Saudi Arabia (Bradt Travel Guides)
Product ID: 575877746
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Written by a female Middle East expert, Bradt''s Saudi Arabia is the first English-language travel guide from a mainstream publisher that focuses exclusively on the Kingdom, which has now opened for general tourism as part of rapid political, economic and social reforms. With detailed advice on what to see and do, listings for accommodation and restaurants, guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women and other diverse travellers, this book provides the practical information adventurous tourists need to explore this new, exciting destination.Saudi Arabia will appeal to adventure travellers, offering activities ranging from pristine, world-class scuba diving to mountain-trekking. With dramatic scenery including a desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres (where you can camp like a Bedouin) and several accessible nature reserves, visitors looking for undisturbed landscapes are spoilt for choice. Culture vultures will appreciate pre-Islamic rock art, Nabatean heritage, Mada''in Saleh (the sister city to Jordan''s Petra in Jordan) and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites rarely visited by international tourists. Particularly after sundown, when Saudi Arabia truly comes alive, urbanites can explore the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, where shopping opportunities range from traditional souqs to top-end malls where the wealthy go to see and be seen. Gastronomists can enjoy varied cuisine, from fine dining worthy of a Michelin star to traditional meals served on the floor, shared by all and eaten by hand. This guide dispels misinformation by providing an unbiased, up-to-date and comprehensive resource that accurately reflects what Saudi Arabia now offers visitors from all backgrounds. Most outsiders know little about the Kingdom other than from typically negative media coverage, so may be pleasantly surprised at its rich history and youthful population eager to extend hospitality to guests respecting their culture and traditions. A comprehensive guide combining detailed travel information about the entire Kingdom (from the Northern Borders to Asir, and from Hejaz to Eastern Province) with a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, plus contextual insights covering cultural etiquette, reforms and women travellers, Bradt''s Saudi Arabia is the perfect companion for people who thrive on off-the-beaten-path travel. Review: Wish I had this before I went to Saudi Arabia - I took a holiday trip to Saudi Arabia in middle of 2023. I had previously purchased Edwards' "Working and Living" book and loved it. Unfortunately this book was published yet. While I was in SA I stopped into a couple of bookstores hoping to find a tourist guide, but there was nothing available. I wish it had been available before I left. I bought this guide because I like to relive a little of my trips. There is so much to see and it changes all the time. Google Maps helped me navigate, and websites were often "hopeful" instead of accurate. If you only rely on Maps or websites, you miss the history and the rich culture from each area. Edwards does a great job of covering the big picture of being a tourist for each area of the Kingdom. She gives guidance on how to navigate the constant changing nature of tourism in the Kingdom. Remember, the details will change but the wealth of information about the culture and the history contained in this book is like having a friend whose been there give you advice. Again, I really wish I had been able to take this book with me. Enjoy your trip to Saudi! Review: unglaublich informativ - Alles was man wissen will - und muss. Der erste echte Reiseführer für Saudi Arabien und gleich in dieser Qualität - Nobelpreisverdächtig!
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 26 Reviews |
P**N
Wish I had this before I went to Saudi Arabia
I took a holiday trip to Saudi Arabia in middle of 2023. I had previously purchased Edwards' "Working and Living" book and loved it. Unfortunately this book was published yet. While I was in SA I stopped into a couple of bookstores hoping to find a tourist guide, but there was nothing available. I wish it had been available before I left. I bought this guide because I like to relive a little of my trips. There is so much to see and it changes all the time. Google Maps helped me navigate, and websites were often "hopeful" instead of accurate. If you only rely on Maps or websites, you miss the history and the rich culture from each area. Edwards does a great job of covering the big picture of being a tourist for each area of the Kingdom. She gives guidance on how to navigate the constant changing nature of tourism in the Kingdom. Remember, the details will change but the wealth of information about the culture and the history contained in this book is like having a friend whose been there give you advice. Again, I really wish I had been able to take this book with me. Enjoy your trip to Saudi!
Z**Z
unglaublich informativ
Alles was man wissen will - und muss. Der erste echte Reiseführer für Saudi Arabien und gleich in dieser Qualität - Nobelpreisverdächtig!
D**M
Excellent as the Bradt reputation
Good guide book on a country not well visited by outsiders. Very informative.
S**I
A very accurate portrayal of a diverse and fascinating country and populace
Amazing, Grace. First, I so thoroughly enjoyed the historical and contextual information. For me, understanding the roots of a culture, traditions, and even the architecture and design of cities is fascinating. Most important, I found the book to be an indispensable guide. I used it to create my itineraries and found the descriptions and the advice to be spot on. I enjoyed reading about other parts of Saudi I wasn't able to visit and through the descriptions felt I experienced them in some small way. The book is well written and easy to read. I've seldom felt as prepared to visit someplace new to me in knowing where to go, how to travel, and how to be respectful of the great people I got to visit.
C**S
Very Informative
I found this guide to be informative, interesting, and helpful for planning travel in Saudi. It is an excellent source for what to see and do in the Kingdom and how to get from place to place. There are also clear explanations of area customs travelers should to be aware of and respect. As a female traveler, I especially love that the guide was written by a woman who has traveled in Saudi herself over a span of many years ... very helpful insights.
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