24 hours in Muscat

By Travelweekly ,  Joanna Booth

Oman’s capital is the current must-visit city in the Gulf. Joanna Booth explores.

Not too many years ago, when most Brits heard the word Muscat, they thought of grapes. Now, they’re more likely to register it as one of the world’s coolest city-break destinations. The Omani capital is topping ‘must-visit’ lists left, right and centre.

The popularity of this port city is richly deserved. This is a metropolis that is traditionally Arabic and Islamic, yet also truly modern, and very friendly to the West. There’s a lot to see, but the climate, and the quality of the hotels, mean that it can offer sun-soaked relaxation in addition to sightseeing.

It works as a standalone destination and as the jumping-off point for a tour of wider Oman; and, with Oman Air flying onward to destinations including Malé, Colombo and Bangkok, it also works as a stopover city.

10.00: After breakfast, head for the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It’s one of the few mosques in the Arabian peninsula that is open to non-Muslims. Tourists can visit for free between 8am and 11am every day except Fridays. Remind clients to cover up – long sleeves and full-length trousers or skirts – and women will need a scarf to cover their hair.

With its low-rise white buildings, Muscat is one of the more understated Gulf cities, but the Omanis have really gone to town on their mosque. Housing up to 20,000 worshippers, it is one of the largest in the world. Named after, and privately financed by, Oman’s Sultan, no one knows how much the huge project cost.

The serenity of the pale marble courtyards gives way to neck-craning astonishment in the men’s prayer hall. The mosaics covering every wall are as vivid and intricate as the calligraphy inside the exquisitely illuminated volumes of the Koran. The chandelier is truly vast – when it needs to be cleaned or repaired, 12 people can stand inside it. The ornate Iranian carpet is the size of a football pitch and is the largest single-piece carpet in the world.

11.30: The mosque is a drive away from the port district of Muttrah. Head for the harbour and watch modern yachts and traditional wooden dhows bobbing side by side on the waves. Sit outside a cafe with a view of the Muttrah Fort towering above the corniche, and order a kahwa. These coffees, traditionally used to welcome guests, are served short and dark with a hint of cardamom, and are usually offered with something sweet – dates or nutty halwa.

Riding on the caffeine kick, head into the labyrinthine passages of the Muttrah Souk. Muscat’s oldest souk has plenty to see, not least the ancient carved wooden ceiling that arches over the stores and stalls below. These display jewellery, carpets, spices and fragrant piles of Oman’s famous frankincense, though wander off the main pathways and you’ll also find locals buying cooking pots and clothing.

13.00: Time to eat. Hitting the fine balance between authenticity and tourist-friendliness is the Kargeen Cafe. Tables are set in a leafy courtyard, and the food is delicious and portions large. Try the traditional shuwa, a slow-cooked lamb dish served, as many Omani dishes are, with rice and a tomato sauce spiced with chilli.

14.30: Head for Old Muscat and get out of the afternoon sun in the Bait Al Zubair Museum. This private collection of artefacts resides in the family’s former home, and gives a comprehensive view of different aspects of Oman’s culture and history. Visitors can see traditional clothing, from the brightly coloured robes and ornate headdresses of women, to the decorated curved khanjar daggers. These are belted around the flowing white dishdashas most Omani men wear. There are pots and pans, firearms, art and jewellery, and all these artefacts are not just displayed but placed in context, illuminating aspects of how life in Oman was, and sometimes still is lived.

16.00: It’s a relatively short walk to the Al Alam Palace. Oman’s much-loved Sultan has a number of palaces across the country, and this imposing gold and blue structure is used to receive distinguished visitors. Visitors can’t go inside, but the facade is a pretty impressive sight. After this, take a wander along the corniche or head back to the hotel to freshen up.

19.30: If you can get tickets, take in a performance at the Royal Opera House. It’s large and architecturally striking, and sits in a complex with landscaped gardens, retail outlets, restaurants and an art centre. As well as opera, there are ballet and classical music concerts, and tango and even whirling dervish performances. Otherwise, head out for dinner. Try Shahrazad at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah for upmarket Moroccan cuisine, or the popular Mumtaz Mahal for Indian.

Why its so important to Travel Now Even if You Have Limited Cash..

Posted by travel answer man

There are numerous reasons travel is good for you, especially in economically difficult times. Please share these important tips with your friends and take advantage of them yourself today! Cash in on the great end of the year deals before it is too late!

Travel is great for your overall health! Just one vacation annually might be able to reduce an individual’s chance of a heart attack significantly and eliminate stress. Upon returning from a trip, many travelers admit their deep sleep is significantly improved. While traveling, most people’s blood pressure will drop. You can’t ignore these vital health tips!

It’s great for personal relationships! The anticipation of going on a vacation increases positive emotions about one’s own life. A new travel experience can cause a person to look at the world differently. Most will return from vacation with a much more open mind…a much improved outlook on life. That has got to be a good thing in today’s negative thinking world!

Travel may deposit more money in your wallet. Many people are more creative when they return refreshed from a long holiday. Your day to day performance at work is likely to improve also…rested physically and refreshed mentally. Imagine what you might be able to do! It might even help you get that new promotion or next raise. A “new you” might just be all it will take in the eyes of the boss.

So what are you waiting for? As the world economy has suffered the last number of months, the travel industry suppliers have been forced to re-invent themselves and revise their current strategy. They have lowered prices to levels that have not been seen for many years. This includes the airlines, hotels, resorts, spas, car rentals, cruise lines, trains, restaurants, golf courses, and various sightseeing activities. Go now! Don’t wait any longer…quit procrastinating! Travel is a wise investment in your life.

Start Living , Book your next Dreamtrip

Holiday Pet Travel

he holidays are one of the peak seasons for travel, and it is the perfect time to take your pet along with you. Whether you are off on a ski vacation, visiting family or perhaps enjoying the magical feeling of a Swiss village at Christmas time, having your best friend along will make the trip more enjoyable.

Be sure to consider your pet’s identification before you leave. Pet ID tags with your CELL PHONE number are great since there will not be anyone at home to answer the phone. You should consider the added safety of a pet microchip. If your pet is separated from you, a shelter or a veterinarian can read the chip, and they can then track you down through the database of the manufacturer of the microchip. If you are going to be spending a couple of weeks in one place, consider buying a second Pet ID tag with the contact information on where you will be staying.

Pet Crates are a great way to keep your pet safe when traveling in the car. Unless a pet is confined or harnessed, its behavior can cause great distraction to the driver of the vehicle. As much as we all like our smaller pet in our lap, it is detrimental to the safety of the pet, the driver, and the passengers riding in the car. A collision, even at a slow speed, can seriously injure an unrestrained pet. The safety of your pet is your responsibility. Be sure and buckle them in with a pet harness or confine them in a crate.

If it is very warm or very cold, don’t leave your pet in the car alone. Be prepared by having a supply of water in portable pet water food bowls in the car. You may not find the brand of pet food that your pet is accustomed to where you are going, so bring extra food with you.

If your pet is larger than about 15 pounds, and you are traveling by air, then you will need an IATA compliant pet crate with special safety features. If you will be staying in a hotel, then the pet crate is the proper place to leave your pet while you go out to dinner. Make sure that the pet crate is large enough so that your pet can stand up and turn around. Be sure to leave an adequate supply of food and water to last for the period that you will be away. It’s also a good idea to place an absorbent pet pad in the bottom of the crate that will keep your pet dry in case of accidents.

Be sure and become familiar with hotel pet policies. Ask where it is appropriate to walk your pet and the areas where your pet is permitted. Always pick up after your pet.

Buy your crate well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it before you travel. Pet crates come in two pieces, a top and a bottom. For a few days leave the top off the crate and put treats and a favorite toy in just the bottom portion. After seeing that your pet is comfortable, assemble the crate and leave the door open. Invite them in with praise and treats.

Flying with your pet is easy these days. Almost all airlines accept pets on board the aircraft. Very small pets can often travel in the cabin of the aircraft with you in an airline compliant pet carrier. Larger pets will travel as checked baggage in a special section of the cargo hold where the temperature and pressure is the same as in the cabin. Be sure to alert the captain of the aircraft that you have a pet in cargo as he will take extra care to keep the temperature and pressure at the proper levels. You will need a health certificate stating that your pet is healthy enough to fly. Be sure to make reservations early as the airlines only allow a limited number of pets per flight. Stay away from medical tranquilizers for your pet and instead give them an all natural pet calmer that will make them less anxious.

You will need lodging on the way. A great majority of pet friendly hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts that accept pets but they do not always accept all types and sizes. It is important to make your reservations in advance and ask about their pet policy. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet in the car overnight.

When traveling, keep your pet on their normal schedule by feeding them and taking them for their “walk” as close to the regular time as possible. Be sure to pack a supply of plastic bags to take along on those walks. If you are traveling with a cat, there are portable kitty litter trays available. Realize that your pet is out of their normal surroundings, so be sure and keep them on a leash and watch them closely. Reassure them should they show signs of nervousness or anxiety.

Be considerate of other people. Although there are many pet lovers in this world, there are some that do not feel comfortable around pets. Respect others by restraining your pet when necessary.

So whether your destination is Grandma’s house, a mountain cabin, or a ski resort in Switzerland, your pet can accompany you with the proper planning. International destinations require special veterinary certificates, however when traveling to most countries, there will be no quarantine of your pet.

 

Find more articles at http://www.pettravel.com/

Best in Cruise Travel: Cruise Critic Names 2011 Editors’ Picks Awards Winners – U.S

Roll out the red gangway for Cruise Critic’s 4th Annual Editors’ Picks Awards. We’re showcasing the best of the best in cruise travel in categories covering both the big-ticket “Best New Ship of 2011” and “Best for Evening Entertainment,” as well as hotly contested “Best Bar” and “Best for Solo Cruisers.”

2011’s 25 awards were hand-picked by Cruise Critic’s editorial staff, experts in the field who’ve collectively spent thousands of days at sea, and who’ve been known to mumble ship passenger counts and alternative-dining fees in their sleep. Arriving at the list of winners wasn’t without its gale-force debates. While some categories had an obvious champ, other superlatives, including “Best River Cruise Line,” were fought tooth and nail until the most convincing viewpoint prevailed.

“Cruise lines offer exceptional hospitality and some of the best vacation experiences in the world, so to choose just a handful of ships and lines to honor is really tough,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic’s editor in chief. “We aim to highlight those lines that deserve credit in specific areas — where we believe they truly excel — such as dining, accommodations or onboard activities. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”

Several of 2011’s most important categories, including “Best New Ship” and “Best for Families,” have returned from 2010, but there are also a slew of enticing new awards highlighting ingenious inside cabin concepts and fantastic at-sea buffets. We’ve also established our first-ever port award

New Data Says Carry-On Bags, Checkpoint Top Frustrations

New survey data shows four of the top five air traveler frustrations relate to the checkpoint process, though a majority of travelers are supportive of recent initiatives to improve traveler facilitation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association to mark the 10th anniversary of TSA, the survey results were announced by U.S. Travel’s President and CEO Roger Dow at a press conference at Washington Reagan National Airport.

“I want to thank the men and women of TSA for a decade of dedicated service,” said Dow. “While we recognize the significant steps TSA has taken to improve security screening, the process still remains inefficient and frustrating for millions of Americans.”

Travelers are generally satisfied with TSA’s overall performance as it relates to security. A full two-thirds, 66 percent, of air travelers are satisfied with the job TSA is doing on security and only 13 percent said they were dissatisfied.

Additionally, a strong majority of air travelers support TSA’s recent efforts to improve the efficiency of the passenger checkpoint process, and they believe that the agency is headed on the “right track” with new initiatives such as the newly launched trusted traveler program PreCheck, the elimination of pat downs for children, software upgrades that replace personal body images with a generic body image and a decision to phase out the removal of shoes.

But while travelers commend TSA for these efforts, they continue to be frustrated with the checkpoint process. In fact, four out of five air travelers reported that their top frustrations with flying are still directly related to the checkpoint process:

• 72.4 percent chose “people who bring too many carry-on bags through the security checkpoint”;
• 68 percent chose “the wait time to clear the TSA checkpoint”;
• 62.3 percent chose “having to remove shoes, belts and jackets at the TSA checkpoint”; and
• 42.5 percent chose “TSA employees who are not friendly”.

In light of the survey’s findings, U.S. Travel makes three recommendations:

• Airlines must allow more opportunities for enrollment in PreCheck and not discriminate against consumers who are not members of their loyalty programs;
• Airlines must work with TSA and the travel industry to decrease the number of carry-on bags going through passenger checkpoints, which is a top frustration for passengers and a major security concern of TSA; and
• TSA must continue to focus on traveler facilitation because travelers are more willing to fly when the hassle is reduced.

“We can reduce the hassle of flying without compromising security,” said Dow. “When we do, more Americans will travel and our economy will benefit. If travelers took just two to three more trips a year, it would generate $85 billion in travel and spending and support 880,000 additional jobs.”

The executive summary of the report can be found here.

Rent an Entire Country?

By Joshua Pramis /TravelLeisure

When it comes to vacation rentals, we’re all familiar with hotels, resorts, villas, yurts, and boats. But what if you had the chance (and budget) to take it to the next level, and rent an entire country? (No, there’s no typo there. And yes, you read that right.)

Airbnb.com, a vacation rental site that lets people rent out their own properties to travelers looking to stray from the typical hotel stay, is really stepping up its game with this offer, which (literally) puts the key to the small country of Liechtenstein (which rests on Austria’s western border) in your hands. But you’ll need to be a high-roller (or at least have a ton of friends willing to pool resources) if you want take advantage; the cost is $70,000 per night.

So what do you get with your rental?

– A ceremonial key to the state. (I said literally, didn’t I?)
– Welcome ceremony hosted by the country’s parliament.
– The right to rename streets and town squares.
– Parties thrown in your newly renamed village square.
– Access to entire stadiums to take over for whatever you want. (Movie screening, anyone?)

And that’s just the beginning. There are vineyards, skiing and hiking trails, museums, castles, beautiful countryside…all at your disposal. (Oh, and plenty of good eats!)

I should also mention: it’s recommended that, to really take advantage of this offer, you should be arriving with an entourage of some 150 people.

For more information, take a look at the seller’s page on Airbnb. There are also some (slightly) more affordable options to rent out villages, rather than an entire country.

Top 10 whitewater rafting destinations

 Beat the summer heat with a river rafting trip

If you’re keen to beat the sweltering summer temperatures and embrace adventure you might consider cooling off with a whitewater rafting trip. Online travel adviser Cheapflights offers its top 10 whitewater rafting destinations to experience the thrills and chills of this splashy adventure sport. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Grand Canyon National Park, United States

Sign up for a single- or multi-day excursion on rivers that wind through America’s most astounding natural wonder — the Grand Canyon. Spend hours, days — even weeks — on a professionally guided tour of waterways that range from placid to downright wild. Start at Glen Canyon Dam at the northeast part of the gorge and, from there, let your tour director — or your own paddle, should you choose — be your guide.

2. Ottawa River, Canada

The Ottawa River does a lot more than distinguish the border between Quebec and Ontario. The behemoth waterway is also Canada’s most popular destination for rafting and kayaking. Luke-warm waters attract families and die-hard rafters each summer to steer through a valley thought to be more than 175 million years old. Take the kids for a leisurely paddle, or put on helmets with more competitive friends and race down the wondrous archipelago at top speed.

3. Glacier National Park, United States

Travelers aiming to combine whitewater rafting with other outdoor excursions need look no further than Flathead River in Montana’s Glacier National Park. More than a million acres of preserved ecosystem and 700 milesof walkable trails make this nature lover’s paradise an ideal spot for hiking and, of course, rafting. Pilot your inflatable vessel along the 158 miles of pure, unadulterated water, sourced directly from the Rocky Mountains

4. Magpie River, Canada

It’ll take you eight days to steer the escalating rapids of Quebec’s Magpie River. Pitch a tent along this scenic stretch of river and savor its splendor, including the northern lights, in between day-long floats. Grade V rapids — the toughest classification recommended to raft — will greet you at the end of your week-long journey at Magpie Falls, a 125-foot vision of cascading water.

5. Pacuare River, Costa Rica

Also known as the Rio Pacuare, Costa Rica’s Pacuare River is a delightful escape with varying degrees of difficulty that last approximately 67 miles. Divided into the Upper Upper, Upper, and Lower sections, the river’s range of difficulty spans from Grade II to V – perfect for novice and veteran rafters alike. Surrounded completely by acres of lush rainforests, sailing down the Pacuare toward the Caribbean may mean introducing yourself to Costa Rica’s wildlife, like monkeys, exotic birds and jaguars.

6. Futaleufu River, Chile

Arguably the best river in the world for experienced rafters to tackle, Chile’s Futaleufu River offers both spectacular views and intense rapids. The stream, which cascades from lakes in the Los Alerces National Park and the Andes Mountains, is renowned for its deep-blue waters and Grade V drops. Recommended for skilled rafters with years of experience, the Futaleufu serves up long stretches of excitement at a time like the Wild Mile, a series of rapids that’ll keep any athlete on his or her toes — scratch that — seat.

7. Apurimac River, Peru

Earning bragging rights for rafting part of the world’s largest river is reason enough to fly to southern Peru for a rafting trip this year. The Apurimac River sources the Amazon, providing kayakers and whitewater rafters a chance to see South America’s magnificent wilderness up close. Grade IV rapids — and a four-day commitment — attract skilled rafters with an appreciation for camping and the great outdoors.

8. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Only expert rafters should attempt to tackle the intense swells and challenging rapids that the Zambezi River is so wildly famous for. Separated into the upper and middle Zambezi by Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the river is nearly 1,600 miles of nature at its finest. Look for hippopotamuses and crocodiles along calmer stretches of the river, and brace yourself for massive drops and death-defying rapids along the no-nonsense parts, including the Batoka Gorge.

9. White Nile, Uganda

Maneuvering a boat full of rafters along the Bujagali Falls near the mouth of Lake Victoria is an adventureyou’ll never forget. The White Nile, a tributary of the actual Nile River, flows through Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Inexpensive rafting companies have set up shop near the most exciting part of the river in Uganda, combining world-class rafting with an introduction to Africa’s astonishing landscape. Grade V rapids ease into harmonious currents, promising rafters both relaxation and thrills in a single afternoon.

10. North Johnstone River, Australia

The four- or six-day expedition along the North Johnstone River in North Queensland’s World Heritage rainforests is considered one of the best travel adventures in the world. Ride a helicopter to the beginning of your unforgettable journey and wind your way through Grade V rapids and truly amazing scenery. Not for the faint of heart, North Johnstone offers days on end of the most demanding — and rewarding — whitewater rafting out there.

Top Safety Tips for Women Travelers

• By Kathleen Crislip

  Women’s Travel Tips to Take to Heart

  It’s a fact that women need to travel with a little special care; horror stories do exist and women, taught to have a care in life in general, can toss cares to the wind on vacation (like all travelers can) and lose that finely tuned caution edge that they keep honed on their own city streets.

  Don’t let concerns stop you, though – just remember to follow the same basic street rules you would at home (or learn them)… and, in the words of veteran female traveler Zahara Heckscher, “Stay safe but don’t stay home!”.

  Avoiding Travel Theft

  Thieves often perceive females as easier targets for theft than men. After all, aren’t they the weaker sex? (Not!) The most obvious solution is sticking to the safer parts of town, but you’ll certainly miss adventure if you do.

  .

   

  • Carry a light

  Consider avoiding deserted streets after dark; if you can’t, then carry a small, heavy flashlight in your hand. Be careful on dark streets even if you have a companion.

   

  • Watch the crowd

  Some thieves prefer crowded areas – stay alert in places like bus stations and during street celebrations, where you’re likely to be jostled — thieves use these circumstances to grab your stuff.

   

  • Consider your undies

  Muggers aren’t interested in your bra. Sew pockets into it where you can keep some folded cash; if you do get mugged, you’re not left helpless. A money belt works, too, but thieves know all about money belts (and would you really use one at home, or on the streets of New York or Chicago?). I also sometimes stash a couple of bigger bills in a sock after dark or anytime in some places, since I can be the world’s most careless person about cash in pockets.

  • Don’t bring the bling 

  Avoid ostentatious jewelry; you could be injured if a thief yanks a bracelet from your wrist or a necklace from your throat.

   

  • Let the bag go

  Most experts say not to resist — let your bag go and then shout for help rather than risk assault. Opening your wallet and handing over your money may be enough for the thief and you can keep your bag — it also may make a thief think you’re reaching for a weapon. Better to hand over the bag.

  Consider Your Attire

  Dressing well can make a thief think you have mounds of moolah in your bag. And women’s dress can be a major issue in some developing countries. Remember that, until recently, Afghanistan women had to cover themselves from head to toe or risk legal repercussions. It’s already pretty clear that you’re a Westerner — avoid looking like a rich Westerner to avoid creepy kinds of attention.

   

  • Dress like a local

  Learn the local dress code as soon as you arrive; buy appropriate clothing locally if neccesary. In some countries, typical American young women’s attire like a shirt that shows your belly may be an offensive slap in the face to local women and an invitation for a come-on from the men. In Islamic countries, lay aside your own opinions and wear a head scarf – read more about clothing in Muslim countries.

  Avoid Unwanted Guy Attention

  You’re young, you’re on an adventure, and you may want some attention from that guy you’ve just met. Just don’t invite him back to your hotel room until you know he’s a safe guy — and remember that what you think is not okay may not be clear if you don’t speak the language.

  Follow these tips to avoid unwanted attention.

  • The oldest trick

  Consider buying a cheap wedding ring, even if you’re a teenager. Especially in developing countries, a married woman is viewed as the property of another man and therefore off limits. Sounds silly, but it works.

  • The eyes have it

  You already know that in any country, prolonged eye contact with a man is an invitation to flirt. In some developing countries or some societies, any eye contact at all may be considered carte blanche to approach you. Eye contact also may be considered disrespectful in some countries and may invite aggressive behavior from strangers. Almost as annoying is that eye contact ensures street buskers will pester you. Talk with local women to learn the rules.

  What to Do If Touched or Groped

  • Say no

  If you’re being groped or touched inappropriately in a crowd, know how to say, “Leave me alone!” loudly in the local language. In Spanish, for instance, learn these useful phrases:

  • De’jeme sola! ( Leave me alone! )
  • Vayase! (Go away!)
  • Socorro! ( Help! )
  • Llama a la policia! [ Call the police! )
  • How to say “no” in several languages
  • Blast ‘em if you must

  Carry pepper spray in case of assault. Consider reporting this — after all, you’ve just assaulted someone in the literal sense. Check in with the local embassy as soon as possible and let someone know what happened — it’s not always in your best interests to go to the police in some countries.

  • Remember to run

  Always be ready to run like the wind (no high heels on deserted streets at night!).

  What to Do If You’re Being Assaulted

  If you think you’re going to be raped, a surprisingly effective tip from women travelers is to pretend you’re going to vomit in the man’s face – although a knee to the family jewels is sure to work, it may be grounds for arresting YOU for assault in some developing countries.

  • If you’ve been raped

  It’s not your fault. It’s a crime, but it can be treated weirdly by some.

  If you are raped, head for your hotel or a hospital to ask for help — the police station may not be the best place to go, depending on your location. If you’re raped by a member of your traveling group, grab a cab and head straight to the hospital.

  Don’t shower or douche before you get to the hospital. You may destroy evidence.

  • Read about date rape drugs and how to avoid them here.

  Women Traveler’s Safety: Bottom Line

  Look and act confident. Be alert. Use common sense. Always stride along like you know where you’re going. Don’t slink, glancing furtively around you.

  Don’t let all this scare you away from international travel – you’ll doubtless be perfectly safe. Being young and female is great – enjoy it!