Oman

Oman stands out in the Arabian Peninsula for its rugged beauty and deep-rooted traditions, offering a family vacation that feels adventurous yet reassuringly safe. Unlike the skyscraper-filled cities of its neighbors, Oman is characterized by low-rise white buildings, dramatic mountain ranges, and a coastline dotted with fishing villages. For parents, the country’s modern infrastructure, high safety standards, and the widespread use of English make it an easy destination to navigate, while children will be captivated by the real-life sandcastles and vast desert landscapes.

The country’s geography acts as a massive playground for active families. The Al Hajar Mountains dominate the interior, offering cooler temperatures and spectacular geology. Jebel Shams, known as the "Grand Canyon of Arabia," provides hiking trails with views of vertical cliffs dropping thousands of meters. Lower down, the wadis (river valleys) are often the highlight for children. Wadi Bani Khalid is particularly family-friendly, featuring large, clear pools of water perfect for swimming, surrounded by date palms and rugged rocks. Wadi Shab offers a more adventurous hike involving a short boat ride and swimming through caves, which is better suited for older children and teens who are strong swimmers.

No trip to Oman is complete without experiencing the desert. The Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands) offer towering red dunes that stretch for miles. Families can book stays in desert camps, which range from simple goat-hair tents to luxury air-conditioned pods. Activities here include 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides at sunset, and sandboarding down the slopes. The lack of light pollution makes this an exceptional spot for teaching children about astronomy, with the Milky Way often visible to the naked eye.

Culturally, Oman is accessible and engaging. In the ancient capital of Nizwa, the 17th-century fort features defensive traps, secret shafts, and heavy wooden doors that spark children's imaginations. The adjacent souq allows families to watch traditional silversmithing and taste halwa, a sticky Omani sweet made with saffron and rosewater. In the capital, Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque welcomes visitors to walk on the world’s second-largest hand-woven carpet (modest dress is required). A walk along the Mutrah Corniche at sunset leads to the souq, where kids can practice bargaining for frankincense or local handicrafts.

Practically, the best way to explore Oman is by renting a 4WD vehicle. This provides the safety and clearance needed for mountain roads and desert approaches. The climate is the primary consideration for timing your visit; the summer months (May to September) are blisteringly hot and limit outdoor activity. The winter season, from October to April, offers pleasant temperatures generally between 20°C and 30°C. Omani cuisine is mild and palatable for children, featuring grilled meats, rice dishes like kabsa, and fresh flatbreads. Supermarkets stocking international bra