Desert. Sun. 70 degree weather during the day and 65 at night? The many reasons everyone should take a trip to the Middle East during the crazy winter days in the US, whether it be the UAE or Qatar like I did. Or anywhere with sunny, beautiful weather for that matter. This is a quick recap of my two-week trip to Qatar!
Qatar, 2019
This trip has been a long time coming! After many years of hesitation, my sister and I finally decided December 2019 was the best time to go. Weather was amazing, not too cold or hot.
Getting there
I booked our flight through British Airways. Just tickets, no package deal as I stayed with my dad throughout the trip.
Our trip cost a total of $2765.92. This may seem quite expensive but it was on the lower side considering we were flying during the holidays.
Qatar, 2019
For this specific flight path, we decided to spilt our flights into two six-hour flights rather than take a straight flight, which to be realistic was a bit more expensive. Splitting the flights worked best for us.
Big shout to British Airways for upgrading my sister and I to Business class. That started off our trip with a bang. I mean free champagne and stellar meals? I’ll take one every-time I travel now!!
What I did in Qatar
Camel Rides at Sealine Beach
I’ve always wanted to ride a camel for as long as I could remember. This specific location cost 15 rials (about $5) per person for a 30 minute camel ride up and back on the sand dunes.
Admission: free
Katara is a cultural village in Qatar created in 2010. Filled with exceptional architectures, art and culture exposures that overlook the gulf. You’re free to walk around the massive compound or have golf-carts take you to a specific location.
Enjoy shopping, lunch or a quick coffee as you explore.
Dhow Rides
When researching for things to do, this was one option that kept popping up. A dhow is like wooden canoe like sailing boat. This boat ride gives you a wonderful look at Doha’s skyline.
Admission : Varies
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is a marketplace setting in Doha that sells various traditional clothing, spices, souvenirs, etc.
Nice place to walk and practice your bargaining skills for some souvenirs, etc. or just admire the architecture.
Shaped like the desert rose, the national museum of Qatar gives you an interactive history lesson of its citizens and where the country is headed in the future.
Admission is free to citizens and residents of Qatar. Standard ticket price is 50rial per adults and free for children age 0-16.
Super cool place to check out. Admission tickets last about 3 days from what I remember and if you aren’t there for the museum itself, you are allowed to shop in their gift shop.
Other places I visited
Villagio Mall
Mall of Qatar
Baladna Food industries
What to wear
Qatar, like most Middle-eastern countries have traditions that must be followed by its visitors.
For this trip, due to the weather being in the 70’s for the most part, I packed like one would for a summer trip. My luggage consisted of jeans, pants, skirts, long-sleeve tops, jean-jackets, etc.
Qatar has become somewhat flexible in terms of what it allows of its tourists. However, you should dress for comfort without disrespecting one’s culture.
As always, comment, share and provide feedback.
Cheers!
Hi Dorothy, this is a wonderful summary of your trip with your sister and I am glad you enjoyed it. It is great you are sharing the experience and hope you can do it again soon.
Author
Thank you!😊