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Christmas spirit in New England

Whether it’s Maine’s foliage in autumn or vacations on Cape Cod in the summer, New England is the ideal place to really immerse yourself in the seasons. This is especially true when it comes to winter. Yeah, New England winters are cold. But they’re also filled with perfect snowball snow, Christmas cookies, festive lights, and traditional holiday cheer unlike anywhere else in the country. Nothing exudes Christmas spirit like settling into an 18th-century inn by the fireplace, attending a traditional town tree lighting, or watching as Santa sails into town on a lobster boat. From the White Mountains to Nantucket, these small New England towns take Christmas to the next level.

1. Freeport, Maine

Photo: Visit Freeport/Facebook

Freeport is known throughout New England for its wide array of outlet stores and for being the home of LL Bean’s flagship store. But it’s also one of the most festive towns in the area come Christmas time. The annual Sparkle Weekend will be held this year from December 7 to December 9. It features a range of events that will really get you in the Christmas spirit, like the Talking Christmas Tree, old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon rides, and a vintage arts and crafts market. At the workshop at Wilbur’s of Maine chocolate factory, the whole family can learn how to make a chocolate house. There’s also a holiday decorating contest, LL Bean’s Discovery Forest — featuring over 600 light-covered trees — and, of course, the Annual Worldwide Tuba Concert.

2. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Photo: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

When you think of Nantucket, it’s probably all summer cottages and beaches, but this island is more than just a warm-weather destination. On the annual Noel and Christmas Stroll weekend, the island’s cobbled streets come alive with craft shows, concerts, a Christmas marketplace, and community caroling. The centerpiece of the weekend, however, is when Santa Claus arrives triumphantly on a Coast Guard ship and joins Santa’s parade as it marches up Main Street. This year’s stroll is themed “A Beautiful Stroll in the Neighborhood” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the TV debut of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” The Stroll will take place from November 30 to December 2, with Santa arriving on Saturday, December 1.

3. Kennebunkport, Maine

Photo: Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude/Facebook

If you want the perfect coastal Christmas experience but don’t want to trek all the way down to Nantucket, Kennebunkport puts the perfect New England twist on the holiday. From lobster bakes to trolley rides and chocolate bars, the Christmas Prelude has all the Christmas spirit you can handle. Like in Nantucket, Santa will arrive by sea, riding on a lobster boat that will dock at the Boathouse Waterfront Hotel on Ocean Avenue. Accompanied by his Lobster Elves, he will make his way to the Community House on Temple Street for photos. And in case you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, stores will be open late and offering free holiday treats.

4. Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Photo: Stockbridge Christmas/Facebook

Art connoisseurs may recognize Stockbridge from the famous Norman Rockwell painting, “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas.” The painting is meant to epitomize a cozy small-town Christmas atmosphere, and fittingly, the town itself doesn’t disappoint. From November 30 to December 2, the town offers holiday readings, historic house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert. To cap off the weekend, Stockbridge really embraces its Normal Rockwell association by recreating the exact scene from the famous painting. Vintage cars are parked in the spots seen in the picture, invoking a fond sense of nostalgia, and reminding visitors that Stockbridge is indeed the perfect New England Christmas town. The full schedule of events can be found here.

5. Woodstock, Vermont

Photo: Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce‎/Facebook

Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, named after an English medieval drinking ritual, might be one of the most unique Christmas celebrations in New England. Wassail Weekend features classic light displays, decorated historic homes, a breakfast with Santa event, and even a traditional 19th-century farm-style Christmas at the local Billings Farm. But the most memorable part of the weekend is undoubtedly the parade, which features over 50 horses and riders in period holiday costumes from the 1800s. Wassail Weekend takes place from December 7 to December 9, with the parade happening on Saturday at 2:00 PM. If you’re lucky, you could even win a free trip to Wassail Weekend, courtesy of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce. It would include two nights at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, two dinners, free sleigh-ride admission at the Billings Farm, and a host of other gifts.

6. Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts

Photo: Old Sturbridge Village/Facebook

For some old school yuletide charm, take a trip through history at Old Sturbridge Village. This 18th-century reenactment village hosts its Christmas by Candlelight events every weekend in December. Events include a nightly tree lighting, a gingerbread-house contest, sleigh rides, and the reading of classic stories, all set against the backdrop of an authentic 1700s village. Eat a festive feast at one of the local taverns or even stay the night in a lodge. One-day tickets are $28 for adults and $14 for children.

7. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Photo: Country Inns in the White Mountains

If you’d rather not stay in one place all weekend but still want a healthy (or maybe unhealthy) dose of Christmas charm, atmosphere, and treats, you should probably check out the Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie Tour in the White Mountains. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on December 8 and 9, a self-guided tour allows you to journey through the White Mountains — the perfect Christmas setting — and visit several participating inns, each of which features traditional holiday cookies, candies, and Christmas decorations. And when you go home, you’ll actually be able to take home recipes so you can make the treats yourself.

There are 11 inns participating this year: the Darby Field Inn in Albany; the Inn at Crystal Lake and Pub in Eaton; the Snowvillage Inn in Snowville; the Inn at Ellis River in Jackson; the 1785 Inn in Intervale; the Admiral Peary Inn B&B in Fryeburg, Maine; and the Eastman Inn, Old Red Inn & Cottages, Cranmore Inn, White Birch Inn, and the Samuel O’Reilly House in North Conway.

For the full experience, you’ll want to take advantage of the Cookie Tour package offered by each inn. The package includes accommodation for two nights, breakfast, a cookbook, a custom-made ornament, and other keepsakes. Packages can be browsed here.


More like this: 7 amazing Christmas markets you need to go to this holiday season

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How to eat healthy while traveling

Eating right while traveling can be tough. Your schedule is thrown out of whack, and there’s a good chance that the food options at most airports or hotels are more in line with Guy Fieri than Antoni Porowski. Sometimes, it can feel like the only option is to abandon your healthy eating goals or go hungry. But you don’t have to let a flight, long hotel stay, or road trip push you into a spiral of fast food and snacks.

We reached out to nutritionists to gather the best tips for healthy eating while traveling. Stay fit out there.

Balance your plate.

Increase the volume of your meal with fruits and vegetables to make sure you get enough fiber and nutrients while keeping your overall calories lower.

“You’ll likely be eating out for most meals, so items are going to be made with more fat and salt than you would ever use at home,” says Kelsey Peoples, a registered dietitian and the owner of The Peoples Plate. “Try making your plate 25 percent lean protein, 25 percent starch or grains, and 50 percent fruits and vegetables.”

Getting that ratio on your plate can be hard when you’re facing down options that only span from McDonald’s to Taco Bell. Bringing your own veggies is one way to meet the ratio when ordering food on the go (a snack bag of snap peas goes a long way). Bowls allow you to visually see the way your meal is broken down if the option is on the menu. Take your basic McDonald’s salad bowl, for example. Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Salad has a corner of protein, starchy beans, and a lot of lettuce.

Pack your own flight snacks.

Food options at airports are better than ever (especially in Phoenix), but nothing beats packing easy and satisfying snacks. And no, it doesn’t have to be all what you consider “health food.”

For long haul flights, Christina Tsiripidou, a wellness expert in the UK, suggests “having a mix of nuts and dark chocolate as well as a mix of fruits such as berries and grapes.” The snacks have the dual purpose of being snacks in between meals as well as balancing out the in-flight meals given on the plane, which we all know aren’t exactly five star.

Supplement your diet.

Sometimes getting all of the nutrients your body needs through food alone is difficult. Deanna Minich, the CEO of Food & Spirit, suggests supplementing the food you eat before, during, and after traveling.

“What works best for me is to do a pre-, during, and post-supplementation regimen that lasts seven days before and seven days after traveling,” Minich says. “I take supplements such as Vitamin D, probiotics, fish oil, and a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, along with spirulina.”

Steer clear of the breakfast buffet.

As tempting as the free breakfast at the hotel can be, avoid it like your healthy eating habits depend on it. Because they do.

“Avoid the endless breakfast buffets and start with a high-quality meal with protein (try egg whites, eggs, low fat cheese, plain yogurt) with some healthy carbs (like fruits, veggies, or whole grains),” Peoples says. “While the delicacies like croissants, French toast, and Belgian waffles are tempting, you’ll overload on fast-burning carbs and crash mid-morning.”

Hydrate, and then hydrate some more.

Airplane humidity is kept around 10 to 20 percent. For perspective, the Sahara Desert has around 25 percent humidity. In short, you’re going to get dehydrated, and fast. To combat this, the Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking eight ounces of water for every hour up in the air.

“During the trip itself, I make sure to take my own water bottle, as most airports have purified water stations these days,” Minich says. “It’s less expensive to get your own water and most likely more pure, too.”


More like this: 9 ways you’re sabotaging your health while traveling (and how to fix it)

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Get paid to travel around Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand wants to give you a chance to channel your inner Bourdain, and they’ll pay you for it. Along with production company DreamJobbing, one fortunate traveler will be sent across the country for up to three weeks in January or February 2019 to document their off-the-beaten-path travels. If selected, you’ll visit lesser-known tourist spots, sample a wide variety of local cuisine, and mingle with prominent personalities from places like Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

According to the job posting, someone with an “adventurous spirit” and who is ready for a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” are the official prerequisites. In addition to your round-trip airfare to Thailand, all expenses will be covered while you’re on the ground. You’ll also receive a daily allowance and financial compensation, but the coolest part is the exposure you’ll get as a result. The final footage will air as part of an upcoming Amazon Prime documentary entitled The Local Traveler in Thailand, which will stream to Prime subscribers.

If this opportunity calls to you, head to the official posting and upload a 60-second video making the case for why you, of all the world’s adventure travelers, are the ideal candidate. A love of authentic food, a willingness to try anything once, and a keen ability for striking up conversation with someone you’ve just met — these qualities are certain to put you in the running. Applications are being accepted from now through the end of 2018. If you’re selected, be ready to dive right in. The website notes that you won’t be staying in any hotels during the trip, opting instead for homestays and other traditional lodging options.

H/T: Afar

More like this: The 7 most amazing temples in Thailand outside of Bangkok

The post Get paid to travel to Thailand’s lesser-known sights appeared first on Matador Network.

Celebrate New Year's twice

Make 2019’s New Year’s party so nice you ring it in twice. A travel company called Crystal Aircruises has a trip called New Year Double Countdown Celebration that will take guests from Tokyo to Las Vegas for a party on two continents.

The party runs from December 29th to January 4th, and starts at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. There, guests will have an exclusive private party with dinner and sumo wrestling for entertainment. The first thing you’ll see in 2019 (well, during the first time you experience the beginning of 2019) will be Tokyo Disneyland’s fireworks show.

Then it’s time to board a Boeing 777-200 charter jet that makes first-class flights look like the middle seat in the last row of economy. The jet has 88 flat-bed seats and butlers to tend to each guest. An inflight chef makes the meals, and there’s a bar — a stand-up bar, none of this cart nonsense — if you want to keep the party going on the flight. The flight will cross the International Date Line on its way to Las Vegas and then suddenly it’ll be the last day of 2018 again.

In Vegas, guests will attend a Celine Dion concert, because everyone’s heart has indeed gone on the longest New Year’s Eve party possible. It all ends with an after party DJed by Calvin Harris at Omnia and fireworks over the Strip.

Incredibly, this isn’t the only way to celebrate the end of 2018 twice. Pure Entertainment Group has a trip with New Year’s celebrations in both Australia and Hawaii.

If you think celebrating a regular New Year’s is expensive, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that celebrating it twice in 48 hours is very expensive. The Crystal Aircruises trip costs $26,000 — which almost seems like a bargain compared to Pure Entertainment Group’s $126,000 price tag. Don’t forget to add the cost of two New Year’s outfits into your budget.

H/T: TravelPulse

More like this: Ring in 2019 twice in Australia and Hawaii on this epic luxury trip

The post Take this flight and ring in 2019 twice on two continents appeared first on Matador Network.

Things people from Philly never say

Philadelphians are a proud people and they love their city. You’ll hear them talk about the Eagles being the best team the NFL has ever seen; you’ll hear them talk passionately about how good Wawa is; and you’ll hear them praise soft pretzels and Termini Bros’ desserts. But there are certain things that Philadelphians never say. Ever. Here are 10 things that will never be heard on the streets of Philly.

1. “That’s a nice Cowboy’s jersey.”

For those who dare walk the streets of Philadelphia wearing Dallas gear, there will be many words said to you. None of them will be kind.

2. “I really respect the PPA for being so good at their jobs.”

Is the Parking Authority the most efficient group of city workers in Philadelphia, by a mile? Yes. Does that make us like them any more? Absolutely not.

3. “It’ll be fast to get there, I’ll just zip down the Schuylkill.”

A drive on the Schuylkill is like a roll of the dice; your trip could be 20 minutes or an hour.

4. “If we don’t have enough liquor for the party, I’ll head down to the shop.”

Purchasing liquor for a shindig, especially a last-minute one, is a logistical marathon.

5. “You know what I could really go for right now? A Subway sandwich.”

We don’t even know why there are Subway locations in Philadelphia. We don’t do subs, we do hoagies, and we actually expect them to be edible!

6. “I’m going to put my feet up and watch the game.”

There is an easy way to watch games, and then there is the Philly way.

7. “You can set your watch by SEPTA.”

It will get you there eventually (most likely), but we all need a backup plan.

8. “I’m gonna head to Wawa and get a Little Debbie cake.”

Outrageous. Does Wawa even sell Little Debbie products? If it does, it should stop. And you, over there, eating that zebra cake with the leather-like frosting? You should probably stop as well.

9. “I’d love to take a day trip for a change of scenery, but there’s nowhere to go.”

AC? Check. The Poconos? Why not? Maybe a hike in the Wissahickon? Our backyard options are pretty great.

10. “I don’t think I want to eat from a lunch truck.”

Food trucks are the best. We can celebrate the best of local produce or travel the world all in one meal.


More like this: 11 ways to insult a Philadelphian

The post 10 things you’ll never hear someone from Philly say appeared first on Matador Network.

Dating a guy from Wisconsin

If you’re in a budding relationship with a boy from Wisconsin, you already know that he uses words like “bubbler” and “pop” and that he has a taste for deer meat. But if you’re only beginning to navigate the dating scene in Wisconsin, here are another eight quirks you need to be aware of before you date a Wisconsin boy.

1. He knows alcohol better than most bartenders.

Your Wisconsin boyfriend loves beer, old fashioneds, and his grandpa’s homemade cherry bounce. At least 80 percent of your dates will involve one of these three beverages.

2. He’s passionate about sports.

If there’s a Brewers or Packers game on, don’t expect his attention to be on anything else. Watching the game is an all-day event.

3. Don’t expect to spend Thanksgiving with him.

Along with the other men in his family, your boyfriend will be up at the hunting shack during Thanksgiving weekend. And when they’re done, they’ll be watching football.

4. He either drives a truck, or he’s saving to buy a truck.

The truck is your Wisconsin boyfriend’s single most precious possession. If he’s saving up to buy one, anything that isn’t beer money is going straight to his truck savings fund.

5. You’ll need to buy a separate freezer for everything he hunts or wins at meat raffles.

He needs at least two freezers to hold excess meat, which means you’ll never go hungry.

6. Wisconsin will always be his home.

You’d better like the Cheese State, because chances are very slim he’ll ever want to live anywhere else. With perfect summers, cheap and delicious supper clubs, and endless craft beer options, there’s no better place for him.

7. His nice shirt is a plaid flannel.

Don’t expect a cotton button down and slacks. On occasions that require dressing up, you’ll find him in a flannel and jeans. Comfort comes first in Wisconsin.

8. His facial hair choices change regularly.

He’ll lure you in with a basic hipster mustache, but make no mistake about what is to come. Over the years, your boyfriend will don a Fu Manchu, a goatee, and a full beard, often as part of a charity fundraiser.


More like this: 9 signs winter is coming in Wisconsin

The post 8 things you should know before dating a Wisconsin guy appeared first on Matador Network.

Most remote monasteries in the world

We expect churches to be elaborate. Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is so grand it’s been under construction since 1882. Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow looks like it had its blueprints swapped for a basket of Easter eggs. But monastic life is known for its simplicity, and monasteries generally make us think of more basic architecture and less central locations. These seven monasteries are as off the grid as it gets, built everywhere from cliff sides to volcano tops, and they’re just as stunning as any house of worship.

1. Holy Trinity Monastery — Greece

Photo: Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

Built in the 15th century, this Eastern Orthodox monastery overlooks the Peneas Valley in central Greece from the summit of a massive sandstone formation called Meteora. You’ll break a sweat visiting, but the 1,300-foot climb and 140-step staircase are worth the views. The monastery is one of six active Meteora monasteries, out of 24 total, and the only one with UNESCO World Heritage status. Inside, you’ll find rock reliefs and 17th-century frescoes that are remarkably well-preserved.

2. Katskhi Pillar — Georgia

Photo: Andrei Bortnikau/Shutterstock

The monastery that sits atop the Katskhi Pillar in western Georgia is humble, but it’s hardly unimpressive. The 130-foot monolith was a pagan holy site until the monastery was established in the seventh century, some time after Georgia officially adopted Christianity. In ruins for centuries, the site was restored in the early 2000s after local monk Maxime Qavtaradze moved in and started a new wave of religious activity. Qavtaradze gets up and down using a long iron ladder, but the site is closed to the public.

3. Mount Popa Monastery — Myanmar

Photo: Avigator Thailand/Shutterstock

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano on top of which sits a monastery crowned with bright gold stupas. Legend has it that dozens of nats, spirits worshipped in Myanmar, inhabit the mountain, but you’re more likely to encounter macaque monkeys scurrying around the monastery. Visitors can follow 777 steps to the summit of Mount Popa and often do so as a day trip from nearby Bagan, an ancient, temple-filled city and one of the best places in the world to go hot-air ballooning.

4. Paro Taktsang Monastery — Bhutan

Photo: MOROZ NATALIYA/Shutterstock

Sometimes called Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Taktsang slants down the side of a cliff roughly 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s surrounded by the historic Paro Valley and is considered one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. There are multiple mountain paths that lead up to the monastery. It’s no easy trek, but once you’re there, you’ll get to tour the four main temples, the courtyard and prayer wheel, the meditation caves, and the rest of the complex. In the Hall of Thousand Buddhas, you’ll stumble upon a tiger sculpture that helps explain the monastery’s nickname.

5. St. George Monastery — Montenegro

Photo: Aliaksandr Antanovich/Shutterstock

St. George Monastery is a Benedictine holy site built on an island in the middle of the Kotor Bay. Granted, it’s a pretty small island. For the most part, what’s left of the land is split between a cemetery for the people of nearby Perast and rows of cypress trees planted by monks after the monastery was built in the 12th century. Tourists are not permitted to visit, but there’s no rule against admiring from afar.

6. St. George’s Monastery — Israel

Photo: Alla Khananashvili/Shutterstock

Israel’s St. George Monastery is positioned between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert, where it’s been clinging to a cliff above the Wadi Qelt gorge since the fifth century. Many believe that Wadi Qelt is the biblical “valley of the shadow of death” from Psalm 23. Visitors can reach the still-active monastery on foot. Unlike some other holy sites, women are allowed to make the pilgrimage as well as men.

7. Key Monastery — India

Photo: Kiwisoul/Shutterstock

This remote Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the gateway to the Western Himalayas in northern India. It sits at an elevation of more than 13,500 feet and is thought to date at least as far back as the 11th century. Inside the three-floor monastery are various Buddha images, wall paintings, and a collection of ancient texts. It’s active to this day and welcomes monks from the Gelung sect of Tibetan Buddhism, assuming that they can actually find the monastery.


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Handler asleep, wakes in Chicago

Falling asleep on the job is always a very bad idea, but you’ve got nothing to worry about if you don’t get caught. In this baggage handler’s case, getting caught would have actually made his life a whole lot easier. Early Saturday morning, the 27-year-old fell asleep in the cargo hold of a Piedmont Airlines plane departing Kansas City for Chicago. The ground crew found him once the flight landed in Chicago, though it’s unclear whether he was asleep or awake at the time.

A spokesperson for American Airlines, which owns Piedmont, told Insider that the baggage handler “inadvertently fell asleep,” and that he did not require any medical attention. The same spokesperson added that “our top priority is ensuring the wellbeing of the Piedmont employee, and we are grateful that he did not sustain any injuries.” While the airline may be relieved about his safety, they’re probably not pleased with his behavior. No statement has been made on whether or not the man has been let go.

American Airlines didn’t address the cause of the unusual incident, but a spokesperson told Fox News that the man admitted to being intoxicated and passing out in the cargo hold. That would make this one of several recent occurrences involving drunk airline employees, a few of which even involved pilots.

H/T: Insider

More like this: Why charging for carry-on bags might just make flying great — or at least tolerable — again

The post Baggage handler falls asleep inside cargo hold, accidentally flies to Chicago appeared first on Matador Network.

A pilot was caught with a gun

It turns out that flight crews are just as capable of trying to smuggle dangerous items onto planes. Brian A. Machtemes, a pilot for Sun Country Airlines, was arrested in Southwest Florida International Airport on Friday after TSA discovered a loaded handgun in his luggage. The gun was detected during a routine X-ray screening.

TSA officer Jacob Brunick was the one who first inspected the bag. Upon opening a zipper pouch, he found a .380-caliber pistol loaded with six rounds. Since Machtemes had previously confirmed that the bag was indeed his, and had not been packed or tampered with by anyone else, he was promptly arrested on charges of carrying an unlicensed concealed firearm. Although Machtemes did possess a valid permit to carry a gun in Minnesota, Florida does not recognize Minnesota permits.

In a statement provided to Business Insider, Sun Country Airlines declined to comment on the incident, claiming that they “do not comment or confirm details related to individual employee conduct or work performance.” They did reveal, however, that the passengers of the flight Machtemes was meant to pilot were compensated with free hotels and a meal, as well as flight vouchers.

According to the Minnesota StarTribune, TSA does allow pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit in certain circumstances, but it must be transported in a locked case when not on the flight. This law has been in effect since 2003. Mark Howell, a TSA regional spokesperson told Business Insider that very few pilots actually carry guns. “They have to go through a whole separate screening process that’s different than just forgetting to have a firearm in your bag,” he said.

Machtemes has posted bond, and is currently awaiting a November 26th court date.

This isn’t the only instance of a rule-breaking pilot, either. According to The New York Times, a Japan Airlines co-pilot was traveling by bus to Heathrow Airport when the driver smelled alcohol on his breath, and alerted the authorities. Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was arrested 50 minutes before his flight to Tokyo, and pled guilty to exceeding the legal alcohol limit at court on Thursday, admitting to having consumed two bottles of wine and five beers before boarding the bus. This past June, the BBC reported that a British Airways pilot was jailed after crew members smelled alcohol on his breath prior to takeoff. As it turns out, he drank three double vodkas in his hotel room prior to his flight. “You are in charge of a huge aircraft,” said the judge during sentencing. “The safety, if not the lives, indeed, of passengers and crew members are in the hands of the pilot. They are entitled to feel that they are safe.”

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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Top reasons to visit Muscat, Oman

Ah, Dubai. That glitzy desert mirage of five-star hotels, indoor ski slopes, and massive malls. Selling itself as the ultimate tourist destination, it offers a gilded version of Middle Eastern life. However, most travelers never see the real city behind the shiny facade. If you want to experience genuine Arabic hospitality, Oman is the place to go.

Set on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this beautiful country feels a world away from the glitzy skyscrapers of the neighboring United Arab Emirates. Mainly closed to outsiders before 1970, the last few years have seen a huge amount of development in Oman — but, luckily, it still offers an authentic Middle Eastern experience. If you’re looking to see minarets instead of malls and experience history instead of hedonism, here’s why you visit Oman and its capital city, Muscat.

1. It has a beautifully diverse range of scenery to enjoy.

Photo: PlusONE/Shutterstock

Whether you’re looking to dive, sand-board, hike, swim, or explore a wadi, there’s no shortage of ways to take in the landscape of Oman. The country offers a surprisingly diverse landscape, and although it’s not as well known as, for example, Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, it has amazing dive sites and a beautiful array of untouched coral. Nizwa offers a massive range of hiking opportunities, and you can avoid the heat in the mountains or the oasis city of Salalah. The city is flanked by gorgeous hills and a clean, beckoning waterfront lined with people enjoying the typically warm, sunny weather.

2. You can learn about Omani history in the markets, museums, and mosques.

Photo: Radzimy/Shutterstock

While the United Arab Emirates also has a fascinating history, sometimes this feels a bit lost in all the ritzy glamor of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Oman, however, the history of this key trading port takes center stage. You can visit the Bait al Zubair Museum, a beautifully curated private collection, or the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, open to Westerners wishing to learn more about Islam. Residents in Muscat are notoriously friendly to visitors and eager to share their history and culture — a way of life many believe is at a crest in the 21st century. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said has served as the absolute monarch of the country since 1970 and, despite being a one-man show, is beloved among Omanis and credited for ushering in their current era of prosperity.

3. You can swim with the turtles at Ras al Jinz or watch the dolphins in the Gulf of Oman.

Photo: Marcin Szymczak/Shutterstock

If you visit in the hotter months — between May and October — you can see turtle nests along the beach at Ras al Jinz and watch baby turtles scuttle their way across the sand. Alternatively, if you are more interested in watching dolphins surf the waves, take a short cruise in the Gulf of Oman. Land lovers need not fear — inland, you can see oryx, gazelle, and migratory birds.

4. It rivals Dubai in the gorgeous hotel stakes.

Photo: Philip Lange/Shutterstock

Since the 1970s, Muscat has developed into a modern and diverse capital city. Efficient infrastructure makes getting around the city a breeze. Also, with the adjacent Gulf of Oman serving as a major trade route for oil and gas as well as commercial goods, the economy is booming. As such, there is no shortage of eye-catching lodging begging visitors to stay, both tourists and business folk. A prime example is the Al Bustan Palace. Originally built to provide private housing to friends of the Sultan, this sumptuous hotel, managed by the Ritz Carlton, gives Dubai hot spots a run for their money. The Chedi is well known as being one of the best luxury resorts in the region, and with fancy hotels scattered throughout the country, you won’t be at a loss for a fabulous place to splash out on.

5. It’s a LOT quieter than its flashier neighbors.

Photo: NAPA/Shutterstock

When traveling, many people like to visit busy, bustling places. However, if you want a more relaxed setting, Oman really delivers. Local towns still retain Bedouin values and beautiful architecture. Laid-back and relaxed, Oman offers a positive approach towards an optimistic future while recognizing its traditional past. This is true both within and outside of Muscat. Though a thriving metropolis of over 1.5 million residents, the city retains a vibe attuned more to traditional culture than contests over who can build the tallest skyscraper or source the most expensive dinner menu.

6. You’ll be welcomed by the famous Omani hospitality.

Photo: Katiekk/Shutterstock

Omani people are known to be some of the most welcoming and friendly in the region, and you’re likely to be greeted with smiles wherever you go. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest in someone’s home, you can expect to be greeted with delicious local coffee and dates. You might even be treated to some halwa, a tacky confection that, as good as it is, is likely to stick your teeth together.

7. You can head to the hills if you want to escape the city.

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Known as the Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar is located 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) above sea level. With abundant rainfall, the hills are full of apricots, peaches, grapes, and roses, much of which is used for sweets and perfume. A day trip from the ancient city of Nizwa, about 1.5 hours south of Muscat, the mountain is a refreshing place to visit on a hot day and a great place to find a dose of outdoor adventure. Bring a light jacket, however, as the air is considerably cooler once you reach the peak by 4WD.

8. Muscat is the cultural capital of the Arabian peninsula.

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

The Omani people are proud of their heritage but have also been receptive to the languages and cultures that have passed through their port over the years. You can stroll along the Muttrah Corniche and hear all sorts of foreign tongue being spoken or catch an opera or ballet at the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Royal Opera Hall. Work your way through markets and past street vendors hawking souvenirs, and be sure to check out The National Museum, where you can view ancient Middle Eastern artifacts and read up on the country’s history. The domed Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and its giant chandeliers are worth a visit and a photo, as is Bait Al Baranda, a smaller museum showcasing Omani culture and heritage.

9. The markets have it all — food, fun, and frankincense.

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Oman is famous for its amazing souks, or traditional marketplaces, and Muscat is no exception. Whether it’s fresh fish (try the kingfish curry), oil, spices, nuts, dates, or textiles, there is something for everyone. You can test your haggling skills by buying leatherware and gold jewelry or do some people-watching — particularly when the locals whip out their own haggling skills.


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