One of the things that excited me most about moving to Qatar was the travel opportunities it would afford us! By living in Qatar a whole new world of holiday destinations from Doha opened up to us! Long haul was now short haul and vice versa! In the three and a half years we have been living here we have been using every opportunity we could to try new holiday destinations from Doha. So here is Qatar’s Travel menu from short haul to long haul options and the most memorable travel opportunity we had!
Taking a toddler on a cruise wit tips for cruising with a toddler! Answering the question are cruises toddler friendly including which is the best toddler cruise line! : July 2019
Best Short Haul Holiday Destinations from Doha
Qatar opens up so many new short haul destinations. Places that were once only available to us as week or even two week holidays suddenly are now options for a weekend jaunt and are suddenly cheap holiday destinations from Doha. Our favourites have been;
Oman – Short Haul Holiday Destination from Qatar
Beautiful and distinct from the rest of the Middle East. Mountainous and slightly cooler, Oman offers a different perspective on the Gulf.
To be paired with a stay at The Chedi.
You can check availability and book online here
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We went as part of our babymoon and can’t recommend highly enough. The hotel has some of the best service I’ve ever experienced, great restaurants and the longest pool in the Middle East! It is quite the sight to behold!
The combination of cooler weather and unique culture makes Oman a perfect holiday destinations from Doha
Flight details – You can fly Qatar Airways or Oman Air. Considered very short flights from Doha taking less than 2 hours.
Looking for something different in Oman then why not try a trip to Salalah or why not head to one of Oman’s amazing mountain resorts!
Dubai – PLEASE NOTE THAT DUBAI IS NO LONGER A DIRECT FLIGHT FROM DOHA
The Gulf embargo has changed the countries to visit near Qatar. Dubai is no longer a direct option from Qatar.
The city metropolis offers bigger and brasher offerings of everything. From the world’s tallest building to the flashiest hotels on earth. (Check out our post on best Middle Eastern Hotels for more information). If you want to experience luxury then Dubai is the place for you.
Dubai is also a great family friendly option and has lots of indoor activities which means it is accessible even in the summer when the temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees!
To be paired with a stay in something more traditional. We recommend combining a visit with the beautiful Bab al Shams Desert Resort. Desert resorts are definitely only a Winter option as most of the activities on offer are outdoor focussed. We enjoyed spending time in the Dunes and getting more acquainted with local traditions such as falconry!
At less than an hour in the air Dubai and the desert resorts great holiday destinations from Doha.
Sri Lanka Short Haul Holiday Destinations from Qatar
If you get sick of beige and sand then Sri Lanka is the perfect tonic. Bursting with colours, smells and vibrancy this is the place for you. Sri Lanka really surprised me. I fell in love with the food, people and wildlife. For history buffs, you can visit the beautiful colonial town of Galle. For wildlife lovers, you can visit Udewalawe National Park and get up and close to elephants.
To be paired with a stay at our favourite hotel in the world – Buckingham Place. I have never experienced service like I did at Buckingham Place. Tranquil and beautiful. You can easily explore the South Coast of Sri Lanka from here. Unfortunately, the hotel does not accept under 6s so we will have to wait a few more years before we can return.
The combination of colour, food and wildlife make Buckingham Place and Sri Lanka great holiday destinations from Doha.
The Maldives – a perfect short haul holiday destination from Doha
That bucket list item that seems to be on everybodies list! There is nothing better than crystal clear waters, sun, sand and relaxation. We stayed at the family friendly Bandos Resort but there are options for every type of traveller!
To be paired with a trip to Sri Lanka for the ultimate relaxing holiday
For sheer relaxation, The Maldives is a great holiday destinations from Doha.
Long Haul Holiday Destinations from Qatar
Long Haul Flights from Qatar to Australia
The Middle East is famed for its Kangaroo route stop over. Australia is a much easier long haul destination when you are half way there. Melbourne is a great starting point as a counter to the Middle East. I particularly the coffee culture and the art lane ways which I learnt all about on the Free Melbourne Walking Tour! Melbourne is also the perfect Australian destination for foodies with amazing food on every street!
To be paired with a trip to New Zealand – you might as well if you are going that far!
Since you are already half way there, Australia and New Zealand are great holiday destinations from Doha.
Flying Long Haul Qatar to Cape Town
The lack of time difference between Qatar and South Africa makes Cape Town the perfect long haul option. Perfect for those wanting a mix of city life and wildlife.
We enjoyed going on safari and also making a trip to Stellenbosh and Franschhoek wine towns.
To be paired with a trip some more remote parts of Africa or perhaps a trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar
Cape Town and Africa are perfect long haul holiday destinations from Doha.
Flying Long Haul Qatar to Europe
What was once a weekend away is not more of a jaunt. We have taken the opportunity to visit some new parts of Europe and get a break from the Middle East weather by visiting Scandinavia. Copenhagen to us is the perfect European getaway. The perfect retreat for foodies and history buffs alike! Copenhagen is renowned for its wonderful restaurant scene, being home to the likes of Noma. A Mecca for foodies.
We also enjoyed exploring the history of Denmark and particular;y enjoyed exploring all of Copenhagen’s wonderful castles!
To be paired with a Baltic Cruise and see the great capitals of Northern Europe.
Europe on the whole offers great holiday destinations from Doha.
The best of the best travel destinations from Doha Qatar
Qatar has above anything really given us the chance to travel more and nothing has left an impression on us quite like our visit to Uganda and Rwanda to go chimp and gorilla trekking. I have never been so awestruck as seeing these majestic animals in the wild and has been the perfect cherry on top of our Middle East travel adventures.
For us, Rwanda and Uganda have to be the best holiday destinations from Doha.
Where do you think the perfect holiday destinations from Doha are?
If you are going to be in Doha why not check out our A-Z Guide of things to see and do in Qatar!
Further Reading on Qatar:
Preparing For Your Trip:
Ultimate Guide of Where to Stay in Doha
What to Wear in Doha
What to do with Kids in Qatar
Qatar’s Most Beautiful Places
Hidden Gems in Qatar Public Beaches in Qatar
Sharon
Thursday 5th of April 2018
So many things and places to see in Africa. Thanks for the tips and guidance. Will be traveling soon.
Cheers Sharon...
TraveLynn Family - Jenny
Friday 21st of July 2017
What a fantastic list of destinations. I love how living somewhere new opens up a whole new chapter of adventures. The middle east is so well connected - direct flight home to the UK and easy reach to Africa - sounds perfect to me :-) #FarawayFiles
Katy
Thursday 20th of July 2017
ooh I remember your Oman post. Very enticing. Lots of great destinations within easy reach of Doha it seems #FarawayFiles
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)
Thursday 20th of July 2017
Sri Lanka and Oman are on my wish lists too. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Wandermust Mummy
Thursday 20th of July 2017
They are both fantastic
Wandermust Mummy
Thursday 20th of July 2017
Yes it is hard to get your head around Europe becoming long haul!