Doha, Qatar: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, people in Qatar eagerly await the announcement of the Eid holiday to plan their next travel destination. As many countries enjoy great weather at this time of the year, it is essential to make thorough arrangements to ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, travel experts offer valuable insights into choosing and planning Eid al-Fitr holiday destinations, covering everything from popular destinations to visa requirements, travel budgets, accommodation and more.
destinations
Harshad Kamaruddin, Operations Director, Maps and Vogs Holidays, highlights the top destinations for Eid this year, with Dubai, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Italy, France, Switzerland and Thailand being the most popular destinations. These destinations offer a variety of experiences, from cultural explorations and beach vacations to spiritual retreats.
He also pointed out the difference in travel preferences between citizens and foreigners. Qamaruddin noted, „Qatars prefer places like Istanbul, Phuket, London and Paris, while residents, including expats, generally lean towards Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.”
Harshad Kamaruddin, Operations Director at Maps and Vox Holidays
Ahmad Marouf, marketing officer at Victoria Travels, „highlights the popularity of cities such as Dubai, Cairo, London, Paris, Geneva and Vienna during the Eid holiday, with Phuket, Tbilisi and Baku also on the rise.”
„Recent trends are increasing interest in lesser-known destinations, eco-tourism destinations, and destinations that offer unique cultural experiences,” Marouf noted.
Accommodation
Apartments, hotels, resorts and hostels, there are various options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. But hotels and resorts have an advantage in terms of safety and comfort.
Travel experts always recommend hotels and resorts as they offer safe and comfortable accommodation and provide essential services and amenities that enhance the overall travel experience.
While Airbnb options are cheaper, hotels that offer basic essential services and amenities are the preferred choice for many, especially families.
Cost estimates
For a one-week stay at a popular Eid holiday destination, budget trips typically cost between QR4,000 and QR6,000, while luxury travel options cost between QR12,000 and QR30,000. These costs vary based on factors such as hotel accommodations and flight choices.
Visa Advice
According to experts, GCC residents enjoy visa-on-arrival in Georgia and Armenia, while Indians get it in Kazakhstan. Azerbaijan offers e-visas to most citizens, and Turkey requires various documents, including airline tickets, hotel reservations and bank statements.
Qataris benefit from visa-on-arrival arrangements in almost all of these countries.
Ahmed Maroof, Marketing Officer, Victoria Travels
Travel advice
„Pack smart and bring the essentials. Stay safe: Keep your belongings safe, avoid high-risk areas, and be aware of local scams or dangers. Stay connected: Keep friends and family updated on your whereabouts and emergency contacts. ,” Travel Safety Maroof instructed insistently.
Kamaruddin emphasized the importance of travel insurance for all travelers, providing protection against unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage and medical emergencies including Covid-related issues.
Here's what you need to know about the top 10 places to visit during the Eid al-Fitr holidays:
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Landmarks: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Creek and Palm Jumeirah.
Approximate Cost: A budget of around QR4,000-QR5,000 per person can cover moderate accommodation, daily meals and some activities.
Visa Requirement: Visa on arrival for many nationalities; Others must apply in advance. Residents of GCC countries may have easier entry procedures.
GCC residents (in specified occupations) may obtain a visa on arrival; Others must apply in advance.
Click here for visa information.
Thailand
Landmarks: Bangkok's Grand Palace, Phuket's beaches, Chiang Mai's temples and Phi Phi Islands.
Approximate cost: Around QR3,500-QR4,500 per person including accommodation, food and activities.
Visa Requirement: Visa exemption for multiple nationalities for stays of up to 30 days; Visit visa or e-Visa for others depending on the country of citizenship.
Qataris can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days.
Click here for visa information.
Georgia
Landmarks: Old Town of Tbilisi, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta and Kazbegi Mountains.
Approximate cost: Approximately QR2,500-QR3,500 for moderate cost.
Qataris are visa-free for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Click here for visa information.
Kazakhstan
Landmarks: Futuristic cityscape of Astana, Sarin Canyon and Kindi Lake.
Approximate Cost: Around QR3,000-QR4,000 per person per week.
Visa Requirement: Visa-free up to 30 days for citizens of many countries; Others require an e-Visa.
Qataris are visa free for up to 30 days.
Click here for visa information.
Azerbaijan
Landmarks: Baku's walled city, Gobastan rock art and mud volcanoes.
Approximate cost: QR3,000-QR3,500 per person on a moderate budget.
Visa Requirement: Many nationalities get an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival; Some nationalities require a visa in advance.
An electronic visa (e-Visa) is available for Qataris.
Click here for visa information.
Turkey
Landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
Approximate Cost: Moderate cost of QR3,500-QR4,500 per person per week.
Visa Requirement: Qatar nationals can apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a visa on arrival. Residents must apply for a visa depending on their nationality
Click here for visa information.
Egypt
Landmarks: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Karnak Temple of Luxor and Valley of the Kings.
Approximate Cost: QR2,500-QR3,500 for a moderate budget.
Visa Requirements: Visa or e-Visa for visiting Qataris.
Click here for visa information
Bali, Indonesia
Landmarks: Ubud Monkey Forest, Thana Lat Temple and Seminyak and Kuta Beaches.
Approximate cost: QR4,000-QR5,000 per person per comfortable week.
Visa requirements: Visa waiver for up to 30 days for multiple nationalities; Others can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa, Qataris are visa-free for up to 30 days.
Click here for visa information
Tanzania
Landmarks: Zanzibar's Stone Town and beaches, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Approximate cost: Safari tours vary widely but average around QR5,000-QR7,000 per person for the safari and Zanzibar experience.
Visa Requirements: Multinational Visit or e-Visa; Some need to apply in advance.
Qataris can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa in advance.
Click here for visa information.
Philippines
Landmarks: Boracay Island, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Banaue Rice Terraces and Intramuros in Manila.
Approximate cost: QR3,000-QR4,000 per week on a moderate budget.
Visa Requirement: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days for many nationalities; Others must apply for a visa prior to arrival.
Qataris can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days.
For the most accurate and up-to-date visa information, it is always best to check official embassy websites or contact them directly, as visa policies can change.
Costs can also vary based on season, accommodation options and the level of activity you plan, so these are rough figures to give you a starting point.
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