Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and it's also one of the most mysterious. After all, most travelers were not allowed to visit for decades until 2019, the year the Kingdom opened its doors to tourists from 49 countries around the world, including the United States.
This richly diverse country has also endured its share of controversies, as well as a reputation for treating women as second-class citizens who must cover their bodies (including their faces) from head to toe.
I have to say, I had plenty of preconceived notions about visiting Saudi Arabia before I hopped on my initial flight from Paris to Riyadh, the country's thriving capital. But, what it's really like to travel to Saudi Arabia is a lot different than what you might surmise based on the news — even for women.
