Suggestions For Organizing A Trip To The Republic Of Yemen   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2010-11-23)

Our world is full of incredible places to visit. One of these places is Yemen. While it generally doesn't top the list of places to vacation, this only adds to its charm. Just because it isn't Paris or Vienna doesn't mean there is a lack of incredible things to see and memorable things to do. In a place like Yemen, you can experience a culture and the surrounding environment in a way it is supposed to be experienced: free of tourism. In order to start your adventure, you will need to apply for passports. Do this by going online and filling out application forms.

Online passport services make getting ready for a trip extremely easy. Online passport expediting services handle all of your passport needs, including a one day passport renewal. So if you need to get somewhere in a hurry, or you simply just want to get your passport quicker, visit one of these passport sites.

Yemen has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO grants the special distinction of World Heritage Sites to places that have immeasurable cultural or natural value. These places are magnificent to see, and are often well worth a trip to experience. The city of Sana'a is one of these places. With a history that reaches back 2500 years, it became a hub for political, religious, and economic activity. The city contains 103 mosques, 14 hammams, and more than 6,000 houses. All of these buildings were constructed prior to the 11th century.

Another World Heritage Site in Yemen is Shibam-Hadramout. This city is referred to as "The Manhattan of the Desert," and it's easy to see why. Surrounded by a thick fortified wall, the city is a prime example of vertical construction. Many of the buildings are constructed out of the side of a cliff, with others seeming to touch the sky. The town of Zabid, in the al-Hudayda Provence, is another World Heritage Site. This town is not only famous for it's history, but it's archeological significance as well. From the 13th to the 15th century, this town served as the capital of Yemen, and the grand architecture and buildings reflects this. The city also features an Islamic university.

The last World Heritage Site is the Socotro Archipelago. Unlike the other sites, this one is famous for it's natural significance. Known for it's biodiversity and raw natural beauty, this series of islands and islets has lifeforms that don't occur anywhere else in the world: 37% of Socotra's 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species are found only on this archipelago. Many different species of land and air birds, marine life, and corals are another facet of the islands' biodiversity.

Yemen is a place where history, religion, and nature govern a vacation, not a general must-see, must-do itinerary that tells you the places that "define" a place. In Yemen, the best way to explore is to do just what you want, and experiencing the city in its unaltered state. Just don't forget your passports.

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Remember that you can fill out USA passport application forms online, as well as apply for one day passport renewal to get your passports fast.