Rising temperatures in Oman shape Eid travel plans
Muscat – As the Eid al Adha break begins on Thursday, residents across Oman are making the most of the extended holiday with travel plans ranging from international getaways to quiet family time at home. The five-day break is proving to be a welcome pause in the summer calendar.
Among international destinations, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Turkey and Sri Lanka are seeing a surge in interest. These countries are popular for their pleasant weather, affordability and accessibility. 'I'm travelling to Georgia with my cousins,' said Sanjeev Menon, an Indian marketing professional based in Muscat. 'It's budget-friendly, visa-on-arrival, and the mountains are a perfect break from the heat. I booked tickets for three almost 10 days ago and saved on last-minute expenses. I really want to escape the heat.'
Turkey continues to attract families seeking a mix of shopping, food and history, while Sri Lanka's beaches and tea plantations appeal to travellers looking for a quieter experience. 'We've seen an incredible response from families this Eid — with most group departures already fully booked, especially following the announcement of school vacations,' said Sreedhu Nair, Director at Travel Diaries. 'To meet the growing demand, we are now offering tailor-made packages to trending destinations like Tashkent in Uzbekistan; Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan; Moscow in Russia and the Schengen countries.'
For those staying within Oman, destinations like Jabal Akhdar, Jebel Sifah and Sur remain popular. These locations offer a scenic escape with a couple of hours' drive from Muscat. 'Jabal Akhdar is where we go every Eid,' said Mohammed al Habsi, an Omani civil engineer. 'It's peaceful, and the temperature is always pleasant.'
Not everyone is packing their bags. Some residents are choosing to celebrate Eid quietly in Muscat. Beachside barbecues, rooftop dinners and movie nights are among the activities planned. 'This time, I'm staying in Muscat,' said Fatma al Riyami, an Omani university student. 'We're planning a get-together at home with friends and lots of Omani sweets.'
Neha Kapoor, a homemaker, echoed the sentiment. 'Sometimes, home is the best holiday. My children enjoy the beach, and we avoid the crowds. Also, my husband's friends are visiting from Dubai, so we'll have some fun times with them.'
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