Syria - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**worldwidemike** · 06-21-2005, 02:22 AM

Hi everyone,

Well, I talked to the airline that I plan to fly on to Syria, and they say I shouldn't have any problem getting there and back this September (airline employee -- I fly standby). So, looks like I'm "Go" for Syria, this Fall!

Anyway, any advice, news, rumors, contacts -- whatever -- will be greatly appreciated. The two guidebooks I found are several years out of date!

My plans include seeing the major archeological sites of Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers...

worldwidemike

**tumblezweedz** · 06-21-2005, 05:00 AM

Well that sounds pretty dang awesome! With all that's been going on in the region, it could be a VERY interesting time to be there...

**beergal** · 06-21-2005, 06:07 AM

wow that sounds like a brilliant trip mike ive heard that Tartus is very pretty like a kind of greek fishing village but with syrians and not greeks i cant believe i wrote that ha ha

**omisan** · 06-21-2005, 09:58 AM

Woah, awesome!!

That book mentioned in another thread, Honeymoon with my Brother has an amusing chapter on Syria, but I don't know how useful it would be in terms of advice, unless it's about trying to bribe the border patrol

**kingcrazylegs** · 06-21-2005, 12:28 PM

That is one of the areas I have always wanted to go. I got got real tight with a family from Syria living in Malta. Keep us updated.

**worldwidemike** · 06-22-2005, 06:53 AM

Visas are 100 bucks...youch! Oh well, everything else should be pretty cheap, I hear...

Keep the info coming...

worldwidemike

**worldwidemike** · 08-21-2005, 11:22 AM

So, I went to DC and got my visa, paid my $100 (thanks, George W, for jacking up everyone else's visa prices so that the countries retaliate). Now, as I keep double-checking the loads, it's getting ugly. I have a number of ways to get over there with no problem, but I'm down to one returning flight -- a KLM one from Damascus to Amsterdam that isn't oversold.

I even checked taking the bus to Beirut and flying out of there...it's even more oversold. What I'm running into, I guess, is all of the Arab college students coming back to the U.S. for Fall classes.

I'm beginning to wonder if it's time to slot this trip back to my November vacation, and go somewhere else at the last second for September. Unfortunately, November is time for shitty weather in Syria.

Ah...standby travel...gotta love it!!!

worldwidemike

**kingcrazylegs** · 08-21-2005, 02:23 PM

I wouldn't worry about the weather - GO!

**omisan** · 08-21-2005, 11:32 PM

Yeah, I think weather is one of my lowest-priority considerations when planning a trip, unless there's watersports (not THAT kind, you sickos...) or snowsports involved. If going in less than desirable weather means it's cheaper or less crowded, I'm willing to take an extra layer or two!

**tumblezweedz** · 08-22-2005, 05:27 AM

Well, at least you wouldn't have to fight the tourist hordes...

**worldwidemike** · 08-22-2005, 10:36 AM

Yeah, I definitely won't let the fact that it's Syria's "rainy season" keep me from going in November. As for leaving this month, well, I thought it over, and I think it'd be reckless of me to go with only one flight available that is NOT oversold. Okay, stupid, more likely...especiallly when I have another vacation week coming up in November (and my visa will still be good for it).

So, Syria's officially postponed till November.

That means I need one of my patented, emergency, back-pocket replacement trips!

And I think I know where it's going to be...I just checked the flights, and I can get there...woo-hoo! Where is it? Nah, I'm not telling...the more I talk about these trips, lately, the more I seem to be jinxing them!

So, I guess you'll find out in a week and half or so...

worldwidemike

**Esterina** · 08-22-2005, 01:33 PM

From deception to joy ! Syria in November, and this secret destination, + your previous trip last winter... You know how envious I am, Mike !

But soooo happy for you !

Can't wait to read where you're going to