Oman Travel

A journey through Oman isn’t complete without exploring the country’s second-largest city, Salalah. Located in southern Oman, Salalah is only an hour and 45-minute flight from Muscat. A unique city, it boasts an incredible monsoon season in July and August (called Khareef) and beautiful places to wander year-round. Here are our recommendations for the eight must-see places in this special part of Oman. 1. THE BEACH AND CLIFFS AT KHOR RORI Drive about thirty minutes east of Salalah to find …

8 Places to Visit in Salalah Read More »

Oman’s move toward modern development came in 1970, but this Arab nation has managed to retain its rich cultural heritage in many ways, from the traditional familial structure and renowned Arab hospitality to the architectural design of new homes and city planning. The City’s Take on Modern Traditional While exploring the Sultanate you will notice many architectural themes: richly decorated front doors, carved wooden ceilings, and traditional arched windows. These design motifs have been carried from Oman’s rich history into …

A Guide to Oman’s Unique Architecture Read More »

You completed your research and decided to travel to Oman. Your flights are booked and your travel expert is finalizing your trip itinerary. Now that you have a departure date for your visit to Oman, check out our guide to the seasons and weather of Oman, and get ready to pack. Following are some tips to get you started on how to pack with confidence for your trip to Oman. A STARTER LIST There are of course several items that …

3 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Oman Read More »

One key to having a rich cultural experience when traveling to a new country is getting out and being among the local people to experience what their lives look like. In Oman, few places encompass daily life better than a local souk, or open-air marketplace. The souk (pronounced “soo-k”) is a long-held practice over centuries that originated from caravans traveling through the desert and setting up camp outside cities to sell their goods. These caravans often brought luxury items, such …

Souqs and Souvenirs Read More »

Oman might be one of the travel world’s best-kept secrets. Tucked into the corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is rich in history, culture, zoological and ecological wonders, and outdoor adventures. The discovery of all the beauty of Oman has brought me so much joy. Through the lens of the 5 W’s—Who, What, When, Where, Why—I collected all the basics of travel to Oman in one place for you—the future guests to my adopted home. WHO SHOULD TRAVEL TO OMAN …

5 Questions about Oman Read More »

Each year the atmosphere and landscape of Salalah, the most populated city in the south of Oman, changes with the rainy season known as Khareef. Brown and dry mountain faces transform into lush and green views you will remember for a lifetime. The number of things to see and explore in the Salalah area during this time are endless, but one of the greatest activities for you in the city is the Salalah Tourism Festival. This carnival-like event, also called …

Celebrate Salalah at the Khareef Festival Read More »

Day trips from Muscat Muscat is a beautiful area with many things to see and do, but if you need some time out of the city, here are three day trips to experience more of Oman’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Barka and Nakhal: Just an hour drive northwest along the coast from downtown Muscat is another large city in Oman, Barka. While visiting here, be sure to check out the showroom at the Barka Halwa Factory, where you can …

A Break from the City Read More »

In the Islamic month of Ramadan (link in bolded text to Ramadan blog) daylight abstinence from food and drink is strictly observed in Muslim-majority countries. During this time, non-Muslim expats in Oman or visiting tourists might find it a challenge to locate options for daytime meals. The following is a list of reliable locations we’ve discovered while hosting a few of our guests in Muscat and Salalah. Just remember that if you choose partake, please do so respectfully, and out …

Where to Eat Lunch During Ramadan in Muscat & Salalah Read More »

It takes courage and a sense of adventure to strike out alone as a woman and travel to new places. There will certainly be many people who do not understand this desire and will share their concerns for your safety. Perhaps you will start to wonder if you are making a wise decision in traveling alone after all, or if it would be better to simply stay home. In his book The Art of Travel, author Alain de Botton says, …

Tips for a Single Woman Traveling to Oman Read More »

What Is Ramadan? Ramadan is considered the most holy month by Muslims worldwide. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This calendar follows the lunar system, so the dates of Ramadan vary each year, usually moving back a week or so each year on the western calendar. In order to observe Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunup until sundown. During daylight hours, they do not eat or drink anything. This is a very special, spiritual time for …

Visiting Oman During Ramadan Read More »