subject: How To Travel Safely In Lebanon [print this page] Whilst there is plenty to do and see in Lebanon it is always wise to make sure you have adequate travel insurance cover in place before you begin your trip. This does not put Lebanon in a different category, it is just simple common sense to have proper insurance in place before you embark on any journey overseas.
Lebanon has suffered from political and social unrest over the last 20 years or so and many of the things that once attracted tourists in their hundreds of thousands have been destroyed. But over the last decade there has been a return to a sense of normality that has seen a resurgence in tourist activity, and these days Beirut in particular has once again seen itself emerge as a desirable destination. In an effort to retain its previous title as the Paris of the East, the Lebanese government has poured millions of dollars into restoring the city to its former glory and we can only hope that this continues for many years to come.
Nevertheless, many tourists are still fearful of travelling in this region and are seeking reassurance as to its safety. Although Lebanon does not need to be singled out in this respect, you might find it valuable to read the following tips about how to travel safely in Lebanon.
There is no doubt about the fact that you have to accept some risks when travelling in Lebanon, but a simple rule of thumb is to always travel in a group and stay away from known trouble spots. These are areas that have been the subject of government warnings for many years, so make sure you check the government websites regularly.
Although the crime rate in Lebanon is quite moderate, there are many incidents involving pickpocketing and petty theft. For this reason you should avoid wearing jewellery in public and most of all you should try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. This means not dressing in brightly coloured outfits that could make you stand out as a tourist.
Avoid gatherings of any type. Many political movements in Lebanon organise large public gatherings were violence sometimes erupts. At the first sign of any such activity you should move away from the area as quickly as possible. Your hotel concierge is a good source of information when it comes to these types of political rallies, soap take the time to talk your day's activities over with the concierge so you can avoid any trouble spots.
When staying in Beirut, do not travel further south than the Litani River, as the area is known to still contain unexploded landmines. In other words, stick to the well travelled tourist paths and you will be safer.
If you are travelling to Israel, do not attempt to enter Lebanon after you have done so. Anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport can be detained at the border of Lebanon for lengthy periods. You may even be refused entry. For this reason, leave the Israel component of your travel until last week.
The most important aspect of your trip to Lebanon is to make sure you have adequate travel insurance cover. Plan your trip carefully, check with government websites regularly, and stick to the well worn tourist paths and you can easily have a very enjoyable trip.
by: Josh Harrison
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