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Windswept sand dunes that seem to go on forever, jagged mountains that cut into the sky and ancient wind towers make Oman a country of dramatic contrasts. There are ornate mosques, emerald-green wadis and arid-looking limestone plateaus where toe-nibbling fish thrive. You can go on 4WD routes and look for shoals of reef fish while snorkelling. Let’s talk about how to enjoy a sojourn in Oman.

What do you wish to do in Oman? The capital itself is a pretty stunning place with seasonal waterfalls, the Arabian Sea and banana plantations. It makes sense to look for a Salalah resort in Oman to find a hotel with access to the beach and lagoon. Contact hotels like the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara to see if they offer any deals. You need to find a place that lets you enjoy the

The summer months from June to July tend to be scorching and unbearably hot in Oman. Hence, it is better to avoid visiting during these months. ‘Khareef’ – the monsoon season begins in June and the lush greenery looks best in September with little heat to bother you. If you wish to see the seasonal waterfalls, August is the best time, but the heat might still be a tad bit unbearable. On the plus side, Oman doesn’t ever get cold even in winter. The heat is more bearable between the months of October and April and short rainfall blesses the country in January and February. Pick the time depending on your preferences and what you wish to do. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the heat between 12 noon to 3 pm. Use this time for a siesta or visit an air-conditioned museum.

There are ATMs all over Oman and hotels, restaurants and even petrol stations accept credit cards. Try to change 50 Riyal notes at restaurants and hotels to keep change in hand. It is good to keep change with you for small purchases and paying taxi fares.

Public transport is rather limited in Oman. There are no trains and no metro network. There is a bus system, but it is not adequate. A bus company runs a bus service within Muscat and to main intercity destinations. There are private minibuses you could hail on the streets and taxis. If you’re travelling to Oman, it is better to hire your own car. You can always ask your hotel to arrange taxis to some destinations.

The best way to see Oman and visit faraway places is to hire a car and drive it yourself. You would need an international driver’s license though. If you wish to go off the beaten track – rent a 4WD. If you are going to stay within the cities and not venture far, a Sedan would do. It is possible to go on a desert camping adventure without a 4WD. You can drive to Sharqiya Sands in a Sedan, and nearby towns offer pick-up services. You can leave your rented car in their office and travel in a 4WD for a camping adventure.

Your resort is likely to offer international fare. But Omani cuisine is just as delectable. It is a bit of a shawarma haven with small shops offering this delicacy all over the country. You’ll get your shawarma with salad, bread and hummus and sometimes spit-roasted meat.

Yes. Wild camping in Oman is safe, allowed and an excellent way to fall in love with the desert wilderness. You can find a perfect camping spot near a canyon to pitch your tent and catch a sunrise and spectacular views.

Oman is an intriguing destination with expansive dunes, historical landmarks, unique food, and wonderful experiences. If you are hoping to plan your trip to Oman, there are a few key points to know and the thing about. Reflecting on these aspects will help you plan and have the perfect trip that is memorable, convenient, and hassle-free. Here is how to plan a wonderful trip to Oman.

Image via Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

1. When to travel to Oman

As a country situated in the Middle East, Oman has a consistently high temperature throughout the year. However, certain months are cooler than others, especially during the winter season. If you visit during summer, you can expect temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Even during October, which is the start of the winter season, the temperatures only go down to between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. However, the overall weather feels more bearable between October and April when you may even witness some rain. So, this generally tends to be the best time to visit Oman. Regardless of the month you choose, it is also important to stay indoors during the peak heat times in Oman. For instance, the time between 12 noon and 3 pm tends to be the hottest. So, try and stay indoors during this time to avoid heat shocks. It is usually best to use this time to have a meal, travel, or explore indoor attractions. It can also be a great time to visit an Oman spa for relaxation.

Most tourists need a visa to travel to Oman. However, many countries are given the ability to get an arrival visa, which makes the process a lot easier. If you are visiting Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, you can inquire in advance about the best way to process your visa. People from some countries may need to take visas well in advance from their home countries. So, make sure which category you belong to. In terms of travel advisories, Oman has strict COVID-19 guidelines that you must follow. This includes producing a negative PCR test before boarding a flight to Oman and more based on where you come from. These advisories are also constantly changing. So, it is best to check with the resort or your home country about this just before you depart. Apart from these aspects, entering Oman is not at all problematic for tourists.

You will need some basic knowledge of how the currency works in Oman to travel in the country comfortably. The Omani rial is the national currency of Oman and is around $2.60 worth. This makes travelling in Oman more expensive than in most tourist destinations. It is important to have change money if you need to pay for taxis and snacks during the day. So, it is best to get change from the resort or restaurants the first opportunity you get. However, credit cards are widely accepted across Oman. So, you might not even need cash often. Either way, it is good to have some money and a couple of credit cards to be safe.

This is an aspect of Oman travels that you should not miss. Omani cuisine will be one of the main reasons that you truly enjoy the country. From great Shawarma and meat cooked in flavoursome and aromatic sauces to milky desserts and spice-infused teas, you will never be bored when exploring the food in Oman. Some restaurants are famous around the world for offering the best Omani food. It will be a great idea to search them out during your stay.