The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, located just off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to the west of Qatar. It is made up of around 50 natural islands and 33 man-made ones, surrounding the main landmass of Bahrain Island.
Bahrain is a wonderful vacation destination with a fascinating history and loads to see and do, despite its size. It is the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization and has been one of the most famous sites for pearl diving in Asia for thousands of years. It was one of the first areas to adopt the Islamic religion during the lifetime of Muhammad and has been ruled by Arabs, Portuguese, Safavids, and even the United Kingdom.
It is an extremely developed and modern nation, and many cruise lines offer amazing deals for itineraries to the region, so a vacation to Bahrain can be easy and seamless in many ways. However, thanks to its Arabian peninsula location and its Islamic culture, there are a few things to keep in mind when packing your bags for a trip to Bahrain.
Dress code in Bahrain
The dress code in Bahrain is generally fairly relaxed, particularly when compared to other countries in the region like Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, it is an Islamic country with a relatively conservative and traditional culture, and it is always worth being respectful and thoughtful when traveling to a foreign destination.
In general, it is fine to wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts during the day, but when night falls, people tend to dress more formally or at least cover up their shoulders and knees.
When visiting religious sites, it is extremely important to pay attention to specific dress codes. This usually means no shorts or short-sleeved tops and head coverings for women. Religious sites also often ask you to remove your shoes, so consider your sock options as well!
Key items to pack when traveling to Bahrain
Beyond the dress code, Bahrain is a hot country surrounded by water, so packing correctly is key. When traveling to Bahrain, it is important to pack key items to make the most of your trip.
- It is a good idea to bring a mix of both casual and more formal clothing, as this will give you the most options for different activities and attractions, and will ensure you aren’t left disappointed by not being able to take part in something because you are missing the right clothes!
- Bahrain is a hot, sunny country, so it is vital to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, as well as cosmetics that come with SPF protection.
- It is also a great idea to pack a few hats, as this will keep the heat off your head and the sun out of your eyes, as well as shield your face from sunburn.
- Similarly, sunglasses are a must. They will help reduce the glare from the sun, which can be intense, particularly when reflected by the sand, or the glass buildings which make up much of the city.
- Bahrain is a small country and one that rewards energetic travelers who are happy to walk around and explore. However, this means that comfortable shoes are a must, to avoid blisters and pain at the end of the day.
- It is also a good idea to pack plenty of loose, airy clothing in light fabrics, so you can stay cool and comfortable all day long, wherever your adventures take you!
Family Packing List For Bahrain
You can find our complete family Packing list for Bahrain here – simply click on the image to get this in PDF format ready to print and plan your Bahrain vacation.
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