Israel/Jordan -- other trip options to bypass Israel?
 

We have an Israel/Jordan trip planned for mid-September. Although much can change by then, the airline would allow us to make changes to our itinerary within the Mideast. Currently flying into Jordan so would it make sense to combine this with Oman or Dubai and bypass any plans in Israel? We will have less chance to change the closer we come to our travel dates. But this would be our first time in Israel and wondering if any neighboring countries would compare for history, activity, etc. Also, we are highly active and are looking for a combo of history, recreation, sightseeing, culture with little downtime. Thank you.

Lebanon? Turkey?

Did you purchase Trip Insurance covering cancellation and/or interruption that will enable you to cancel to another date? If so speak with them, as by Sept all might be quiet, as I'd prefer to postpone the entire trip.

Otherwise, the only country with sufficient history would be Turkey. Would stay clear of Lebanon as who knows if they won't be the next country pulled into this mess in the Middle East.

Why bypass Israel? Turkey has lots of history but it is a large country that is having problems of its own. By mid September travel in Israel should be fine, without interferences. As far as safe, it is safe now. For what you are looking for, you will find it all within a small geographic area that makes visiting multiple historic sites in a limited time possible.

There is enough in Istanbul alone to keep you occupied for several days. Ephesus should not be missed, and Cappodocia is sufficiently unusual to be worth a trip, with troglodyte churches for those who want more than scenery. Turkey has cheap plane services for connecting sites.

Whether Israel is currently safe is surely at least debatable. I chose not to visit Israel even when it was safe....

MId September is a life time away in terms of what is happening between Israel and Hamas. It is way to premature to make any decision.s

thursdaysd--in terms of your choosing not to visit Israel--your loss. At least you are honest and wrote it, so people know to take anything you write that even peripherally mentions/involves/concern Israel with a large grain of salt.

We have visited Turkey extensively already. Our trip is being done with free miles so they can be put back and all hotels have a 3-4 night cancel policy (no trip insurance). Because we do hope to do Israel, we are waiting another 2 weeks to see where the situation heads. Right now, our easiest option would be to do Jordan and Dubai -- but we are more nature lovers and Dubai looks to be citylife. Thank ou for your input.