Bahrain

Types of trips: Cultural, Nature, Geography, Relaxation, Exploration

Best known for: Banking/Corporations, Pearls, Formula One Grand Prix, Deserts, Beaches

Why Go?: Bahrain is a relatively small country rising out of the waters of the Persian Gulf, and is surprisingly packed with culture, history and architecture. The shallow water surrounding the country makes for some excellent beaches and the cities are lively and friendly - a destination that people of all shapes and sizes will enjoy!

Fact File

Population: 1,300,000

Capital: Manama

Language(s): Arabic

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, popular travel destination

Landscape: Quite flat in general, made up mostly of desert plains rising slowly to some central higher regions. 

Climate/Seasons: Very hot and dry summers from May - August, with much cooler temperatures from November - March. Rainfall is generally pretty rare but will mostly fall in winter, if extremely irregularly. 

When to Go: November - March is generally the best time to go, but months like October and April can still be cool enough to be enjoyable, with April also being the month in which the annual Formula One race and Heritage Festival are held in. 

Reasons to Visit: Great weather/location, local culture/activites 

How to Get There: Air travel is the best way to get to Bahrain from the UK - you should be able to fly there direct from somewhere in the UK!

Places to Go: Bahrain National Museum, A'Ali Burial Mounds, Beit al-Quran

Famous People: Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Nabeel Rajab, Mohammed Haddad

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Al Areen Wildlife Reservation

History: Became a protectorate of the UK in the late 1800s, remaining that way until gaining independence in 1971 and becoming a Kingdom in 2002.

Architecture: Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Arad Fort, Bab al-Bahrain

Culture: Ethnically diverse culture, and generally quite similar to the Arab culture of the neighbouring countries. 

Sport: Football, Athletics, Motorsports

Events: Heritage Festival, Spring of Culture, Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, Ta'a Al Shabab

Watch Out For: You will need a visa to travel into Bahrain, which can be acquired on arrival but is best done in advance to ensure ease of access. There are also some curfews to observe in the country, mostly on the waterways - be sure to be aware of these whilst in the country. 

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters may be advised for travel to Bahrain - check here for an overview and always consult with a doctor.