It may be down right now, but this picturesque country's not out for the count.

The aftermath of war, severe food shortages, lawlessness and the lack of essential medicine throughout the country hamper the nation's chances of prosperity any time soon.

It won't come as a surprise to too many people that Iraq isn't the best place for a holiday at the moment. The turbulent and extreme domestic situation makes Iraq one of the least desirable places in the world to be. Even if you wanted to go, chances are you'd have trouble getting there; there are only a few infrequent commercial carriers running flights to Baghdad's International Airport and only journalists, business people and aid workers are being issued visas.

There's no room for preconceptions if you're packing to visit Iran.

'Axis of evil'? Most visitors, after experiencing this friendliest of countries, couldn't agree less. For culture seekers, Iran has magnificent ruins of ancient cities, glorious mosques and mausoleums, and museums so interesting they're bound to leave your feet sore.

The more adventurous can enjoy trekking, budget-priced skiing, or some wicked rock climbing. Travellers with a deep-seated need for a few brews and/or a spot of heartfelt feminist discourse may want to consider another destination, but Iran has a huge amount to offer.

Potentially perilous areas in Iran include the western border with Iraq and the eastern border regions with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Overland travel to Iraq is not recommended unless you have a death wish. Travellers should avoid rallies and demonstrations, particularly in Tehran, as they have the potential to become violent.

Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.

More than just a powder-keg or a promised land, Israel is unforgettable.

Everyone has their own perception of what Israel is about: it's a travel-agency package of beaches and sun; it's the Promised Land of the Jews; it's a ticking time bomb. And while it is all of these things, it's much more besides. So be sure to look beyond the larger-than-life figures of the past.

Israel is a bustling, noisy, modern country. It's best not to arrive with preconceptions of spiritual epiphany. If you do, you'll almost certainly have them confirmed, but in doing so you run the risk of missing the best this fascinating place has to offer.

The security situation in Israel remains tense and unpredictable, particularly in the northern border regions and areas surrounding the West Bank and Gaza. The areas near the Lebanese border are still very unsafe and should be avoided. Palestinian rockets launched from Gaza frequently hit the southern Israeli town of Sderot. Travellers should exercise extreme caution, especially in Jerusalem, avoid any demonstrations and heed any local advice regarding safety.

Check travel advisories and news services before travelling. See Safe Travel for updated government warnings.

The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history the Middle East has been a major center of world affairs. The Middle East is also the geographic origin of three of the world’s great religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism. The Middle East generally has an arid and hot climate, with several major rivers providing for irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas. Many countries located around the Persian Gulf have large quantities of crude oil. In modern times, the Middle East remains a strategically, economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive region.

The Middle East is a historical and political region of Africa-Eurasia with no clear boundaries. The term "Middle East" was popularized around 1900 in Britain, and has been criticized for its loose definition. The Middle East traditionally includes countries or regions in Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa. The corresponding adjective to Middle East is Middle-Eastern and the derived noun is Middle-Easterner.

Moody ruins, spectacular desert landscape and a friendly cup of tea.

Bible stories, lost cities, Lawrence of Arabia - Jordan has romantic associations up to its eyeballs. It's a country that ought to be awash with tourists, but the Middle East's bad reputation has kept them away in droves. Don't be fooled: Jordan is, on the whole, peaceful.

More than that, it's one of the most welcoming, hospitable countries in the world. Where else could you leave your belongings on the street for hours at a time, and find them there when you get back? Where else do total strangers with nothing to sell invite you into their homes?

Travellers to Jordan should exercise caution in popular public sites and be informed at all times of the current political situation. Borders with Israel and Iraq are obvious potential trouble spots. Some travellers have been tempted to use Jordan as an easy route into Iraq - not a good idea.

There's more to this place than ancient ruins and really good almond pastries.

Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes are just the start. Then there's great food (reputedly the best in the region), and great nightlife (Beirut claims to be the party capital of the Middle East).

The security situation in Lebanon remains very uncertain, with presidential elections being postponed for the 13th time. Violent clashes and bombings have taken place on the streets of Beirut and further unrest is probable. Palestinian refugee camps have been the scene of armed conflict and should be avoided. Areas south of the Litani River should be avoided. Travellers should exercise extreme caution and monitor the news for any developments. Beirut airport has reopened but damage from the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war remains significant throughout the city. The presence of unexploded ordnance is a real threat, particularly in the south.

For more information check out Safe Travel .

Sure, there's the undulating sand, but there's archeology and technology too.

Arabia has intrigued travellers for centuries. Its vast swathes of desert were the swaddling clothes of infant Islam, the Arab race and of Arabic, a language considered holy by Muslims. It's also home to Islam's two holiest cities and a host of modern, thriving, oil-rich metropolises.

Following attacks on foreigners, western governments are warning against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. If you are staying in the country, avoid public places where Westerners are known to congregate, ensure that your hotel has a good reputation for maintaining high security precautions and stay abreast of travel advisory updates.

Check out Safe Travel for a current official warning.

Everything from desert safaris to designer shopping, in true exotic luxury.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. It boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, markets and the renowned duty-free shopping of dazzling Dubai - all packed into a relatively small area.

The UAE is a contradictory place where traditional Bedouin lifestyle meets Western consumerism and big-town bling. But rather than clashing, these disparate influences have produced a unique 21st-century nation that combines the cultures of conservative Islam and the liberal West in one package.

Syria

History-hounds will love this fascinating array of archaeological treasures.

Syria's historic sites rival those of its Middle Eastern neighbours; it also lays claim to the oldest continuously occupied city (Damascus vies for the title with Aleppo), the spunkiest Crusader castle (Crac des Chevaliers) and the best preserved Roman theatre (in Bosra).

The best time of year to go to Syria is spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. In Damascus, the winter rains will have cleared the haze and swollen the rivers, so the wooden norias (waterwheels) in Hama will be turning and fresh, clean water flowing through the city. Autumn (September to November) is the next-best choice, between the intense heat of summer and the cloud of winter. If you go in summer (June to August), don't be caught without a hat, sunscreen and water bottle, especially if you're going to Palmyra or the northeast. Coastal areas such as Lattakia can get extremely humid, while the interiors will be very hot and dry. Winter can also be rather unpleasant. The winter rains can make sightseeing difficult, but if you're lucky, a blanket of snow may cover Damascus and the high altitudes. Bear in mind that the cheaper hotels may not have heating. If you are travelling during school holidays, you should book accommodation well in advance. Travelling in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan may also require a bit more planning: some cafes and restaurants close during the day, and some offices operate reduced and erratic hours. Ramadan nights, particularly during the final three days of the Eid al-Fitr can be particularly lively. Syria has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland it gets progressively drier and more inhospitable, while on the coast things are more friendly, with average daily temperatures ranging from 31°C (87°F) in summer (July) to 10°C (50°F) in winter (January). In the steppes area, where most of the cities are, expect temperatures to be a couple of degrees warmer. The desert can clock temperatures of up to 46°C (115°F). The end of summer can sometimes bring baking khamsin winds from the east, which are best avoided. Syria doesn't get a whole lot of rain, but what it does get falls mainly on the coast in the months between November and April.