By guest blogger Miriam Bribiesca
Let’s be honest, whenever you think of layovers or stopovers you probably wince at how boring and uneventful they can be. But what if we told you that there is a stopover that will feel like an all-star vacation before your actual vacation? That’s right, that location is Qatar!
We know you heard of Qatar after it hosted the 2022 World Cup, and yet it continues to be overlooked as a travel destination. Not anymore! This country is a fantastic stopover location for college students and travelers of all ages for many reasons, but one of them being how affordable and action packed your stay can be.
In fact, Qatar Airways is currently offering a stopover deal that allows travelers to stay at a 4-star hotel for as low as $14* a night per person! SAY WHAT?! This is a fantastic opportunity for college students like you to explore Qatar and experience its unique culture and cuisine before arriving to your final destination.
One highlight of a stopover in Qatar is the chance to visit the capital city of Doha. Doha is a vibrant and modern city that’s home to a variety of museums, parks, and attractions.
Personally we recommend the following:
- Visiting the museums, especially the Museum of Islamic Art, which showcases a stunning collection of Islamic art and artifacts
- Booking a guided tour of the desert which can involve dune bashing, camel rides, and even overnight camping trips!
- Or if you’re a child of the sea, take advantage of their water sport activities such as paddle boarding, Kayaking, scubadiving and wakesurfing.
It’s important to mention that visitors should dress modestly and respectfully to avoid offending the local culture and customs. As a general guideline, both men and women should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing and gear more towards loose-fitting items.
Remember that being immersed in a new culture includes respecting the local customs and traditions, but we promise that this won’t affect your stay one bit as another important part of Qatari culture is hospitality. It’s not uncommon for locals to go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome, and they’re often more than happy to share their culture and traditions. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a family for a meal or attend a local celebration, seriously!
Which reminds us that one of the best things about traveling to a new destination is trying out the local cuisine, and Qatar is no exception. Qatari food is a blend of traditional Arab, Indian, and Persian influences, resulting in an explosion of flavor with every bite. A couple popular dishes in Qatar are machboos, a rice dish cooked with spices, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken or lamb). Thareed, a stew made with bread, vegetables, and meat or chicken. AND If you’re a seafood lover, try hammour, a local fish that’s often grilled or fried.
Clearly, Qatar is a destination that should not be missed! If you’re ready to experience everything this fascinating country has to offer make sure to check out our student deals HERE. Snag them up before it’s too late and as always safe travels!
