and do. Nearly all children will cover Egypt at school and have their imagination stoked by the stories and pictures they see. The good thing then is that when they get to Egypt, nothing disappoints. Everything is big, and the guides are great at bringing the ancient Pharaonic stories to life. So, kids don't get bored or have to be dragged around places; they're not just seeing arrowheads and pottery in a museum. The hotels are good value for money, so they'll have swimming pools everywhere they stay, and it’s easy to add a few days on the beach after doing some sightseeing.”

Nigel Fisher, from our supplier Wild Frontiers, discusses visiting Oman with kids:
“Be prepared for long drives and, of course, the heat. Also, don’t do too much, and just focus on the north. Maybe do an eight-day circuit with a couple of days on the beach in Muscat at the end.”