UPDATE: before you choose your destination, check the current covid situation there to make sure you’ll be allowed to enter the country, and what documents you need to present!
So this one is for all of you Qatar-based families who are still not sure where to travel for the winter break. Been there, done that! With kids, it’s a major hassle to travel anywhere far, and connecting flights are entirely out of question! In the end, it’s supposed to be a relaxing time (or as relaxing as it can get with those little humans in tow).
Keeping that in mind, I’ve put together a list of winter holiday travel destinations, all located less than 5h away from Qatar, by plane. We haven’t been to all those places, but definitely considered each and every one of them at some point. I did the research so you don’t have to. 🙂
Note: all travel times are approximate and based on the schedule of Qatar Airways.
If you’re looking for a place less than 3h away…
Oman, Muscat (1h40)
Weather in December: mostly sunny, 25-28’C
Things to do: sightseeing (Souq, Grand Mosque), going on a boat tour (plenty to choose from!), exploring the Corniche and Al Riyam Park.
Oman, Salalah (2h40)
Weather in December: mostly sunny, 27-30’C
Things to do: family picnics (in one of the beautiful valleys), relaxing on a beach, visiting the Souq and the archeological park.
Azerbaijan (Baku – 2h50)
Weather in December: be prepared for both sun and some rain, 6-12’C
Things to do: visiting Port Baku Kids Park, Koala Park, and the Zoo; sightseeing (the Old City, the Boulevard).
Jordan (Amman – 2h55)
Weather in December: be prepared for both sun and some rain, 13-18’C
Things to do: exploring Petra, mud baths in the Dead Sea (if the weather allows), riding a camel in Wadi Rum, visiting Royal Automobile Museum in Amman.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and will consider a 3 to 5h flight…
Georgia (Tbilisi – 3h15)
Weather in December: moody, go if you’re excited by the possibility of seeing some snow! 4-9’C
Things to do: exploring the area around Lisi Lake, visiting Botanical Garden, racing a car in Astra Park, wandering around the Old Town.
Cyprus (Larnaca 3h50)
Weather in December: be prepared for both sun and some rain, 17-20’C
Things to do: it might be too cold to sunbathe, but do visit the beaches! Also, experiencing a pottery workshop, strolling around Salt Lake.
Istanbul, Turkey (4h30)
Weather in December: be prepared for both sun and some rain, 9-14’C
Things to do: too many to list! You will find an amazing source of information about staying in Istanbul with kids HERE.
Sri Lanka (Colombo – 4h50)
Weather in December: sunny in the West and South, rainy in the East and North, 28-31’C
Things to do: relaxing on a beach, going for a jeep safari, learning to surf (you gotta start somewhere 😉 ).
The Maldives (Male – 4h50)
Weather in December: quite cloudy, with a mix of sunny and rainy days, 28-30’C
Things to do: snorkeling, scuba diving, relaxing on the beach. Maldives is ALL ABOUT relaxing. A more detailed post about this destination coming soon!
Greece (Athens – 4h55)
Weather in December: be prepared for both sun and some rain, 13-16’C
Things to do: similar to Istanbul, it would be impossible for me to select only a few activities. Check out THIS website for some great detailed info!
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I hope you’ve found the list of the winter holiday destinations useful! Feel free to share it, it can make someone else’s life easier. 🙂
You might also be interested in:
— Qatar: is it a good place to raise your children?
— It’s complicated: my relationship with Qatar.