Known locally as “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng”, this massive landmark is more than 6,000 kilometers long, ranges up to 25 feet tall, and dates back to the 7th century BC.

Can you name that landmark?

Traveling to Oman but aren’t sure what you’ll need to get into the country?  Worry not – here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a visa to visit?

Yes, all U.S. citizens need a valid passport and visa to visit the country.

If you apply in advance…

You can receive a multiple entry tourist and/or business visa valid for up to two years.  Upon arrival, expect Omani immigration officials to tell you how long you’re actually allowed to stay based on the nature of your visit.

If you just show up…

You can obtain a visa on arrival good for 30 days – assuming you still have 6 months of validity left on your passport.  Make sure you have adequate funds and proof of an onward ticket.  You’ll be able to extend the visa by 30 days if you visit the Directorate Generale and submit an additional fee.

How much does a visa cost?

The visa will cost Rials Omani 20.00 ($52.00 US).  An extension is an addition 20.00 Rials.

Is there any strange red tap?

• Yellow fever vaccination maybe required if you enter the country from an infected area.
• Also, anyone seeking work or residency in Oman will be required to take an HIV/AIDS test in country. US tests aren’t acceptable.
• Finally, travelers are allowed two bottles of alcohol per traveler.

Is it safe?

It is completely and entirely safe to visit Oman.  In fact, there has never been an instance in which a U.S. citizen or facility have been the subject of a terrorist attack.  Of course, things can happen anywhere.  But visiting Oman is no more or less dangerous than visiting Costa Rica or England.

Visa and passport questions answered.  Have a question about travel documentation for your upcoming trip?  Simply post your question here and we’ll get back to you with an answer free of charge.

For anyone chained to a desk that’s ever dreamed of casting it all off and setting out for lands unknown, this blog is for you.  The blog is called Uncornered Market: Measuring the Earth With our Feet.  Written by husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott, the blog follows these two unlikely adventurers exploits traveling the world full-time.  After leaving their comfortable full time jobs, they hit the road in 2006 and haven’t looked back.

What kind of stories do they publish?

The stories primarily chronicle their journeys from visiting more than 63 countries and counting.  Recent stories include trip reports from Iran and BASE jumping in Berlin.  You’ll also find tons of practical information and advice on little visited destinations where travel guides just won’t do the job.

How do they support themselves?

Careful planning, saving, and freelance work along the way has helped this couple stay on the road full time for over five years now.

Why do we love it?

Stunning photography, compelling narratives, and stories from way “out-there” that you just can’t get on other sites.

Share your favorite blogs!  If you have a favorite travel blog, be it for business or pleasure, let us know!  We’ll post the favorites here on our site.

US News just posted a great article on ten (almost) free travel deals.  Among the deals listed was a free night in Bermuda, a free flight to Colorado, two-for-one in the Swiss alps, and much more.  Just it out here to read it all.

Many travelers out there think that free trips and upgrades from frequent flier miles are the benefit only of actual “frequent” flyers, but a new website from seasoned “travel hacker” Chris Guillebeau shows normal folks how they can get massive amounts of “free” frequent flyer miles without having to actually travel to earn them.

What’s it all about?

On his blog, “The Art of Non-Conformity” Chris offers access to a program he calls the “Travel Hacking Cartel”.  On it he provides members with all the info they need to cash in on specialized offers, promotions, glitch fares, and round-the-world tickets.  He also writes about his adventures from his quest of visiting every country in the world (only about 29 left to go!).

What kind of specials are we talking about?

Specials includes anything and everything that can help you travel and stay for less money; including free upgrades, hotel promotions, frequent flyer miles and other travel promotions.  Many of the promotions come from credit card offers, but there are many others that include “buy-one get-one” type offers, etc.  Remember, these aren’t all for “discount” travelers though.  This can also help you upgrade flights, or get free stays at top flight hotels.

Where does he get the info?

The info comes from monitoring over 175+ blogs, newsletters, talkboards, and member “heads-ups”.

How much does it cost?

All this comes at the low low price of just $25 per month.  The best part?  It all comes with a guarantee.  Earn one few plan ticket every three months – or get a full refund for membership.  Many members report earning as much as 300,000 free miles per year!

Any other great specials, blogs, or programs we should know about?  Let us know!

It’s that time of year again.  The time when high winds, heavy rains, and massive seas punish the South Pacific region.  As a result, the US Department of State has issued a travel warning that includes Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Somoa, the Solomon Islands, Tona, Tuvalu, and Vantau.

Should I avoid all travel?

Not at all.  Each season the region usually experiences somewhere around nine cyclones, of which about half are Category 3 or above (heavy enough to cause damage).  This means that chances of a cyclone hitting while you’re traveling is slim.  However, you should take care to monitor all weather forecasts before hitting the road.

What should I do if I’m traveling and a storm hits?

Find a safe place to wait out the storm and hold tight.  In the past travelers have found themselves stranded for days (and in rare circumstances weeks) due to airport closures and infrastructure damage.  Be especially aware if you’re visiting a country with already limited air service (such as Tuvalu).

What can I do to prepare?

First, make sure to stay up to date with all weather forecasts before hitting the road.  If you’re traveling to areas that are particularly storm-prone, consider packing a small “survival” kit with things like bottled water, canned food (or other non-perishable food items), vital travel documents, battery powered radio, and important medical supplies.  Once in country, make sure to keep up with all local radio and weather forecasts.  These storms can develop fast, so you may have less than a 24 hour warning before things turn nasty.  And of course, just use your best judgement.

What are your thoughts?  Is it safe to travel during this season or is it risk not worth taking?

Many travelers, upon hearing the news that American Airlines has recently filed for Chapter 11 protection had only one thought in their minds:

How will this affect my flight?

For most of the passengers who fly on American Airlines, the bankruptcy should have little to no noticeable impact.  The airline will continue to operate flights, take reservations, and honor all issued tickets as normal.

What about my frequent flier miles?

According to a statement issued by the airline, their mileage program will not be affected.

What does this mean for the airline now?

As of now the company is in the process of restructuring.  The real trouble for fliers will be if, in fact, the airlines restructuring fails and the company is forced to cease operations.  This means all flights and operations will stop.

Does this mean I shouldn’t purchase any tickets with American just in case?

Worry not – even if American does end-up going completely “belly-up” anyone who books a ticket with a credit card should be protected.

What about my miles?

Even your miles will be safe.  In the past, when airlines such as Pan Am and Trans World ceased flying, flier miles were transferred over to the other airlines that purchased the remaining assets.  In fact, many of these airlines even offered promotions to try to retain travelers.

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