Spending Vacations in Doha,Qatar!

Qatar is of course, a small country, part of Arabian world towards east of the Arabian Peninsula. The country, though small but it stands out rich because of its oil and natural gas reserves. Doha, the capital city of Qatar is the center of power and has lot many things to enjoy. Doha is concentrating on tourism and investing in the industry too by developing beaches, luxury hotels and properties, huge shopping malls and lot of entertainment. The beaches are on Persian Gulf side are a source of attraction for those who love seaside and the depth of waters.

Doha International Airport has direct daily flights from New York City served by national carrier Qatar Airways. Other US locations offer conveniently connecting service via major European air hubs like Amsterdam and London too. Flight to and from New York takes 14 hours and U.S. citizens need not have visa requirement before their arrival in Qatar. This is conveniently done at arrival time for a visa for less than 30 days. Many of big hotels offer free shuttle service from Doha International Airport. Interestingly Qatar Airways passengers get free pickup from airport to hotel as part of the package.

Weather

Doha is amid typical Arabian Desert area and thus has scorching hot weather in summers. Humidity is also of part of Doha being on sea side but November to March are cool months having low humidity attracting lot of tourists. Most of the hotels and large buildings in Doha are fully air-conditioned and well equipped for environment management. Many hotels have arrangement along the coast and also have their swimming pools to fight heat of deserts.

Attractions

Doha is not as planned or equipped like Dubai but sufficiently it holds lot many tourist attractions for general entertainment. Locals and foreigners equally avail these places to spend time to have fun. The city has Museum of Islamic Art that keeps a fairly large collection of art pertaining to Islam from  throughout the world. The museum building is a piece of superb architecture situated on a man-made island close to the mainland in the Persian Gulf. The Souq Waqif is one of the old and favorite market area on Doha Port having plenty of local artifacts, handicrafts and traditional jewelry.

Cultural Things to Remember

Unlike Saudi Arabia Qatar does not require foreign visiting ladies to wear full body covering called abayahs, or have veils or even head scarves. But it is recommended that Western women need to respect local culture and dress up conservatively covering their shoulders and legs avoiding miniskirts and camisoles etc. US government has also advised the visitors that bath-suits may be used within hotel pool areas and private beach sites only. Import of alcohol by passengers is not permitted but most of the big hotels do serve this and it is illegal to have this elsewhere. Western couple culture like kissing and holding hands is also not permitted.

Desert Safari Adventure for Families

Going on a family vacation takes a lot of careful planning. Adventures are just not the same once the growing numbers begin to create different needs. Having kids on a trip can entail a very different kind of preparation from embarking on an excursion with adults of the same age.

A few years ago, an overnight desert safari tour meant that a V8 four-wheeler was enough for a road trip with a couple of friends, hitting the sand for some frolic and fun in the dunes. A nomadic tent was set up, and the open sky played host to a night of barbecue and Arabian entertainment.

A few years older, times have become different. The free-spirited adventurers becoming new parents now require the assistance and expertise of a tour provider to ensure the travel itinerary and safety of the children. They are picked up by an appointed driver along with other guests, and the group becomes a friendly mix of elderly and young adventurers.

The Sealine Beach Resort is a traveler’s point, marking the end of the road and the beginning of the desert. An exciting camel ride awaits the eager travelers, and the dune beckons.

The exhilarating ride through the dunes need not have worried the young mothers. The children are secured tightly with seatbelts, even while the truck rolls and rotates over the sandy waves. The adrenaline rush is invigorating, even as the driver expertly traverses the shifting terrain.

Beaches are a combined attraction to the tour. The Khor Al Udeid, popularly known as the Inland Sea, boasts of a striking view of azure skies and the dune desert landscape. Tourists can take a freefall off the water’s edge, landing on a gentle slope into the warm waters.

The best truck to take on these desert expeditions is the Nissan Patrol Super Safari, according to a professional driver at the Qatar International Adventures tour provider.

Tea at a campsite caps the three-hour trip. On the way back, the dunes stretched out into the horizon once more, inviting one more round of outdoor excitement and a breath-taking desert experience.

If you're interested in a desert safari in Qatar with your family (or friends!), There are many companies with some offers for groups of up to 5 people.

Tell us about your desert safari experiences below!