Highlights of Oman - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. On some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included, but this is not the case for the Highlights of Oman tour.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling to Oman?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. Inoculations may be required, so it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio is recommended. Carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, and any personal medical requirements. Be aware that the tour will be in remote areas away from medical facilities for some time, and leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others; use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and mind your personal belongings.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  An OMR 5 departure tax must be paid upon departure if not collected at ticket issuance.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments, modesty is mandatory; shoulders must be covered, and short shorts or skirts should not be worn. For women, this includes fully covering heads, full arms, and full legs at the Grand Mosque (proper Omani outfits can be rented). Generally, women should cover from shoulders to knees. For swimming options on days 3 and 4, capri length yoga pants and a t-shirt are suggested as a modest bathing suit.

• How will we travel between destinations?

  On this trip, we will primarily travel by air-conditioned private minivan. For journeys through the desert, 4x4 vehicles will be used. Walking is also a mode of transportation.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo, or if I choose my own room?

  Solo travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, with no single supplement. If you specifically book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, which will incur an additional cost.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include hiking and swimming in Wādī Banī Khālid, a Nizwá Fort visit (5 OMR per person), and Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling in Muscat.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include exploring the city of Muscat, watching the sunset from a desert camp, visiting the market in Nizwá, and marveling at the canyon views of Jebel Shams.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Ensure coverage for all included adventure activities.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is customary in the Middle East. A tipping kitty system is used where your CEO collects a contribution from everyone at the start of the tour (guideline: $5-10 USD per day) to tip service providers for the group. This does not include tipping your CEO, for whom $35-40 USD per person per week is a general guideline if they did an outstanding job.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Always check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, your CEO can assist with options, but any optional activities are not part of the itinerary and are undertaken at your own risk. In cities at night, stay in small groups and take taxis. Water-based activities should only be participated in when accompanied by a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is always at your own risk.

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travellers.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip?

  You will stay in small local hotels or pensions (6 nights) and a desert camp (1 night). The hotels may vary in standard and facilities, potentially lacking elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but all are locally-run and in excellent central locations.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in Oman is the Omani rial (OMR). ATMs are found within main cities (mostly in shopping malls and airports) and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It is advisable to travel with both if possible. Smaller shops and restaurants mostly accept cash. Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easy to exchange. Bring some cash for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk; ATM card(s) and some cash is the ideal mix. If bringing US Dollars, ensure notes are new and in good condition (older than 1996, or with tears/blemishes may not be accepted). Refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes a welcome meeting with your CEO and group, Muscat city tour, visit to Bimmah Sinkhole and Sur dhow shipyard, Wahiba Sands desert camp experience, a cooking class in Sedab, swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid, exploring the Muttrah Souq, visiting the Nizwá market, and a walk through the mud houses of Misfat al Abyreen.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout, supported by local guides.