European Families: The Trip of A Lifetime to Lebanon

Preparing European Families For The Trip of A Lifetime to Lebanon

2019 will be Lebanon’s best year for tourism, according to the Jakarta Post. Since 2011, the country has found it difficult to entice European travelers across the border due to the conflict in nearby Syria. Thankfully, the war in Syria is almost at an end, leading Against The Compass to claim that ‘Lebanon is safer than ever’. As a result, European tourists in Lebanon increased by 127% during the first half of the year compared to the same time in 2018. If there’s one thing Europeans like to do when they travel, it’s to take their children with them. So, if you’re a European considering booking a trip to Lebanon, here’s how to ensure it’s the best trip you and your family have ever had.

What to pack

When it comes to visiting Lebanon with your family, one of the most important factors to consider is what to pack. While European holiday destinations, such as Spain and Italy, don’t have much in the way of dress codes, it’s a little different in Lebanon and you may need to rethink your outfit choices during your trip. As there are 18 different official religions in Lebanon, different areas dress differently and some are much more conservative than others. As a general rule, it’s wise to cover your legs and shoulders when you’re in conservative parts of the country and when visiting religious sites. Even in less conservative areas, beachwear and revealing items of clothing should be avoided.

Feeding little ones

Breastfeeding is a rare phenomenon in Lebanon, with statistics revealing that just 14.9% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their child at 6 months of age. Research into this has found that Lebanon women hold cultural beliefs that stop them from breastfeeding, including concern that breastfeeding harms babies, having “bad milk”, and passing on abdominal cramps to their babies via their breast milk. As such, you may choose to bottle feed your child during your trip to Lebanon in order to follow their cultural norm. If so, you’ll need to ensure you pack all of your baby’s feeding equipment, including a drying rack to safely dry feeding bottles after sanitizing them. This is important as it prevents bacteria on your tot’s feeding equipment.

Car safety

As an EU national, you’ll be used to strict vehicle safety laws for children which state that children under 1.35 meters must use a suitable safety restraint, such as a car seat. However, laws in Lebanon aren’t so strict and, according to bloggers Caleb and Nicholette, many parents hold their child on their lap while traveling in a vehicle around the country. As Spinal Cord advises that child car restraints reduce the risk of death in an accident by 54%, you’re sure to want to strap your little ones in during your trip to Lebanon.

When contacted about the lack of car seat use in Lebanon, Keri Hedrick of Family Travel in the Middle East stated that “I believe it's true locals rarely use car seats. For this reason, we always bring our own when traveling in the region. I wish I had an answer to why this is an extremely common occurrence in the Middle East.” A car seat travel bag is a great way to transport your child’s car seat to and around Lebanon with you, and it can be checked in as luggage at the airport. Alternatively, if you’re planning on hiring a car, it’s worth shopping around and finding a supplier who includes the car seats you require in their vehicles.

Must-see sites

Lebanon is one of the oldest countries in the world, dating back more than 5,000 years, according to National Geographic. As such, there are plenty of historical and fascinating landmarks and sites to explore with your children. Beirut is an absolute must place to visit as it packs in culture and ancient sites alongside modern attractions. When you’re strolling through the streets of Lebanon’s capital, you’ll come across various Mosques and Churches which highlight the importance of religion to the Lebanese and they create a great talking point for children. The children’s science museum in Beirut Souks is another great place for kids to learn in. Meanwhile, familiar family attractions come in the form of Freij Fun Fair City, Animal City, and Waves Aqua Park & Resort.

Embracing the Lebanese culture

As a result of Lebanon being centuries old, there is a lot of cultural history to explore while you’re there with your kids. Baalbek is worth a visit due to the sheer amount of Roman Ruins that you can devour with your eyes. Not only do these ruins showcase some wonderful architecture, but each and every one has its own story to tell, and your children are sure to be mesmerized by the buildings in front of them. Every year, the Roman Ruins in Baalbek become the backdrop for various music festivals and local activities. Therefore, if you can, get yourself to Baalbek while these events are on as they provide the perfect opportunity to become part of the ‘group culture’ that the locals collectively embrace.

Returning home

After a cultural and fun-packed trip to Lebanon with your children, it will be time to wave goodbye to the country and head back to Europe. An important factor to consider is that Lebanon law stipulates that any child traveling out of the country without the presence of their father may need to provide evidence that their father has granted permission for the child to travel. If this applies to you, make sure you’ve got the relevant paperwork completed and with you so that you can enjoy your last few hours in the country with your kids worry-free.

Lebanon is the perfect location for Europeans to embark on a family trip together. Packed with years of history, culture, and fun, families with children of all ages can enjoy a trip of a lifetime while enhancing their knowledge of the country and the world.