Traveling solo as a woman is not a new story in the modern world. But when traveling alone safety is the main concern for any woman. Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world for solo women travelers. Additionally keep in mind that Qatar is an Islamic country with sharia law so all the tourists irrespective of gender are obliged to follow some rules. Qatar has gained great popularity among tourists in the last decade. Lets see 8 tips that help solo women travelers in Qatar.
1. Winter: The Best Time To Visit
The period between November to March is usually considered as off-season for tourism. But this is the perfect time to visit Qatar. The weather in Qatar during these 5 months is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82.4°F) during the day and dropping to a comfortable 12°C to 14°C (53.6°F to 57.2°F) at night. Even though there are a lot of activities and events during the summer, the temperature in Qatar during summer can go up to 40°C (104°F). Keep this in mind while visiting Qatar alone as weather can influence your trip to a great extent. .
2. Use Uber
The metro will offer you a comfortable ride across the city. The metro is an affordable way to get around the city . Similarly there are local taxis called “karwa”. However if you need a safe and easy option for travelling you can always use uber. It is not advised to use rental car services as the traffic rules are not easy to follow if you are new and the fines will be huge.
3. Experience The Desert
Desserts are something that makes each middle eastern country unique. Similarly in Qatar make sure to explore the dessert. You can engage in various activities in the desert like riding a camel, sandboarding, going dune bashing in a 4WD, or even riding an ATV over the sand dunes. Also a visit to the sealine beach can make your trip memorable.
4. Enjoy the trip without alcohol
Like in most Middle Eastern countries, alcohol is banned in Qatar as well. However you can get alcohol from 5 star hotels but it will be much more expensive. It is always good to enjoy your trip without alcohol. You can enjoy the tea culture of Qatar and avoid alcohol for a great trip and good health.
5. Downtown Shopping
Middle Eastern countries are known for its cheap and unique markets. These are a heaven for all shopping lovers. Especially women who travel alone as there is no one to hurry you up while you stroll through the huge markets. Similarly the Soqu Waqif of Qatar is a must visit market where you can shop for spices, perfumes, and handicrafts to unique souvenirs. Bargaining is a common practice here so get the best rates. On the other hand if you are a high end shopper make sure to visit all the luxurious shopping malls.
6. Respect The Dress Code
As mentioned earlier Qatar is an islamic country and takes religion very seriously. So make sure to follow the local dress code if you are travelling alone. Modesty in your dressing style will be a great benefit in interacting with the locals. For women it will be good to wear something that covers from shoulders to knees.
Visiting Qatar alone will be a great experience for any woman. However, keep in mind these tips for a memorable vacation.
