Lebanon

Eco-friendly travel guide to Lebanon advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Lebanon, Middle East, Asia.

Byblos in Lebanon is believed to have been first occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC and continuously inhabited since 5000 BC,[35] making it among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Air quality: 3 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 2 / 5

Hitchhiking: 2.5 / 5

National parks: 3 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 2.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $600

Budget per day: US$40 - $800

Responsible Travel

Lebanon is a country which is located in the Western part of Asia, more specifically part of the Middle East. The country has long been known as one of the key locations in the world for a variety of reasons right from trade, to oil and even its rich culture, history, and heritage. The country has a strong diaspora across the globe and though now it isn’t a financial power, it once was and has a diversified economy which dabbles in the fields of banking, commerce, agriculture, tourism, and petrochemicals. The city was not just a financial power decades ago but it was also a major tourist destination often being called the Paris of the East and though the toll of the Syrian conflict was felt on almost all sectors of the economy over the past few decades, one can be assured that tourism has taken the smallest hit and certain locations in Lebanon yet continue to draw crowds like never before. The capital city of Beirut is yet ranked highly in lists published by travel magazines, often encouraging tourists to take a trip to the magical land where the nightlife and cuisine are highlights. Considering much of this, one needs to also be aware of their surroundings, the country as a whole does deal with quite a few ecological issues and while much of this can be attributed to the industrial activities and the 7 million-strong population, a sizeable chunk of pressure is dealt by the tourism sector. Thus, as responsible tourists, it is your duty to ensure that you have a minimum impact on the country and its resources while touring and soaking in everything that the country has to offer. Given in this section of the article are a few tips and tricks that shall help you be a truly ‘responsible tourist’ so keep reading to know more.

A critical piece of dependable exploring needs living for your objective so you use the local assets in the most ideal way and one such course for you to do that as a voyager is to remain in an eco-friendly or a green hotel. This will help you in guaranteeing that you decline your effect on the atmosphere and picking a decent green inn will give you all the comforts and working environments in a liberally more suitable way.

In like way, try to investigate local food at renowned eateries to discover the incredible Lebanese cooking. Maintain a strategic distance from colossal food chains and their ways of cooking and major general brands in general too. The smaller bistros, meat joints, and even food trucks will serve you unquestionably the most genuine dishes, considerably even more. On the off chance that you intend to whip up your own Lebanese meal you can be assured that getting the ingredients from neighbourhood food markets and not superstores and hypermarkets shall ensure that you cook a truly authentic meal worthy of praise even from the locals. The freshest produce including vegetables, fish, and a wide extent of meats will be found at these local markets, they will be inspected suitably by experienced locals who have had decades of experience as well.

The bustling neighbourhood markers are known to be an occasionally explored bonanza, as here you will discover everything from antiques to subtly crafted trinkets that mirror the fine craftsmanship of Lebanon. Plus, this will help the local economy in a basic manner as you will put money directly into the pockets of the producers/makers and conceivably jump out the middlemen. This will also empower you to help these little associations that don't abuse the resources for profits and use the city's advantages carefully.

Ultimately, give a valiant effort and utilise public transportation as much as possible. There are a particularly huge number of choices and the solace of a private vehicle or a taxi is evidently seriously overpowering, it is suggested that you utilise the metro (wherever possible) and the buses, these are beneficial, economical and they indeed help you with diminishing your carbon impression. Likewise, Lebanon is a country with restricted choices for transport in some regions and walking around or on a bike will correspondingly serve to be a sublime encounter as you can keep away from the crowds and move at your own speed.

Air Quality and Pollution

Lebanon has a moderate Mediterranean environment. In waterfront regions, winters are by and large cool and stormy while summers are blistering and damp. In more hilly territories, temperatures typically dip below freezing throughout the colder time of year with weighty snow cover that stays until late-spring on the higher mountaintops. Although the majority of Lebanon gets a generally enormous measure of precipitation, when estimated every year in contrast with its parched environmental factors, certain zones in north-eastern Lebanon gets just little due to the downpour shadow made by the high pinnacles of the western mountain range. Thus, as a tourist, depending upon which part of the country you are headed to and which season of the year are you planning on visiting shall play a huge role in ensuring what ultimately enters your suitcases and backpack from your wardrobe.

As per the World Health Organization's study, the air quality in Lebanon is considered reasonably dangerous. The latest information demonstrates the country's yearly mean concentration of PM2.5 is threefold just about as much as the passable standard. The main culprits of the helpless air quality in Lebanon incorporate the travel industry and concrete ventures, food processing, mineral and synthetic items, oil refining, and vehicle emanations. Occasional varieties exist, with the most elevated levels of air contamination in the colder time of year which is during the months of December to March because of the warming. Accessible information demonstrates that major cities and hubs in the country such as Baalbak, Beirut, Saida, and Zahle have significant degrees of air contamination. Thus, as a tourist, you need to be careful while touring Lebanon. Those tourists who suffer from pre-existing breathing issues and difficulties must make it a point to carry their medication, a strong dose prescribed by the GP if possible. In addition to this, both patients of breathing illnesses and average healthy tourists must carry some forms of protection such as masks to ensure that they aren’t affected by hazardous air pollution.

Respect the Culture

Religion assumes a significant part in Lebanese culture, society, governmental issues and general sets of laws. Lebanon recognizes eighteen distinctive strict groups recognized inside the Muslim and Christian religions, every one of which is considered to address a huge Lebanese people group. Eventually, one's religion frequently establishes a vital part of an individual's social and common character in Lebanon. Each resident's identity card indicates their religion, which decides how they interact with political and general sets of laws. Thus, while some Lebanese individuals may not practice or notice a religion, they will, in general, relate to one legitimately given its part in the legal and administrative frameworks.

The chain of importance and qualities vary between customary families in Lebanon and the families that have lived in urban areas (or internationally) for a long time. Notwithstanding, family attachment and fortitude is viewed as in a general sense critical to the Lebanese paying little heed to their family setup. In customary Arab society, children commonly live in their folks' home until they are hitched or prepared to have children of their own. Hence, parental control reaches out past the age of 18 (the average Western period of freedom) and keeps on impacting an individual's dynamic well into adulthood. Women from moderate families may come under the disciplinary control of their in-laws when they wed; notwithstanding, this relies upon religion and class. The dynamic of parental order traditionally involves severe censure and revision by the man of the house and overprotection by the mother as remuneration. This overall propensity plainly fluctuates between conditions. Inside the family unit progression, older folks are profoundly regarded and conceded to. The father or oldest male is the patriarch of the family. His assessment will regularly win and in separation procedures of Muslim family units, it is frequently assumed that children consequently have a place with him. The mother's job is generally to satisfy homegrown obligations and care for the children. Despite the fact that sexual orientation jobs are changing and women's privileges to education and equivalent compensation are improving, women actually don't have as much say as men.

The Lebanese invest wholeheartedly in their accommodation. It is viewed as an honour to have visitors, hence solicitations to go to dinner or occasions at Lebanese homes are regularly offered very from the get-go in companionships. Individuals likewise appreciate 'flaunting' their companions or family to their friends and may welcome them over to do as such. When welcomed to a Lebanese home, it is standard to bring a blessing for example, cakes and desserts. On arrival, welcome individuals, starting at the oldest member of the family. You will probably be offered tea or espresso. It is acceptable habits to acknowledge this as it shows the regard in their kinship just as their friendliness. When at a meal table, attempt to taste all the dishes offered as an indication of regard and appreciation.

Endowments address fellowship to the Lebanese, and hence they care minimal about the monetary expense of the article. That being said, consider if the circumstance of a blessing is suitable just as the offer of companionship that it offers. On the off chance that some help is requested from you, consent to do it and attempt to finish it however much you can; the Lebanese quite often consent to help one another. In the event that you can't finish the kindness, your Lebanese counterpart will, in any case, understand that you attempted and infer that you do genuinely esteem their companionship.

Try not to say whatever could be taken as annoying or unfavourable. A decent method to keep away from this is to adopt a roundabout strategy towards remedial comments, being certain to incorporate recognition of their valid statements to limit discolouring their honour. Lastly, attempt not to be rigid and extra punctual as they are loosers in those zones and take offence to their guests putting them down.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The country of Lebanon has a beautiful blend of cities and wilderness for tourists to explore. Keeping this in mind, given below is a list of the top 10 places for a tourist to visit while touring this Middle East nation:

Horsh Ehden: A characteristic location in Northern Lebanon, Horsh Ehden is an ideal spot to proceed to be alone with nature. The site contains two-fifths of Lebanon's plant species despite the fact that it is just 0.1 per cent of its complete territory. Horsh Ehden is a brilliant location wherein to climb and take in the country's delightful landscape, so don't pass up the chance to visit this flawless town.

Laqlouq: Primarily a retreat town, Laqlouq is wonderful in both the colder time of year and summer, as the ski resort transforms into an end of the week escape with the adjustment in seasons. An adjustment in exercises likewise comes as Laqlouq offers an essential starting point for a few excursions. From this locale, you can visit the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the Afqa Cave, and the town of Annaya. The initial two are astonishing local regular fortunes, and Annaya is a significant Christian site.

Zahle: Being the biggest city in the Beqaa Valley, Zahle is a significant traveller destination and an incredible spot to stay for a couple of days. Home to Our Lady of Beqaa, an old Ottoman Serail, and verifiable locales, for example, Souq el Blatt (a twentieth-century market), there is no lack of spots to visit. Additionally, its treasures, wealth and general excellence make it an ideal end of the week escape.

Harissa: A significant site for the festivals of religion in Lebanon, Harissa is the place of the Lady of Lebanon, a sculpture of the Virgin Mary looking after Mount Lebanon. The wonderful holy place was raised out of appreciation for the 50th commemoration of the "Immaculate" origination doctrine announced by Pope Pius IX. The asylum is a Christian wonder and should be on your rundown of must-visit destinations in Lebanon.

Jannet Chouwen: A little window into paradise in Jbeil, Lebanon. Chouwen is a welcome blessing. The just and best activity in this town is wandering about the nature that it has. Customary climbing excursions and swimming exercises occur in this brilliant open space. Stroll through the valleys and regular ponders, and camp by the waterway for tranquility you will not discover elsewhere.

Bcharri: The town has its name's origins in the Phoenician "House of Ishtar," it is not difficult to perceive any reason why Bcharri is one of Lebanon's most astonishing towns. The way that it's an early Phoenician settlement is just one of the motivations to visit; the town is additionally home to the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum, a national mother lode loaded up with original copies, antiques of great value, and interiors brought back from the creator's New York home. Besides, the town neglects the Kadisha Valley and gives admittance to its cave. At long last, Bcharri is at the focal point of Lebanese the travel industry due to the Cedars of God, a cedar tree park and ski spots.

Kobayat: Lebanon is renowned for its wonderful beaches and summertime activities; notwithstanding, there stays a lesser chosen alternative for summer, and this alternative is called Akkar. The vast majority of the northern part of Lebanon is called Akkar, and what makes this spot unique is the mellow climate that it brags in the centre the late spring. The town of Kobayat has probably the biggest green breadths in Lebanon, in addition to it's an antiquated town and a decent spot for strict the travel industry, it has a few houses of worship and religious communities. Regarding exercises, the location is the beginning point for Lebanon's Mountain Trail, the longest climbing course in the country, which associates a few spots along the North and towards the south. At long last, Kobayat is home to the Kobayat Summer Festival, an eagerly awaited concert, and furthermore makes for a decent base from which to explore the various towns in the territory.

Sidon: It is the third most crowded city in Lebanon. The city existed from ancient periods through current times conveying with it proof of the cultures of its occupants through their assorted design, stoneware, and models. Sidon has significant exchanging offices, wellbeing focuses, schools, houses of worship, and entertainment industries. This one of the best urban communities in Lebanon to visit is mostly founded on agrarian exercises, for example, wheat cultivating.

Tripoli: It is the second-biggest, second-most crowded and one of the greatest urban areas in Lebanon. This city situated in the northern area of Lebanon. Tripoli is an antiquated city with incredible archaeological significance because of its rich engineering legacy that has created over time of its reality. Tripoli filled in as a significant monetary focus and a port during the early hundreds of years of its foundation and has stayed a significant port in Lebanon. The city has significant vacation destinations like the clock tower and the Palm Islands Nature Reserves. Tripoli is a significant strict focus too with houses of worship, educational focuses, and transport and correspondence focus.

Beirut: The city is popular across the globe as it is Lebanon's capital. This is the biggest, the most crowded with a populace of over 2 million individuals and biggest urban communities in Lebanon. With business exchanging focuses, banks, and local and foreign organisations, the old city is the main business port in Lebanon. Its rich social legacy has created over hundreds of years of interaction with various individuals from different nations and social orders. The town pulls in a tremendous number of tourists to the museums, for example, the National Museum of Beirut, the Sursock Museum, and the Archeological Museum of the American University of Beirut. Beirut has facilitated many brandishing exercises, for example, the Pan Arab Games in its arenas; Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium and the Beirut Municipal Stadium.

Horsh Ehden is natural reserve in Lebanon

Explore

The country of Lebanon is truly an exciting place to visit. As it is the home of numerous places of worship, it also has a rich culture, and a rich heritage, one can certainly count on having a gala time here whilst exploring all that the cities and towns have to offer. The different places of interest are listed according to their major classifications in the sections below, peruse on to get some assistance in finalising your itinerary across the country.

City Parks

Sioufi Garden: This is a public garden in Ashrafieh that disregards Avenue President Émile Lahoud, the Beirut River, and the highest points of Mount Lebanon. The region of the garden is 20,000 square meters. It contains seats, a jungle gym, latrines, complimentary wireless internet, and figures of youthful Lebanese artists upheld by the affiliation Ashkal Alwan. In 1997 Ashkal Alwan, The Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, teamed up with ten artists to forever introduce their works in Sioufi Garden. The perpetual establishment's objective was to sustain and instruct people in general on the social meaning of art and public spaces just as permitting the group of people yet to come admittance to imaginative work. This entrance permitted the general population and nature to modify the artworks to best suit their requirements, for example, Charles Khoury's The Guard has had his wings brought for children down to get on.

Horsh Beirut: It is a metropolitan park and a green living space in the heart of the city, a couple of kilometres away from Martyr Square and the national museum of Lebanon. It's a significant component regarding the aggregate memory of the city and sums up its story. The metropolitan park is otherwise called Horsh El Snaubar. The enormous and verdant Horsh Beirut could be the city's variant of Central Park, however, opening times are sporadic to the point of discretionary, and it's monitored by furnished watchmen who appear to choose depending on their states of mind who is conceded and who isn't. In the event that you extravagant a quiet second among the tall pines and blossoming trees, by all methods check it out as the gatekeepers are more disposed to allow in European-looking foreigners than locals.

Horsh Beirut

National Parks

Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve: The Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is situated along Barouk Mountain with an expected land inclusion of over five-hundred square kilometres. The Cedar Nature Reserve is a significant zone for flying creatures and hosts thirty-three vertebrate species, five-hundred land and water proficient species, and two-hundred fledgeling species. This place is generally viewed as a position of numerous cultures, religions, and other notable occasions. The memorable locales in Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve incorporate Qalaat Niha, El Nabi Ayoub, Qab Elias Castle, and Mazar El Sit.

Horsh Arz El-Rab - Forest Of The Cedars Of God: The Cedars of God is a remnant of the once huge timberlands loaded up with the Lebanon Cedar that existed inside the region nearby Mount Lebanon. The Mount Lebanon was at one time a thick woods, however, because of deforestation, the woodlands have been decreased essentially. The name "Cedar of God" was given to timberland concerning the cedar wood Solomon of the book of scriptures used to assemble the sanctuary in Jerusalem. Cedar of God was remembered for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1998 because of its social importance. The woodland is presently a profoundly secured zone. The cycle of reforestation of the site was started in 1985 by the Committee of the Friends of the Cedar Forest to reestablish the backwoods picture.

Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve

Beaches

Rabbit’s Island: In the event that you wish to loosen up away from the hustle-clamor of the jam-packed spaces, at that point this regular hold is simply the best spot to segregate and restore yourself without limit. A short ship ride from Tripoli's mina will lead you to this sublime heaven. While going to this great spot, remember to pack a few tidbits and drinks. There are seats and umbrellas for you to pause for a minute and appreciate the peaceful beach feeling here.

Pierre & Friends: In the event that you love partying by the shoreline, at that point Pierre and Friends has the best beach bars for you to appreciate the energizing nightlife in Lebanon. Dance your heart out to the enthusiastic tracks played by the prestigious DJs at this awe inspiring beach. This private beach with its merry party atmosphere is ideal for enjoying some incredible Lebanese food, mixed drinks, and music in one spot. The parlor seats are ideal for unwinding and getting a charge out of the wonderful perspectives nightfall and the waves smashing the Batroun's shore.

White Beach: The sparkling blue waters and clear white sand makes the White beach in Lebanon the most wonderful spot to loosen up by the coastline. Since this beach is moderately less swarmed, the quiet and wonderful feeling makes an ideal setting for you to appreciate the alleviating sound of the slamming waves. Situated in Batroun, the white rough shore of this beach is really one of its sort. You can appreciate some lip-smacking indulgences at different cafés and bistros situated around the White beach in Lebanon. You can likewise enjoy your number one fish at the on-location café situated inside the beach premises.

Landmarks

Byblos: Only north of Beirut, Byblos has been possessed since around 8,000BC, and is the origination of the most established known letters in order. It was previously a significant port, transporting papyrus from Egypt to Greece for use as paper and books surely it's an idea this is the manner by which the Bible became so named. The archaeological destinations in and around Byblos incorporate the remainders of a Roman theatre, the middle-age city wall, and a colossal Crusader palace with two safeguard towers. Today Byblos is becoming an upscale retreat yet the still lethargic harbour with its weaving yachts is charmingly pleasant.

Baalbek: The complex of sanctuaries in this Phoenician city, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Békaa Valley, was worked over hundreds of years for the love of three gods: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury. Main focus are the tremendous sanctuaries of Bacchus and Jupiter with their 20metre pillars segments. The explanation behind Baalbek's esteem is down to its area in the ripe Békaa Valley, which provided the grain for the Roman Empire's Levant areas.

The Main Square: It is an exhibit of fine Arab design and engineering, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, worked in the 15th century, and, behind it, a shoemaker's souq lodging touristy shops. Above and behind the souq is a lovely silk khan worked in the late 16th century that currently houses a social community. Close by are the structures that once housed a Jesuit school and a gathering place, just as the Palace of the writer Nicolas El Turq, which has a bistro on its ground floor.

12th Century crusader castle at Byblos, Lebanon

Museums

MIM Mineral Museum: Situated in the University of Saint Joseph, the MIM Mineral Museum is the spot for all science fans. Home to more than three hundred sorts of minerals, it is viewed as one of the world's best assortments of its sort. A screen with significant data about mineralogy is a useful device for energetic fledgelings in the field.

Sursock Museum: First opened in the mid-twentieth century, Sursock Museum is a changed over manor devoted to exhibiting contemporary art. The museum got conceivable through art authority and blue-blood Nicolas Sursock's affection for art, and his view that artists required the kind of support that a foundation can give. In the year 2008, the structure saw extensive remodel, and today is as yet the spot to be for art devotees.

National Museum of Beirut: Established as an idea in the year 1919, the National Museum of Beirut stands tall as a landmark in its own right. The genuine structure of the foundation occurred eleven years later. Up to that point, the artefacts were housed in another structure in Beirut. 12 years post laying the foundation, the museum had opened its entryways. Post damage in the civil war the structure was demolished nearly to annihilation as it was utilised as a state army base. Its artefacts were kept away for a very long time. Rebuilding started twenty years after the war, and in the last year of the previous millennium, the museum indeed re-opened.

National Museum of Beirut

Eat

You realise food has an exceptional spot in the hearts of the Lebanese public and culture as it is the perpetual focal point of get-togethers, be it among family or companions. You shall witness that it is an inborn part of a particular culture, as a method for safeguarding past impacts, and a consistent, solid wellspring of solace paying little heed to the situation. Lebanese food is eminent for its groundbreaking utilisation of flavours and spices, and flame broiling techniques with virgin olive oil. With straightforward, rural introduction, Lebanese cooking is loaded with flavoursome mystique. Depending upon the natural charms of its fixings to do the talking; it is nuanced yet welcoming, intelligent of the personality of its kin. Across the globe, many are announcing themselves fanatics of this cooking for different reasons. There are its medical advantages, sequentially upheld by influencers the world over. There's the far-reaching excursion of taste one encounters through the course of a full meal. Pouring out over into an enthusiastic meal culture, energised by rivalry among culinary experts and restauranteurs, the standards keep on rising, even as the heart of Lebanese food and its customs stay steady. In any case, don't depend on the publicity, experience it for yourself. Here are some Lebanese dishes that legitimise Lebanon's status as a true blue culinary boss:

Baklava
Rice Pilaf
Kebab
Manakish
Fattoush
Kibbeh
Falafel
Hummus
Tabbouleh

Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup, frosting or honey. This particular photo shows baklavas with pistachios

Drink

Nightlife is astounding in Beirut and along the coast, particularly in summer, when roof bars and beach clubs are siphoning. Liquor is generally accessible; Beirut is inundated with speciality brews and mixed drinks, yet the most famous alcoholic old folk is the powerful aniseed-enhanced arrack, blended generously with water and ice. Arabic/Turkish espresso is particularly famous in Lebanon, while heavenly newly pressed juices are on offer wherever all through the mid-year.

Tap-water

In Lebanon, the local authorities quite openly do promote the consumption of tap water. The water is scientifically proven to be safe and many people do consume it regularly. However, there are huge discrepancies in the quality of water in different cities and various locations. As a result of this even the local Lebanese people make sure that they do not drink water straight from the tap in all common places and often stick to bottled mineral water. As a tourist, you too are advised to do the same if you wish to have an illness free trip.

Activities

Lebanon is a country with exciting activities for tourists to indulge in, these include paragliding and exploring the mesmerising skies and city views to swimming in the sea and lounging on the sandy beaches. Those who love the wilderness can explore the forests and natural reserves to trek, see the wildlife and perhaps even get some pictures. Skiing is possible during the months of spring in Lebanon so fanatics of the pistes can have the time of their life while horseback riding is a rare yet fun activity for tourists all across Lebanon.

Accommodation

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East and being ranked frequently amongst the top 10 countries to visit in the world by numerous travel magazines, websites and articles, you can surely expect great accommodation in Lebanon. Right from simple budget accommodation options with little to no amenities to fancy hotels with all the possible opulence and services that are fit for a king. Depending upon which part of the country you plan on visiting and your budget, needs and duration, you can choose from a wide variety of options that are listed in the sections below.

Green Hotels

Green Hotels have increasingly sprung up all across the globe and much of this has to do with the rising consciousness amongst travellers who wish to enjoy amenities and luxuries of hotels but without dealing a significant blow to the surroundings or any wastage of resources. Though there aren’t many certified green hotels in Lebanon, a few worth considering are:

Chtaura Park Hotel
Ecolodge Taanayel
Eco-Village
Mövenpick Hotel Beirut

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are a splendid option for most of the young tourists who are headed to the country of Lebanon. These hostels are vibrant, youthful, and they offer a host of basic amenities at the fraction of the cost of a major hotel. Additionally, modern hostels are designed to give you a decent level of privacy and a quirky social environment. Thus, given below are some of the hostels that are worth considering for your trip to Lebanon:

Hostel Beirut
Hamra Urban Gardens
The Colony Beirut Hostel
The Grand Meshmosh Hotel

Apartments

Renting apartments in Lebanon is a phenomenal idea particularly in case you are going in larger groups or are looking for privacy without the rigidity and tremendous costs of major hotels. Leasing apartments is genuinely an assignment for tourists and explorers since some foundation is required and one necessity is to research extensively for great areas, consistency, cost, and security. Regardless, it serves to be a brilliant alternative for most explorers. Airbnb isn't excessively well known here yet it is proposed that you look for posting on other practical renowned applications and locales as well.

Couchsurfing

Couch Surfing is renowned is Lebanon and you likewise could look for a proper host from the postings on the web. While there is anything but an unreasonable number of rules, most have are energetic adults such as yourself, they likewise might be endeavouring to get by, so ensure that you don't be an obligation, be helpful, be neighbourly, reimburse them, and if nothing, guarantee you give them some praise with a little token of thankfulness towards the end of your visit.

Camping

The people of Lebanon do truly enjoy camping as the outdoors and the wilderness are so magnetic yet calming at the same time. Many of the camps are known to be bonafide party places too, so all kinds of camping enthusiasts can have their kind of fun. As a tourist, you too could pack your sack and head to some of the most popular camping areas across the country. A few such places are listed below in this section of the article, so read on to plan your camping experience better:

Cheer Up Camping
Bzebdine Hidden Valley
Sharewood Camp
Ehden Adventures
Chahtoul Camping

Regions

Regions of Lebanon

Beirut

Bekaa

Mount Lebanon

North Lebanon

South Lebanon

Cities

Beirut - the capital and largest city
Baalbek - a Phoenician and Roman archaeological site
Byblos (Joubeil) - another city with plenty of remains, castles and museums
Jezzine - main summer resort and tourist destination of South Lebanon
Jounieh - known for its seaside resorts and nightclubs
Sidon (Saida) - plenty of medieval remains
Tripoli (Trablus) - still unspoilt by mass-tourism
Tyre (Sour) - has a number of ancient sites, including its Roman Hippodrome which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Zahle - capital of Bekaa Valley

Getting There and Moving Around

Reaching Lebanon isn’t usually a complex task, many of the major cities are known to be well connected via a flight to the biggest destinations in the world. However, the options for a tourist reaching Lebanon from smaller countries are limited and he/she may have to ponder over layovers and connecting flights. Additionally, with Lebanon sharing its borders with Syria to the North and West, the ways of reaching Lebanon have greatly diminished as travelling through war-torn Syria is nothing lesser than a death sentence. Nonetheless, given in the sections below are some of the best ways to reach Lebanon and explore the country.

Air

As a tourist, the simplest and the safest way to reach Lebanon is via air. There are over 37 airlines that operate flights from various countries to a few destinations in Lebanon. The Beirut International Airport is the biggest and most frequented airport in the country, thereby automatically making it the primary choice for tourists from all across the globe.

The Beirut International Airport

Bus

Reaching Lebanon via bus is also a great option to consider. This is perhaps the major alternative to commercial air travel as it is cheaper and offers connectivity down to the very last mile. Bus transportation is also integral for travelling to different smaller towns and cities in the country.

A bus in Beirut

Train

The train service in Lebanon is close to non-existent at the moment. While there are no known passenger trains operating, there might be a few goods trains that are functional. Most of the train network was shut down post-war and thus railfans shall certainly be disappointed here.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Lebanon is a great way to travel as it is faster, more convenient, and you do make acquaintances too. However, this too comes with its own set of challenges and safety issues. Additionally, unlike the European nations where you get a ride for free mostly, here you shall be asked for a small monetary compensation in return for the ride, so be prepared to pay up. Also, considering the situation in Syria, it is best to avoid hitchhiking near the Northern and Western borders of the country.

Others

Beyond these above-listed means of transportation, tourists have the alternative of renting cars and driving themselves down to Lebanon. This might not only be more expensive but it is also confusing and dangerous. Also, those tourists who have contacts can use the waterways to reach Lebanon via ship, cruise, boats, or even yachts.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is a focal part of each eco-friendly explorers' journey and all the more so when you are visiting a country like Lebanon. This is essential as you can unmistakably add to the more modest local economy which is reeling from effects of geopolitical tensions and lull economy. With no extra help, you can figure out how to bargain a hit to avaricious corporations here. Shop from neighbourhood stores on the off chance that you wish to take care of business with some good old fashioned craftsmanship. These goods are far more superior to the ones sold by mega-corporations who abuse the nearby assets for advantage and profits instead of legitimacy, art and perseverance.

Recycling

There are major issues when it comes to recycling in Lebanon. While a small percentage of the country’s waste does end up being recycled, this includes metals, glass, and plastics. There is yet a considerable amount of waste that isn’t recycled and this is due to the lack of proper machinery, investment from the government and absence of any policy. Thus, as a tourist, you are recommended to try and reuse items such as bottles wisely. Also, usage of disposables must be dialled down to a minimum for the duration of your stay.

Waste

Waste collection and separation is again a big problem in Lebanon, not many of the local people are well aware about the benefits of segregation of waste. This does make the task immensely complex for the waste management staff and ultimately leads to inefficient handling of the waste generated. There seems to be no clear and comprehensive idea for this and this is leading to a crisis as the waste management capacities are reaching operational limits.

Work and Study Abroad

Working and studying in Lebanon is a dream come true for many. While this may seem odd for the people living in the biggest countries across the globe, one must see this from the perspective of individuals who are living in the war torn regions of the Middle East.

Exchange Student

Quite frankly there are quite a few exchange students in Lebanon, especially in the capital city of Beirut which is known to be the home of many of the renowned universities of the country. Though the exchange programme by the government isn’t really inspiring, a few private scholarships, grants and initiatives by the universities themselves attract students.

Au Pair

The concept of an Au Pair isn’t very popular amongst the locals in Lebanon, hence, the chances of finding a host family are extremely low and the best chances that you might have are amongst diplomats posted here in the country.

Volunteering

Being a country which has had an equally glorious yet tumultuous past, there are plenty of issues that the common citizens are facing to date. There is a major refugee crisis due to its neighbour Syria being in a state of war and as a young individual you can give back to society by volunteering to help those at-risk.