Image credit - Dubai cruises - azamaraclubcruises.co.uk

Dubai is located in a fascinating part of the world and whether you are planning a ‘cruise and stay’ trip to various different parts of the area, or you simply want to take a short hop on the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, a cruise around Dubai is an opportunity not to be missed. Although such a trip offers a huge range of different sights to see along the way, here are some of the highlights of a cruise around Dubai.

The Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is probably one of the most impressive sights for those who visit the city.  The Marina is the largest man made marina in the world and has the kind of breathtaking skyline that the city has become famous for. It is essentially 3km of artificial canal city that has been purpose built as space for businesses, offices and homes that are designed to accommodate more than 120,000 people. The marina was begun when the developers created a new waterfront by bringing the waters of the Persian Gulf up to a new manmade shoreline and the whole project is an impressive example of some of the most ambitious planning in the world.

Dubai Creek

Image credit - Dubai Creek by eutrophication on Flickr

Dubai Creek is a stretch of water that is far older than the city itself and is said to have been named the River Zara by the Ancient Greeks. It was the location for Dubai’s pearling industry, which was responsible for establishing the foundations for the main section of the city’s economy before cultured pearls appeared on the scene in the 1930s. Today the saltwater creek is a great place to visit to get some perspective on this fascinating part of the city’s history, as well as to see the wildlife reserve that lies at the end of the creek.

The Palm Islands

The Palm Islands are probably one of the must enduring visual images people have of Dubai and certainly one of the most ambitious of the city’s projects. These artificial islands are man made and constructed in the shape of three palm trees (hence the name) that stretch out into the waters off the coast. The islands are known as Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira and have been painstakingly built on carefully reclaimed land. For anyone who wants to own a holiday property on one of these exclusive pieces of land, the starting price for the smallest apartment is around $180,000.

The Dubai skyline

 Image credit - Dubai Skyline by Dominic Scalioni

The Dubai skyline is one of the most unusual and spectacular in the world and it has been compared to a set from fantasy and science fiction films. Also acknowledged as one of the world’s tallest skylines the Dubai skyline is best seen from the water, when the full breadth and height can really be taken in. Look out for the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), the world’s tallest building, as well as the distinctive sailboat shaped Burj al Arab, which has become a symbol of Dubai.

These are just the highlights of a cruise around Dubai but a boat trip around the city has much to offer tourists, from stop offs for shopping or activities, to the chance to explore what remains of the ancient Umayyad civilization. It is definitely one for the bucket list.

No related posts.

Uncovering beautiful beaches in Croatia isn’t difficult, beginning with Rijeka on the lovely Gulf of Kvarner. Set in the far north of the country, it’s the main hub for Adriatic vacations. Although it’s primarily a commercial and manufacturing city, it lies close to glorious countryside and offshore islands as well as small towns near the conurbation, which offer appealing beaches. Kraljevica, overlooked by a mountain range, is 16 miles from the city and is famous for its pine forests and magnificent beaches.

Opatija, just along the bay to the south, is one of Croatia’s best-known tourist destinations. It’s a small, hilly town stretching back from the seashore, with a population of around 8,000 and a long history reflected in its stunning architecture and picture-perfect promenades and sandy strands. It’s been a resort for over 100 years and was originally popular with wealthy Austro-Hungarians.

The city of Zadar lies in Dalmatia state, to the north of Split and Dubrovnik, and is a hub for a great choice of glorious beaches, many of which are just a short journey by car or bus from its central district and pretty Old Town. Zaton Beach is the closest, located in Nin suburb and especially good for families with small children. Other beaches include Borik, Diklo, Privlaka and Petrecane, and the quiet beaches and bays on the offshore islands are easily accessed via a short boat trip.

Further south, Sibenik is the oldest Croatian town on the country’s Adriatic coastline and boasts stunning medieval buildings. Although the waters of Sibenik Bay aren’t so very clean, many small, sandy beaches are found just outside the town and on the national park islands of Krka and Komati, just offshore. Komati National Park is especially worth a visit for its diving and snorkelling opportunities.

The ancient port city of Split lies on the southern side of the peninsula from Sibenik, with the central Old Town, crowded with palaces, mansions and churches, clustered around the massive Roman Diocletian’s Palace and fronted by a magnificent coastline. Committed to the ultimate visitor experience, Split offers fine beaches, found on the edges of town and in the nearby coastal regions. The closest is Bacvice Beach, which is crowded in high season.

Quieter and lovelier beaches are found within a few kilometres of Split, including those to the north and the westerly Kasjuni Cove, a treasure of a beach with far fewer crowds. The best of all are on beautiful Brac Island’s fabulous coastline, with Hvar Island high on the list for its trendy restaurants and bars.

The southernmost city in Croatia, Dubrovnik, is also one of the most popular with holidaymakers for its walled city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site in its entirety. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik’s reputation as a city-state rivalled that of Venice in the 15^th and 16^th centuries. Although its beaches are pebbled, they’re still great places to relax and swim after a morning sightseeing, with the backdrop of the magnificent city adding to the magic of the warm seas.

Due to the city’s fame as a tourist destination, beaches around the Dubrovnik Riviera’s bays and promontories are mostly well-equipped for water sports of all kinds. If you’re searching for a sandy beach rather than pebbles, the strands along the Lapad Peninsula are the perfect choice. Reached by a pretty coastal pathway, the beachfronts are lined with seafood eateries which are great for sunset-watching and a delicious meal. Here is Copacabana Beach, the best choice for families with children.

This guest post was written by Amy for easyjet who operate flights to Croatia from London, Paris, Madrid and Berlin.

No related posts.

Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas strip is the absolute must-see in your visit to Las Vegas. If a hotel on the strip is within your budget, this is the place where you want to stay. The strip is lined up with magnificent hotels, each with a specific theme. You want to allot at least one full day to visiting hotels on the strip. Some of the most notorious hotels are the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Paris, New York, Aria, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Venetian, and the Wynn. Each hotel has a show or attraction that you can enjoy free of charge. Ask your concierge or front desk for a schedule of show times for each hotel. You don’t want to miss out on the exciting Pirates show at Treasure Island and the famous fountain show at the Bellagio.

Dining

Las Vegas has become one of the culinary attractions of the world with renowned chefs opening restaurants all over Vegas. Make time and budget to enjoy a lunch or dinner at a fine restaurant. If you are on a tight budget, many restaurants offer early dinner menus that are more moderately priced. Buffets are also one of the big attractions in Vegas. They can also be pricey but offer the most food for your money. Buffet prices during lunch time can be up to half the price than for dinner. You can also go during the brunch hours and maybe even score bottomless mimosas for around ten dollars. Many restaurants offer Happy Hours where you can try some of their most popular dishes for a third of the price.

Away from the strip

The fun and excitement in Las Vegas do not end at the strip. There are many other things that you don’t want to miss out on. To explore outside of the strip, the best way to get around is through a car rental in Las Vegas. Experience vintage Las Vegas with incredible lights and sounds at the Freemont Street Experience. With a car rental in Las Vegas you can also drive to the Grand Canyon and visit the very popular outlets outside of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is a city that has dozens of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. To make the most of your trip, plan your time wisely and make sure you find the most efficient way to move around, such as a car rental.

Amy is a guest blogger from Alamo US car hire

No related posts.

In the excitement of planning a driving holiday on the other side of the Channel it can often be easy to forget that there are different rules for French roads than for those in the UK. No one wants to come back from a holiday having had a bad experience on the roads, but the system is not that complex, as long as you remember a few basic requirements. For anyone making a trip across the Channel behind the wheel, here is a summary of some of the most important legal requirements for driving on the Continent.

The first thing to remember when driving on the Continent is that you must drive on the right hand side of the road. Everyone who drives off the ferry has a small, forgivable moment of panic about which lane to pull into, but other than the odd mistake, you must stay in the right lane – if you don’t feel comfortable with this then you should not drive in France. One of the main things to remember about the French roads is that drivers who are on the main road will usually have priority. The exception to this is where there is a ‘priorite a droit’ sign, which indicates that the driver must give way to traffic approaching the main road.

UK drivers should always carry a driving licence, vehicle registration documents and insurance details in case of being stopped and asked to produce them. In order to legally drive in France, a driver should have held a driving licence for at least a year and be at least 18 years old.

Speed limits for driving in France should be respect as, whilst there might be a little leeway on the less dangerous roads, simply not knowing what the speed limit is will not be a good enough excuse for anyone caught driving too fast. 50kmph is the limit in most towns, drivers will need to keep below 90kmph on main roads, 110kmph on a dual carriageway and 130kmph on the motorways.

Given the French penchant for wine with every meal, it might be a surprise to learn that the French limit for drink driving is actually lower than the UK. Even though most of the service stations in the country will serve wine with meals and seem to encourage the consumption of booze by drivers, if you have more than one small beer then you are drinking driving, and this law is strictly enforced. Basically, if you are planning to drive in France – just like anywhere else in the world – don’t drink.

2012 saw the introduction of a new law that requires all cars and motorbikes to carry a breathalyzer or alcohol level test. This applies to anyone behind the wheel on the French roads, regardless of nationality, from 1 July. There is a small grace period between July and November for those who don’t get it right and after that the fine is €11. The tests cost about €1 and can be purchased from most supermarkets. Anyone caught using a mobile phone at the wheel will also find their coffers being emptied, as this can result in an on the spot fine of €130 for anyone who is caught.

When it comes to kids, all children under 10 years old must travel in the back of the car. The only exception to this is where there are no seatbelts in the back. Babies can travel in the front seat as long as they are strapped into a proper car seat, which must be an approved, rear-facing model. Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone travelling in the car, whether adult or child.

The legal requirements for driving on the continent are not particularly onerous and in most cases, it is just a case of using common sense about how to behave and how to drive. If in doubt, simply err on the side of caution and slow down, strap in and stay on the right.

John is a guest blogger from Alamo who provide cheap car hire in France and UK car hire

No related posts.

You will never have to worry about how much money you should budget for meals and beverages in a foreign locale with Aruba all inclusive vacations. You will know ahead of time and be able to pay ahead of time. The typical behavior for most travelers is to budget a certain amount of money for their meals and beverages and then use their credit card to pay for any amounts that exceed their allotted budget. As a result, there are a stack of credit card bills to face when you return home, which can take some of the fun away from your vacation. You can forever eliminate this problem on your next Aruba vacation with Aruba all inclusive vacations.

If you happen to be considering getting married or having your honeymoon in Aruba then Aruba all inclusive vacations are a great option. Most of the resorts that participate in Aruba all inclusive vacations offer specials that include everything you need for a romantic wedding and/or honeymoon. The amenities featured in Aruba all inclusive vacations for weddings include a cake, wedding planner, photography, gifts and even your license fees.

Worrying about paying for activities is also a thing of the past when you choose Aruba all inclusive vacations. If you have ever gone on vacation and been disappointed to find out that you cannot afford an activity, this can be a welcome relief. There are many activities and forms of entertainment included in Aruba all inclusive vacations, such as shows, scuba diving, golfing, tennis, sailing, snorkeling and much more.

You can also be assured of the quality and luxury of the resort where you will spend your vacation when you choose Aruba all inclusive vacations. The resorts include four as well as five star resorts. Enjoy hospitable service and gourmet quality dining from the time you get up in the morning until the time you retire at night. Everything that you need to enjoy a fabulous vacation in paradise is included.

Related posts:

1. All Inclusive Aruba Vacations
2. All Inclusive Family Vacations
3. Mexico All Inclusive Travel Deals

All inclusive vacations also offer you the opportunity to vacation at some of the most luxurious locations in the world. Many of the all inclusive vacation packages you will find are situated at resorts in tropical paradises but if you would prefer something different than an island tropic getaway you can certainly find other all inclusive vacation options as well.

Such all inclusive vacations are ideal for everyone. Whether you are an individual who is just looking to get away from all the stress of the daily grind for a few days or you are a family who wants to spend some quality time together, all inclusive vacations are an excellent idea. All inclusive vacations are also good options for couples who are looking for a romantic honeymoon but who want to make sure that they stay within a predetermined budget as well.

The price of all inclusive vacations is quite reasonable, but if you decide to make your trip during the off season you may be able to save even more money on your upcoming trip. This is usually the time when most resorts experience a lull and are quite willing to shave some off their regular price in order to lure more tourists to visit.

Keep in mind when booking all inclusive vacations that it is a good idea to be sure of the dates that you want to travel and book your dates ahead of time. This will help you to avoid disappointment in not being able to obtain your desired travel dates.

Whether you are a family, a couple or an individual; all inclusive vacations are an excellent way to travel and save money at the same time.

No related posts.

All inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations provide a way of taking care of all the details of your vacation in advance. This saves you time as well as money. Oftentimes, when you must book all of your vacation details in advance, the result is increased price. Numerous luxury resorts throughout Puerto Vallarta participate in all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations to offer you, the traveler, the best price possible. Through all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations you can enjoy luxurious four and five start resorts with every amenity imaginable for far less that you might have thought possible.

Not only are your hotel accommodations included in all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations, but also your meals and even your beverages and activities as well. You can practically custom design your trip with all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations. From taking a tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta to enjoying a cruise off the coast, everything can be booked in advance with all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations.

All inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations are for everyone. Many of the resorts specialize in providing adult only or family only activities. If you are traveling with young children, be sure to check into all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations that include activities for the children as well as nanny services. This is a great way to make sure that the kids are occupied and having fun while the adults also get to enjoy some fun as well.

Whether you are shopping for all inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations on a budget or you can afford to splurge a little, there is certainly something for everyone. You can easily choose a package that will suit your exact needs. All inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacations make it easy to choose a vacation package based not only on your budget but also your idea of the perfect vacation as well. So, pack your swimsuit and your sunscreen and get ready to head to sunny Puerto Vallarta for a vacation that you will not soon forget!

No related posts.

Through all inclusive Mexico vacations you can be sure that all of your needs are catered to, no matter whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway or you are a family looking to relax together. Many of the resorts that you can book through all inclusive Mexico vacations are specially designed for couples only or adults only or even families only.

Resorts featured in all inclusive Mexico vacations are also convenient as well. You can easily reach them from a cruise ship or by air from a variety of different locations. In addition to convenience, there are many other reasons to consider all inclusive Mexico vacations, such as the activities you will find. Unlike other vacation options, with all inclusive Mexico vacations you can tailor activities to specifically meet your needs. No matter why you are traveling to Mexico, there are a host of activities to enjoy.

All inclusive Mexico vacations also include meals and beverages as well. The vacation package will include all of the details so that you do not have to worry about anything. Just sit back and enjoy a range of different specialties prepared by some of the most renowned chefs in Mexico as well as the world. Beyond any gratuities that you wish to make to your servers, you do not have to worry about paying for any meals while you are on vacation.

You will also find that the level of quality offered by all inclusive Mexico vacations is second to none. Everything that you would expect to find in a first class hotel can be found in the resorts participating in all inclusive Mexico vacations. Not only can you enjoy spectacular views of the gorgeous Mexican beaches, but you can also enjoy numerous varieties such as Jacuzzi tubs, room service and much more. If you happen to need to handle business while you are on vacation, most resorts also offer business centers and a multilingual staff to assist you.

From sunrise to sunset, there is much to love about all inclusive Mexico vacations.

No related posts.

Accommodations. When you book all inclusive Mexican vacations your hotel accommodations are included in the package price. You do not have to worry about shopping around for a better deal because you can usually enjoy a healthy discount through the package price. No value hotels here. Enjoy four and five star luxury resorts when you choose all inclusive Mexican vacations.

Meals and beverages. That’s right. You will never have to sit down and peruse the menu looking for prices again. The cost of all of your meals and beverages can be included in all inclusive Mexican vacations. You can even upgrade your package to included unlimited beverages, meals and snacks if you wish.

Activities and amenities. A vacation is the perfect time to pamper yourself. All inclusive Mexican vacations provide the best opportunity to do that. Choose from a wide selection of activities and amenities to enjoy while you relax in a Mexican resort. You can choose exactly what interests you and book it ahead of time for complete comfort and convenience.

Save Time. When you plan a vacation, chances are you are ready to simply pack your bags, board your plane and go. No one wants to spend endless hours searching the Internet, trying to snag the best vacation deal. All inclusive Mexican vacations relieve you of that stress and hassle. You can rest assured that you are getting the best deal on all parts of your vacation without having to waste your precious time. Instead, spend your time in a more constructive manner, such as deciding which swimsuit to bring or whether you need to bring along an extra piece of baggage for the souvenirs you plan to shop for.

All inclusive Mexican vacations are the best way to make the most of your vacation time as well as your money. These days, everyone wants to get the most for their money while still enjoying relaxing downtime. All inclusive Mexican vacations give you the chance to do exactly that. Custom design your all inclusive Mexican vacation today and get ready to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime.

No related posts.

If you are interested in adding specific activities to all inclusive Jamaica vacations then it is also a good idea to consider which activities you might enjoy as well. Some of the fabulous activities that you can enjoy with all inclusive Jamaica vacations include scuba diving, deep sea fishing and snorkeling. Such activities can be easily included with the total package price.

If you wish to take an excursion while vacationing in Jamaica then it is also a good idea think about which resorts offer the best tours and excursions that interest you when choosing all inclusive Jamaica vacations.

You should also give some consideration to whether you wish for your package to include airfare or not. Many all inclusive Jamaica vacations do include the price of airfare, but if you would rather arrange that separately, then you should choose a package without airfare.

If you will be traveling with children, then you should consider whether you need a facility with child care services. Many facilities included in all inclusive Jamaica vacations not only offer childcare but also offer special activities just for children as well. The same is also true if you are an adult traveling either alone or as part of a couple and you would prefer a resort that caters to adult only activities. There are many resorts throughout Jamaica which offer either adult only or family only activities.

Another factor to consider when choosing all inclusive Jamaica vacations is whether you want unlimited meals and drinks to be included in the total purchase price. These types of all inclusive Jamaica vacations are typically more expensive than a set plan but over the duration of your vacation you could also save money instead of just buying as you go.

Taking all of these factors into consideration when choosing all inclusive Jamaica vacations will help you to select a vacation package that will meet all of your specific needs. As a result you can have the best vacation possible.

No related posts.