Hi folks,

I'd like to know if anybody here has backpacked/travelled to the Middle East. More specifically, I'd like to know if you've been to Istanbul, Turkey (although not Middle Eastern) and Amman, Jordan?

I'm a young Canadian < 25 yrs old and would much like to visit Istanbul and Amman. I'd like to go as far as Lebanon, Syria, Israel but I'm going to have to save these countries for another day. Ultimately, I want to fulfill my curiosity of the Middle East but would prefer with these cities listed above.

I was wondering if food and such other expenses are expensive or say, comparable to a European city? I've been to the UK, Spain, Austria, Germany, France and found that most of the food was on par. Besides, most of the time, I travel on a budget, particularly student-style finding cheap-eats or with the locals after a night of clubbing on the street for some bratwurst. I don't want to spend a fortune having to eat. I find that getting to Amman is expensive enough as it is. I'm flying from FRA. Any suggestions on how to minimize travel costs?

Anyways, your suggestions and input are appreciated. Thanks!

Yes, I have. It will - tyically - be cheaper than Western Europe and for that matter much of Eastern Europe too. A fantastic overland journey would be Istanbul overland through Turkey to Aleppo in Syria, then to Damascus, Amman and finishing in Petra. All possible using train and coach in 3 weeks. There are LCC's from Germany to IST, leaving you just a one way from AMM to FRA to sort.

Just don't expect to find much bratwurst, pork isn't that popular in the Middle East.

The relevant Lonely Planets will give you a good guage of specific prices.

That sounds like a great trip! I am a bit jealous! I lived in Jerusalem as a 20 year old student for 4 months and fell in love with the place! You could spend your entire time just in Turkey because of its diversity! I have not traveled from Turkey to Lebanon before, but I am sure it is quite doable. For all the info that you could possibly use about Turkey, this is a great website http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/

I'll post more as time allows...

i'd suggest you skip amman this time, there is enough in turkey to keep you occupied, it is a very big and varied country. you can do lebanon-syria-jordan-israel in a sperate trip later (as they are far smaller countries)