1 - Cairo, Egypt
If you consider yourself a history buff, we bet a trip to Cairo is on your bucket list. The Pyramids, of course, are breathtaking, and the city itself is a fascinating place to explore. Visit the Old City (Coptic Cairo) to see ancient churches, temples and mosques. The Coptic Museum is a great introduction to the Old City's fascinating history.
Don't miss: Solar Boat Museum, Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)
2 - Jerusalem, Israel
Religious pilgrims have been traveling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.
Don't miss: Western (Wailing) Wall, Temple Mount, The City Of David Visitors Center
3 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai's ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, nightlife and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai.
Don't miss: Dubai Fountains, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
4 - Luxor, Egypt
The Luxor in Las Vegas : the actual CITY of Luxor, Egypt :: marshmallow fluff : fois gras. (We’re sure you knew that. We just enjoy analogies.) Sure, the hotel/casino in Vegas might have a beam of light visible from space, but we bet you'll find a hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of Kings much more illuminating. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Don't miss: Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Temple of Karnak
5 - Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan
Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Travelers have fascinating places to explore here, including the breathtaking 2,000-year-old Treasury, the narrow Siq gorge (the main entrance to Petra), and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Don't miss: Petra, Monastery (Al Dayr), The Treasury (al-Khazna)
6 - Abu Simbel, Egypt
Abu Simbel is a charming, compact town—it's navigable by foot and makes an easy daytrip from Aswan. However, the town's main attractions, the Temple of Ramses II and Nefertari's Temple of Hathor, were almost lost to the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the 1960s. Fortunately, UNESCO stepped in and saved them, preserving the intricate carvings inside both structures. After exploring the temple interiors, take in stunning views over the lake and desert. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Don't miss: Temple of Ramesses II, Nefertari's Temple of Hathor
7 - Tel Aviv, Israel
A youthful, modern metropolis with a diverse population, Tel Aviv dates back only to 1909. Clubs, bars, a thriving arts community, gay life and beaches attract artists, musicians and young professionals to Tel Aviv's more secular scene. Its UNESCO-designated Bauhaus architecture has won the city the moniker "The White City." Walk, drive or catch cabs between the cultural exhibition pavilions of Haaretz Museum, historic Independence Hall Museum, bustling Carmel Market and Old Jaffa's boardwalk.
Don't miss: Tayelet, Neve Tzedek, Old Jaffa
8 - Giza, Egypt
Spot a tourist in New York, and chances are you can’t be sure exactly why they’re in town. Broadway? Shopping? A quest to find the world’s best bagel? It’s anyone’s guess. At Giza, though, it’s pretty simple—travelers come here to see the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Don't miss: Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu)
9 - Hurghada, Egypt
Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decade—and yes, it does seem overrun with tourists at times. But it’s a relatively easy beach escape for Europeans, and some of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites are just offshore. Walk or catch a cab to explore the old quarter, El Dahar. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Don't miss: Giftun Islands, Jana Boat Fishing Safari, El Dahar
10 - Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Looking for a great beach destination? The Red Sea’s warm water is great for swimming, and there are miles of great beaches in Sharm El Sheikh for working on your tan, but if you’re a diver, look no further. We’re talking enormous schools of fish and tons of excellent dive sites. Sure, it’s easier to get here if you live in Europe, but even if you’re farther afield, it’s worth the trek. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Don't miss: Ras Mohamed National Park, Tiran Island, Sinai Mountain
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