|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
I recently had the opportunity to visit Muscat and what a treat it turned out to be. I’ve never seen so many colours of life exiting in the same place at the same time. In Muscat it seems like the present has come to a standstill and the future is creeping up on it, while the past refuses to leave. It is a place where the hot sun rises over the towering mountains and burns itself out each day to sink into the depths of the ocean.
The various pieces of ancient architecture in the city simply took our breath away, even as the happening nightlife kept us energised way into the late hours. From luxurious Middle Eastern lounges to great food, from silently guarding gates to amazing museums, from gardens and mosques to hills and beaches, Muscat had it all! We landed in Muscat with a plan to stay only for a couple of days, but the city literally has so much to offer that we ended up extending our stay by several days.
Although it is difficult to point out the best, my favourite sightseeing places were the Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, at least among the historical locations. The fort stands by the harbour on the mountain and looks like a brooding sentinel that still continues to keep a watch over the city. Both forts were built during the Portuguese rule and modified several times over the course of history. Tourists are not allowed inside the forts since they are used by the army. However, considering the view from outside and the mixed architecture, they are still worth a visit.
We also visited the Al Alam Royal Palace in Muscat. The palace is truly a magnificent work of art with its walls and columns built in such a way that they reflect the setting sun and the blue sea. Besides palaces and forts, Muscat also had some very attractive mosques. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest in the world and arguably the finest piece of architecture in the whole of Oman. It was completed in 2001 after almost nine years in construction. Due to the prevalent tourism industry of Oman, the mosque is open to non-Muslims on specific days. Although we did not know this at that time but were lucky enough to chance upon it on such a day.
Among the fun things we did while in Muscat, the highlight was the dolphin Boat trip in the Gulf of Oman. One can spend hours on the boats, sipping beverages and watching the dolphins chase each other in the open seas. One entire day we spent on the beaches, surrounded by swaying palm trees and a soothing breeze. The Qurum Beach is a popular tourist spot a little way outside Muscat, while the Bandar Al-Jissah is quite isolated and surrounded by steep rocks.
Although our preconception about Muscat was of a desert city, beaches were not the only thing which stood starkly out of this image. The city has an astounding array of gorgeous parks and gardens. After doing a little research we decided to visit the three biggest parks in Muscat, Riyam Park, Al Naseem Public Park and Quram Natural Park. While the Riyam Park has a stunning view of the ocean, the Al Naseem Park surprised us with an extensive library. I personally also loved the fountains and Rose Gardens of the Quram Natural Park.
Since Muscat is pretty big, we were initially quite confused about travelling. However, a simple search online gave us pretty great deals on Muscat car rentals. The facility is best suited for those who really wish to see as much of Muscat as they possibly can without having to stick to train or bus schedules.
The capital of Oman is a clean and modern city, with well-kept paved roads. You will find that as long as you stick to the speed limit and follow all regulations, driving through the city is easy and trouble-free. Hence before you start wandering the streets with your rent a car in Muscat, you should be aware of the basic laws, maps and directions.
Muscat is a moderately sized city and the main six-lane highway is very easy to navigate. The easiest way to find specific locations is to use the airport as a starting point. After it, all the roundabouts go in the following order: Azaiba, Ghubra (or Bowshar), Al Khuwair, Qurum, Wuttayah, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Ruwi, Al Burj and Bait Al Falaj. Note this order and you won't have any trouble finding your way around the city.
You may, however, find some trouble understanding the maps due to three main reasons. The first one is that Arabic, when written in Latin alphabet uses phonetic spelling, so you may find different variations in the spelling of street names. Also, the city is full of roundabouts, which can create confusion in the map reading. Finally, you´ll see a lot of drawings around these roundabouts. Don’t let these symbols drive you crazy, they are quite easy to understand. They stand for the huge model sculptures, water fountains or monuments located in the roundabouts, which refer to the place where the roundabout is placed or to the name of the roundabout. Residents who travel the roads regularly are known to have a favourite roundabout.
You should also be careful with the fines. Road rules in Oman can be really different from driving regulations in your home country. You will find a speed camera every 2km; don’t go by the inactive look they have, they all work properly and their tolerance is 19km per hour. Some time ago, speeding was a huge problem in Muscat, causing the government to build foot-over bridges and subways.
There is no tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and breaking the law will occur in severe penalties. Wearing seatbelts has been implemented as a rule due to different government campaigns to promote road safety. Remember to always carry your documentation, as you will have to produce it in the event of an accident.
Muscat is generally very hot, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (104°F) in the summer. The best choice for a car rental in Muscat would be a decent vehicle with AC. If you are staying inside the city limits, a saloon will do, and you’ll get it for a lower price. Outside Muscat, your best option is a 4x4 SUV.
For parking, lookout for the meters located in certain areas of Muscat, especially Qurum and Muttrah. Normally parking is free on Fridays. Driving a rent car in Muscat is pretty hassle-free and convenient and is a great way to see this beautiful city.
It is all about luxury nowadays. People are used to the comforts of their lifestyle and don’t want to let go of them even when they are on a business travel or holiday. This may be the reason these days saloon car rentals in Oman are one of the most popular segments in rented cars. After all, saloon cars are also known as luxury vehicles. While luxury vehicle is lightly used marketing term, that includes car segments like sedan, coupe, hatchback, station wagon, convertible SUVs and many more, there was a time when this term was used only to emphasize the features of saloon cars. Today this term points at any cars that provide luxury, pleasant and desirable features beyond necessities, comfort of a high standard, better performance, good design, features that exude an executive image, and smooth driving, which are still characteristics mostly seen in saloon cars.
The Sultanate of Oman is a fast developing nation that has a large number of people visiting the country each month for either business activity or holidaymaking. Even though the purposes for visit are different almost all who visit this magnificent country, instantly fall in love with it and yearn to explore its many hidden marvels. Despite the fact that the country has very good public transport facilities, for the most part tourists and visitors prefer hiring self-driven or chauffeured cars to enjoy their journeys in comfort and privacy. Oman is quite widespread and going from one region to the other can take long hours of driving. This may be the primary reason why most visitors prefer renting saloon cars instead of small hatchbacks or large SUVs that can sometimes be uncomfortable for long journeys. Plus the safety features on sedans are much better compared to other models, making them safer for travel in a foreign country. Other benefits of such a car are that it handles easily, has less rollover risk, secure to drive because of the lower center of gravity, and gives better gas mileage even though in Oman gas is extremely cheap.
To rent a saloon car for your next trip to the country, visit a few official car rental company websites online. You might be amazed at the number of companies present in the country. If you are flying into Oman for business, chances are that Muscat is your first stop. This holds true for most tourists as well. If the case is so, it may be better to opt for a company operating in Muscat itself. The advantages of doing so are that first of all the city has the most number of international car rental providers, which translates into companies you know from back home and feel comfortable to rely on. Secondly, the rental car can be at your doorstep or hotel as soon as you land in the country. And thirdly, there are more companies to choose from, putting you in a better position. Once you choose the company you want to hire from, you can simply fill in a few details and book the car you desire by using you credit card through a safe and secure transactional system.
In case you do not find the time to book the car in advance, don’t fret. All you have to do is ask your hotel to get you in touch with a reliable car rental company. Saloon car rentals in Oman are readily available, so the only thing you need to worry about is hiring from a reputable company that provides good on-road assistance, well-maintained cars, extra navigational features in case you want them, 24 hrs emergency numbers or call center numbers, etc.
Oman is beautiful, scenic, and fast-becoming a top priority on most world travelers’ list of places to visit. A huge part of the credit for this shift goes to the government of the country that is promoting it in a big way to the rest of the world. Today the Sultanate’s Capital plays host to thousands of visitors each month, but not all of them are here to witness the beauty or enjoy a holiday. Muscat also welcomes a great number of businessmen and professional each year, thanks to the active development in industrialization and privatization. There are many corporate and commercial companies springing up here that have foreign employees that need to stay in the city for long periods of time. For such employees big companies prefer getting a car lease in Muscat.
Buying a vehicle in a foreign country does not make sense, particularly if you do not intend to stay there permanently. Even for a business establishment, investing big bucks in a vehicle for an employee goes against good judgment. Thanks to car leasing service provider companies in the country, such companies and individuals have discovered a fine solution to their problem. Today the car lease service provided by some international car rental companies is become highly popular. While you are bound to think of a couple of well-known companies right now, make sure you do not settle for just a heard-of company. Car lease is serious business and you need to make certain that you have found the best deal available in the market.
While the best way to find and do a little background check about a car lease company is by thoroughly going through its official online website, you could also ask family, friends or colleagues for recommendations. You might be surprised at how many people you know who have a leased car or have had one at one point of time. It is important that you look for an exceptional company, to ensure that you get the best possible service and also a good deal. Things that you might want to keep an eye out for should include a company that provides vehicles of your choice that also suit your budget, arranges timely renewals of insurance and registration, provides a replacement vehicle in case of an accident or if the car is taken away for repairs, a buy-back facility, etc.
Car lease in Muscat can be hassle-free if you just take time out to find yourself a reliable and celebrated car rental company. Those of you working in a corporate set-up or well-established company can also ask your company for help, as some businesses have tie-up with car rentals for short term rentals and long term leases. This can get you an even better deal than you had hoped.
Oman is on the list of must-see travel destinations for an increasing number of holiday goers these days. In view of the fact places that a widespread country like the Sultanate cannot be truly explored in a short span of time, a majority of visitors plan a month long vacation to travel here. One may notice that these avid travelers know how to save a buck and where very well. They are the ones who have realized the advantages of renting a car instead of hiring taxis or depending on public transport in a foreign land. For an Omani exploration almost all visitors choose monthly car rentals in Muscat. There are two major reasons for this. First is that Muscat being the Capital of the country and its commercial centre, offers a wide selection of car rental companies to choose from. Secondly, it is most likely your point of entry and a great city to start your journey into discovering the mystique marvels Oman has in store.
One of the most convenient and quick ways of booking a rental car for the entire period of your stay is through online portals, especially if you want to do this well in advance. There are quite a few local as well as international car rental companies operating in the Capital. Almost all the international companies have their official websites on the Internet for your benefit. The various websites provide you with complete and detailed information about the company, the kind and type of cars they offer, the discounts they provide, etc. This makes it easier for you to compare prices and services online in a matter of minutes and come to a decision about which car rental service suits you the best. Making the booking is easy. You simply have to fill the form, choose the car, select the dates, and make the payment using your credit card.
You are bound to find awesome deals online, particularly for monthly car rentals in Muscat. A large number of car rental service providing companies even offer special discounts for online bookings or early bird reservations. Taking advantage for such proposals can save a traveler a good amount of money, which can then be used to better enjoy the holiday. For those of you who do not enjoy driving, plenty of car rental companies offer chauffeur driven vehicles. While this additional service may cost you a little more, it will be well worth it when you are sitting in the back of luxurious car taking pleasure in the view without having to worry about traffic rules and regulations, the road, or whether you are on the right way to your destination. All you will need to do is decide where you want to go, and sit back and enjoy the ride.
Traveling in foreign countries can be tricky. Knowing how much to pay, finding the most convenient and comfortable modes of transportation, checking and re-checking schedules of buses, etc, can be quite tiresome for most. In such scenarios renting a car seems to be the best option available. If you are planning to visit the amazing Sultanate of Oman in the coming future, be glad to know that there are plenty of car rentals locations in Muscat itself, which is most likely to be your point of entry. Muscat is the Capital city of the country and prides itself on receiving the most number of visitors and tourists flying in at the Muscat International Airport, by road and sea.
While there are numerous local as well as international car rental service providing companies in the country, it may be wise to keep a few reliable names in mind before coming down. You can simply research the subject online and even book your preferred car beforehand through the company’s official websites. Many car rental companies offer special prices and discounts for early bird bookings or even online reservations. Going online for this service may also give you the opportunity to take your time in selection of the company that fits your requirements and needs, while also making sure you get a bargain by comparing rates and services provided by the selected few. Booking rental cars online is simple and quick. All you have to do is find a good company, select a car, fill in the required details and dates of travel, and do the booking using your credit card through a secure transaction system.
One of the most opportune car rental locations in Muscat is right at the airport. Many reputable car rentals have their presence inside the airport, so that you can simply get off the plane, pick up your luggage, go through customs, and book your car before leaving the premises. The car is delivered to your hotel or other place of residence in just a couple of hours. At times you may have to wait a little in line, in case the kiosk is crowded, but most of the time you will be attended within minutes, as the process is fast and hassle-free. Another way to getting a rental car is through your hotel or travel agency. You can simply ask the help desk for numbers and recommendations and place the call.
You can rest assured that there are plenty of car rental locations in Muscat and you will find a good company that can equip you with the car of your choice at a price that you are comfortable with. After all, you cannot compare public transport to the luxuries of a private vehicle.
There are two major kinds of visitors; businessmen and tourists. A country like Oman is no exception. The Sultanate is widespread and explorers need at least about a month to visit every major port, soak in the Omani culture and see everything there is to see. Even most businessmen who visit here plan a twenty to thirty days trip, so that it’s not all work and no play. Most people enter the country through its Capital, Muscat. Having the busiest International airport in the nation, Muscat is a modern day city with every leisure or technological amenity needed by a world traveler. With comfort and convenience being a chief priority for most travelers today, a majority of visitors prefer hiring a car for the period of their stay in Oman. For visitors, who plan to stay for more than twenty days a monthly car rental in Muscat is the best option.
The Capital city of Muscat boasts of a large number of international as well as local car rental service provider companies. While most local companies can be reached only by phone or personally, almost all the international car hire providers have their official company websites online. The websites are comprehensive and provide all the necessary details and information about the cars available for rent, other services provided by the company, their policies, special deals, discount offers, extras, insurance details, payment options, and so on. Booking your car rental through the Internet is gaining due popularity because of a few obvious reasons. Firstly, you can book the car of your choice from the comforts of your home or office. Secondly, you can make the booking anytime of day or night, and well in advance if needed. Thirdly, you can avail special online discount offers that can get you a better deal than expected.
Car rental companies have a huge stretch of cars. These range from the economical hatchbacks to the ultra-luxurious limousines. All the cars are well-maintained and many companies provide on-road assistance in case of any mishaps. For foreigners who are visiting Oman for the first time, it may be wise to rent a car through a company that provides the option of a chauffeur. Chauffeur driven cars are ideal for enjoying a holiday without worrying about the road, directions, maps, getting lost, etc. Plus, for lone travelers, the company of an Omani can be a joy in itself, especially if you need a monthly car rental in Muscat. You may even make a friend for life. After all, he will be driving you around this beautiful country the whole time, sharing life experiences on the road, giving you a clearer idea of being a citizen of this mystic land, etc.
If you are planning a trip to Oman, and surfing the Internet for information on accommodation, sightseeing and travel within the country, chances are that your next tab will be opened to see choices of car rentals in the country. In view of the fact that the Sultanate of Oman is huge in area and most marvels it offers are located about 100-300 kilometers of one another, it may be wise that you rent a car from a reputable car hire company in Muscat. It is recommended that visitors hire cars from the capital city for two major reasons. First is that Muscat may most probably be your point of entry to Oman. The second and more important reason is that the city boasts of many international as well as local car rental providers that offer a wide variety of cars at reasonable rates.
There are many visitors and tourists that book their rental cars through their hotels or travel agencies. This may be an option you could consider too, in case you have some unusual requirements or do not have the time to find a reliable car hire company personally. On the other hand, if you want to do the needful yourself and ensure you get the best deal possible, you can start by browsing through a few car rental companies in Muscat on the Internet. Most well-known companies have their official websites online that provide all the needed information to choose the car you want and make the reservation by paying the required amount through your credit card. A majority of companies also promote their websites and online sales by offering additional discounts for online bookings.
By researching online portals for the best deals, you can not only ensure a good rental price, but also compare services provided by the many companies competing for your business. Since we are assuming that Oman is a foreign country for you, it may be best to hire from an international car rental company, as it may guarantee good service as well as a well-maintained car for your travel needs. Car hire companies offer quite a few add-on features for the cautious traveler. You can get a car with extra safety features or GPS navigational system by paying a little more. After all, safety first.
You can find the desired car hire company in Muscat without any hassles. Even if you forget to book your car online in advance, you can rest assured that there are many car rental company kiosks present right at the airport. You can simply book a car as soon as you land at the airport and it will be delivered to your hotel in a matter of hours.
Muscat car rentals are probably most popular as compared to other regions of the Sultanate, for the reason that a majority of visitors enter the country through the Muscat International Airport located here. If you are looking for a reliable car hire company online, it may be best to start with listings of companies present at the airport itself. But before doing all this, take a good look at your itinerary and answer a crucial question that may give you a clear picture of what kind of car you might need for this Oman trip. The ones who do not consider their itinerary or purpose of travel before booking their rental car, may be risking their comfort and fun in travel and regret the decision at a later date. This article is committed to making sure you make the right choice and explore Oman to the fullest.
What is your purpose of travel?
Business travelers need to worry about the impression they create on their clientele or at meetings. This is the reason Limos, sedans and the like are recommended for businessmen. Such travelers do not need cars that can perform well off road, but rather ones that look good. In view of the fact that most business travelers to Muscat do not intend to visit far off regions, it is safe to assume that the car will only be driven on well-constructed roads and thus do not need features like four wheel drive. Comfort is the main priority for executives and most of them prefer chauffeur driven vehicles. Most car rental companies provide well-trained chauffeurs for a little extra cost.
On the other hand, if you are on a family vacation to Oman you would rather go in for a four wheel drive SUV that can fit the whole family comfortably and also take on rough terrains if need be. Four wheel drives are a favourite choice for desert sightseeing and come with features like GPS and airbags if needed. Many family travelers too prefer chauffeur drives as it saves the hassles of reading maps or worrying about being lost or losing time in the process. Car rental companies provide chauffeurs that speak at least one common language so as to ease communication between the driver and you.
Another type of travelers is the lone adventurers. A majority of these visitors are on a budget and want a compact vehicle. Hatchbacks like Skoda Fabia are ideal for such tourists. These cars are comfortable, small and reasonably priced to suit your needs and pocket. While it is always more enjoyable to travel to a foreign land with someone to share in the joy, you could take on this adventure by driving the car yourself.
In the Capital city of Muscat car rentals can be found easily even if you want to book your car once you have landed. In case you want to take care of your travel needs beforehand, you can choose a good car rental company online and make the bookings using your credit card. The whole process is easy and takes only a few minutes.
Since it is a widespread country, seeing every marvel the Sultanate has to offer is on every traveler’s list, and what better way to do this than in the lap of luxury. Saloon car rentals in Oman, are easily accessible and provide the luxury you deserve. Some may know saloon cars as sedans, as they mean the same type of cars having separate compartments for the passengers, cargo, and engine. Simply put, these are the cars that have a boot to hold your luggage while you enjoy the passenger space without clutter.
Such types of cars are not only popular with the average holidaymakers, but also with the many businessmen that visit the country for commercial purposes. This is so because these professionals care about embodying the right image for onlookers and associates. Another reason for more and more visitors renting saloon cars is that they have top of the line comfort, convenience, and are easy to drive. Having said this, most businessmen and travelers prefer booking chauffeur driven saloon cars to save the hassles of reading road maps or asking for directions. There are plenty of good car rental service providers available in Oman that make available chauffeurs and cars in top condition for your stay here.
There are a few ways in which you could acquire a rental saloon car from a car rental company in Oman. First would be to book your car in advance by simply logging on to the Internet, searching out a good car rental company in Oman, choosing the car you want, and booking it for the days of your stay by using your credit card. This is one of the most popular methods of booking the vehicle for visitors and businessman, as it takes only a few minutes of their time, while assuring that their mode of transportation in the foreign land is taken care of. The second most popular way would be to book your vehicle once you land at the airport in Muscat. The Muscat International Airport houses some of the best car rental companies for your convenience. You can book your saloon car at any of these kiosks and the car will be delivered to your hotel or place of residence within a few hours.
Another way to book saloon car rentals in Oman is by asking your travel agency or hotel to do the needful. In this case you will have to specify what saloon car you are looking for and your budget for the same. Hotels and travel agencies have alliances with reputed car rental companies and can get you awesome deals. But if you want to get the exact car of your choice, it is advisable to book your preferred vehicle online.
|
|
|
|
