Joanna James
Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most fascinating destinations, Oman welcomes travellers from around the world. Here are some practical travel tips for first-timers heading to the country.
As one of the most important aspects of planning a trip to Oman, timing the visit is crucial to enjoying a pleasant holiday. As a destination where the weather can have a big impact on one's health, comfort levels and the types of activities are accessible, visiting Oman on a whim is not recommended. It is best to avoid the summer months from May to October as the heat and humidity hit an all-time high and makes spending time outdoors not only unbearable but torturous for those used to cooler climates. The best time to visit Oman is during the winter months from November to April when temperatures are colder and more conducive for outdoor activities.
Oman offers visa on arrival for travellers hailing from a plethora of nations including those that belong to the European Union, the United States, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Norway, Malaysia, Paraguay Japan and countless others. Travellers should check with their local Omani consulate to find out if a visa is required to enter the country and apply for a visa online. Month-long tourist visas and 10-day tourist visas are issued by Omani consulates around the world while those who wish to travel to other countries in the region will need to purchase a multiple entry visa that's valid for 12 months.
As when planning a holiday to any destinations, doing one's own research by reading travel books and blogs related to Omani vacations is crucial. This is especially relevant to those who have no experience travelling in Islamic nations as the cultural norms and practices of Oman may come as a shock to those who do not take the time to read up. Accommodation providers in the country also include Oman luxury resorts the likes of the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort and similar establishments as well as budget-friendly alternatives so research is also required in this regard.
Oman may also prove to be a difficult nation to explore independently due to lack of public transport options to various destinations within the country. This is why signing up for tours and excursions with local tour operators are important for first-time visitors. Those who possess an international driving license can opt to rent a vehicle and drive around Oman but this may also prove challenging if one does not speak the local language or have a comprehensive understanding of the local road network. Some of the best tour options available to tourists include Muscat city tours, Nizwa tours, Musadam tours which include dolphin watching extrusions and tours of Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyons of the country.
Travellers will find that Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East where crime rates are significantly low due to the strict laws in place to protect its citizens. This does not mean that one must ignore common sense and leave one's belongings unattended or trust every individual one comes across during the holiday as scam artists and theft are common occurrences in every vacation hub.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
