![\"Ivan](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman7.jpg\")
<\/a>Ivan Pavlov\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
First of all, Oman is a solidly safe travel destination. If you\u2019re craving a taste of the Middle East but want to avoid nations that are currently war torn and embroiled in conflict, Oman is the place to see. It\u2019s a relatively wealthy nation that\u2019s getting more developed every year, and it\u2019s a truly peaceful place.<\/p>\n
Secondly, Oman is freaking gorgeous. It\u2019s filled with ornate mosques, breathtaking beaches, colorful souks, and of course, rich, spicy food. AWESOMENESS.<\/p>\n
But what really sets Oman apart from its oil-rich neighbors? Less built up and commercialized than its neighbor, the UAE, Oman can give you a glimpse into authentic old Arabia. You won\u2019t find the region\u2019s ancient culture swallowed up by glittering shopping malls and manmade islands here.<\/p>\n
NOPE.<\/p>\n
Instead, you\u2019ll find a whole lot of history, a ton of beauty, and a welcome spot amongst some of the friendliest people on the globe. (Omani hospitality is pretty legendary.)<\/p>\n
So! Here are 6 reasons you should add Oman to your bucket list this year. And no, the ability to make unlimited \u201cOh man!\u201d jokes is not one of them. Although maybe it should be.<\/p>\n
1.) The landscape is ridiculous.<\/h3>\n![\"Wolfgang](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman1.jpg\")
<\/a>Wolfgang Zwanzger\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
The Omani landscape has just about everything you could ever want\u2014huge swaths of golden desert, a pristine coastline, mountains, cliffs\u2014you name it, Oman\u2019s got it.<\/p>\n
Particularly awesome are the wadis<\/a>\u2014valleys or ravines that are dry except during monsoons, when they fill with water. They\u2019re basically gorgeous little pools of happiness, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Now is the time to do a cannonball, folks. And of course, don\u2019t forget about the hot springs. Oman is kind of a water lover\u2019s paradise.<\/p>\nEnjoy the H2O respectfully, though. Wearing a bathing suit is generally considered impolite, and may draw some scandalized stares. Shorts and a T-shirt will do the trick, and keep you cool in the desert heat all day long.<\/p>\n
2.) Historical landmarks from old Arabia are well preserved and easily accessible.<\/h3>\n![\"Ivan](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman2.jpg\")
<\/a>Ivan Pavlov\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Want to see an ancient Arabian fort, a medieval fishing village, or a cluster of tombs from the Bronze Age? Oman\u2019s got you covered.<\/p>\n
With more than 500 ancient forts<\/a> scattered around the country, you can easily check out these imposing structures no matter where you\u2019re staying. Steel your heart though\u2014a local can show you where guards used to pour boiling honey or date juice onto attackers below. Ouch.<\/p>\nFor slightly less terrifying sightseeing, check out the ancient beehive tombs at Western Hajar<\/a> or the traditional mud brick houses at Misfat al Abryeen. Welcome to old Arabia!<\/p>\n3.) Animal lovers rejoice\u2014you can bond with camels, ride Arabian stallions, and see literally hundreds of turtles.<\/h3>\n![\"saisnaps\/Shutterstock\"](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman3.jpg\")
<\/a>saisnaps\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Are you a fan of all things furry? Oman is where it\u2019s at. Take a dune bashing trip on a 4×4 through the desert, and you\u2019ll make a stop at a camel farm. Not only will you get to pet and snuggle the camels, you\u2019ll also get to ride one. How cool is that?<\/p>\n
Seriously cool.<\/p>\n
Beyond the camels, Oman is home to the original breed of Arabian stallion that\u2019s been the region\u2019s claim to fame for hundreds of years. Want to go horseback riding on the beach? There\u2019s no better place to do that than Oman.<\/p>\n
Finally, don\u2019t forget to hit Ras Al Jinz for some epic turtle watching<\/a>. At night, hundreds of green turtles come up onto this remote Sharquiya beach to lay their eggs. So basically, you get to just walk onto the set of a Discovery Channel special. AWESOME.<\/p>\n4.) Some of the most beautiful architecture in the Middle East is here.<\/h3>\n![\"Permchai](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman4.jpg\")
<\/a>Permchai Phoorivatana \/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Omani architecture is known for being especially beautiful, which is saying a lot when it comes to the Middle East. If you\u2019ve ever seen the inside of a mosque, you\u2019ll know how gorgeous and detailed they can be.<\/p>\n
Check out Muscat\u2019s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to see all that Omani detail at its finest. And even if you don\u2019t head inside\u2014women with their hair and shoulders exposed will be denied entry\u2014the exterior of the Grand Mosque is incredible all on its own. Make sure you swing by at night, when the minarets are lit up against the capital city\u2019s skyline.<\/p>\n
Mosques aren\u2019t the only notable architecture you\u2019ll find in Oman. Even the less lavish buildings are visually interesting\u2014homes and office buildings tend to be built in geometric shapes you won\u2019t typically find outside the Middle East. Plus, the country is known for having particularly beautiful doors.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s right. Oman\u2019s full of fancy doors<\/a>. You\u2019ve never been so amazed by doors before, I promise you.<\/p>\n5.) Souks for days, my friends.<\/h3>\n![\"Ivan](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman5.jpg\")
<\/a>Ivan Pavlov\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Souks are a feature of most Middle Eastern countries. Selling spices, carpets, fabric, pottery, and all kinds of other traditional wares, souks are an integral part of life on the Arabian Peninsula.<\/p>\n
Omani souks are known for being some of the most bustling and colorful in the region. If you\u2019re in the capital city of Muscat, check out the Muttrah Souk<\/a> in the old part of the city. If you\u2019re a lady who happens to be traveling through on a Wednesday, check out the women only souk in the city of Ibra<\/a>. There are no other women only souks in the entire region\u2014and rumor has it, this is the most awesome, colorful, kickass souk around.<\/p>\nSo get out of here, boys. We\u2019re keeping the best souk in all of Arabia for ourselves. Women know how to get it done, am I right?<\/p>\n
6.) That food, though.<\/h3>\n![\"Cornelia](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Oman6.jpg\")
<\/a>Cornelia Pithart\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
And finally, you\u2019d have to be kind of insane not to fall in love with the food you\u2019ll find in Oman. It\u2019s based in marinated meat and spiced rice<\/a>, not to mention all the fresh dates and coffee you could possibly want.<\/p>\nFinish off your meal with a beachside hookah session, and you\u2019ll basically be vacationing in paradise.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Wolfgang Zwanzger\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
The Omani landscape has just about everything you could ever want\u2014huge swaths of golden desert, a pristine coastline, mountains, cliffs\u2014you name it, Oman\u2019s got it.<\/p>\n
Particularly awesome are the wadis<\/a>\u2014valleys or ravines that are dry except during monsoons, when they fill with water. They\u2019re basically gorgeous little pools of happiness, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Now is the time to do a cannonball, folks. And of course, don\u2019t forget about the hot springs. Oman is kind of a water lover\u2019s paradise.<\/p>\n Enjoy the H2O respectfully, though. Wearing a bathing suit is generally considered impolite, and may draw some scandalized stares. Shorts and a T-shirt will do the trick, and keep you cool in the desert heat all day long.<\/p>\n Ivan Pavlov\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n Want to see an ancient Arabian fort, a medieval fishing village, or a cluster of tombs from the Bronze Age? Oman\u2019s got you covered.<\/p>\n With more than 500 ancient forts<\/a> scattered around the country, you can easily check out these imposing structures no matter where you\u2019re staying. Steel your heart though\u2014a local can show you where guards used to pour boiling honey or date juice onto attackers below. Ouch.<\/p>\n For slightly less terrifying sightseeing, check out the ancient beehive tombs at Western Hajar<\/a> or the traditional mud brick houses at Misfat al Abryeen. Welcome to old Arabia!<\/p>\n saisnaps\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n Are you a fan of all things furry? Oman is where it\u2019s at. Take a dune bashing trip on a 4×4 through the desert, and you\u2019ll make a stop at a camel farm. Not only will you get to pet and snuggle the camels, you\u2019ll also get to ride one. How cool is that?<\/p>\n Seriously cool.<\/p>\n Beyond the camels, Oman is home to the original breed of Arabian stallion that\u2019s been the region\u2019s claim to fame for hundreds of years. Want to go horseback riding on the beach? There\u2019s no better place to do that than Oman.<\/p>\n Finally, don\u2019t forget to hit Ras Al Jinz for some epic turtle watching<\/a>. At night, hundreds of green turtles come up onto this remote Sharquiya beach to lay their eggs. So basically, you get to just walk onto the set of a Discovery Channel special. AWESOME.<\/p>\n Permchai Phoorivatana \/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n Omani architecture is known for being especially beautiful, which is saying a lot when it comes to the Middle East. If you\u2019ve ever seen the inside of a mosque, you\u2019ll know how gorgeous and detailed they can be.<\/p>\n Check out Muscat\u2019s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to see all that Omani detail at its finest. And even if you don\u2019t head inside\u2014women with their hair and shoulders exposed will be denied entry\u2014the exterior of the Grand Mosque is incredible all on its own. Make sure you swing by at night, when the minarets are lit up against the capital city\u2019s skyline.<\/p>\n Mosques aren\u2019t the only notable architecture you\u2019ll find in Oman. Even the less lavish buildings are visually interesting\u2014homes and office buildings tend to be built in geometric shapes you won\u2019t typically find outside the Middle East. Plus, the country is known for having particularly beautiful doors.<\/p>\n That\u2019s right. Oman\u2019s full of fancy doors<\/a>. You\u2019ve never been so amazed by doors before, I promise you.<\/p>\n Ivan Pavlov\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n Souks are a feature of most Middle Eastern countries. Selling spices, carpets, fabric, pottery, and all kinds of other traditional wares, souks are an integral part of life on the Arabian Peninsula.<\/p>\n Omani souks are known for being some of the most bustling and colorful in the region. If you\u2019re in the capital city of Muscat, check out the Muttrah Souk<\/a> in the old part of the city. If you\u2019re a lady who happens to be traveling through on a Wednesday, check out the women only souk in the city of Ibra<\/a>. There are no other women only souks in the entire region\u2014and rumor has it, this is the most awesome, colorful, kickass souk around.<\/p>\n So get out of here, boys. We\u2019re keeping the best souk in all of Arabia for ourselves. Women know how to get it done, am I right?<\/p>\n Cornelia Pithart\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n And finally, you\u2019d have to be kind of insane not to fall in love with the food you\u2019ll find in Oman. It\u2019s based in marinated meat and spiced rice<\/a>, not to mention all the fresh dates and coffee you could possibly want.<\/p>\n Finish off your meal with a beachside hookah session, and you\u2019ll basically be vacationing in paradise.<\/p>\n2.) Historical landmarks from old Arabia are well preserved and easily accessible.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>3.) Animal lovers rejoice\u2014you can bond with camels, ride Arabian stallions, and see literally hundreds of turtles.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>4.) Some of the most beautiful architecture in the Middle East is here.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>5.) Souks for days, my friends.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>6.) That food, though.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>