Lebanon Travel Information

Nestled between the Mediterranean and the mountains, Lebanon is a country steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a diverse array of experiences. From exploring the ancient ruins of Byblos to sampling the delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this Middle Eastern gem. Here are the top 10 things to do in Lebanon.

1. Visit Beirut

Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.

2. Explore the Ruins of Byblos

Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is home to many ancient ruins, including a Roman amphitheater and a Crusader castle.

3. Stroll Through the Historic Neighborhoods of Tripoli

Tripoli is a charming city with a rich history, dotted with traditional markets and historic neighborhoods.

4. Hike in the Lebanon Mountains

The Lebanon Mountains offer breathtaking views and challenging hikes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Visit the Jeita Grotto

The Jeita Grotto is a series of stunning limestone caves located just outside of Beirut.

6. Relax on the Beaches of Tyre

Tyre is a coastal city with a long sandy beach, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

7. Try Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine is renowned for its delicious and diverse array of flavors, from juicy kebabs to fragrant spices.

8. Visit the Our Lady of Lebanon Statue

The Our Lady of Lebanon statue is a towering marble statue that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Explore the Bekaa Valley

The Bekaa Valley is a fertile region known for its vineyards, producing some of Lebanon's finest wines.

10. Visit the Roman Temples of Baalbek

The Roman Temples of Baalbek are a stunning example of ancient Roman architecture and are a must-visit for history buffs.

Climate

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the beaches.

Weather Overview

Lebanon experiences warm temperatures from June to September, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (5°C to 15°C).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lebanon is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the landscape is lush and green. This is also the time when many cultural festivals and events take place, making it a great time to experience the local culture.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Lebanon offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels, visitors can find a place to stay that fits their needs.

Luxury Hotels

Lebanon is home to many luxury hotels, including 5-star resorts, boutique hotels, and spa resorts. These offer luxurious amenities, fine dining, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mid-Range Hotels

There are also many mid-range hotels in Lebanon, which offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options for visitors. These typically include basic amenities, such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.

Budget Hotels

For those on a budget, Lebanon also offers a range of budget-friendly hotels and hostels. These offer basic accommodation, often with shared facilities, and are a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Homestays and Rentals

For a more authentic experience, visitors can also opt for homestays and rentals. These offer a chance to stay with local families and immerse themselves in Lebanese culture. Options include traditional Lebanese houses, apartments, and even castles.

Lebanon offers various modes of transportation for visitors to explore the country, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.

Taxis

Taxis are a common and convenient mode of transportation in Lebanon. They are widely available in major cities and towns and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Buses

Buses run regularly between major cities in Lebanon, offering a cheap and convenient way to get around. There are also minibuses and shared taxis that run more frequently on popular routes.

Rental Cars

For those who prefer to have more flexibility and independence, rental cars are also available in Lebanon. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in the city and explore the country at their own pace.

Private Drivers

Private drivers and tour guides can also be hired in Lebanon to provide a more personalized experience. These drivers can help visitors navigate the country, visit popular attractions, and experience local culture and cuisine.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.