Popular travel destinations from Qatar

It’s nearly time for the annual summer break, making it high time to travel somewhere you can miss Qatar’s high temperatures in favour of cooler climates. A number of travel destinations can be found only a short flight distance from Qatar that could be your next ideal summer vacation get-away.

To help you decide, we’ve listed the most popular travel destinations from Qatar for you to consider when you travel next. All these destinations entail a richly diverse collection of attractions, ease of access and are suitable for all kinds of travel budgets.

Saudi Arabia

The neighboring country of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the next best place to visit especially if you are a GCC national. It is one of the few countries accessible to Qatar via road as well as air. If you are a resident of Qatar, it is now quite easy to apply for an e-visa that allows entry for up to one year. Tourism has opened new avenues for tourists and locals alike in Saudi Arabia and the country has a lot to offer.

Get ready to be awestruck by the bustling capital city of Riyadh with its glistening skyscrapers, buzzing restaurants, rich historical sites, museums, and an endless array of festivals, concerts, and activities. Escape to the country’s highest peak at Abha’s Jabal Al Sawda or be transported to another era with a visit to Tabuk’s abundant archeological sites and fortresses. If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor experience, make a pit stop at Al Ula, Saudi Arabia’s hidden gem, to experience the legacy of its historic and natural heritage. Plan a road trip across the country’s rich expansive landscape and be truly spellbound by its beauty and culture.

Must-visit places: Riyadh, Al Ula, Tabuk, and Abha

Flight duration: 2 hours approx. to Riyadh (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 700 to QAR 1600 approx. (direct flights)

Dubai

The dazzling oasis of the UAE beckons you for an epic summer adventure. Just a hop away from Qatar, Dubai brings you a treasure of experiences - from gold-encrusted souks, high-end shopping havens, exhilarating desert safaris, and technicolor indoor theme parks to a gastronomic journey that is a feast for the senses. Seamless hassle-free visa access and a brief flight under two hours make your voyage from Qatar a breeze.

When you land, get some perspective by scaling the towering Burj Khalifa, soak in the multifaceted charm of the Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium, and chase thrills at Atlantis Water Park. For a dash of local culture, traverse the winding alleys of Dubai Creek and the multicultural Global Village. Make unforgettable memories at Dubai Miracle Gardens, Legoland, the Museum of the Future, and the stunning Dubai Frame.

The UAE experience doesn’t end in Dubai. Let your journey spill over into the architectural wonderland of Abu Dhabi, and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Sharjah. Your grand Emirati odyssey awaits - embark today!

Must-visit places: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Atlantis Water Park, Ferrari World, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Sharjah

Flight duration: 1.5 hours approx. to Dubai (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost - QAR 800 to QAR 2000 approx. (direct flights)

Oman

A holiday within the GCC but to someplace different and unique? Count Oman in on your next travel destination to a nearby country. Visa access to Oman is easy and convenient and most Qatari residents can enter the country visa-free.   

Take a picnic to one of Oman’s ample wadi’s, which are unique rock pools or head over to Jebel Akhdar’s orchards and wadis perched atop the old Hajar mountains range. Do not miss out on the Land of Frankincense, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Zufar (Dhofar) region of Oman. Experience a lush monsoon in Salalah and treat your eyes to the stunning views there. Whether you are a budget traveller, solo tripper, or travelling with family, a trip to Oman is sure to leave you inspired and revitalized.

Must-visit places: Jebel Akhdar, Zufar (Dhofar), Salalah

Flight duration: 1.5 hours approx. to Muscat (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 900 to QAR 1600 approx. (direct flights to Muscat)

Maldives

The pristine Maldive archipelago is a top bucket list destination and makes for an excellent get-away at any time. The island country offers visa-on-arrival for all nationalities, which makes it a hassle-free destination for all your last-minute travel plans. Travel between islands closer to each other is easy with boat shuttles and for far-flung islands, a seaplane is the way to go. Most resorts are spread over large spaces and encompass most of the activities, amenities, and transportation within their hotel stay packages, so make sure to check about it. 

The Maldives is a haven for those looking at diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, and water-based adventures. Visit the capital Male for some of the major attractions, local markets, and to see the main port harbor. Swim in the stunning coral reefs of Maafushi Island and Addu Atoll and be mesmerized by their rich marine diversity. Some islands enjoy beaches that glow in the dark with natural bioluminescence, so be sure to research your resort’s unique advantages and attractions. Escape into another world of azure blue waters, white-sand beaches, and pristine ocean views with a summer vacation at the Maldives. 

Must-visit places: Male, Addu Atoll, Maafushi Island, Grand Friday Mosque

Flight duration: 5 hours approx. to Male (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 4000 approx (direct flights)

India

A trip to India is a delight to the senses with its varied gastronomic, cultural, historical, and geographical offerings. Entry into the country is hassle-free with an e-visa that has a smooth approval process and is accessible to most nationalities including many Southeast Asian passport-holders. 

If you are concerned about the country being too hot, find an escape to its ample hill stations and towns that offer the best respite from the heat. Take a road trip to Leh-Ladakh to experience nature in its purest form in the cold desert with a view of the glistening Great Himalaya mountain range. Revel in the beauty of Kashmir, aptly titled ‘Paradise on Earth’ with its scenic lakes, orchards, mountains, and lovely locals. A trip to Manali is sure to be iconic with its tall pine trees, trekking and hiking trails, and many spiritual retreats. Drive through the meandering waterfalls, tranquil greenery, lush tea estates, and terraced plantations of the hills at Munnar and Ooty. 

With its rich offerings and unparalleled local shopping experiences, India promises to be a delight to the traveler.

Must-visit places: Kashmir, Manali, Munnar, Ooty, Ladakh, Darjeeling 

Flight duration: 4 hours approx. to New Delhi (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 1800 to QAR 2000 approx. (direct flights)

Sri Lanka

Plan a trip to Sri Lanka and explore the unmatched beauty of the lovely island country and its beautiful coastlines, forest reserves, mountains, ancient cities and more. The country’s visa process is hassle-free and it is feasible to get a visa-on-arrival for some nationalities and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). 

Head over to the coastal town of Trincomalee and visit its beautiful beaches and ancient Hindu and Buddist temples that boast of intricate architectural elements. Do not miss out on Galle’s many attractions and its Portuguese-inspired architecture. Nuwara Eliya’s luxuriant greenery, colonial-style home, and agreeable weather have it aptly named ‘Little England” of Sri Lanka and makes for an unmissable stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Plan your itinerary to visit the country’s stunning beaches, palm-fringed plantations, tea estates, lush rainforests, and ancient cities to get the ultimate tropical island experience. 

Must-visit places: Trincomalee, Galle, Nuwara Eliya

Flight duration: 5 hours approx. to Colombo (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 2500 to QAR 3600 approx. (direct flights)

Pakistan

Pakistan offers breathtaking vistas and a deep taste of culture and history. The tourist visa for Pakistan is a single-entry visa that can be obtained quite easily at a nominal fee. 

Head over to Pakistan’s beloved hill station Murree and enjoy the cool summer air among the green forests, valleys, and mountains. Let Swat Valley’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and scenic countryside take your breath away. Become entranced by the beautiful green meadows and valleys of Skardu and take a road trip around the mesmerizing landscape. 

With its ample adventurous activities, historical sites, inspirational architecture, mountainous peaks, and gastronomic food experiences, Pakistan is truly unforgettable. 

Must-visit places: Murree, Skardu, Swat Valley

Flight duration: 3.5 hours approx. to Islamabad (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 2750 approx. (direct flights)

Turkey

Turkey is one of the most easily accessible countries to visit from Qatar with flights running to and from Istanbul multiple times every day. Summer is one of the best months to visit the country with its agreeable weather offering a welcome respite from Doha heat.

Turkey is a one-stop haven for history, art, and architecture enthusiasts given its history and location, ensuring you’ll find a beautiful and often delicious confluence of Turkish, Islamic, European, Byzantine, Ottoman and Persian influences. Whether you’re flying in the hot air balloons in the mountain city of Cappadocia; visiting the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, or enjoying the country’s own Turkish Riviera at Bodrum, there are unforgettable experiences for everyone. Add to it the famous Turkish hospitality, delectable food, the unique Turkish hammam experiences and amazing souvenir shopping, a trip to Turkey will make you want to return for more.

Must-visit places: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum

Flight duration: 4.5 hours approx. to Istanbul (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 1800 to QAR 2500 approx. (direct flights)

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is definitely another underrated country, with its quick visa process, that should be on your travel list for this summer. Nicknamed the Land of the Eternal Flame, Azerbaijan’s rich natural resources including its abundant mud volcanoes are a treat to those wishing to experience a different world altogether. The capital city of Baku is windy, cool and designed for walking, while it’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the perfect amalgamation of modern and ancient influences.

Whether it is bathing in crude oil resort at Naftalan Oil resort, marvelling at the architectural wonders of the country, or visiting Sheki—a Silk Route city, Azerbaijan is truly one for some unique traveller experiences. Make sure to enjoy the many variations of tea, jam, sweets and ‘Plov’ rice dishes which feature Turkic, Persian and Central Asian flavours for a delicious gastronomic experience.

Must-visit places: Baku, Nabran, Sheki, Quba

Flight duration: 5-10 hours approx. to Baku (with layovers)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 2000 to QAR 4500 approx. (no direct flights)

Georgia

Georgia tops the list of most popular and easily accessible destinations to visit from Qatar due to its proximity and visa access. Nestled between Asia and Europe, Georgia is a beautiful amalgamation of both cultures and this translates across its food, architecture, and hospitality. Although small in size, the country has some unforgettable landscapes and views that are nature lovers, especially hikers, trekkers, and those who love road-tripping.

Prepare to be charmed by the rustic, artsy vibe of Tbilisi and its quaint European-style architecture. Trek up to Kazbegi from Tbilisi and take a whiff of the crisp mountain air. Visit Borjomi for its famous sulfur pool, mineral water springs, and the Kharagauli National Park.

The fresh mountain air, ancient ruins, and pleasant weather, coupled with Georgian hospitality is the ultimate escape from city life. Head to Georgia with your best friends, family or even go solo to return refreshed and rejuvenated by its beauty.

Must-visit places: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Borjomi, Gudauri

Flight duration: 3.5 hours approx. to Tbilisi (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 3,300 approx. (direct flights)

South Africa

Craving an adventure that’s off the beaten path? South Africa is calling. A melting pot of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife experiences, it's just a flight away from Qatar. Explore Johannesburg’s vibrant neighborhoods, take in Cape Town's majestic Table Mountain, or get up close with nature in the Kruger National Park. With convenient flight connections from Qatar, this African gem is closer than you think.

Ready for your South African adventure? From the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg to the picturesque vineyards of Cape Town and the awe-inspiring safaris in the Kruger National Park, South Africa is a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Must-visit places: Johannesburg, Cape Town's Table Mountain, Kruger National Park

Flight duration: 9 hours approx. to Johannesburg (nonstop)

Estimated flight cost - QAR 3000 to QAR 6000 approx. (direct flights)

Madagascar

Ever dreamt of a tropical island getaway? Look no further than Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. Whether you're hiking through the rainforests of Andasibe, lounging on the pristine beaches of Nosy Be, or exploring the bustling streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar's wonders are just a short flight away from Qatar.

Must-visit places: Andasibe rainforest, Nosy Be beaches, Antananarivo 

Flight duration: 10 hours approx. to Antananarivo (one-stop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 3000 to QAR 5000 approx. (one-stop flights)

Bosnia

Experience the vibrant energy of Sarajevo, the historic charm of Mostar, and the natural wonders of Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia. With its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Bosnia offers a rich tapestry of experiences for the curious traveler. A quick flight from Qatar will land you in the heart of this Balkan gem.

Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of Sarajevo, taking in the timeless beauty of Mostar, or hiking in the Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia promises to leave you enchanted. Start planning your Bosnian adventure today.

Must-visit places: Sarajevo, Mostar, Sutjeska National Park

Flight duration: 6 hours approx. to Sarajevo (one-stop)

Estimated flight cost: QAR 2000 to QAR 4000 approx. (one-stop flights)

*All the mentioned flight details are subject to dates and availability. 

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