General: Qatar

I travelled to Qatar earlier this year to visit my Dad, I was a bit nervous as I had never travelled to the Middle East but I honestly don't know why.

It is quite a journey to get there and when you do you need to apply for a visa but if you are one of those people who don't need the drink and want something different this is the place to go.

Qatar's capital city is Doha and has some wonderful looking hotels both interior and exterior. The shopping malls are huge and cheap, and they have all sorts of designer shops such as FCUK, Quicksilver, United Colors of Benneton, and all prices are tax free so its so cheap.

The food in Qatar is also a bonus, if you like currys they have some marvelous restaurants and all at cheap prices. We had a banquet meal between 4 of us and it cost all of £15 pounds including drinks. If you want to feel at home though they have the usual Macdonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut etc. but be adventurous you will thank me for it.

The only downfall of Qatar is if you like a drink (alcoholic that is). They dont allow it and you can only get drinks in Hotels, and that is the most expensive thing you will spend your money on, but if you can do without a couple of nights get yourself there.

Doha (capital city) has an island just off its shore and you can take a boat trip out to it, and swim in the clear see, but do watch out for those jelly fish! The people in Qatar are so friendly, you do get the odd look but its only cos you've got your shorts and t-shirt on and they are all covered up.

I would recommend this country to anyone who doesnt go on holiday to get sunburnt and palatic on drink.

Hope to see you there some time!