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How to Plan the Best Trip to Oman

Spending a Memorable Vacation in Oman

By traveltheworld worldPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

As one of the Middle East's most dynamic tourist hotspots, Oman has a lot to offer travellers from around the world. Home to some of the region's finest cities and historical points of interest, spending a memorable vacation in Oman requires both planning and forethought. From finding the right time to travel to sign up for exciting adventures, here are some tips on how to plan the ultimate getaway to this desert vacation hub.

1. Time the Visit

Although Oman is largely considered a year-round holiday destination, those who wish to make the most of their getaway should time their visit to the country. Unlike other nations where the summer months may be unpleasantly humid, Oman's summers and too intolerable for tourists to contemplate, let alone live through. This is why all travellers must steer clear of Oman during the hottest months of the year which last from June to August and travel to Oman from October to April when the weather is far more conducive for outdoor excursions and those hailing from cold climate locations. Temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius even during this period but it is as "mild" as Oman gets in terms of weather conditions.

2. Determine the Duration

The next step in the planning process is deciding how long one should stay in the country and this is both a matter of personal preference as well as how much time is at your disposal. Although Oman is a relatively large country, geographically speaking, most of the landscapes in the country are uninhabited by human beings which narrows down the cities and locations tourists can explore. Some would go so far as to say that a few days is more than enough to see all that Oman has to offer although this also depends on how rapidly one travels across the country. As a rule of thumb, tourist may want to stay at least a week and no more than two if they wish to experience Oman in full.

3. Getting Around

Regardless of the duration of your stay and how your travel itinerary in Oman is shaping up, finding the best ways to travel within the country is crucial for first-time visitors. Budget travellers may be disappointed to find that public transport networks are virtually non-existent in Oman and that the chief means of getting around the country are divided between rental vehicles and taxis. Those with an international driving license can rent a car for the duration of their stay but costs are anything but cheap when it comes to renting vehicles in Oman. Those who hire drivers to take the wheel on a rental may also want to download the Waze app as Google Maps does not offer accurate information on Omani routes. The cheapest way to explore the country is by signing up for organized tours on tourists buses that are available through local tour operators. Not only will these tours include most meals and accommodation options but they will also take care of the messy details of reaching Oman's best-loved cities efficiently.

4. Must-Visit Cities

When it comes to must-experience precincts of Oman one cannot forget its iconic and historic capital Muscat. This vibrant city should be the starting point of all Omani travel itineraries as there's much to do and experience in this city which sprung up around the harbour region of Mutrah. The Mutrah Souq, the towering Mutrah Fort and the stunning Mutrah Corniche are just some of the highlights of this bustling metropolis which is also home to the Wadi Shab and the Bimmah Sinkhole. Home to the landmark Al-Ayjah Old Town, Sur is another cultural epicentre in Oman complete with conventional dhow boats and the famed Al-Ayjah Watchtower. No trip to Oman would be complete without delving into the Empty Quarter where the dunes of Wahiba Sands are found. Ideal for desert lovers and culture buffs one can camp out under the stars in this veritable dune covered landmass straight out of the Arabian Nights.

5. Secure Strategic Accommodation

Whether one selects the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort or any other Oman luxury resorts in the country, it is important to consider the location of the rest and its proximity to well-known attractions. This is due to the fact that travelling between sightseeing hubs can be quite costly and a convenient base should offer easy access to all of the major highlights in a particular area.

middle east
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