Tour Santa Monica

California is known to be one of the most beautiful states with plenty of attractive must-visit areas. One place you do not want to miss is Santa Monica, just west of downtown Los Angeles. From hot tourist attractions to relaxing sunsets on the beach, Santa Monica has endless possibilities that will make it your dream vacation.

One of the most well-known spots in Santa Monica is Venice Beach. This is the place to go if you’re interested in finding some souvenirs to take home or purchase some unique art. Street vendors sell anything from paintings to henna tattoos.

If you’re interested in shopping and hitting up the hottest boutiques, check out Third Street Promenade. Not only will you have access to multiple high-end outlets all on one street, but you’ll also get to enjoy a variety of street performers, including, bands, musicians, and more. Stores on Third Street Promenade include Brandy Melville, jewelry boutiques, Abercrombie and Fitch, Fossil, gift shops, street vendors, and more.

Although not commonly known as a tourist attraction, the Santa Monica Airport is a neat spot to visit. Head on up to the observation deck to watch planes take off and land right in front of your eyes. Grab a bite to eat at the Typhoon restaurant while you’re at it!

A trip to California is not complete without spending a day on the beach. Visit famous spots such as Muscle Beach or find a less-crowded spot to watch a spectacular sunset over the ocean. Take a dip in the cool water and maybe catch a wave or two.

Easily one of the most famous attractions of Santa Monica is the Santa Monica Pier. Here, you’ll find restaurants, gift shops, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and the iconic Ferris wheel, part of Pacific Ocean Park (which offers other amusement rides, as well, for $5- $8 per ride for one person). Walk down to the end of the pier to witness a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean, or have fun on the rollercoaster and other attractions. At night, watch the Ferris wheel light up as you enjoy a concert.

Santa Monica has a wide variety of restaurants for you to try out. For the seafood-lover, check out Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at the pier. Tender Greens is the place to go for all-around American cuisine. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, great options include Café Gratitude, Thai Vegan, and Native Foods Café.

As far as transportation goes, the city busses (Big Blue Bus) are your best bet. Of course, having your own car is nice, but you’ll be competing with LA traffic and it is often not worth it to own a car when many places are within walking distance from most residential areas. For the places that you can’t walk to, city bus rides are $1 per ride. Special prices exist for seniors and college students, and multiple-ride passes are available starting from $4 for a day pass up to $50 for an unlimited-ride local 30-day pass. City busses can take you to and from a variety of places, including Santa Monica College and Third Street Promenade. Alternatively, Uber is a quick and easy way to get from one place to another without having to wait for a bus.

Whatever your main reason for visiting Santa Monica is, there is a little bit of something for everybody. For college kids, a day of shopping and hanging out on the beach is likely to be the highlight of the trip. For a couple on a romantic getaway, an evening at a fancy restaurant followed by a walk down Third Street Promenade is the way to go. Kids are most likely to enjoy a day at Pacific Ocean Park on the pier and a visit to the Santa Monica Airport. With so many options for entertainment, a vacation to Santa Monica will not disappoint- just remember to schedule enough days to fit it all in!

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016

Cagliari, a little-known treasure

People travel to Sardinia for the sun, sea and sand and the historical capital city Cagliari is often overlooked. With beautiful buildings, glamorous shopping streets and some great local restaurants Cagliari is a great destination in its own right. What’s more, young Sardinians are starting to realize the lucrative possibilities of their city as a tourist destination and some cool budget accommodation options are beginning to emerge.

Transportation and Accommodation

A taxi from the Cagliari-Elmas International Airport to the city centre costs approximately 30 euros. You can also take the train or the bus. Trains in Sardinia are efficient and from the city’s main station, Ferrovie dello Stato you can get connections to destinations all over the island.
Most of the hotels are located in the old town or behind Via Roma. There is also a lot of accommodation in the port area. Il Cagliarese on Via Vittorio Porcile is a great value, quirky guesthouse with friendly hosts who will give you reliable tips on where to go and what to see. http://www.ilcagliarese.it

Things to do and sights to see

Unlike other major European tourist destinations such as Barcelona, Cagliari does not advertise itself as a weekend getaway and as a result is not swarming with tourists.
The old medieval town or castello is an interesting place to spend an afternoon. At the top of the hill, the view across the city to the sea is spectacular. The view gets even better if you climb the Torre di San Pancrazio (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo!).
One of the most interesting sites in the old town is the observation deck Bastione San Remy, which was used as a shelter during World War Two. The cathedral is well worth a visit and other beautiful churches include the Collegiata di Sant’Anna. Architecture buffs will be interested in the examples of Fascist neoclassical architecture, such as the Palazzo di Giustizia in Republic Square.
Near the port, there are many spectacular 19th and early 20th buildings. Spend a few hours wandering along Via Roma taking in the grandeur and the designer stores.

Food and tips

One of the most romantic things to do in Cagliari after dark is dine al fresco. Sardinian cuisine is distinct from Italian food and one of the island’s great attractions. You will find high-quality seafood dishes near the port but local specialties are actually hearty meat-based dishes like sausage stew and roast suckling pig. Most of the restaurants cluster together in the area directly behind Via Roma although it is definitely worth exploring further afield.
Cagliari is heaven if you have a sweet tooth. Traditional pastries and cakes are routinely served with coffee and ice cream is a local specialty. You will find gelaterias on every street corner and in every square. The city is also great for coffee lovers. Caffes generally have terraces where you can spend an afternoon reading and people watching. Some of the best, including Antico Caffe, are in Piazza Costituzione. http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/antico_caffe_cagliari.html

Cagliari is well worth a few days’ visit before you head to the beach. Go, but don’t tell anyone!

June 21, 2016June 21, 2016

Corsica, island of beauty

Off the coast of France rests a small island in the mediterranean. Traded from one country to another throughout the centuries, it begrudgingly remains a small, but very proud region of France. The island sits nearly forgotten from October until May, but in the summer months, Corsica comes alive as the “ile de la beaute”, or “island of beauty”. The nickname is fitting for this stunning island, with its turquoise beaches, soft sands and jagged mountains. The juxtaposition of its landscape makes for one heck of a postcard. Because the terrain is so varied, Corsica is perfect for anyone from the avid hiker to the lazy beach bum.

People

Corsica is technically a region of France, but the people who live there could more accurately be described as Italians who happen to speak french. Everyone is warm, and welcoming. They want you there and they want you to enjoy their island. And there is so much to do and see, it’s not a very difficult task.

Food

The food in Corsica tastes Italian with a French twist. The pizza and pasta is to die for, but then again so are the crepes and galettes. If you want to eat something more traditional you can’t go wrong with Corsica’s figatellu, a traditional spiced sausage or blettes, a regional savory pastry. But if you’re not hungry, a simple coffee by the sea will wake you up and make you wonder how French coffee can taste so much better.

Cities to Visit

There are more than few major cities in Corsica worth seeing. Ajaccio, is not only the capital of the island, but is also Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace. Ties to Napoleon are all over the city from the main drag, Cours Napoleon, to souvenirs shops that sell everything from Napoleon mugs to hand towels. It’s even possible to go and visit the house where he was born.

Ajaccio is a beautiful town with a sparkling blue ocean and palm trees against a backdrop of severe-looking mountains. Although Ajaccio is beautiful in the summertime, in the spring, it snows in the mountains, but stays warm enough to swim in the sea. In the early spring, it is possible to go skiing at “valle d’eze”, a slope with a view. Only 45 minutes from Ajaccio, it’s possible to ski up high and look at the sea below.

However, Ajaccio isn’t the only major city worth a visit. To the north is Bastia, Corsica’s other major city. A bit of a younger crowd, Bastia has a great nightlife scene. Whether you’re having drinks by the marina, or find a cool new bar in the old town, you won’t be bored. Also situated by the sea, Bastia offers more of a hustle and bustle atmosphere. Just as pretty as Ajaccio, it is split into old and new town. New town boasts lots of shopping and restaurants while old town’s historic center is perfect for any history buff.

Slightly south of Bastia is Corte, the only university town in Corsica. The city is nestled in the mountains. At first you might think you made a wrong turn and ended up in Utah. Although hiking is big in all of Corsica, the hiking trails around Corte are some of the best on the island. The waterfalls and rocky cliffs are worth the sometimes strenuous trek.

Haute-Corse

Haute-corse, or Northern Corsica, is the very tippy top of the island. Regarded by Corsicans as the most traditional region, it may also be the most picturesque. Tiny towns have remained nestled in their hillsides for centuries. If you have a car and don’t mind the windy roads, haute-corse is perfect for a romantic time away. Flit from one town to another, enjoying the quiet atmosphere. Little churches, cafes and boutique hotels abound in this part of the island.

Corsica is magic. It’s just off the beaten track to where it isn’t swimming with tourists, but touristy enough so if you don’t speak French, it’s never a problem. Whether you’re into a day at the beach, a great nightlife scene, a romantic getaway, or an avid hiker, there is something for everyone. This sunny destination welcomes you home.

June 14, 2016June 3, 2016

Exploring St.John’s: One of the Oldest Cities In North America

When people think of vacation they imagine themselves soaking in the sun shine on a nice sandy beach, not soaking wet from walking around in rain and fog, which will likely be the case if you visit St. John’s, Newfoundland. But don’t let the horrible weather deter you. St. John’s is a beautiful city with as much character as there are bars on George Street.

Weather wise, August and September are the best months to visit. They tend to be the warmest (high 20’s ºC is usually as hot as it gets) and have the least amount of rainfall. The temperature can drop quite a bit in the evening though, so make sure to bring some warm clothes along with those shorts and tees.

If you’re planning to come to Newfoundland to see the icebergs then be prepared for the cold. Iceberg season is late May to June and with the ice comes northerly winds. Temperatures fluctuate a lot this time of year so layering will be your best friend. So, now that you know what to pack, let’s talk about what you can do once you land in this colorful city.

Museums

The Rooms – 9 Bonaventure Ave.

Hours – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday:10-5; Wednesday:10-9; Sunday:12-5

Cost – Free(children 5 and under)-$10; they do offer free admissions to everyone on Wednesdays between 6-9pm

If you’re in St. John’s, you need to check out The Rooms. For one, it’s one of the coolest buildings you will ever see and has amazing views of the harbour and downtown. It’s also the best place to learn some Newfoundland history. If history is not your thing there are art exhibits and a cafe which sells really yummy food.

Johnson Geo Centre – Signal Hill

Hours – 9:30am-5pm everyday

Cost – Free(children 5 and under)-$12

This place is a must if you have kids that are into science. With exhibits ranging from the solar system to geology to the history of the Titanic, there is a lot to see and learn. Plus, it’s on the way to Cabot Tower (one of the biggest tourist attractions here) so why not stop in on the way.

Historical Sites

Signal Hill/Cabot Tower

Located on the east end of downtown St. John’s, this historical site offers some of the best views in the city. It is the site of the famous Cabot Tower, which was built in 1898 to commemorate the 400th year anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland by John Cabot. It is also where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received by Marconi in 1901. Cabot Tower is open to the public during summer months. There is a gift shop and some steep stairs that lead you to the top of the tower. It is a amazing view but if you’re afraid of heights, skip out on this one.

Cape Spear

You will need a car to get here but it is definitely worth it. Cape Spear is about a 20 minute drive outside of St. John’s and is site to one of the oldest lighthouses in Newfoundland and the remnants of a World War II coastal defence fort. During the summer months the lighthouse keeper’s family home is open to the public, giving you a look at what a home would have looked like in the 1800’s. You can walk the trails, explore the fort ruins, stand in the most easterly point of North America and get some really nice pictures to show your friends and family back home.

Food and Drink

George Street

If you are 19 or older and want to check out the night life, this is the place to go. It is a little street in downtown St. John’s that only contains bars. That’s it! There are 21 in total ranging from Irish pubs to dance clubs.

Looking to be Screeched-In Christian’s Bar is the best place to do it.

This is a very short list of the things to do here. The best way to experience the city is to just walk around downtown. Get lost, see the old building, eat a touton at the Bagel Cafe, talk to the locals and just take in the culture. You’ll love it here so much you’ll be planning you’re next trip before you even leave.

June 7, 2016May 30, 2016

Visit Brazil, the Land of Diversity

Centrally situated in South America, Brazil is the largest country on the continent. It consists of similar geography and topography across the country, and it has a very diverse population. Brazil is no stranger to tourism as people from across the globe come to visit year round. Its history, culture, and tourist attractions are just a few things that draw people to Brazil.

The people of Brazil have an intriguing cultural background. While visiting, you are guaranteed to meet people from various ethnicities, including Native American, African American, European or Asian descent, and a combination of these. Brazilians are friendly, honest people who enjoy companionship. They are known to invite people to have lunch or dinner with them at their houses. One of the most significant events that happens in Brazil every year is Carnival. Carnival is a week long celebration that occurs after Lent, and consists of dancing, fascinating costumes, floats, and all out celebration. If you like partying, definitely visit Brazil around the time of Carnival.

Tourism is a big industry in Brazil, especially in the southeastern region of the country. One of the most popular tourism destinations is the city of Rio de Janeiro. People flock to this city to visit its beautiful beaches, one of the most well-known being Copacabana. Brazilians love soccer, so it should come as no surprise that Rio has the largest soccer stadium, the Maracana Stadium. Downtown Rio has plenty of sites to see, including many churches, cathedrals and historic sites. The concrete Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, the Municipal Theater, and the National Library are some great places to go see. South of downtown is where Copacabana and a few of the beaches are located, as well as the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. You have to take two cable cars up to the top, and the view is breath taking, as can be seen in this photo.

If you aren’t too familiar with Rio, don’t go to the favelas north of the city. This is a poorer part of town where a lot of crime happens. This is only one city in Brazil. Brasilia are two other cities one can visit while in the country.

Brasilia is especially interesting to those who are interested in architecture, as many of the buildings downtown are designed to match each other with the same style. The city is built along the shore of Lake Paranoa.

This is especially appealing to those who enjoy such activities as fishing, kayaking, and boating, as well as wind surfing and diving. If you prefer to stick to downtown settings, there is a lot to see in downtown Brasilia. The architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the majority of the buildings found here. The Congressional Palace is an impressive structure; it is composed of two towers connected by a concrete dome and a concrete bowl called the Chamber of Deputies. Perhaps more impressive is the city’s cathedral. The National Theater and Itamaraty Palace are a couple other destinations that must be seen. Brasilia has fairly good transportation. The airport is about seven miles (11.27 Km) from the center of the city, and taxi and bus services are always waiting for arriving passengers. Rio has two airports that serve commercial flights too and from the city, and buses are the main form of transportation in the city. Brazil has a very accessible layout within its cities for the most part.

Brazil is a splendid place to visit, whether you want to see modern skyscrapers, or the plant and animal life in the Amazon River Basin. Its history and culture are as interesting as ever. Brazilian tradition is very welcoming and comforting to those who are not from the area. If you visit Brazil, you won’t be disappointed.

June 2, 2016June 3, 2016

Cairo, a Treasure-trove of Historical Heritages

The Greater Cairo region is at the heart of Egypt and features countless ancient landmarks and thrilling sights to see. The center of the region is the vast city of Cairo, situated on the East side of the Nile. The city of Cairo has a population of over 16 million, making it the largest city in the whole Arab world and Middle East. On the other side of the Nile is Giza, where an hour away from central Cairo the famous Pyramids and Sphinx are located. There are other cities and districts in Greater Cairo, but Cairo and Giza are the main attractions.

Transportation and Accommodation

The best way to get around Cairo is by metro, because the traffic is very congested. The metro is cheap and fast, and it features both air-conditioned and unconditioned trains. However, in some cases it is necessary to take a bus or taxi to get to places the metro doesn’t reach.

In terms of accommodation, there are many options with prices ranging from $100 a month to $1000 a day. If you’re planning on staying for months, you can rent a lower quality flat outside the city center for a very low price, or you can find nicer places in the city center that cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars a month. Hostel rooms, even in the center of Cairo, can easily be found for as little as $8 a day, while comfortable and spacious hotel rooms can be found for prices as low as $30.

Things to Do and Sights to See

Once your accommodation is settled, there are a great variety of things to do and sights to see. The most obvious places to go are the museums and monuments. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, featuring mummies and countless other artifacts, is enough to keep one busy for days. The Pyramids, the Sphinx, and other ancient sites in Giza are an obvious must-see, and you can intersperse your visits to them with some fun camel and horse riding in the open desert of Giza.

Back in Cairo proper, there is the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval citadel dating from the time of the crusades, where you can visit some famous mosques and the National Military Museum. To the Northeast of central Cairo is the second oldest Islamic university in the world, al-Azhar University. There is also the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a bustling marketplace located in a medieval mausoleum. Adjacent to the bazaar is a very significant Muslim religious site, the Al-Hussein mosque, where the head of Muhammad’s grandson Husayn is said to be buried.

Besides the many Islamic sites, Cairo also has an extensive Coptic Christian heritage. Within the Coptic Cairo area is the Babylon Fortress, an ancient Roman fortress that now has several Coptic churches within in its grounds. It also contains the Coptic Museum, which features a vast array of artifacts and art. Also in Coptic Cairo is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where baby Moses is said to have been found by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

For a break from sightseeing, there are a variety of cultural activities such as concerts, operas and clubs. Cairo is very active at night and there is no shortage of activities at any hour, although it is safer not to stay out too late.

Food and Tips
For food, there are many restaurants, markets and vendors all around the city. In the wealthier areas such as central Cairo there are a variety of restaurants, ranging from luxurious traditional Egyptian restaurants to juice bars and all sorts of international cuisine. There is food to be found everywhere, so if your tastes are not picky there will usually be something to eat within a block or two. Fruit, vegetable and bread vendors are located all over, and their prices are much lower than one finds in Western countries. Many vendors have price signs for their produce, so as long as you can read Arabic numbers you should be safe from being charged more than locals.

Although Cairo’s people are generally kind and friendly, there are also cheats, pickpockets and thieves in the city. You should always leave your valuables in a safe place and carry as little as possible in your pockets. People in Cairo do not usually carry wallets with them, and you should not either if you can help it. It is safer to only carry as much money as you need for a particular outing, and to stay away from the poorer parts of Cairo.

May 30, 2016May 30, 2016

Top 50 tourist attractions worldwide [Infographic]

May 25, 2016May 24, 2016

Hi-Tech Wingz Delivers Cheaper Airport Transfers

A successful new app called Wingz connects drivers with passengers who need affordable airport transfers at the beginning and end of their journeys in the US.

A new peer-to-peer platform which provides cheap airport transfers for travelers has made quite its mark in the US. Wingz is similar to tap and ride apps such as Uber, in that it connects drivers who want to make a flexible living with passengers who need single trip rides all over the city. However, Wingz is focused solely on airport pickups and drop-offs.

Perfect Solution For Planners

Wingz is already up and running out of several airports in the US including San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, LAX, Denver and John Wayne. Passengers are able to book their airport journeys in advance either online, through the app or even through a booking partner such as Expedia. Whilst the incredibly successful Uber model has many benefits, Wingz gives passengers peace of mind in knowing that they have already organised their car both to and from a flight before their trip. Many travellers who use Wingz book their airport transfers at the same time as booking their flights. Expedia has even integrated the Wingz platform into its own booking engine for those who want to organise private transfer options. Whilst Uber is the perfect solution for the spontaneous and on-demand society that we live in, Wingz is great for planners who don’t want to book their pick-up car when they’re at the airport at the end of a long and tiring flight.

Flexible Options

Travel plans can often change at the last minute, usually because of a flight delay or cancellation. If this is the case and you are delayed by more than 30 minutes, Wingz requests that you contact your driver to let them know your new arrival time. If the driver is unable to fulfill your request, then you must email customer support who will try to match you up with a new driver.

If you’re travelling with children, then you can simply request that your Wingz car is equipped with your requirements of infant or booster seats. Those that need to travel with a buggy should simply include it as a checked piece of baggage so that the car has enough boot space in which to fit all the luggage that you’re travelling with.

Loyalty

Wingz has concentrated its efforts on creating brand loyalty not only to its passengers but also to its drivers. Passengers who have enjoyed a journey with a particular driver and have built a rapport with them are able to request the same driver on a subsequent journey by using the direct booking feature. Customers are also able to enjoy rewards for being a Wingz passenger by getting a $5 credit for every friend or family member who they refer.

Sadly, the Wingz service is not available in the UK at present. Instead, some other options for getting to and from airports include using a black cab, coach transfer, MiniCabit or Uber. However, travellers who are going to the States can of course book their stateside airport pickups and drop-offs using Wingz and organise something else for their return back to the UK. Hopefully it won’t be long before UK passengers can enjoy some sort of seamless airport transfer service included at the beginning and end of our own travel plans.

Featured images: License: Image author owned

Laura Reeve is the Marketing Executive for Avanti Travel Insurance, who specialize in travel insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions, and are one of very few that have no upper age limit on their policies.

April 25, 2016April 25, 2016

Top Tourist Attractions in Dubai

There’s so much to see in Dubai, including towering skyscrapers and some of the biggest malls in the world, so it’s not hard to understand why it is so difficult to choose where to visit first. While you are in Dubai, don’t miss these five amazing tourist attractions that call one of the most popular cities in the world their home:

Aquaventure Waterpark

Adventure seekers, get your adrenaline pumping and cool off at Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, the Palm during your holiday. Home to 700 metres of pristine private beach, heart-pounding water rides and slides, and restaurants where visitors can sit back and relax while having a bite to eat, it’s the perfect place for a fun day out with your friends or family. What’s more, there is a play area dedicated specifically for children, a chance to feed a Cownose Ray, and much, much more.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai is home to an array of breath-taking architecture, including the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. If you choose to visit this towering wonder, you can explore the building’s history and take the fastest lift in the world to its incredible viewing platform. It will only take you a few seconds to get to the top, believe it or not, and it is not an experience for the faint-hearted. But, for those who feel as if they can brave it, it is worth it as the views are beautiful. It is best to book your tickets in advance, and there is a convenient metro stop just a ten minute walk away. Meaning that it is an easy tourist attraction to get to. The best time to go would be at sunset, as you will be able to see both day and night from the top.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

If you have always wanted to learn more about Islam, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is the perfect place to start while on your holiday. The centre was founded by an Emirati man who married a European woman and is hosted by Nasif, the general manager. The centre offers visitors a cross-cultural experience that leaves them with a whole new appreciation and understanding of the Muslim world. Visitors have the chance to indulge in traditional Emirati cuisine and are able to ask questions about Islam in order to further their understanding.

Ski Dubai at The Mall of Emirates

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take shelter from Dubai’s sweltering heat, visit Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates (one of the largest shopping malls in the world). At the Middle East’s first indoor ski centre, visitors are able to hire all the necessary equipment they need in order to enjoy the frosty temperatures and snow, take to the five slopes (each varying in levels of difficulty, including the world’s first indoor black diamond run), and enjoy the various boxes, rails and kickers available. For those visitors who would rather sit back and relax, there is a café situated above the snowy slopes where they can indulge in warm drinks and delicious food.

Dubai Fountains

This free tourist attraction is one of the most spectacular sights you will witness while in Dubai. Dubai Fountains does it bigger, taller and louder than the Belaggio Fountains in Las Vegas, meaning visitors are sure to be wowed. Taking place in the evening, visitors can expect to witness a number of musical shows that include Sama Dubai, Baba Yetu, and the Arab world’s top-selling dance song, Shik Shak Shok, as well as Con te Partiro: Time to Say Goodbye. Dubai Fountains are situated outside Dubai Mall and is surrounded by restaurants with front row views – be sure to book in advance in order to ensure you have a good spot to view the fountains from.

April 24, 2016April 24, 2016

Enjoy a Staycation in the UAE

If you live in the UAE and fancy a little break, you don’t need to look any further than your own back yard. With seven Emirates to choose from, you can be a tourist in your own country, exploring new places, eating at new restaurants and experiencing new things. To help you plan your very own staycation, we are going to look at three places you can stay and what they have to offer their guests:

Visit Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai

With a variety of fun activities to indulge in, from a day at Aquaventure water park to a relaxing day at the spa, or having a dolphin encounter, as well as a wide range of luxury accommodation options that include everything from Club Suites to guest rooms, Atlantis, The Palm is the perfect place to spend a night or two for your staycation. The resort also has a number of restaurants where you can indulge in some of the finest foods, and night clubs where you can dance the night away.

The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

This idyllic resort is the perfect place for friends and family alike to take a well-needed rest away from their daily stresses. Located on a water inlet on Ras Al Khaimah beachfront, it overlooks the Arabian Gulf and has 600 metres of pristine beach where guests can catch some rays and relax. Their accommodation options consist of rooms and villas, both of which are comfortable and include all the amenities guests would need, as well as water sport activities, two outdoor swimming pools, and much more.

Rosewood in Abu Dhabi

Last but not least, Rosewood which is located in Abu Dhabi is a luxury hotel that offers its guests an extravagant getaway with style. Accommodation options come in the form of rooms, club rooms, suites, manor club and residences – depending on how long guests plan to stay for and their individual needs – as well as a pool, fitness centre and spa that offer a variety of ways guests can melt away their stress. Additionally the resort also has a Golf and Beach Club, Rose Buds for Children (which is a program designed for children over the age of three).

When you have so many amazing places to visit right on your door step, there is no need to venture very much further, opt for a staycation instead!