Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands and one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. Considered by some to be an island paradise, travelers booking Bahrain flights stay for a spell on the country’s shoreline and enjoy the respite and reclusion from other more Islamic destinations. However less lenient than its Islamic neighbors, Bahrain still inhabits Islamic tradition and culture.
Oil kept the country afloat for many years, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s, when the King Fahd Causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia opened, that Bahrain saw the biggest boost in business. The 1990s were a turbulent time for Bahrainis. After the Scud missile attack ordered by Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War international relations between countries were threatened and rioting took over the streets. Still operating on strained relationships with UN countries, Bahrain continues to move forward toward a more peaceful country.
New travelers will benefit from booking cheap flights to Bahrain – this liberal and modern country is a great introduction to the Middle East. Bahrain has modernized over the past decade and today has shopping malls, restaurants, and a nightlife scene not to be missed. Travelers on their first flight to Bahrain will likely want to experience a part of the country’s history, and there’s one thing for certain that’s not to be missed. During the construction of the causeway, thousands of burial grounds were uncovered. Archeologists’ dated the graves back to the third millennium BC. This mysterious step back in Bahrain’s ancient history keeps travelers booking Bahrain flights and tours every year.
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The most pleasant time of year in Bahrain is during spring or fall when sunshine is virtually guaranteed, along with warm temperatures tempered by soft breezes. Summers can be very hot and humid, though the humidity is modified at the end of the season when a dry northwesterly wind blows, known locally as the "Al Barah". Winter is cooler and influenced by low-pressure systems, which bring rainfall. Average rainfall is low, but most of it falls in winter.
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Like most countries in the Arabian Peninsula, Bahrain gets extremely hot and humid in summer and milder in winter. Plan your Bahrain flights and accommodations with this weather in mind.
High season:
April is the busiest time in Bahrain – when the Formula One Grand Prix takes place. Hotels, restaurants and Bahrain flights are full and traffic can get annoying. December is also high season when schools are out and many visitors book cheap flights to Bahrain from other Arab countries for vacation. In terms of weather, the best time to visit would be from April to early June when the temperature’s around 65 degrees (F).
Off season:
It’s best to avoid visiting in summer from late June to late August when temperatures can reach a scorching 110 degrees with 100 percent humidity. Mid-September to mid-December is off season but hotels are cheap flights to Bahrain can be found, and the weather is milder with temperatures ranging anywhere from 70 degrees (September to October) to 50 degrees (December).
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The best way to get around is by car and renting one is easy but you will need an international driving permit to do so. Most of the major car rental agencies are present at the airport or at bigger hotels. When booking flights to Bahrain, look for car rental discounts to maximize your trip budget.
When the weather’s nice you can walk around parts of the island especially by the seaside where they have a pedestrian walkway. But to get to the desert and archaeological sites you’ll need a car.
Bus: Bahrain has a comfortable and reliable bus service that goes around the island.
Taxis: Metered taxis are readily available throughout the island. You can even negotiate a daily rate and have the taxi drive you around.
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- Bahrain is renowned for its 21-carat gold and its pearls. So make sure you plan a visit to the souk in the heart of Manama where you’ll find a selection of jewelers selling beautiful, intricate designs. Don't board your Bahrain flight back home without buying some exquisite pearls.
- Drive to the desert and visit the “Tree of Life”, one of the natural wonders of the world. It’s a 400-year-old mesquite tree that stands alone in the middle of the desert; its water source remains a mystery. While in the desert make your way to the Bahrain Formula One Race Track and then on your way back stop by the Riffa Golf Course for a drink at the bar.
- Start by learning a little about Bahrain’s 7,000-year-old history at the National Museum followed by a tour of the ancient archeological sites on the island: Qal'at Al-Bahrain (Portuguese Fort) which dates back to 2800 BC and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Barbar Temple - a complex of three 2nd and 3rd millennium BC temples and the Royal Tombs. Then head to Beit Al-Qur'an, a cultural institution housing an impressive collection of historic Koranic manuscripts from various parts of the Islamic world, including China and Spain.
- What's a trip to Bahrain without some shopping? Spend the day shopping in the Seef Area and visit the two largest malls on the island: Al Aali Mall and Seef Mall. The former has a good selection of exclusive high-end stores in an Arabian setting while the latter has many high street brands, cinemas and a food court.
- Never been pearl diving before? Bahrain has some of the world’s best pearls hidden under its shores. The PADI center offers a short pearl-diving course that includes a day trip out to sea diving for pearls – which you get to keep of course.
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All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). Visas are relatively easy to obtain on arrival and are extendable. All visitors also require a passport valid for at least six months, and tickets or documentation for return or onward travel.
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U.S. citizens require a passport and a visa or electronic visa to enter Bahrain. Single entry Electronic Visas may be obtained on the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) before travel, or a 14-day tourist or business visa can be obtained on arrival.
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