Sunday, November 20, 2011

Things To Do When You Travel In Yemen

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/11/things-to-do-when-you-travel-in-yemen.html
Things To Do When You Travel In Yemen
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One


What can you do in Yemen?

A visit to the Socotra Islands should definitely feature in the itinerary and apart from the natural beauty it presents an opportunity to interact with the nomads and descendants of an ancient South Arabian Tribe who converse in Socotri and Mahari dialect.
Driving around the craggy western highlands is a unique experience in itself and provides exposure to extensive terrace farming, local architecture and ethnic tribes.
Wadi Hadramawt is an urban oasis in the midst of an arid landscape which defies logic.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zabid deserves a visit also because it is the hottest city in the world.

Mukalla, better known as Al Mukalla can be described as capital of Hadramaut (coastal region) in Yemen’s southern part on ‘Gulf of Aden’. It’s, in fact, located at a distance of 480 Km on the eastern side of Aden.

Moreover, it’s the most significant port within ‘Governorate of Hadramaut’, i.e. Yemen’s biggest governorate). From the historical point of view, ‘Qana’ or ‘Cane’ is Al Mukalla’s original name. It was considered as the main trading post in between Africa and India, with ‘incense-producing regions’ in hinterland.

Till the year 1967, Al Mukalla was capital of ‘Quaiti State of Hadramaut’. Afterwards it went on to become a portion of ‘South Yemen’. Prior to this merger, Quaiti State had been a portion of Eastern Aden Protectorate. It was the time when ‘British Resident Advisor’ had been stationed at this place.

Bearing in mind the recent political turmoil in the country, tourists are recommended to be fully cognizant of the precautionary measures and bear in mind the rules and regulations issued by their respective Governments while visiting Yemen.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Vacation and Holidays in Yemen

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/vacation-and-holidays-in-yemen.html
Vacation and Holidays in Yemen
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One


Yemen is an exotic Middle Eastern country that is located on the Arabian Peninsula. Hailed as one among the ancient countries, in the world, Yemen has a significant role in the trade scene of the Middle East. Frankincense, myrrh and Arabian spices are all the vital commodities that are traded from the place.

The Sandy plains, fertile plateaus, sand dunes and the mountainous terrains of Yemen, allure the visitors. The brilliant architecture, souks, spice markets, mosques and city walls of Yemen are captivating. Yemen is also very famous for the host of historic sites that are present in the country.


Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen is a major tourist attraction of Yemen. It is believed that the city was founded by the son of Noah, Sham. Sanaa is considered to be an old city and urban settlement. It is a World Heritage City and is home to spectacular specimens of exceptional architecture, innumerable mosques, baths and homes. Suq-Al Milh is a vibrant souk, in Sanaa and everything from spices to silverware is sold in the souk. Sanaa also houses the National Museum. The National Museum is a great attraction in the city.

Wadi Dhar is another interesting place in Yemen. Wadi Dhar is popular for being home to Imam's rock palace. The Rock palace comprises of fruit gardens, inside the palace. Wadi Dhar is a famous place, where people spend their leisure hours, in Sanaa. Every Friday, a Wedding Dance is performed, on the plateau. This is a big draw among the local populace and tourists from all over the world. A walk through Wadi and Al-Gabel, a village is a fun filled experience.

Another historical and famous tourist attraction is Thula Himyarite. The capital of Yafur dynasty, Thula Himyarite attracts many visitors, from various parts of the world. It was the capital of the legendary Yafur dynasty, before Islam's beginning, during the seventh and eight century. Considered as a retreat for the Imams, during the sixteenth century, Thula Himyarite is located in Thula Hababah. A tourist can visit Kaukaban, the fortress town and can engage in a walking trip to Shibam.

The city of Taizz is also another attraction in Yemen and is situated in the southern part of Yemen. The city is a unique mix of the new and the old. The city is replete with old buildings and modern skyscrapers. The city is also famed for the mosques. An ancient fort, Al- Qahera is an interesting tourist place. The Salah palace that is present in east of Taizz has many artifacts pf the royal family, witnessing which, provides a journey through the past.

For a shopping buff, who tours Yemen, Beit Al Faqih is an experience in itself. Beit Al Faqih is a famous place that is world- renowned. This is the biggest regional market that convenes every week. The market is active on every Friday. Yemen has an array of tourist attractions like Zabid, Khoka, Al- Janad mosque, Sibam, Tarim, etc. Yemen, despite being a leading player in the trade in Middle East is also rich in natural beauty and this makes it a great tourist spot.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Free Guide of Old Snan

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/free-guide-of-old-snan.html
Free Guide of Old Snan
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One


Legend tells that Sana'a was founded by Shem, the son of Noah. In reality, the city was probably established sometime during the first century A.D., making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Sana'a, which means "fortified place" or "the protected," originated as a citadel on the important trade route between Aden and Mecca. For centuries, it has been the main economic, political, and religious center in the highlands region of Yemen.


Sana'a has always been an important city in terms of religion. There are over 50 mosques in the city, including the Great Mosque, which was ordered by the Prophet Mohammed in 630 A.D., and completed during his lifetime. The Yemeni government is currently constructing one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Muslim world. (It can be seen in the distance by enlarging the picture).

Sana'a spreads across the Sana'a Basin, between Mount Nuqum to the east (visible in the picture) and the Ayban Mountains to the west. It sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200 meters). During my stay, it was difficult to breathe while doing such simple activities as climbing stairs, on account of the high elevation.

Although Sana'a has a modern section, it is most noted for its Old Town, with its distinctive mud-brick architecture, ancient mosques, and markets.

Nowadays, Sana'a is the capital of Yemen, as well as the Sana'a governorate. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Tai'z and Hodeidah, with about 1,600,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Money Exchange for Yemen -Services - Money

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/money-exchange-for-yemen-services-money.html
Money Exchange for Yemen -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One




Currency information:

Yemeni Riyal (YER) = 100 fils, though amounts under 1 Riyal are rarely quoted. Notes are in denominations of YER1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of YER20, 10, 5 and 1.
Credit cards:

Outside major hotels cards are of limited use; American Express, Visa and Diners Club are the most widely accepted.
ATM:

Sana’a has a few ATMs; at the airport (though these are not always functioning), at the Moevenpick Hotel and outside a couple of the biggest banks. Aden and Tai’z also have a handful of machines. There are very few ATMs elsewhere in the country.
Travellers cheques:

Can be exchanged at some banks and hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking hours:

Sat-Wed 0830-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Currency restriction:

Import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but amounts exceeding US$3,000 must be declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currencies must not exceed the amount imported.
Currency exchange:

Local currency can easily be reconverted at banks, bureaux de change and hotels. US Dollars in cash are the easiest convertible currency.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Health and Medical Information for Yemen

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/health-and-medical-information-for.html
Health and Medical Information for Yemen
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One




Health care facilities are relatively poor, especially outside major cities. Major hospitals in Sana'a are: Al Jumhuriyya, Modern German Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, University of Science and Technology Hospital, and Al Thawra. In Aden, there is the Al Jumhuriyya, Al Saber, the Saudi Hospital and the Refinery Hospital. Most large cities have a general hospital. Medical insurance is essential.
Food and drink:

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available. Fresh milk is rarely available but when present it’s likely to be unpasteurised. Similarly some dairy products may have been made using unpasturised milk – use common sense. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:

Avoid swimming and paddling in standing fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Short History Of Yemen and Culture

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/short-history-of-yemen-and-culture.html
Short History Of Yemen and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One


To the Romans Yemen was Arabia Felix (Fortunate Arabia), whose mountains and fertile plains caught the tail end of the Indian Ocean monsoon rains and were distinct from the barren desert of the rest of the Arabian peninsula.

During the early 17th and early 19th centuries European powers and the Ottoman Empire both struggled to control unruly Yemeni tribes. Evidence of colonial legacies is visible across Yemen.

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 resulted in a scrabble for land with Saudi Arabia and the border only finally demarked in 2000. An ongoing conflict between royalist and republican forces in northern Yemen culminated in the assassination of Imam Yayah in 1962, an event which led to the eventual end of the 1,000 year Imamate and the formation of the Yemeni Arab Republic (YAR) in 1970.

During much of this time the southern port of Aden was controlled by the British, through delicate diplomacy their influence extending to much of south east Yemen. However, attacks by Marxist guerrillas fighting for an end to colonial rule resulted in the Aden Emergency and the departure of the British in 1967 and the birth of the Arab world’s first and, to date, only Marxist state, the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY).

The disintegration of the Soviet Union saw an end to support for the PDRY. Weakened and exposed, southern efforts towards unification were intensified. Today’s Republic of Yemen was declared in 1990 upon the merger of the Yemeni Arab Republic (YAR) and the PDRY with Ali Abdullah Saleh as president.

The poorest country in the Middle East, Yemen endures a grumbling insurgency by the Zaidi Shiite Al Houthi movement in the north, unresolved separatist unrest in the south and periodic attacks by bands of Al-Qaeda jihadists hold up beyond the writ of the Sana’a government.

More recently a broader civil unrest has seen mass demonstrations in Sana’a, Ta’iz and other regional centres demanding an end to Saleh’s regime, endemic government corruption, and political repression.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Accommodation sanaa , aden , mukalla , taiz , marib

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/10/accommodation-sanaa-aden-mukalla-taiz.html
Accommodation sanaa , aden , mukalla , taiz , marib
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One




Accommodation in Yemen varies from simple village guesthouses and down-at-heel city hotels to converted tower houses, restored Sultans’ palaces and five star international luxury. Sana’a inevitably has the widest range of hotels, and to soak up the atmosphere there’s nowhere better than the Old City, though narrow streets make life difficult for drivers and thus it’s a less than convenient choice for those visiting on business. Outside the capital, Ta’iz, Seiyun, Wadi Do’an, Al Mukalla and Al Hudaydah all have a range of accommodation. Those self-selecting individuals heading for Socotra will return educated in just how simple a simple guesthouse can be.

Leisure travellers to Sana’a should consider the lovely Burj Al Salam (www.burjalsalam.com) in the Al Fulayhi Quarter of old Sana’a. Another converted tower house, rooms are small but comfortable with clean functional bathrooms. The upstairs restaurant is very good and the staff helpful when it comes to planning a meal. The same owners have recently opened a new hotel in Thula one of the scenic mountain villages outside Sana’a. Elsewhere, Yemeni tour operators such as Universal Touring Company (www.utcyemen.com) or Bazara Travel (www.bazaratravel.com) either own or have links with smaller hotels en route and can make informed suggestions regarding accommodation.

Contact the Yemen Tourism Promotion Board for further details of hotels in Yemen

Sanaa hotels - Yemen
Aden hotels - Yemen
Mukalla hotels - Yemen
Taiz hotels - Yemen
Al Hudaydah hotels - Yemen
Marib hotels - Yemen

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294014-Yemen-Hotels.html

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Yemen travel information, holiday ideas, advice and reviews

http://travel-to-yemen.blogspot.com/2011/09/yemen-travel-information-holiday-ideas.html
Yemen travel information, holiday ideas, advice and reviews
Travel tips for your trip to Yemen Hotel Maps Famous Places in Yemen helps you to make your trip to Yemen in the holiday a Splendid One




Yemen Holidays – Tours & Adventure Travel Guide

“Yemen’s beautiful scenery and versatile surroundings makes it a great travel destination. The country is filled with sandy beaches and large mountains that make finding an adventure easy. The country is filled with ancient relics and structures that showcase the various cultures that have taken up residence in Yemen. From the Ottoman Empire to the Egyptians, the country is filled with a blend of civilizations that have made their special mark on different regions. From the bustling spice markets to the ancient and holy mosques, Yemen offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of not just the country but also the entire continent. In addition, the ancient country is set on a relatively unspoiled countryside, filled with trekking and water sport opportunities, which brings modern and adventurous touches to the traveling experience. In fact, the amazing wildlife and overall natural surroundings make Yemen one of the most beautiful countries for travelers to explore.”

Yemen Holiday Highlights

Culture & History - The culture of Yemen is a fascinating way to explore the country. With many different religious and cultural influences present, Yemen is a very versatile country to visit with many opportunities to learn and see something new. There is both Roman and Ottoman influence throughout much of the country, with many ancient buildings still in place. There are also incredible mosques and markets that really allow travelers to get a sense of the way Yemen people live their lives.
Walking & Trekking - With many different terrains and mountainous areas available, Yemen is the perfect spot for trekking. There are many locations all over the country that provide a good opportunity for trekkers to explore. In fact, trekking is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful scenery that Yemen has to offer and is a great opportunity to enjoy the nice weather.
Water Sports - Yemen’s picturesque location on the Indian Ocean makes it ideal for water sports. Therefore, it is clear to see what has been drawing water lovers to the country for years. There are several clean, safe areas in Yemen that are perfect for water sports. In fact, there are several different types of water features present in the country making it the perfect place to enjoy all types of water sports as well as relax.
Exploring Nature and Wildlife - Yemen’s natural surroundings provide the perfect home for some of the best nature and wildlife around. There are hundreds of different plant and animal species present in the country, with many different areas to find them. These sites are the perfect place for camping and draws in the most avid outdoor lovers every year.

When To Go

A good time to visit Yemen is from October to April. However, since Yemen has many different terrains, including mountains and coastal areas, the climate varies from region to region. In the higher altitude areas, the weather can get very cold, especially at night. The weather here is very warm during the summer months, but gets cooler from October to March. On the coast, the weather is very hot and dusty for most of the year, making it an ideal destination for water sports and nature exploration. Overall, there is very little rainfall and very high temperatures in most of the country, making it easy to visit any time of year.

Top Tips


Visitors should bear in mind that the people of Yemen hold traditions in high regard, namely showing courtesy and hospitality.
Many of the natives still live in a nomadic setting, so modern conveniences are often hard to come by in certain parts of the country.
Women are traditionally veiled in public, so visitors should make an effort to dress modestly when out in public areas.

Yemen Holidays In Focus

Culture And History

The Yemen culture is filled with interesting touches from other civilizations. After being under Roman rule for decades, the country became influenced by the Islamic religion. It was later taken over by the Ottoman Empire until the 1960s, when the country was split in two. It was just recently reunited in the 1990s, and has since that time worked hard to preserve the culture of the people of Yemen. From these journeys, Yemen has emerged as a beautiful city that is full of architecture inspired by these varying rulers. Today, the country has a unique and diverse culture that is filled with lots of flair and history.
A great place to start a cultural tour of Yemen would be in the city of Sana’a. The city gained popularity after it became a direct route between Aden and Mecca, and has since become the capital city. Here, one can find historical buildings, mosques and markets that showcase the intriguing culture of the Yemen people. The Qasr al-Silah, or the citadel, is an ancient seventh century building that is very well preserved. Another interesting site is the Great Mosque of Sana’a, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the Muslim world. Market shopping is also very popular in Sana’a, especially the Bab al-Yemen Market, which is over one thousand years old. Here, one can find dozens of craft and trade stands, as well as great spices. The Souk al-Nahaas is another great market that specializes in clothing and weapons. There is also a quaint village just outside of Sana’a called Rawdha, which is famous for its palace and garden that produces some of the sweetest grapes around.
There are many cities all over Yemen that are especially ancient and are all good examples of the different types of civilizations that have lived in the country. The city of Ta’izz is one of the country’s oldest cities, but is also one of the most modern. Here, many homes and mosques from the 13th century can be found in good condition. The ancient ruin of Koukabanb is an especially interesting view of this culture. Another historical city is Aden, that is home to many legends and museums, including Crater, where the remains of an extinct volcano that contains the oldest relics in the city. The city of Sa’dah is also very historic, with the al-Hadi Mosque, which is one of the oldest institutions of Zaydism.
There are many villages throughout Yemen that have good examples of pre-Islamic settlements. Dar al-Shukr is one of these places that contain many statues and folk art from this period. The National Museum can be found here and is home to many of these examples. Amran is also a pre-Islamic city where visitors can explore the ancient clay walls built by the Sabean people that still surround the city today. Shibam is another wonderful village that was settled in the pre-Islamic period, and contains many ancient ruins.

Walking, Trekking and Water Sports

Trekking and water sports are two of the in most adventurous and fun ways to explore Yemen. With a nice subtropical climate and a great range of terrains and water areas, the country seems like it was made to accommodate trekkers. While the nice selection of lakes and access to the Indian Ocean make finding water sports easy.
There are several mountainous areas all over Yemen that offer good trekking possibilities. The highest mountain area in Yemen is the large mountain massif, the Shahara. This rock is a popular trekking location that is almost 10,000 feet tall, which is perfect for experienced trekkers. For those looking for less of a challenge, Socotra Island is a great option and is popular among trekkers. This place offers many trails to trek, in addition to some of the best wildlife and plant life in the country.
For water lovers, there are several coastal towns in Yemen that are right on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Little Aden, in particular, is a popular spot to relax by the water. This beach is right in the center of an extinct volcano, which adds an interesting twist on the already beautiful views of the bays and surrounding villages. There are also diving possibilities in the Arabian and Red seas, where sailing is also popular.

Exploring Nature and Wildlife

Yemen’s beautiful landscape offers great opportunities for visitors to explore the nature and wildlife of the country. With numerous areas that contain hundreds of species of wildlife and plants, it is easy to see why it is so popular. The Socotra archipelago is the best place to look at the nature and wildlife of Yemen. Here, nearly 300 species of plants and wildlife can be found here, which is also equipped with hiking trails and water.