About Your Journey
Get Ready to Expand Your Horizons
With so much diversity concentrated in a relatively small geographic area, it should come as no surprise that your journey will encompass a wide variety of activities and experiences. As you explore, you might travel by comfortable air-conditioned sedan, step aboard a traditional wooden abra, like the ones that have been plying these waters for generations, or set out across the desert in a 4WD vehicle to experience authentic Bedouin ways. You’ll marvel at impressive mosques, ancient forts and ingeniously constructed wind-tower homes that date to the region’s earliest days.
Come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure, and be ready to switch gears during your stay as we show you the spectacular wonders, scenic beauty and enduring cultural ways of Oman.
Passports + Visas
American citizens will need to present a valid passport upon entry into Oman. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the completion of your stay. Visas are required for American citizens and are available in advance or at the airport. Visas on arrival cost 20 OMR (around $50 for a 10-day visa) and should be paid in local currency. Current schedule of fees available at rop.gov.om. It is your sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas (reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination).
Visas and entry requirements can change without notice, so it is important that you check the U.S. State Department website well in advance of your travel date to ensure you procure the proper documentation for your travel. For up to date visa requirements US citizens should visit www.travel.state.gov.
Now is a good time to assemble and check your travel documents, then keep them together in a safe, accessible area of your home. If you keep your passport in a bank safe deposit, retrieve it now to avoid a last-minute rush, and double-check the expiration date!
Your Health
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/ before you travel internationally.
Medical supplies, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let us know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water may be easily obtained in most destinations but all machines will work with filtered or bottled water in a pinch. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltage. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and pertinent replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
Physical Activity
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance. Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
Physical limitations requiring special attention and/or equipment must be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual assistance. Should issues become apparent on tour that impact other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or require the guest to return home early at the guest’s expense.
Protecting Your Vacation
As you prepare and get excited for your upcoming journey, it’s not fun to think about what would happen if you had to cancel or interrupt your trip. The best way to eliminate that worry is with a good travel protection plan. Travel protection plans can help protect you in the event of loss of non-refundable trip deposits and payments that result from cancellation or trip interruption (due to a covered reason such as injury or illness before or during the trip). It also helps with reimbursement for medical emergency costs (including very costly medical evacuation costs), missed connections and baggage loss. There are many good plans out there, and we’re happy to offer a very comprehensive Travel Protection Plan - including “Cancel for Any Reason” benefits. You can find complete information online: alexanderroberts.com/insurance.aspx
Your International Flights
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements, you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability - and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking your international air with A+R will allow us to directly assist you with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour.
Personalized Service… Anytime you Need it!
If you have questions about your upcoming journey or wish to make any changes such as adding extra nights, special sightseeing or transfers, please call your travel agent. You can also contact our Concierge, Melanie Delworth, at 800-678-7942, Ext. 154. Or reach her by email at mdelworth@alexanderroberts.com.
For travel assistance during your journey, we’ve included our OnCall International service… It’s complimentary 24/7! Just call 888-771-8409…. Anytime, we’re here to assist you.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate
The climate is hot and dry in the interior and hot and humid along the coast. Summer temperatures in the capital of Muscat and other coastal locations often climb to 110 °F (43 °C), with high humidity; winters are mild, with lows averaging about 63 °F (17 °C). Temperatures are similar in the interior, although they are more moderate at higher elevations. Dhofar is dominated by the summer monsoon, making Ṣalālah’s s climate more temperate than that of northern Oman. Rainfall throughout the country is minimal, averaging only about 4 inches (100 mm) per year, although precipitation in the mountains is heavier.
Average monthly temperatures are as follows:
Temperature (Degree Fahrenheit): Average day time
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mct 77 81 86 91 106 107 106 99 97 95 86 79
Sll 84 82 86 90 91 91 84 84 84 88 91 84
Note: Muscat gets minimum 9-10 hrs of sunshine per day throughout the year.
Money Matters
The unit of currency is Omani Rial, which is divided into 1000 Baizas. Notes are available in denominations of RO 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 Rial, 250, 200 and 100 Baizas. Coins are also in use for units under one (1) Rial.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, upscale restaurants and in the larger stores. You will find ATMs in the major tourist areas, but we recommend that you do not depend on your ATM card or debit card for your money. We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad.
Foreign currency and US dollar traveler’s checks can be exchanged for local currency at your hotel, banks and money changers. In general, you will get the best rate of exchange at banks and authorized money changers. However, the convenience of changing money right in your hotel may be worth the slight loss. Some banks charge a per-check commission for currency exchange, so cash the largest denomination you can.
Tipping
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except for your Trip Leaders or guides. This includes drivers, baggage porters and restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally.
For your Trip Leaders or guides, many of our guests find it helpful to have some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend $10-$15 per person, per touring day.
Although not included in your Tour Fare, please remember that these Trip Leader gratuities are always at your discretion. They are appreciated as recognition for excellent service, but whether you tip, and how much, is entirely up to you.
When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:
• Upscale restaurants: A service charge of 12% to 15% is typically already included on the bill. If you have any questions, just ask the restaurant staff.
• Spa Services: Add 10% to 15 %.
• Taxis: Tips are not expected by taxi drivers.
For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted.
About Electricity
Electric current is 220-240V at 50 Hz AC and outlets support two round-pin plugs or three round- or flat-pin plugs. An adapter plug and a converter may be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm.
Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee; you can find Wi-Fi information on your itinerary and hotel list, or check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If you need to place an international call from your hotel room, please check first with the Front Desk about their rates. Hotels often contract with outside vendors to provide direct-dial service for overseas calls – and the rates can be unexpectedly high!
The dialing code for Oman is 968; you’ll need to prefix the local number with this dialing code when calling from outside of Oman.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water in Oman is generally safe to drink but since it is desalinated, you really wouldn’t want to drink it. Use it to brush your teeth etc but, but we recommend staying with bottled water.
Meal Time!
The cuisine of Oman reflects the Sultanate’s strategic location at the intersection of ancient Asian and African trade routes - as well as its position along the caravan spice routes that wound their way throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Its dishes also reflect the many cultures that have touched Oman: It was once a colony of Portugal, but then became an Imperial power in its own right with influence stretching far southward all the way to Zanzibar. Even today, you can hear Arabic, English, Swahili and Urdu as you stroll along the streets of Muscat.
This rich multi-cultural diversity is reflected in favorite Omani dishes - like vegetables simmered in coconut milk with hot chili peppers and lime – ingredients not usually associated with Middle Eastern food. You’ll even find a richly spiced, layered rice dish that’s very similar to Indian Biryani. And the traditional Middle Eastern dishes that you find throughout the Peninsula are more richly flavored here in Oman, reflecting the many different spices that flowed from afar along these ancient trade routes. For dessert, you’ll enjoy delicate pastries filled with dates and flavored with honey and rosewater.
Know the Customs + Traditions
We cannot overemphasize the need to respect local villagers and their customs in our sightseeing adventures. The ability to explore freely is a privilege that must not be misused. Some principles of etiquette are outlined below. Please follow them carefully to avoid giving offense.
The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to guests. You will find that traditional Arab greetings are still widely observed and it is good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting. These courtesies should be observed both in commercial dealings (e.g. shopping in the souk) and on a personal level.
Oman is a Muslim country and it is important to respect the local customs. It is highly recommended that women do not wear strappy sundresses, short skirts or shorts, low-necked dresses or tops in public places (e.g. offices, souks, town and shopping areas). The most suitable wear in public is covered shoulders and skirts that fall below the knee. Men should wear shirts and long trousers. Beachwear should not be worn except at the beach or pool area.
Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in four liters of alcohol by air only. Alcohol should not be consumed in public except in licensed hotels. Restaurants situated outside of hotels and clubs are not permitted to serve alcohol. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car. Liquor may not be consumed by people under the age of 21.
Do not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women in particular do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month during which the Islamic world commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran and all Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk. In 2021 Ramadan begins at dusk on April 12th and continues for 30 days (it begins at dusk on April 2nd in 2022). Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly prohibited throughout this month. Alcohol is not served during daylight hours, but is available in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset for non-Muslims. All hotels we work with make concessions for visitors and keep a restaurant open during the day that is only available to resident guests. During Ramadan, live entertainment, loud music and dancing are prohibited and conservative dress is expected to be worn in public. Many shops and stores open for a few hours in the morning and then resume business after sunset, staying open until well after midnight. Sunset marks the breaking of the fast when families and friends get together to enjoy their Iftar (“breakfast” in Arabic). Large Iftar tents, where people come together to break the fast with water and dates, are a common sight. Most restaurants both within and outside hotels offer Iftar specials.
Serving of alcohol is not permitted for a period of 24 hours starting at sunset on the eve of all religious holidays.
What are the Business Hours?
Sun - Wed Thursday Friday Saturday
Govt 7:30am-2:30pm 7:30am-2:30pm CLOSED CLOSED
Bank 8:00am-12:00pm 8:00am-12:00am CLOSED CLOSED
Shops
8:00am-1:00pm
4:30pm-8:00pm
9:00am-1:00pm
4:30pm-8:00pm
4:30pm-8:00pm
8:00am-1:00pm
4:30pm-8:00pm
Friday and Saturday is considered the weekend.
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Comfortable footwear is a must, especially in the markets and on excursions.
Consider an Easy-to-carry Traveling Bag
It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you while traveling; a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose. A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack.
The Essentials
Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however small packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be handy. Please bring your own lotions, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also bring a good sunblock lotion with you since high temperatures can intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF. Insect repellent is also highly recommended.
Though it will be available on tour, you should be prepared to carry your own personal protection equipment including hand-sanitizer and comfortably fitted face masks. There may be sites and public areas that will require face coverings.
Seeing + Capturing Your Experiences
Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional memory cards.
Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to the local aviation laws. Most historic sites and national parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.
On-Tour Hunger Pangs
High-protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut butter are popular with many of our travelers.
A Few Final Tips
Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, an alarm clock, zip-lock plastic bags and a bottle opener.
Reminders about Your Baggage
While baggage restrictions may vary by airline, most carriers limit international passengers to one checked bag weighing no more than 50 pounds with maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of 62 inches/158 cm. Depending on the airline there could be a surcharge for any additional checked baggage. For information about the baggage allowance and applicable fees for the first and second checked bag and carry-on, please visit your airline’s website before you begin to pack. Here is a list of airline websites to assist you: www.alexanderroberts.com/airlines.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
Other Recommendations:
• Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated for inspection.
• Avoid accessories and jewelry that contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you pass through security.
• Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security check-point.
• If you wish to place a lock on your checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrap gifts to the security check point.
A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. Although Israel is not one of them, we strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status, including death certificate where appropriate. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. Please visit the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you plan to travel with a minor.
A Few Words about Safety + Security
Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizer. Local areas are very safe to walk any time of day or night as the vigilance of the police and the severity of Islamic prosecutions represent an effective deterrent. Be aware of your environment, especially in very crowded areas.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home who you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address that you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
• Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.
Some Helpful Web Links
U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements; Consular Information for countries you will visit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
General health information for travelers and health information on specific destinations
Transportation Security Administration
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information)
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov (select Travel)
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad
Calling the U.S. from Abroad
www.att.com/traveler
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to the U.S. from around the world
Currency Converter
www.oanda.com/currency/converter
Alexander+Roberts
www.alexanderroberts.com
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas, Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details