To layover or not to layover? That is the question.

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A layover is not a good idea.

It’s a great idea!

Trust me when I tell you that even if you are short on time a layover is worth it. Here are three reasons why a layover should be part of your travel itinerary.

1. Get some rest

If you’re travelling internationally with children, giving them a chance to stretch their legs, play and reset is good for everyone. Having the ability to break up a long journey can be the difference between exhausted agony and fighting to survive or actually getting to enjoy your holiday.

In this instance it is very much not about the destination but the journey!

2. Adjust to time zones

A layover allows your body to slowly adjust to a different time zone. This is a huge one. We all know jet-lag can be a killer and take days to recover from so why not slow it down and create space to reduce the impact of jet lag when you reach your final destination.

3. Explore new places

Fancy a taste test of a completely different country? Yes please. A layover is such a great way to discover quickly what a country has to offer. It’s a mini-adventure within the adventure.

Where to stop?

Doha is a known layover destination from the southern hemisphere to the north and my goodness it surprised us.

When booking flights through Qatar Airlines you can include a layover in your booking. It’s a great way to save money and depending on the amount of time you plan to stop for, you wont be required to buy a visa.

Where we stayed?

After much research we decided to stay at the Intercontinental Doha. This was such a great decision. We arrived to chocolates and smiles and were whisked away to our sparkling clean hotel room. Really the intercontinental is an oasis with a stunning pool and private beach. We enjoyed the best buffet breakfast we have ever had!

Unbeknown to us we had booked our layover just as Ramadan began where the country fasts from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. Staying at the Intercontinental meant we had access to as much food as we liked and could enjoy the resort facilitates and freedoms.

What we did?

We had a two night layover which gave us really only one full day to explore. Ramadan meant lots of things were closed until after sunset which sort of worked perfectly for us who were jet-lagged.

Katara Cultural Village

Right near our hotel is Katara Cultural Village and beach which has lots of artwork, restaurants and event spaces.

Be warned though you have to pay to use the playground and beach which we didn’t realise!

National Museum

The World Cup was held in Qatar recently so the city is literally gleaming and transportation is a dream. We took the train from the hotel straight to the National Museum. Unfortunately it was closed but we still walked around and appreciated the stunning buildings.

There is an awesome playground here for kids educating them on oil refinery. There is water play for hot days too. The park was a lot of fun and an absolute maze of interactive, imaginative play.

Souq Waquif Market

Souq Waquif markets is on every travel bloggers ‘must-do’ list. Here you’ll find shopping, falcons, camels, restaurants and a huge cannon which goes off at sunset during Ramadan to celebrate the beginning of iftar.

There is of course SO much more to do in Doha but honestly we just enjoyed pottering around the city, relaxing at our hotel and enjoying the slow pace of a quiet city in Ramadan.

Doha is safe, friendly, efficient and clean. It is the perfect stop-over on your way to and from Europe.

The Whole of Us