If you’ve been following me on social media, you might be aware of my agony and rants about how expensive flight tickets are during public holidays. Basically, if you want to go anywhere- and I mean, ANYWHERE, it’s ridiculously expensive. But, I’m sure people are still paying those rates and still traveling- I was ready to!
You see, I was planning a trip with three of my girlfriends. Tickets to places like Georgia (which are usually somewhere around AED 1100 return ticket) are for somewhere like AED 3000. Basically, it’s ridiculous. So, after a lot of flight finding and loud crying later- we decided on going somewhere- a drive away. Getting to the point, here’s a selection of places you can go to around Dubai without spending a very pretty penny on 3-hour flight tickets!
- Salalah, Oman
If you’re a UAE resident, you don’t need a visa to enter Oman. Salalah is Oman’s oasis. The temperature is much lower than of Dubai’s. So, if Dubai’s 43 degrees Celsius, Salalah is 28-degree Celsius- which sounds SUPER relaxing compared to Dubai. It is a 12-hour drive from Dubai, but there are also 2-hour flights- so take your pick. There are plenty of really nice resorts, hotels, and budget hotel apartments- something to suit everyone’s budget. I would recommend choosing a resort- just so you can have access to a really nice private beach.
- Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
It’s like 8 degrees less hot than Dubai and there are plenty of hotels to stay at. It is surrounded by Hajar mountains are only 3-4 hour drive from Dubai. There’s a lot to do- you can trek up the mountain, gear up for some water sports, play golf or just relax in the pool. There’s also resorts, hotels and some incredible air bnb deals. If you look carefully you can find some really cool villas.
- Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
This is a slightly expensive option, considering it’s all Anantara properties on the island- but from all the pictures I’ve seen, and experiences I’ve heard- it’s beautiful. However, it is as hot as RAK. There’s safari- which sounds just incredible. I’m planning to visit when the weather gets slightly cooler. You can go by road- and then take a speedboat or take a seaplane.
- Fujairah, UAE
It’s a mere 3-hour drive from Dubai and is super popular for Snoopy Island. The beaches are beautiful, but the city itself stands out for its unique architecture. There’s a giant statue of an eagle that you will easily see.
- Musandam, Oman
The weather there is the same as RAK, but it will make you forget you are in the middle east. There are several day cruises that take you to Musandam and back for a long, lovely day. It’s all water and hills everywhere, with a chance of seeing Dolphins. You can even stay in a resort near the area to really explore everywhere- but everyone who goes just ends up staying by the coast. The waters are clear blue!
SWATINESS 