Saudi Arabia Travel Tips – For the longest time, visiting Saudi Arabia just wasn’t a realistic proposition. You could get in, but there was no tourism industry to speak of. Most people who made it to the country did so in a professional capacity.
But that’s all changed now. With the country open to international visitors, many people are taking advantage of the highly affordable flights that are on offer to see what it has to offer.
4 Saudi Arabia Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors
It’s worth remembering, however, that visiting Saudi Arabia is not like visiting Spain. You’ll have a great time, but there are some things you should know first. Let’s take a look at some must-know tips that’ll help ensure you have a visit that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips – Visit During the Cooler Months
Do you remember the 2022 World Cup? It was the first one to take place during the winter months, and that was all because of where it took place. It just wouldn’t be possible to play any game of football, let alone high-quality football, in the hottest months in Qatar.
Well, Qatar borders Saudi Arabia, and they have essentially the same climate. If you visit during the summer months (June – August) then you’ll spend all of your time indoors, since temperatures routinely exceed 50 degrees. Visit between November and March for the most agreeable temperatures. It’ll still be hot, but it’ll be manageable.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips – What to Pack
It’s always important to be respectful of the places that you visit. In Saudi Arabia, it’s important to dress as the locals do, which means covering your shoulders and legs. Happily, this provides the perfect opportunity to invest in an abaya dress — they’re not only stylish but can also help to keep you cool during your visit. You won’t need to wear a headscarf except for when you’re visiting a mosque.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips – Don’t Make Plans For Fridays
You’ll want to have a pretty tight itinerary in place when you visit Saudi Arabia. After all, there’s a lot to see and do in this fascinating country, and with most people only visiting for a few days to a week, there’s not that much time to waste. You should note, however, that Sunday – Thursday is Saudi Arabia’s version of our Monday – Friday routine. Friday is their version of our Sunday. Unlike us, they take it seriously, so don’t expect many places to be open until at least 4/5 pm in the evening. In general, it’s best to consider Friday a day off from sightseeing.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips – Rent a Car — And Explore
You don’t need to rent a car during your visit to Saudi Arabia, but it’s highly recommended that you do so. It’ll allow you to explore all the stunning natural landscapes that the country has to offer. Some highlights include Wadi Al Disah, which is a bit like the Grand Canyon; Hegra, which is like Petra but much less visited; and Umluj, which looks just like the Maldives. Mix in those attractions with a stay in the main cities, and you’ll have a perfect trip.
