Travel Answers

Fellas and Gals, I am planning to travel to Lebanon early August of this year with an American friend. Assuming we don't go close to the borders, how safe would my American friend be at the moment? I would like him to have the time of his life there. Unfortunately ... I've heard rather concerning stories about recent kidnapping trends which seem fairly exaggerated. However, it's difficult for me to filter out information since I have been living abroad for some time now. Thank you heaps! Any input is greatly appreciated.

I wish to travel to Beirut with a friend through Jordan around the end of June/beginning of July.
Is it safe enough for about 5 days?

Regards, Joumana

As I will be travelling around the Middle East for 3 weeks, I can buy all different currencies except Lebanese pound.
I heard I can use US dollars, is this correct or can I change my national currency Australian dollars to Lebanese pound when I get there!
Or pay the entry visa by credit card?

Hi All, I am planning to travel to Beirut for 6 to 8 months on a company project from April 2012. Can you please help me with the following: 1. Are flats available for rent easily for foreigners 2. What is the average cost of flats in Beirut 3. Is it secure especially given the fact that Elections are scheduled to happen in 2013? 4. What is the average cost of living (USD / month) now. Request your help as I will have to plan my finances and take a call on whether the project travel is advisable.

Does anyone know anything about the“50% off for 50 days” campaign? beirutnightlife.com/news/ara... There seems to be no website for the campaign or a link to the hotels that are participating!! I will be there on the 17th, and am looking for something in the40-70 range. SC

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone can give advice about spending NYE in Beirut. We have flights and accommodation booked from Dubai but are hesitant. We went to book a table at Buddha Bar but they came back saying they weren't opening NYE because of the political situation. Any advice on whether it is say enough and if so where to go and spend NYE would be much appreciated. We are staying in the Hamra area. Cheers.

Dear travelers, Need some advice on preferred passport to land with in Beirut: I am dual US and Lebanese citizen. Visited Lebanon this year in February and landed/departed with US passport, although had my Lebanese passport renewed (after 20 years of not having it) but did not bring with me. Now on second return, planning to land/depart with Lebanese passport. Why? Well after doing some legal research it seems best with multiple nationality to land/depart with the country passport you "belong" to. So question is anyone have advice or experience with this? Done before? What's the best thing to do? Wife usually accompanies, she is UK national, so not sure it makes a difference traveling with or without her... Thank you!!!

Hi travellers, I'm going to be in Beirut soon and I was wandering how reasonable it would be to mention Israel in conversations with ordinary people in Lebanon that I will certainly meet and talk to. I know Israel very well, is it Ok to say that Ive been there (of course on a different passport) or better not to mention that?

I am going to Paris and have decided to make a detour via Beirut since I haven't been there. I only have 2 night so want to make the best use of time. Any suggestions? Also looking for shuttle info from hotel to WH Hotel.

would any one know where would i find private parties or house parties in lebanon? ty for the help

Hi guys, Wanted to check on the latest situation in Beirut. My husband a US citizen and I are scheduled to depart in a few days. Please advise of anything dangerous that's happening there now as wee need to make a decision if we should stay or go. Thank you

Hi, I will be arraiving to beirut port for one day only! from 6:00 to 24:00. is there any public transport from the port? how far is it from the downtoun and the KORNESH? or taxi is the only choice? how mush it should cost about? any ideas on how to spend this day? Thnx

Coming into Beirut on short notice to do some work at one of the Universities. Will be there for about six weeks (late July to mid-September) and am searching about for places to stay. The usual suspects of furnished apartment/hotels seem to be in a monthly price range that starts around2500, which is a little too rich for my blood. Does anyone have any sense of where I might look to find sublets or better prices, or is this simply what there is, given the short-term and short notice?

What is wrong the city these days? So many of my friends are complaining about all the trouble in the streets of our lovely city? What is going on?

Good afternoon I'm coming to beirut on the 25th of Jan to the 30th,I've heard Beirut is a party town but since I'm travelling alone would anyone recommend where To go or what to do as a singleton. Have booked my hotel for 5 nights so would be interested in doing day trips but any info would be great. Dave

Can someone please advise me of times and locations of buses leaving Beirut to go to Bcharre early in the mornings and an approximate cost and aslo how long it takes

Hi, I am researching on a short trip to Beirut and have many questions. Hope to have some responses to help me plan ahead. =) 1. What is the weather like typically in end Feb? 2. I read there are daily excursions from Beirut and I am interested in the following: - Baalbeck, Ksara and Anjar - Byblos, Jeita & Harissa Can these places be visited on my own or it is best to go with a daily tour? Any suggestions on good tour company? aalbeck, Ksara and Anjar 3. Any suggestions for a 4D3N itenary assuming we arrive early on Day 1 and leave at night on Day 4? 4. Is accommodation at Hamra convenient for visiting attractions in Beirut? What is the best way to get there from the airport? 5. Any tourist traps / warnings that I should be aware off? Please feel free to share any useful tips too! Thanks in advance! =)

Hello there! I'm going to Lebanon on January (Basically Beirut coz I'll only have 4 days)... I found some confusing information about the visa; some websites tell it's necessary to get it before the arrival, other tell it's OK to get it when arriving in the airport. Do any of you have an "updated" information about that?? I'm Brazilian, not sure if this information counts. Well, I do need some more information and tips as well, so if you can add me on MSN or send me your MSN adress to help me a little bit, I'd appreciate ;) (I don't have a specific doubt to create a new specific topic - just things like "where to stay", "what to eat", "where and what to avoid", basic things). My MSN: leandro-pires@hotmail.com Thanks everybody!

Is there a ferry/hydrofoil service to Beirut from larnaca or similar? Flying into Athens and think it would be cool to do Athens-Larnaca-Beirut and back, any options? Thanks

im going to beirut - lebanon in few days and i need help with an issue. as i said before im going to beirut but actually my destination is area called rmaile but i dont know it my question is: how much taxi will charge me from beirut to this area its 40 km far ???

hi, I'm plaining to travell by my own car from jeddah to beruite,please let me know if it is safe as i will pass through Syria ? & i heared that vehicles from saudia's are threaten by the locals inside beruite ?

Hi I am going to Beirut this week. I'll most probably be staying in Hamra area. Where would you recommend me to change money? And also some recommendations for where to eat local food please. Thank you!

I would like to live in Beirut and study Arabic for two months from late september, does anyone know where a good place to do this is and if there would be any possibility of arranging home stay style accomodation or renting a small apartment, my level is quite advanced already. Any and all suggestions welcome

I am planning on visiting Lebanon in a few months and was wondering what the situation is there,if its safe to come because of the new gov change and everything? Thxs so much:)

how should i spend 2 days in Beirut?

I love natural perfumes,my best ia sandalwood. I was in beirut last october and looked everywhere to get it I could not. Please let me know where I can get it , I will be in Beirut next month. Thanks Ghaji

Hi - I'm doing a Beirut/Syria trip from end of April for 2.5 weeks. I'm doing 2 weeks with the boyfriend, starting in Beirut and then travelling round. I'm then sending him packing and 4 of my girlfriends are flying over to celebrate our collective 30 birthdays back in Beirut. So basically I'm after a Beirut hotel recommendation: 1) in a fun area of bars and clubs 2) affordable i.e. under £100 for a double 3) ideally somewhere more intimate than a great big business hotel Any ideas? Thanks v much xx

Hi VTers! A few friends and I are thinking of travelling to Beirut around the 15th April for a long weekend. a) What is the general situation like in Lebanon at the moment? With protests and general unrest all over the region (protests haven't started here, yet...) we just wanted to see whether travel may be disrupted / not such a good idea right now? b) We are looking for some decent, quite central and affordable hotels in Beirut. I've done a search already and have been quite shocked by the prices! Does anyone have some great suggestions? Does anyone have an opinion about Le Bristol Hotel? Or the Mayflower? The Crown Plaza? Radisson Blu Martinez? I'd very much appreciate some input and suggestions. Thanks and greetings from Dubai! Jess

what restaurant serving top lebanese food after midnight you recommend restaurant

I have been told that it is not possible to cross from Beirut to Damascus by bus or car due to border disputes. Does anyone know if this is true? I plan to go to Syria in April and the flights are much more convenient to Beirut.