Travel Tales: Dubai Part 1, Desert Safari

Finally it is here, my first travel log which I had been meaning to write for quite sometime now. Will be adding travel tips and logs more often from now on, but in parts.

I will also share my personal travel experiences, travel tips which worked for me and ofcourse photos.

A little over six years in the desert and we have travelled around 25 countries and over 70 cities. Both my husband and I enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I admit our choices and interests differ though! He being the adventerous type; more into climbing, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving etc.

Whereas I am more intrested in the small shops, wandering around the streets and market place, picnics in the park, lazing in the sun, beach walks, antiques, collecting stuff, shopping & ofcourse eating!


My personal favourite Travel sites are:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and http://www.lonelyplanet.com/


I search for hotels at
http://www.booking.com/, http://www.hotels.com/ and http://www.agoda.com/ etc.


and here comes Travel tip number #1: Always do your homework before travelling.


I know a lot of people who travel but they dont do any planning before hand. They don't know where to go nor what to do exactly. They are totally blank when they travel and they don't really make the most of it. Personally I always jot down important places to cover and things to do 'before' I leave for the chosen destination in my travel diary. You can easily find top attractions for couples, families with kids and elderly couples on the website. Where to eat and where to shop, what to do in leisure time, if you have everything planned your trip will be a lot more enjoyable. It will save a lot of precious time for you especially when you are short of time and have to cover many places in a couple of days.


Moving on to the travel post, this is Dubai: Part 1 (because I dont want the posts to get too long.)

DUBAI

With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai's ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, nightlife and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai (Source: Tripadvisor)


Dubai city has a lot to offer. It is a shoppers paradise, the sandy beaches, the nightlife, fun activities for families and kids and ofcourse the amazing food! People are very friendly and hospitable.

My first trip to dubai was almost five years ago and it was only for a few days. Most of it is now a blur but I clearly remember how much I enjoyed the place and I fell in love with it instantly. How many times I have been there; frankly I have lost count. But everytime we visit dubai we find something new and happening to do and thats the beauty of the happening city!

Back in 2007, before Rayyan was born, we enjoyed Desert Safari in Dubai. It was first time for me and I had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have never attempted desert safari with Rayyan and I don't think I would even try that because even I felt a little sick after the bumpy ride.

Secondly it is not recommended for children below 3 years and the Dune bashing is quiet bumpy and not safe for infants and most don't offer any special seats for babies nor allow kids. Pregnant women and very elderly people are also not recommended to take this bumpy ride.

Having said that it is definitely a super fun experience. A must for everyone who is visiting Dubai. I recommend it highly.


The following activities are included in Most packages:

Pick up & drop back (any point in Dubai)
Drive through the desert
Dune Bashing
Dune Driving
Sand Skiing
Sun Set Photography
Camel Rides
Belly Dancing
Henna Painting
Hubbly Bubbly (Sheesha) & Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Traditional costumes
Buffet Dinner and B.B.Q

Drivers are usually quite friendly and they communicate throughtout the journey and takecare of your comfort. They ask if you are comfortable at a particular speed and even drive faster if you like the thrill.

After a full of fun bumpy ride, it is beautiful when sunsets and perfect time to click photographs & capture those moments, while standing on top of the slowly fading desert dunes. Then they head towards the main campsite where you can opt to take short camel rides.

You can purchase souvenirs before finally relaxing on a majlis (traditional low cushions). Dinner is mostly a buffet and BBQ with traditional Arabic cuisine. It is also very romantic, with bonfire and traditional cups of coffee and dates.

You can also dress up in the traditional Bedouin male or female garments,and click more photos. Also included is Henna (temporary tatoo) to decorate your hands, legs or feet and smoke flavored sheesha (hubbly-bubbly). And lastly dancing of a belly dancer to traditional Arabic music, right before they drop you off to your hotel (pick-up point).

Prices differ according to the package you choose. There are morning, half-day and over night safaris too. Most packages start from 50$ per person.

All in all it is a must do while in Dubai...!

(Excuse the quality of the pictures. At that time I was not very fond of photography and was more interested in making videos with my handycam.)






What more to do while in Dubai, where to stay, where to eat and where to shop. Coming up next time :)

Finally it is here, my first travel log which I had been meaning to write for quite sometime now. Will be adding travel tips and logs more often from now on, but in parts.

I will also share my personal travel experiences, travel tips which worked for me and ofcourse photos.

A little over six years in the desert and we have travelled around 25 countries and over 70 cities. Both my husband and I enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I admit our choices and interests differ though! He being the adventerous type; more into climbing, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving etc.

Whereas I am more intrested in the small shops, wandering around the streets and market place, picnics in the park, lazing in the sun, beach walks, antiques, collecting stuff, shopping & ofcourse eating!


My personal favourite Travel sites are:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and http://www.lonelyplanet.com/


I search for hotels at
http://www.booking.com/, http://www.hotels.com/ and http://www.agoda.com/ etc.


and here comes Travel tip number #1: Always do your homework before travelling.


I know a lot of people who travel but they dont do any planning before hand. They don't know where to go nor what to do exactly. They are totally blank when they travel and they don't really make the most of it. Personally I always jot down important places to cover and things to do 'before' I leave for the chosen destination in my travel diary. You can easily find top attractions for couples, families with kids and elderly couples on the website. Where to eat and where to shop, what to do in leisure time, if you have everything planned your trip will be a lot more enjoyable. It will save a lot of precious time for you especially when you are short of time and have to cover many places in a couple of days.


Moving on to the travel post, this is Dubai: Part 1 (because I dont want the posts to get too long.)

DUBAI

With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai's ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, nightlife and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai (Source: Tripadvisor)


Dubai city has a lot to offer. It is a shoppers paradise, the sandy beaches, the nightlife, fun activities for families and kids and ofcourse the amazing food! People are very friendly and hospitable.

My first trip to dubai was almost five years ago and it was only for a few days. Most of it is now a blur but I clearly remember how much I enjoyed the place and I fell in love with it instantly. How many times I have been there; frankly I have lost count. But everytime we visit dubai we find something new and happening to do and thats the beauty of the happening city!

Back in 2007, before Rayyan was born, we enjoyed Desert Safari in Dubai. It was first time for me and I had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have never attempted desert safari with Rayyan and I don't think I would even try that because even I felt a little sick after the bumpy ride.

Secondly it is not recommended for children below 3 years and the Dune bashing is quiet bumpy and not safe for infants and most don't offer any special seats for babies nor allow kids. Pregnant women and very elderly people are also not recommended to take this bumpy ride.

Having said that it is definitely a super fun experience. A must for everyone who is visiting Dubai. I recommend it highly.


The following activities are included in Most packages:

Pick up & drop back (any point in Dubai)
Drive through the desert
Dune Bashing
Dune Driving
Sand Skiing
Sun Set Photography
Camel Rides
Belly Dancing
Henna Painting
Hubbly Bubbly (Sheesha) & Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Traditional costumes
Buffet Dinner and B.B.Q

Drivers are usually quite friendly and they communicate throughtout the journey and takecare of your comfort. They ask if you are comfortable at a particular speed and even drive faster if you like the thrill.

After a full of fun bumpy ride, it is beautiful when sunsets and perfect time to click photographs & capture those moments, while standing on top of the slowly fading desert dunes. Then they head towards the main campsite where you can opt to take short camel rides.

You can purchase souvenirs before finally relaxing on a majlis (traditional low cushions). Dinner is mostly a buffet and BBQ with traditional Arabic cuisine. It is also very romantic, with bonfire and traditional cups of coffee and dates.

You can also dress up in the traditional Bedouin male or female garments,and click more photos. Also included is Henna (temporary tatoo) to decorate your hands, legs or feet and smoke flavored sheesha (hubbly-bubbly). And lastly dancing of a belly dancer to traditional Arabic music, right before they drop you off to your hotel (pick-up point).

Prices differ according to the package you choose. There are morning, half-day and over night safaris too. Most packages start from 50$ per person.

All in all it is a must do while in Dubai...!

(Excuse the quality of the pictures. At that time I was not very fond of photography and was more interested in making videos with my handycam.)






What more to do while in Dubai, where to stay, where to eat and where to shop. Coming up next time :)