Doha is now well and truly on the map for travelers around the world thanks to Qatar Airways’ expanding global route map and an innovative new stopover program. I am often asked by readers for tips and advice for visitors to Qatar, so by popular demand, I have compiled the “ultimate” Insider’s Guide to Doha. From visas through to hotels, what to buy and of course where to eat, its all here in one place. My only advice? Just come – you will love it. Visa Details: Travelers can now enjoy the new Transit Visa free of cost when you add a short transit or stopover between five and 96 hours…
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Five Reasons Why Galway Stole My Heart and Will Steal Yours Too
It’s a very rare experience as a traveler and a travel blogger that you find a place that truly resonates with you. Digging deep into that blogger bag of superlatives is not really my thing, but Galway, well, it’s different. A university town, it’s also the European Capital of Culture in 2020, but its beautiful coastal location and charming and friendly people means it has a lot to offer visitors. A bit Bohemian, witty and with a lot of soul, Galway stole my heart and these are the reasons why it will also steal yours: The Streets This city is probably the most Instagrammable city in Ireland, let alone Europe.…
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Five Reasons Why Dublin Makes the Perfect Summer Getaway
Without delving too far into the implications that this story makes about my current age, I last visited Ireland around 22 years ago as a young, starry-eyed Australian lass. I took the ferry from France, it was a long and choppy crossing but it was very exciting to get a stamp in my then freshly minted passport. “Where are you from then young lady?” the Immigration agent at Rosslare asked. “Australia? Well, it’s changed a lot since when your ancestors probably left here!” (His correct assumption being that my ancestors were Irish and convicts). Fast forward to July 2017 and I am standing at the Immigration counter of the Dublin…
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To the Point – Using Qatar Airways Privilege Club Program to Your Advantage
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that I love to travel but loathe having to pay top dollar for it. As a result, I am not one of those people who hoards their frequent flyer points – use them or lose them I say. I used to be promiscuous with my flying habits, spreading my love between many airlines. But around four years ago I decided to be exclusive and pool all my points/credits/hopes and dreams with one airline – Qatar Airways. This made sense for me – I liked direct the flights, loved the product and importantly, they joined the One World alliance, giving me more options for earning points. While people…
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Nine Reasons You Should Be Taking Your Next International Flight on Qatar Airways
Let me give you some (free) advice. Ignore what you are reading about Qatar at the moment. Regardless of what you think you know, it’s been exaggerated (and I should know, I used to be a journalist). Qatar is safe, peaceful and happens to have one of the world’s best airlines, Qatar Airways as its national carrier. I’ve been a customer of the airline for 10 years, exclusively for the past four years, and I can honestly say it’s in a realm of its own. So, with the Summer approaching, you should consider this airline for your next trip for the reasons for the following reasons: Free Stopover You heard me.…
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Nine Places to Eat and Drink on a Stopover in Doha
This week Qatar Airways announced something that was music to to ears of any traveler – free transit stopovers in Doha. The range of things to do on a short stay in this city has been covered in other places and I have done an exhaustive list of places to eat at the stunning Hamad International Airport. But what about Doha itself? I’ve lived here more than a decade and managed to pretty much eat my way around the city. You can find something to suit all palates and budgets – you just need to know where to look. But as a regular traveler, I also know what makes a great trip – food…
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First Class Fare – Not Just Plane Food
Last year, after a rugged Summer, I treated myself a business class flight to Thailand. At the gate, ready to board, I was informed my seat had been changed. I swear, at that moment, I heard angels singing. Suddenly I was bathed in a soft light emanating from heaven itself. The gate staff member turned into a unicorn. I had achieved the impossible – I had been upgraded…to FIRST CLASS. When I boarded and was rolling around in my vast seat, a fellow passenger, also upgraded, literally ran on board. He looked around, surveying is kingdom for the next seven hours, and said… “SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET”. Right then, that man was all…
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Head in the Clouds – A Weekend in Oman
It’s true, I’ve been an absentee blogger of late. A nasty virus and its associated hangers on (tonsillitis, bronchitis, kidney infection) knocked me for six and saw me confined to quarters for weeks. My other half (who has also had his own health issues), said he knew I was really unwell when I refused to even touch the feast he had just brought home from Afghan Brothers. It had been a rugged couple of months, so when AZ went to Dubai for a work assignment, we hatched a plan to meet in Oman for a languid weekend. He had his car (a gigantic 4WD) so I flew to Muscat and…
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Giveaway Alert – Win Dinner for Two at Prime Luxury Steakhouse
WARNING! This post and the giveaway may result in meat sweats! I know, I’m biased, but I think Australian beef and lamb is some of the finest produce in the world. Australians love their meat especially lamb when Intercontinental Doha The City approached me to collaborate on their inaugural Taste of Australia promotion, there was never any doubt I would say yes. The hotel’s premium steak house has joined forces with Meat and Livestock Australia and the Australian Embassy in Qatar to promote the very best of our produce. Until February 28 you can sample selection of Australian beef and lamb including prime rump steak, lamb leg and braised beef cheeks. All diners who choose the menu during…
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Up, Up and Away – The Best Places to Eat at Hamad International Airport
There are two things certain. One of that a Kardashian will post a nude shot on Instagram. The other is that at some point in our lives, we will be forced to eat an overpriced, stale sandwich in a dingy airport somewhere in the world. I’m pleased to say, that Hamad International Airport, this trend is being bucked. (The Kardashians however, that’s a lost cause). Honestly, took me some time to warm to this behemoth of an airport. The old airport was just 1km from my home and I could even see the tail fins of the planes from my balcony. After a trip I could be off the plane, in…
