Wanda Bregman, a Dutch journalist, has been globetrotting to curate engaging content spanning car reports, travel blogs, and more. Her recent sojourn to Salalah where she explored Mirbat and Wadi Darbat, has left an indelible impression.
Her visit allowed her to generate engaging content to reintroduce Oman to Dutch travellers and media.
According to her, the picturesque landscapes and the prohibition on mountain construction in Wadi Darbat resembled the Greek islands. Salalah, with its palm-lined streets and diverse terrain, offered a unique tropical island vibe, making it a destination worth exploring.
Wanda is planning a feature on the top-ten list of activities in Salalah for the popular Dutch travel platform blog, Travelvalley.nl. Her social media stories have already garnered substantial attention, prompting inquiries on various topics, from travel logistics to local customs and weather conditions in Salalah.
Wanda’s meticulous preparation for her adventure involved delving into a myriad of online resources, covering topics like women’s attire, safety guidelines, hidden gems, and insights on solo female travel in Oman. She was also well-versed in the landscape, historical background, and the places she planned to visit.
While on her journey, Wanda noted the quality of road signage in English and the excellent maintenance of main roads, although she humorously remarked on the absence of paved sidewalks.
She recommends renting a 4x4 vehicle for exploring the most remote and beautiful spots and suggests booking a car through the hotel for the best prices, based on her experience. What made Wanda’s journey truly remarkable were the warm gestures of the locals she encountered.
From friendly smiles to acts of generosity, her experience in Salalah was filled with genuine hospitality. She even received free entry at times when her credit card failed to work. Navigating taxis was hassle-free, thanks to an efficient system for ordering cabs via poles.
“Strolling in the scorching midday sun with no shade, sweating profusely, felt rather unwise,” she says as she loved learning about maritime history at Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Museum of the Frankincense Land.
Despite the occasional lack of mobile connectivity, the mountain dwellers of Salalah provided her with electricity, Wi-Fi, and invaluable assistance. Although she was the only woman in their midst, she noted initial awkwardness but emphasised their undeniable efforts to make her feel welcome.
Wanda’s journey provided her with valuable insights and lessons. She stressed the importance of modesty, friendliness, openness to new experiences, and a touch of boldness when travelling. Understanding local customs and dressing respectfully in accordance with Omani culture is crucial, and she assures fellow travellers that exploring Oman alone by car is entirely safe.
Eva Stanley Jones, a seasoned luxury brand consultant and a fellow member of ‘Women of the World,’ played a pivotal role in making Wanda’s visit to the Alila Hinu Bay Resort in Mirbat possible. Her involvement with Travelvalley led to coordination with Lieb Management, facilitating and arranging her visit.
Wanda’s adventures do not end in Oman.
She is gearing up for an epic 500-kilometre tour of Iceland with a Mazda in early November, with plans for a desert excursion in Morocco at the beginning of the next year. Her journeys are set to continue, captivating readers and inspiring fellow explorers.
Wanda has honed her expertise in various domains, including automotive, wellness, lifestyle and travel. Her remarkable journey has enabled her to contribute to esteemed publications like De Telegraaf, local magazines, and various online platforms, including Dutch Cowboys. In addition to her many accomplishments, she has established herself as a respected columnist for Falder.nl.
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Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
