Eid, Summer Holiday Travel: Destinations, Best Stays, Visa Essentials

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) #Ramadan Mahmoud Elmazaty | The Peninsula Online

Doha, Qatar: With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning for Eid Al-Fitr and summer vacations.

For many travellers, personal recommendations and reviews from fellow globetrotters provide valuable insights into destinations, accommodations, and experiences without commercial bias.

To assist travellers based in Qatar in making informed decisions, The Peninsula has compiled a list of the best cities, hotels, and activities based on traveler reviews from TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform.

What is TripAdvisor?

TripAdvisor is a widely trusted online platform that provides travelers with insights, reviews, and ratings for hotels, attractions, and destinations worldwide.

The website's Travelers' Choice Awards recognize the top-rated destinations, accommodations, and experiences based on users' reviews, ensuring credibility and authenticity.

For its 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards, London has secured the top spot as the world's favorite travel destination, followed by Bali.

Here's a closer look at the most sought-after travel spots, the best accommodations, must-visit attractions, and essential visa information.

1. London, United Kingdom

Why visit?

A global hub of culture, history, and entertainment, London offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and vibrant shopping districts.

Top-rated hotels:

. The Resident Covent Garden
. Royal Lancaster London
. St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection
. The Resident Soho
. The Chesterfield Mayfair

Must-see attractions:

. Victoria and Albert Museum
. Tower Bridge
. Tower of London

Visa information: For the latest UK visa requirements for travelers from Qatar, visit the official UK embassy website:

2. Bali, Indonesia

Why visit?

A paradise for nature lovers, Bali boasts pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a favorite for relaxation and adventure.

Top-rated hotels:

. Padma Resort Ubud
. The Kayon Jungle Resort
. Adiwana Bisma
. Adiwana Unagi Suites
. Adiwana Resort Jembawan

Must-see attractions:

. Waterbom Bali
. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
. Kelingking Beach
. Museum PASIFIKA

Visa information: For visa requirements, visit: Indonesian Embassy in Qatar:

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Why visit?

A city of futuristic architecture and luxury, Dubai is home to world-renowned attractions and offers a mix of modern entertainment and cultural experiences.

Top-rated hotels:

. Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
. Voco Dubai The Palm, An IHG Hotel
. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara

Must-see attractions:

. Burj Khalifa
. The Dubai Fountain
. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (Abu Dhabi)
. Ferrari World Yas Island (Abu Dhabi)
. Miracle Garden

Visa information:

For visa requirements for GCC residents, visit:

4. Sicily, Italy

Why visit?

An island rich in history and stunning landscapes, Sicily offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, picturesque beaches, and world-class cuisine.

Top-rated hotels:

. Hotel Principe Di Fitalia Wellness & Spa
. B&B Mondello Design
. Mazzarò Sea Palace – Vretreats
. Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
. Giardini Mon Plaisir

Must-see attractions:

. Ortigia
. Mount Etna
. Valle dei Templi
. Spiaggia dei Conigli
. Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Visa information:

For Italy visa applications, visit

5. Paris, France

Why Visit?

The 'City of Light' is synonymous with romance, fashion, and world-famous landmarks, making it a dream destination for travelers worldwide.

Top-Rated Hotels:

. Hôtel Maison Mère
. Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal
. Hotel de Londres Eiffel
. Hotel des Arts – Montmartre
. Hôtel Grand Powers

Must-See Attractions:

. Eiffel Tower
. Louvre Museum
. Musée d'Orsay
. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
. Luxembourg Gardens

Visa Information:

For visa requirements, visit:

6. Rome, Italy

Why visit?

A city steeped in history, Rome offers stunning architecture, iconic landmarks, and some of the world's best cuisine. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, world-famous piazzas, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Top-rated hotels:

. Singer Palace Hotel Roma
. Hotel Artemide
. Hotel Barocco
. Piazza Di Spagna 9
. Dharma Boutique Hotel & Spa

Must-see attractions:

. Colosseum
. Pantheon
. Fontana di Trevi
. Trastevere
. Piazza Navona

Visa information: For Italy visa requirements, visit:

7. Hanoi, Vietnam

Why visit?

Hanoi blends rich history with modern vibrancy, offering unique cultural experiences, bustling markets, and breathtaking scenery. The city is famous for its old-world charm, street food, and French colonial architecture.

Top-rated hotels:

. JM Marvel Hotel & Spa
. HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa
. La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel
. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
. DLG Hotel Danang

Must-see attractions:

. Old Quarter
. Cu Chi Tunnels
. War Remnants Museum
. Hoi An Ancient Town
. Hoan Kiem Lake

Visa information:

For Vietnam visa details, visit:

8. Marrakech, Morocco

Why visit?

A city of enchanting palaces, vibrant souks, and rich cultural heritage, Marrakech offers a unique blend of history and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in North Africa.

Top-rated hotels:

. Riad Kheirredine
. La Maison Arabe
. Villa Makassar
. Riad Melhoun & Spa
. Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech

Must-see attractions:

. Jardin Majorelle
. Bahia Palace
. Koutoubia Mosque
. Saadian Tombs
. Medina of Marrakech
Visa information: For visa requirements, call: Moroccan Embassy in Qatar ( +974 4483 1884, +974 4483 1885)

9. Crete, Greece

Why visit?

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and rugged mountain landscapes. The island offers a mix of historical exploration and seaside relaxation.

Top-rated hotels:

. Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
. Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa
. Ikos Oceania
. Villa Marandi Luxury Suites
. Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa

Must-see attractions:

. Acropolis
. Acropolis Museum
. Elafonissi Beach
. Parthenon
. Plaka

Visa information: For Greece visa: All applications/appointments for a Schengen VISA are handled by“VFS Global” in Doha, Qatar (Helpline +974 40302009).

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Why visit?

A bustling metropolis known for its street markets, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering something for every traveler.

Top-rated hotels:

. The Okura Prestige Bangkok
. Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
. Akara Hotel
. Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok

Must-see attractions:

. Wat Phra Chetuphon
. Chatuchak Weekend Market
. The Grand Palace
. Siam Paragon
. Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Visa information: For Thailand visa requirements, visit: Thai Embassy in Qatar

Travel trends for Qatar residents

A closer examination of travel preferences among Qatar residents, as highlighted in The Peninsula's 2024 report, reveals the most sought-after destinations.

The report provides a comprehensive guide on travel budgets and visa requirements, offering valuable insights for those planning their next journey. Click here to read the full report

Read Also

• Eid holiday travel: Top 10 destinations, visa requirements and more

A report by GlobalData published in June 2024 highlights the most preferred travel destinations for residents in Qatar. The most visited destinations include:

. Saudi Arabia
. UAE
. UK
. Kuwait
. Turkey
. Bahrain
. Oman
. Switzerland
. USA
. Jordan

With peak travel seasons approaching, early planning is key to securing better prices, wider accommodation choices, and flight availability.

Whether opting for an international adventure or enjoying the cultural richness of Qatar, pre-planning ensures a hassle-free and memorable holiday.

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