Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis with many fascinating attractions worth visiting. Before the 19th century, the region was famous for its pearl business and entered into treaties with Great Britain to suppress the pirates. In the early part of the 20th century, the pearl trade declined and the rulers began exploring the possibilities of oil in the region. The first discovery was made in the Umm Shaif oil field and then in several other oil fields in the years that followed. The oil fields contributed immensely to the growth and development of Abu Dhabi. Your cheap Abu Dhabi holidays would give you a considerable amount of savings, which can be utilised to explore the city's popular attractions. Among them are the majestic islands that have several offerings in store for their visitors. The Yas Island is located at a short distance from the Emirati capital and is an emerging destination for entertainment. It houses the Yas Marina Circuit, which is a state-of-the-art facility for F1 Grand Prix events. Another popular attraction on this island is the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It is the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world and offers fun and adventure for all ages. Saadiyat Island is another fantastic island you can explore with Abu Dhabi holiday deals offered by your tour operator. This island is spread across a vast area of 27 square kilometres and has the single largest concentration of cultural assets in the world. They include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum. You can visit the Manarat Al Saadiyat, which literally translates as 'A Place of Enlightenment'. Visitors to the island can get an interactive narrative on the vision behind the island with 'The Saadiyat Story'. While enjoying your Abu Dhabi holidays, you can get to Sir Bani Yas Island if you wish to experience wildlife and some adventurous activities. The island has luxury villas, historical sites, and a 5-star boutique hotel. The World Travel Awards held in Anguilla in the year 2014 had honoured the island with the award of the 'World's Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination'. One of the region's largest wildlife reserves, the Arabian Wildlife Park occupies more than half of this island. While exploring this wildlife park, you can witness the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, hyenas, and many other wild animals in action. Nurai Island is also an excellent place to visit during your time spent in Abu Dhabi. You can take a 10-minute boat ride from the Saadiyat Island in order to reach this relatively secluded island. It is also accessible from UAE's major ports. The name of this island is derived from the Arabic word 'nur', which means 'light'. If you're looking forward to having some peace and tranquillity, this is the best place to be in. The Nurai Island also houses the Zaya Nurai Island, which is a unique private island with an all-villa hotel. It offers some excellent dining options and its food and beverage outlets are open to residents as well as non-residents. For some excellent options in cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, click here.
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Seychelles, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, attracts plenty of tourists from different corners of the globe with its charming white-sand beaches and serene islands surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters. Wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists would also find this destination quite exciting. In the past, the major source of income for this country came from its extensive plantations. However, things changed after the opening of Seychelles International Airport. Today, the primary industry of this island country is tourism. The upgrading of hotels and a considerable amount of foreign investment has also helped immensely in boosting the tourism industry in this part of the world. Your Seychelles holidays would be truly pleasant and memorable if you visit during the months of April, May, October, or November. These are the times when there are a lesser number of tourists in this particular island country and the hotels would be willing to offer some attractive deals on room rates. You'll also find the climatic conditions ideal to go sightseeing and indulge in some exciting outdoor activities. The period from December to March is characterised by an increase in humidity levels and frequent rains, but this doesn't reduce the accommodation costs in hotels. Seychelles experiences its peak tourist season from June to September as the weather is cool and dry. While enjoying your cheap holidays in Seychelles, you'll be able to explore the island country's fabulous attractions. Among them is a beautiful beach called Anse Intendance located on the island of Mahe. It can be an ideal place for you to relax under the sun after some busy sightseeing schedules. The beach also gives you the opportunity to take some excellent snaps. Another majestic beach worth visiting is Anse Lazio. Although you have to ascend a hill in order to get to this beach, you'll be certainly rewarded with some wonderful views of white sands set against the backdrop of green palms. During your cheap holidays in Seychelles, you'll also get to explore the Curieuse Island with a day trip. While on the island, you'll get to watch the famous giant tortoises moving around in their natural surroundings. The shades provided by the Takamaka trees and Casuarina on the white-sand beaches of the island give you the chance to unwind and savour the pleasant environs. If you wish to go hiking, the Morne Seychellois National Park would be the perfect place. The trails in this national park would give you awe-inspiring views of Danzil village and tea plantations. The time spent in Seychelles would also allow you to taste the delicious Creole cuisine of this island nation. Among the mouth-watering dishes are the salads that are prepared using smoked fish or octopus, which is then combined with other ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes, capsicums, and onions. The Octopus curry is also worth relishing as it is cooked using coconut milk, curry powder, and a variety of spices. Don't miss the grilled Red Snapper and Rabbit Fish. They are the favourites of the local population, but only those who like spicy food would truly enjoy eating them. To get some detailed insights into Dubai holidays, click here. St Lucia is an island country in the Caribbean with tropical weather and enchanting sceneries, which attracts tourists from various corners of the globe. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to escape the hustle-bustle of their home countries and unwind in the midst of serene natural surroundings. You can also indulge in some thrilling outdoor activities during your time spent in this beautiful island country. Of course, among the most fascinating and popular aspects of the island nation that impress tourists are its white-sand beaches. One of the best beachside experiences you can enjoy during your cheap St Lucia holidays would surely be on the Marigot Bay. It is home to many smaller beaches that are set against the backdrop of swaying palms. Although there are times when this beach gets crowded with plenty of tourists, you can find some secluded spots that give you the opportunity to relax under the warm rays of the sun and enjoy some mesmerising views. The white-sand beaches of this bay have also been featured in several Hollywood films, which became one of the many reasons for their immense popularity. Yet another charming beach worth visiting during your St Lucia holidays is the Sugar Beach, situated between the Piton Mountains. Its attractive crystal-like sand is liked by tourists who arrive on this beach to spend some relaxed moments. You'll also have the pleasure of enjoying the views of the Piton Mountains and the amazing waters of the Caribbean Sea while relaxing on this beach. Some parts of Sugar Beach are covered by a resort, but the northern part is open to visitors. It is located just a few kilometres away from Soufriere on the west coast of the island destination. Far from the popular tourist spots, Grand Anse offers you the kind of serenity that many of the tourists look for during their St Lucia holidays. Set against the backdrop of magnificent cliffs, this gorgeous stretch of powdery sands was once a plantation area. This place can be perfect for honeymooners, who can enjoy some quality time together in its serene environs and take their romantic walks on the wonderful sands. It is also a favourite among those who like to see the endangered turtles. They are the leatherback sea turtles that come out of the water to lay their eggs on the shores and this is the time when visitors would get to watch them. Reduit Beach is for those who wish to indulge in some exciting activities like scuba diving, sailing, and snorkelling. It is located on the northern edge of the island country and has some elegant hotels located nearby. It is popular among the guests of the hotels as well as the passengers of cruise ships. You'll also find many local operators who rent lounge chairs and equipment for various water sports. Other facilities on the beach include several eateries and restaurants. If you wish to go island-hopping, you can charter a boat and explore the islands located near the beach. You can click here to find some detailed information on cheap holidays to Barbados. The largest island of Thailand, Phuket has now become one of the popular beach destinations in the world with its white-sand beaches and a range of other exciting offerings. There are numerous hotels on this island with excellent options in dining. Besides exploring some of the popular attractions on this Thai destination, you can also get to the serene islands located nearby during your holiday. While visiting these islands you can also get plenty of choices in beaches, which would allow you to unwind and enjoy a relaxed time amidst beautiful stretches of white sands. If you wish to have cheap holidays to Phuket, plan your trip during the period between May and October. This is the time when the island experiences its monsoon season and the heavy rains keep most of the tourists away. As a result, the hotels and resorts would be forthcoming in offering some attractive discounts on room rates. Although you may not be able to enjoy certain activities like swimming in waters touching the west coast, there are many other activities you can enjoy while holidaying in this island destination. From November to April, Phuket experiences its peak tourist season. Book your holiday package or hotel accommodation several months in advance if you plan to visit during this season. Your Phuket holidays can be made truly memorable with a visit to some of its gorgeous beaches, such as Patong, Kata, and Karon. One of the most spectacular landmarks of the island is the Big Buddha statue, which was constructed in the year 2004. In order to reach this magnificent monument, you'll have to climb numerous steps that lead to it. A visit to the Rawai village would help you witness the more authentic side of the island and get a glimpse of the way of life that the tribe of 'sea gipsies' called Moken follow. You can experience the quieter side of the island upon visiting the Sirinat National Park. During your cheap holidays to Phuket, you'll get the opportunity to enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters that touch the powdery sands of the island's charming beaches. An island boat tour would take you to some of the enchanting islands located nearby. The fascinating blue waters around the island provide the best snorkelling and diving experiences in the country. With these thrilling activities, you can witness the attractive corals, tropical fish, and many other varieties of marine life. While holidaying in this fabulous Thai island, you'll also get to savour its delectable treats. Among them is the Pad Thai or fried rice noodles, which has become a favourite of tourists over the past few years. It is a combination of stir-fried rice noodles, tofu, eggs, dried shrimps, fish sauce, and various other ingredients. One of the classic Thai dishes you can taste while in Phuket is Khao Pad or fried rice made with pork, chicken, or seafood. Yet another delicious dish is Kuey Teow or the noodle soup, which is prepared using big rice noodles. The meat used for its preparation can be pork, beef, or chicken. You can get some interesting insights into the exciting offerings of cheap holidays to Abu Dhabi here. One of Thailand's southern provinces, Krabi can be your perfect holiday destination if you wish to unwind on serene beaches far from the hustle-bustle of crowds. It is located between the Phang Nga and Trang provinces and offers some picturesque natural surroundings that instantly pleases the eye. This province can be reached easily by air from Bangkok and has wider choices in accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury. During your time spent in Krabi, you'll get the opportunity to witness some awe-inspiring natural features, such as white-sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and dense jungles. The best time to enjoy cheap holidays to Krabi is during the period between June and October, which is the monsoon season. Although the weather is humid with rains in the months of September and October, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds and get unbelievable discounts on hotel accommodations. From the month of November to mid-March, the province experiences its busiest tourist season. During this time of the year, the climate is extremely pleasant and favourable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The hottest time in Krabi is from mid-March to May with daytime temperatures in the mid-thirties and high humidity levels. Among the beaches worth visiting during your Krabi holidays is the Railay Beach, which stands apart from the rest owing to its close proximity to the towering cliffs and limestone caves. Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is another enchanting place with an abundance of scenic beauty, which gives you plenty of opportunities to click some excellent snaps. You can also visit Wat Tham Sua or the Tiger Cave while exploring the province. This cave temple is situated amidst thick jungles and has many intriguing relics in store for its visitors. Krabi Town can also be visited for its simplicity and old-world charm. Your Krabi holidays would also give you the chance to indulge in some exciting outdoor activities. One of them is rock-climbing, which you can enjoy while on a visit to Tham Phra Nang. The dive sites off Phi Phi Don island allow you to plunge deep under the waters surrounding it and witness the marine life with the help of scuba diving or snorkelling. You can get to the caves, mangroves, and beaches with the help of kayaking tours offered by the local tour operators. With more than 200 islands and islets around the coastline, island-hopping is yet another thrilling activity you can enjoy while in Krabi. While enjoying your holidays in this province of Thailand, you'll also get to savour its mouth-watering delicacies. One of them is Phad Thai, which is prepared using stir-fried noodles and a variety of other ingredients like fish sauce, tofu, dried shrimps, eggs, and bean sprouts. You can also relish the noodle soup made using beef or pork broth. Moo Ping and Khao Niao is a delectable combination of grilled pork and sticky rice that can be found at most of the food stalls in Krabi. A yellow chicken rice dish known as Khao Mok Kai is another dish worth savouring in this Thai province. You can find some interesting details on Marsa Alam holidays here. A fascinating mix of Moroccan traditions and contemporary elements, Marrakech is one of the largest cities in the Kingdom of Morocco. Over the years, it has also become one of Africa's leading tourist destinations mainly because of the cultural attractions that it has to offer for its tourists. They also find the lavish residences called 'riads' quite interesting as those homes resemble the ancient Roman villas. During your time spent in this Moroccan city, you'll certainly have the opportunity to witness some intriguing historic places, which include the old markets that sell metal works, leather items, carpets, and pottery. If you're planning to spend your Marrakech holidays during the summer season, it is advisable that you book your hotel accommodation several months in advance. This time of the year is extremely hot, but this doesn't discourage tourists from visiting the Moroccan city and this is the reason why you'll never see a drop in the room rates. Winter arrives in the city in the month of December and stays until February. This season is characterised by comfortable daytime temperatures and cold nights. You'll have the chance to witness some beautiful blossoms and have a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy your outdoor activities in the months of March and April. Your cheap holidays to Marrakech would allow you to explore the popular attractions of this city and its surroundings. Among them are the Saadian tombs, one of the famous historic sites in the city. The ones buried here are the members of the Saadian dynasty, including Ahmad al-Mansur, a 16th-century Sultan. If you're a history buff, you'll definitely have a wonderful time exploring these tombs. A large square called Jemaa el-Fnaa is also worth exploring, as it plays an important part in the life of people residing in the city. While getting around in this square, you'll come across fortune tellers, storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers besides numerous stalls. While enjoying your cheap holidays to Marrakech, you can also enjoy some exciting outdoor activities. Some of the best places for indulging in some of these activities are the Atlas Mountains and their surrounding areas. A full-day excursion offered by the local tour operators would help you escape the hustle-bustle of the city and get to the Ourika valley. This excursion would enable you to embark on a hiking trail that leads you through rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. Such trips can be quite insightful and hassle-free in the company of a professional guide. During your holidays spent in this Moroccan city, you'll also get to savour some delicious varieties of the local cuisine. One of the delicacies you'll get at the food stalls of the streets or souks is Bastilla, which is usually eaten as a starter. It originated in the city of Fes and is a kind of pastry stuffed with fresh almonds, spices, eggs, and meat. A traditional Moroccan soup called Harira is also worth trying. It is prepared using chickpeas, lentils, noodles, and tomatoes. When it comes to sweet dishes, Chebakia would be a mouth-watering treat. It is a popular cookie eaten in Morocco and made using sesame coated with syrup or honey. You can click here to get some detailed information on cheap holidays to New York and the wonderful offerings for tourists in the city. An island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, St Lucia has seen a steady growth in its tourism industry over the years. It has some enchanting natural features and cultural offerings that continue to fascinate tourists from different parts of the world. The island was named after a Christian martyr known as Saint Lucy of Syracuse by the French, who were the first settlers in this country from Europe. Most of the people who make a trip to this island destination are cruise travellers. A holiday spent in this island nation would give you ample opportunities to explore its white-sand beaches and other enchanting natural features. If you wish to enjoy cheap holidays to St Lucia, visit during the hurricane season, which begins in the month of July and lasts until November. The hotels and resorts in this part of the world offer huge discounts on accommodations, but there's always a possibility of hurricanes during this time of the year. You can also grab some discounts during the rainy months of May and June, but you'll have to book your hotel stay or holiday package several months in advance. St Lucia experiences the best climatic conditions during the months between December and April. If you choose to visit during these months, you'll have to be prepared to pay higher room rates for your hotel stays and face large tourist crowds. You can plan your St Lucia holidays for the month of the St Lucia Carnival to get the chance to witness this country's largest cultural festival. This carnival involves zestful celebrations with dance and music. You'll also be amazed by the colourful costumes that the participants display during the festivities. Towards the end of the festival, you'll have the opportunity to witness a road march competition and a costumed parade. This festival attracts nearly 5,000 participants in amazing costumes, 30,000 spectators, and over 60,000 television viewers. The St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is also worth watching out for while planning your St Lucia holidays. It was formerly known as the St Lucia Jazz Festival, but it has now taken on the present name owing to the addition of arts and food to it over the years. You'll get to watch the top artists in action if you plan your holidays to coincide this festival. The week-long festivities involved in the festival include exhibitions and fashion shows. Most of these events are held in the northern parts of St Lucia. During your time spent in this island country, you'll also get to indulge in some thrilling outdoor activities. One of them is zip-lining, which you can enjoy while exploring the rainforest. This activity would give you ample opportunities to savour bird's eye views of the lush green environs in this part of St Lucia. A hiking expedition on the Pitons can be a wonderful way of enjoying the delightful sights of beautiful natural surroundings. You can go sailing from the Vigie Cove using a chartered boat and enjoy a reef fishing excursion. A good catch of fish would delight you, whether you're a novice or an expert. You can find detailed information on Bahamas holidays here. The largest city and capital of Oman, Muscat was an important trading port right from the 1st century. It was ruled by many powerful empires in the past, such as the Persians, the Portuguese, and the Ottomans. While holidaying in the Omani capital, you'll witness many low-lying white buildings that make up most of the urban landscape of this city. Even after going through rapid infrastructural developments over the past three decades, the buildings in the city still feature a traditional design, which was used centuries ago. You can enjoy cheap holidays to Muscat if you visit the city during its low season from the month of April to September. However, you'll have to bear the sweltering heat that keeps away many of the tourists. The hotels would be willing to offer unbelievable discounts on their room rates in this season. Being located close to the Tropic of Cancer, the climate of this city is characterised by a sunny and humid climate for most parts of the year. The best time to visit the Omani capital is its winter season, which begins in the month of November and continues until March. However, it is also a high season in this part of the world and, as a result, hotel accommodations would be quite expensive. During your Muscat holidays, you'll get the opportunity to visit some of its famous attractions. Among them is the Royal Opera House Muscat, the country's leading venue for culture and musical arts. It has been built using the contemporary Omani architecture and can house up to 1,100 individuals. You'll also get to explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is the main mosque in the country and can accommodate up to 20,000 individuals. It was inaugurated by the ruling Sultan in 2001 to mark his 30-year rule. Another interesting place worth visiting is the Bait Al Zubair, a museum with a vast collection of ancient weapons, costumes, and household items. While enjoying your Muscat holidays, you can try some exciting outdoor activities to make your time in this city memorable. The desert and mountains located at a short distance from the capital can be the right spots to go dune-bashing or to have an exhilarating drive off the road. Wadi Bani Khalid, located in Al Sharqiyah is one of the most spectacular wadis or valleys of the country, where you can enjoy a swim in the clear waters of natural pools in this area. You can also go hiking on the well-marked trails in the Western Hajar mountains. Food in Muscat can be a treat to your taste buds, as you can have some mouth-watering varieties of the Omani cuisine to choose from. One of the popular ones is Majboos, also called Makboos or Kabsa in this region. It includes the basmati rice, meat, vegetables, and a mix of spices. Shuwa or grilled meat is also a favourite among the locals and is often made during special occasions, such as Eid. This delicacy is prepared by marinating the grilled meat in Omani spices before wrapping it and placing it in an underground sand oven. You can click here to know more about cheap holidays to Sri Lanka and their exciting offerings. Bestowed with nature’s best gifts, St Lucia is one of the sovereign island countries located in the Caribbean. Most of the tourists have been visiting this country as a part of their cruise trips, but it is also popular among the other travellers today owing to its tropical weather and scenic delights. You can find several cultural attractions as well while exploring this island country. Many of the travellers visiting this island nation spend their time in the capital city of Castries. However, there are many other exciting places worth exploring in this part of the world. From July to November, the island experiences its hurricane season. If you’re willing to take the risk of booking your St Lucia holidays during this time of the year, you’ll be rewarded with some excellent discounts on room rates of hotels. You can plan your trip during the St Lucia Carnival which begins in late June. The rates for hotel accommodations soar during the period between December and April when the island is thronged by large crowds of tourists owing to the presence of a pleasant, breezy climate. The best time to visit this island would be from May to June when the weather is characterised by pleasant daytime temperatures and the hotels are willing to offer some reductions on room rates. You may have to book several months in advance for getting the best deals. During your cheap holidays to St Lucia, you would get to explore ‘The Pitons’. These two mountains are the most popular attractions of the island and are a part of the ‘Pitons Management Area’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy some awe-inspiring views while on your hiking expedition to these twin peaks. Another enchanting place to be in during your cheap holidays to St Lucia is the Marigot Bay. The beach is set against the backdrop of lush green palms and also provides fabulous views of the green hillsides that seem to merge with its sandy stretches. Marigot Bay is touched by crystal-clear blue waters that run unbelievably deep. This depth had once allowed the British fleet to hide from the French. A visit to the Anse Chastanet Marine National Park will allow you to explore some truly amazing coral reefs with the help of snorkelling or diving. Goatfish, wrasse, parrotfish, and chromis are some of the varieties of fish that can be found in the coral reefs. You’ll enjoy hiking on the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which takes you through winding paths of the tropical forests and offers some marvellous views. The hike would also give you the opportunity to sample some tropical fruits of the region and know more about the traditional techniques of cassava production. Another excellent place worth visiting is the Morne Coubaril Estate, which is a working plantation of maniocs, cocoas, and coconuts. Your visit to this estate would not only allow you to enjoy a guided tour of the plantation but also give you the chance to taste the delicious Creole food. You can read more on places that can be explored during cheap holidays to Singapore here. Abu Dhabi is a city that never fails to fascinate its visitors. On the surface, you'd find all the glitz and glamour that is quite expected in a world-class capital. However, when you delve deeper to understand the local culture, it would offer loads of opportunities to know more about its history and traditions. Whether it is the city’s modern marvels or its historic places, you can know more about the UAE capital during your Abu Dhabi holidays by exploring its popular attractions: 1. The Abu Dhabi Corniche: Stretching to about 8 kilometres, it includes a manicured waterfront with play areas for children, pedestrian pathways, bicycle pathways, cafes and restaurants. You can also explore the Corniche Beach, which is extremely popular among locals as well as tourists. It is equipped with the latest facilities and has the presence of trained lifeguards. 2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Your holidays to Abu Dhabi would not be considered complete without visiting this magnificent mosque. It has been built using the Macedonian marble and combines the Fatimid, Mameluke, and Ottoman design elements. This mosque is one of the finest examples of modern Islamic architecture and creates a lasting impression on its visitors with its beautiful mosaic tiling, glasswork and intricate carvings. Opened in the year 2007, it took about 20 years to complete and can hold up to 40,000 individuals. 3. Ferrari World: If you wish to experience the thrill of Formula One racing, head to this branded theme park located on the Yas Island. Even families can have a wonderful time in Ferrari World during their Abu Dhabi all inclusive tour as it has a Junior GT track that gives children the opportunity to test their driving skills. You would also get the chance to witness a vast collection of Ferrari cars with models dating back to the mid-twentieth century upon visiting this theme park. If all of this is not enough, there is a Ferrari factory tour and Ferrari game show for the true car enthusiasts. 4. Heritage Village: For those who wish to know the life in Abu Dhabi before the oil boom, Heritage Village would be the perfect place. It replicates a typical Bedouin village and features exhibits of objects used by the locals during those days. You can also get to watch workshops and craftsmen demonstrating their weaving, metalworking, pearl diving, and agricultural skills that were employed by the locals to earn their livelihood before the discovery of oil. 5. Al Ain Oasis: Spread over a vast area of about 3,000 acres, this UNESCO World Heritage site contains more than 147,000 date palms and offers shady walkways for its visitors. Your Abu Dhabi holidays would be enriched with the knowledge that you gain about the ecosystem of the oasis and the important role that it has played in the life of people in the entire emirate. If you plan to visit Abu Dhabi and wish to make your holiday package more budget-friendly, it is advisable to plan your travel early. Upon booking flights to Abu Dhabi and your desired accommodation in the city's hotel months in advance, you can reduce your overall travel costs to a great extent. |
AuthorI'm Amanda, and I work as a content strategist for Home and Away Holidays, which provides affordable holidays to exotic destinations of the world. I spend most of my time researching on cost-effective holiday packages and write informative content on the related topics. Categories |