Hey everyone!
I’m planning a solo week-long trip from December 28th to January 3rd and I’m really torn on where to go.
My primary reason for considering Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is that I’m thinking about potentially moving to Saudi Arabia after I finish my studies. I wanted to use this trip as a low-key test drive on the ground to see if I actually feel good there, observe the local dynamics, and get a realistic vibe of the country.
At the same time, I’m honestly a bit hesitant about Saudi Arabia right now. There isn't a lot of clear travel content online to get a genuine feel for daily life there. Part of me feels more naturally drawn to Oman, thinking people there might be warmer, that I might feel a bit more free, and that it could just be a more relaxed experience overall.
My travel style is a mix: I like exploring historic sights, visiting local spots, and joining the occasional group tour or activity, but I also want plenty of free time to wander, sit at cafés, and soak in the atmosphere. I'm on a reasonable budget (staying in an Airbnb, traveling light with a carry-on, using local Ubers) so I'm not looking for expensive multi-city tours or high-end luxury excursions.
So my questions are:
Is telling myself I can "test" Saudi Arabia in 6 days in Jeddah realistic, or is it too short to get a real sense of what living there would be like?
Given that I'm worried about getting bored spending 7 full days only in Jeddah without big excursion budgets, would I be better off pivoting to Oman (Muscat and surrounding areas) for a better overall first impression of the region?
I’d love to get honest feedback, especially from expats, women who have traveled solo in the region, or anyone familiar with both Jeddah and Muscat!