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Dubai

Dubai

I love to travel and the start of a new year is a time I always like to consider my travel plans for the year. We’ve been quite lucky with the weather this year and despite being cold we’ve seen the sun a fair amount but it’s always a bonus to get some warm winter sun.

One of my favourite places to visit all through the year is Dubai but it also makes the perfect January winter sun destination. When it’s dark and gloomy in the UK, Dubai basks in average temperatures of around 27C, perfect for exploring outside or relaxing on the beach or by the pool. There is so much to do in Dubai so I thought I’d share some of my favourite places to go and things to see. The weather is great and it’s the perfect place to relax in luxury but there is also the chance for adventure too.  The architecture is absolutely breath taking and there is always something new to see every time I visit.  Here are some of myfavourite places to go and things to do when I’m in Dubai. I’d love to hear about some of your favourite travel destinations!

Iconic Dubai

You have to visit the Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest skyscraper in Dubai and in the world and is simply incredible. It takes panoramic viewing of the landscape to the next level!

The observation deck is on the 124th floor and mind-blowing technology whizzes you up in a lift in just over a minute. The 360-degree views are extraordinary and you can see all that Dubai has to offer. It’s the perfect platform to take great pictures of the city, desert and the ocean. Brilliant if you like to use Instagram!


                                                                           

Shopping

I love to shop for both beauty and fashion and the Dubai Mall (insert link http://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/dubai-mall) is the ultimate shopping destination! Situated beneath the world-famous Burj Khalifa, it’s the world’s largest shopping mall and whether you are in to designer or high street there is definitely something for everybody. It’s considered the city’s finest for dining and entertaining too so even if you’re not in to shopping you can get active with some ice skating at the rink, visit the aquarium or even indulge in a treat at the Cheesecake factory.  Make sure you check out the incredible water fountain display that takes place every evening at 7:00. 

Beach time

I love to relax at the beach but of course always make sure I have my sun protection on. My favourite beach to visit in Dubai is Jumerah Beach. It lies along Dubai’s coast and provides stretches of beautifully soft white sand. Many of the luxury hotels have private sections of the beach but even if you’re not a hotel guest you can visit the Jumerah Beach Park which is the public section of the beach. There are lots of lovely cafés to relax and read a book or simply lay back and relax.                                                                                              

Splash fun!

If you’re after some more active fun, you must visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark. If you’re a guest of one of the Jumerah hotels you get automatic access to the park but you can also pay to visit It’s a great place to visit as a family as there are over 30 rides and attractions at the park and there is something for all ages.

Whether you’re a scaredy cat or an adrenaline junkie thrill seeker, you’re sure to be pleased as they have the widest selection of rides in the U.A.E. the rudes are measured with a thrill seeker rating so you know what you are letting yourself in for. My favourite slides were the ones with rubber rings. On the Burj Surj you are seated on a large ring and it is rated a thrill level of four out of five. The slides are really high and you get great views across the city, before spiralling down and splashing in to the pool. It’s such great fun!


Desert Dreaming

One thing I would highly recommend is a Dubai desert safari, an absolute must-do especially if it’s your first visit.  Make sure you allow a full day for this. The adventure safaris often include lots of other activities. You can go in a Dune Buggy, a Hummer or even in a camel, or if you’re really adventurous then the overnight tour may be for you. If you’re after something less hectic and more tranquil then the nature trail may be better for you. It’s more quiet and back to nature in a part of the desert away from the rest of the tourist trails. Make sure you pick a tour that caters for all of the activities you like to do. I chose the Hummer ride, which was a truly exhilarating experience. The driver was really experienced and we felt really safe as we soared across the dunes, comfortably protected from the heat of the sun. Our day was action packed! We had the chance to have a go at riding quad bikes, riding camels and we even got some beauty in too. We dressed up in traditional Arabian clothes and got our henna done. At dinner there was delicious authentic Arabian food served and entertainment all night including Arabian music and belly dancers. It was the perfect balance of wild adventure with the chance to experience all that the desert has to offer.