Interesting Facts about Hong Kong

There are few modern cities in the world that can actually hold might in front of the feng shui inspired skyscrapers, hilly topography and blue waters. With some of the best panoramic views of the world, the city is an enigma with its ancient rituals and action movies. Here are some very interesting facts about this beautiful city that you would be thrilled to know:

·         Hong Kong has the most number of skyscrapers within its boundaries. It has over 144 skyscrapers which are almost double the number of that standing in New York.

·         The term ‘Hong Kong’ means ‘fragrant harbor’. The place has been so named due to its various deep sea water ports that act as a major export and import hubs both for the national as well as international business community.

·         The whole of the city is built keeping Feng Shui in mind. In fact, whenever there is any new building th

at is being constructed, the architects and engineers always take the city’s Feng Shui in consideration to decide the placement of floors, stairs and doors. This helps them in ensuring that energy flow throughout the building remains consistent and positive.

·         There is a popular belief that eating noodles are a sign of long life. So, on a person’s birthday, it is considered to be a blessing to eat noodles as a mark of good life.

·         The population density of the city is said to be so high that the schools have to work two shifts a day. The first shift starts in the morning and ends in the noon while the other starts in the noon and ends in the evening. There is also the issue of burying these people in the cemeteries. In fact, there is so little space in the graveyards that the graves have to be stacked on top of each other.

·         The city of Hong Kong is a green area in totality. Around three quarters of the city consists of greenery in the form of gardens, parks , scenic areas and woodlands.

·         The locals of the city also one of the most intelligent in the world according to their IQ average. They have the highest IQ average of over 107 in the world.

·         In terms of tourist influx, Hong Kong is a popular choice for people all over the world. Going according to official figures, over 28 million tourists visited the place in 2011 making it one of most visited tourist destinations of the world.

·         Hong Kong has the largest fleet of double decker tram cars in the world that ply within its boundaries.

·         Instead of being one single area, Hong Kong is in fact made of 200 islands as well as some other polders which also includes land that has been reclaimed from the sea.

·         The population density of the city is 6540 people for every square kilometre. That is a pretty high figure!

Figuring some pretty interesting attractions, Hong Kong is an amazing place to visit that offers a multitude of colourful cultures and panoramas at a single place. The above mentioned interesting facts about the city only add to its allure making it a memorable addition to your travel itinerary. So, go visit this beautiful yet enigmatic place that is sure to add a feather to your vacation plans.

 

Must Eat Macau food delights

Most of the ardent travellers are also ardent foodies. In addition to visiting the tourist attractions, they find great delight in sampling the local flavours that add to the complete travel experience. In fact, many a times, food is counted to be as much a draw as the historical and cultural attractions of a city. Macau is no different. The city is a popular tourist attraction for its historical attractions as well as its multitude of must try foods that are popularly considered as cuisine signatures.

So, come lets take you on a tour that will treat not your visual senses but your palate and your foodies senses.

Portuguese Egg Tarts: Said to be the most famous food of Macau, the Portuguese Egg Tarts consist of a flaky pastry shell with a rich egg custard filling that is quite similar to a crème bulee with regards to its consistency. A warm caramelized top adds to the whole tasty experience.  You can taste this awe

some sweet dish anywhere in Macau as everyone from hotels to restaurants to even street vendors sell them.

Pork Chop Bun: Another seasoned yet well known street snack of Macau is pork chop bun. You can find various different versions of this simple dish in various parts of Macau. However, is you still crave to get the best of this dish, go have it at Tai Lei Lok Kei in Taipa that offers the winning combination of fresh baked crisp bun with tender juicy pork chop making it a scrumptious yet satisfying snack. The place starts making them at 3pm everyday and almost all stocks are finished by 5 pm so be sure to get your piece on time!

Mashed Potatoes: For something so simple, it may be considered madness to count it among the best Macau dishes. Yet, if you sample the same at the famous Michelin star winner restaurant Robuchon au Dome, you are sure to feel the temptation. This side dish is beyond imagination at this restaurant where its velvety and rich texture blows your mind away with its flavours and colour. There is a lot of butter and lot of potatoes all stirred together to make this simple yet flavourful dish.

Egg Rolls: Most of you may argue that Egg Rolls are hardly Macau’s speciality. However, due to their huge popularity in the area, they have taken on a unique local flavour specialist of the region . There are a number of stalls and restaurants serving this dish in the city but nothing beats the roadside stall of Taipa off the Rua Direita Caros Eugenio road where the snack is made with the combination of freshness and local color. Run by a local eccentric, the rolls are so sweet, crispy and light that you are sure to eat more than came for. Served hot off the girdle, the rolls are best for those looking for some light snacking of the local cuisine.

Serradura: Translated from the Portuguese word meaning ‘sawdust’, this unappealingly named dish is a much loved dish for most of the locals. Best served as a chilled pudding or as an ice cream, it contains of vanilla, condensed milk, cream, and a layer of sweet biscuits that have been crushed super fine to resemble sawdust. Found in most of the Macanese and Portuguese restaurants of the area, it is a hugely favoured item also sold by many vendors and bakeries. If you would like to get the best of the same, get the ice cream version of the same from Gelatina Mok Yi Kei in Old Taipa.

Almond Cookies and Sweet Pork Jerky: Often found at the same vendor, these two items are found everywhere in Macau. Best brought from the Koi Kee Bakery, branches of whom can be found all over Macau, these almond cookies have a nutty flavour and a gritty texture with a slight saltiness that makes the not too sweet. You can also choose from a huge collection of dried meats that range from wild boar to spicy beef to sweet pork jerky.

Black Garlic Chocolate: Black garlic, also known as fermented garlic, is a super food that has been shown to have high antioxidant content as well as a flavour and complexity that can be taken to its sweet extreme. At McPherson’s Sweet Shoppe, taste a rich treat with dark chocolate sandwiching black garlic gananche bringing a unique flavour to your mouth. There are also some delightfully different options of trying black garlic ice cream, frozen chocolate bananas as well as green tea ice cream.

These are just some of the samplers that we have brought to you. Get around to visiting Macau and you are sure to find some hidden gems in the streets of the city that are sure to take your trip to a completely new level.

WHAT TO BUY IN DUBAI ? | UAE Travel Guide

Dubai loves to shop. The city has just about perfected the art of the mall. Dubai is considered as a shopper’s paradise. Dubai is one of the most popular shopping capitals of the world. The shopaholics from around the world visit Dubai for shopping, even they route their flight through Dubai for shopping only; there is something for everyone to buy in the UAE. Bargains abound but you do need to know where to look.

Carpets

The city of Dubai is the paradise for carpet lovers. Most popular ones are fine Persian carpets, Kurdish kilims, colorful Turkish and rough-knotted Bedouin rugs. You will find very fine quality carpets at good prices. Well you have to do some bargaining. There are hundreds and thousands of choices to choose from. Quality of these rugs is mostly judged by the method used to process wool. You should know how the wool was treated to make a rug or carpet. If a rug is made with acid-treated wool, it will not look as rich after some years as it was when you bought it. On the other hand, rugs made by proper treatment of wool last for years and don’t lose their color and shine.

Gold

You should visit the famous GoldSouk to buy gold. Here you can find all types of gold jewelry in different shades like yellow, pink, green etc. Dubai sells and imports huge amount of gold. Once you walk around Gold Souk, you will come to know that it indeed deserves this title. You will find row upon row of shops with dazzling displays of gold jewellery in every conceivable design and purity: Eighteen- and 22-carat are common, but 24-karat is also available, although the deep yellow hue of the high-carat jewellery is not to everyone’s taste. If you wish you can also purchase kilo bars, ten tola bars, small minted bars and gold bullion bars. The basic cost of the gold is set by weight daily – check the daily prices in the local newspapers.

Khanjars

One can find beautiful khanjars here.  Khanjars are the curved dagger of Islamic countries. Usually the handles of khanjars were made from the horns of rhino but these days handles made of wood are also very common. The general khanjars contains 2 rings in which the belt is attached and its scabbards are beautifully adorned with silver wire. The difficulty of these silver wired-thread patterns determines the cost of the khanjars. However, the Sayidi khanjars consists of 5 rings and are mostly covered n silver sheet with very less or no wire. The costs of these khanjars are determined by its weight and craftsmanship.

Pashminas

Fakes are found all over the world, but in Dubai you’ll find bargains on real, silky-soft 100% pashmina shawls. Women around the world adore pashminas, those feather-light cashmere shawls worn by the Middle East’s best-dressed ladies. If you’re shopping for a girlfriend or your mother, you can never go wrong with a pashmina. They come in hundreds of colors and styles, some beaded and embroidered others with pompom edging – you’ll have no trouble finding one you like.

But aside from setting it alight to make sure it doesn’t melt (as polyester does), how can you be sure it’s real? Here’s the trick. Hold the fabric at its corner. Loop your index finger around it and squeeze hard. Now pull the fabric through. If it’s polyester, it won’t budge. If it’s cashmere, it’ll pull through – though the friction may give you a mild case of rope burn. Try it at home with a thin piece of polyester before you hit the shops; then try it with cashmere. You’ll never be fooled again.

Perfume

Every conceivable perfume is available in the UAE. Large perfume stores sell all the Western brands at very good prices. Smaller shops in the souqs stock local perfumes, a fragrant mix of Arabian oil blended to suit your requirements, but beware they are strong! You can also purchase incense such as frankincense.

Food Items

Some foodstuffs are also popular here which you should buy. These include cardamom flavored condensed milk which tastes great in coffee. Natco rose syrup is also a specialty which is often poured over ice cream. You should also buy saffron as it is cheaper here in Dubai. Zataar is also used in soups and salads so buy this. Zataar is actually made of thyme, sesame, oregano and marjoram. Sumac is also a food item. It is actually a spice having lemon like taste. Buy this and add it in salads, kebabs and other Middle Eastern dishes.

T2everywhere.com providing Dubai tour packages depending upon your own choice. There are several packages available for Dubai. We are becoming popular day by day just because we provide tourists lots of options to choose and design their own tours to Dubai. Thus, all depends upon your preference like where to go, your budget, when to go. We will provide you the complete Dubai tour packages from your arrival to departure including accommodation in the best hotels/resorts, city tour, food,sports activities and many more. It is our duty to help you to take right decisions and choose right packages to make your trip unforgettable.

Perfect Time to Visit Hong Kong-Macau

Hong Kong, one of the world's most dynamic cities! Hong Kong offers unique experiences to visitors, such as The Peak, Star Ferry, Tramways, dynamic street markets, bustling shopping areas, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and etc.

Because of its subtropical climate that is ideally characterized through summers that are hot and humid and dry winters. Therefore, it is not a difficult choice to make when would be the best time to visit Hong Kong Macau., Hong Kong's weather is generally mild in winter and uncomfortably hot and humid in summer, with an average annual rainfall. The most pleasant time of year is late September through early December, when skies are clear and sunny. The best times to visit Hong Kong-Macau are the months of October, November and December. January and February tend to cloudy and cold but it’s quite dry and even during these months one can plan a trip to Hong Kong and Macau. March, April and May are quite warm and the humidity level is also extremely high thereby not the ideal months to travel to Hong Kong and Macau. The heat doesn’t get any better and June, July, August can also be extremely bad, when one doesn’t only need to tackle humidity but also plenty of rains. September is the month of typhoon and therefore Hong Kong and Macau experience extremely bad weather during this month

Hence, one can safely say that for good weather, the best months to visit Hong Kong are October,

November andDecember. In these months, Hong Kong's weather is warm and sunny.  June through September is the months to travel to Hong Kong if you want a good bargain. This is Hong Kong's rainy typhoon season and the weather is hot and humid.

November is one of the excellent months to visit Hong Kong. The typhoon season is over, the weather is warm and skies blue and most importantly of all the humidity has finally been dialed back. It is an excellent time to explore Hong Kong beaches because the humidity finally banished it's the perfect time to walk around the city streets or go hiking in the New Territories.

Hong Kong has a fantasticoutdoors. From the stretch of golden sands on Lamma Island to the hiking trails of the New Territories there's is plenty to explore. The city's oppressive humidity makes this almost impossible in the summer months but whether you want to explore the cityscape of Causeway Bay or stroll a tropical beach November is one of the best months.

Hence, one can safely say that the best time to travel to Hong Kong-Macau are the winter months when the weather is perfect to enjoy all the myriad facets that these two amazing places have to offer. Also, during this season one can think of visiting the numerous beaches, which is not a possibility during the rainy season. However, since this also constitutes the peak season. On the other hand summer months are perfect to enjoy a great holiday and at great discounts because it is the offseason.

Enjoy an Exotic Dhow Cruise Tour Dubai

 If you are interested to enjoy an amazing and memorable holiday? Here’s another “not-to-miss” experience in Dubai. The Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina is perhaps one of the biggest attractions in the world. The Cruise takes place in Dhow. Dhow refers to an ancient Arabic Boat that was widely used by the people for commercial purposes. If you are planning for a full time relaxing moments then Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai is the best moment with your family. This is the right place where you can express yourself. Dubai cruise has been the favorite activity of people because not only they get to see the enormous and beautiful Arabian Sea but also get to witness the man made master pieces in Dubai.

A Dhow is magnificently decorated wooden ships have long been used for fishing, trade and travel. It was also used to transport valuable cargo from Africa and India. Since Dubai has flourished economically in recent times, these Dhows have lost their original purpose and are now used to cater to leisure passengers taking a mini-cruise of the historic Dubai Creek. The dhow cruise has not changed much since the olden days and has a variety of attractive options for tourists and visitors to enjoy.

Travelers looking for that perfect and peaceful night with an exotic Dubai Dhow cruise dinner and For food lovers and being in Dubai it would be a great idea to join a Dubai Dhow Cruise journey over the dark rich water and enjoy the night beauty along with best world cuisines. There you will see amazing sea animals in water, as Dubai is complete with amazing locations and visitors’ areas. God has blessed this land so many amazing beauty that we just cannot think about it, the amazing areas, sea, ocean and much more. Visitors arrive in Dubai every year with the sole intention of enjoying the famous Dubai dhow cruise that will give them an experience that is pleasurable and unique. However, most of these visitors have multiple concerns while looking for a reliable and reputable service provider. Not only getting the best cruise experience but also the timing, convenience of the cruise and affordability are some of the major factors that they have to consider before finalizing the service provider for dhow cruise Dubai. All your concerns and worries will come to an end when you approach Prakriti(T2everywhere). The entertainment options ranges from traditional belly dancing and music to live bands and recorded music. There is also a magic show for children and the young at heart. A dinner on a dhow cruise is the perfect getaway for couples that are in need of a romantic getaway. A spectacular view of Dubai’s starry night sky, the beautiful Dubai creek and the romantic music played by live bands are sure to Set hearts racing. It is also a great way to spend time with family and friends.

Prakriti(T2everywhere.com) can arrange the best Dhow cruise tour packages for couple looking for wonderful and memorable dhow dinner cruise Dubai or is on dating. Book your Dhow Cruise Tourpackage with t2everywhere.com and relax.

Things To See In Wonderful Hong Kong Macau

Hong Kong is the third most popular destination in the world. A city with not only Chinese,  but also English influences. A city with more skyscrapers than New York City and so many shops, that you get the feeling that the whole city is one big shopping mall. And a city where most people would go crazy because of the chaotic lifestyle. Hong Kong have a number of favorite places in this great city; Kowloon Park, Victoria Peak , the Lord Stow’s bakery Portuguese egg starts from Macau that they sell at the Excelsior Hotel’s Espresso shop; perhaps the world’s most romantic and historic boat ride. There are many beautiful places that every tourist must visit. So let’s start with Macau.

Macau Museum:

Museum of Macau is built into a hill and occupies for Macau’s strongest fort, this fort maid in the 16th century. It describes about the history of the city and the territory of the Portuguese colony in Macau so if you like to know more about such things you must visit this museum. Now a day’s it is a special administrative region for the people of china.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Located at Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest Disneyland in the world. Disneyland is one of the most beautiful place to visit your kids will love to visit it and there are seven themed areas such as adventure land tomorrow land, USA, Main street, Mystic Point, Grizzly Gulch. The theme park’s cast members speak in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. While you are there, do not miss the Flight Of Fantasy Parade, which is a scheduled daytime parade of Disney characters, if you are a kid, you will most probably love all the rides! However, I highly recommend the 3D animated film at Mickey's PhilharMagic and the Festival of the Lion King musical - they were pretty awesome! And of course, you have not really visited Disneyland if you did not catch the nightly fireworks display with the Sleeping Beauty Castle as the backdrop.

Lamma Island

Lamma is one of the many islands in Hong Kong that can offer you a relaxing day off from the bustling city. It’s about a half hour from Central Hong Kong, passing alongside giant apartment towers on one edge of Hong Kong Island before heading the short distance to Lamma. There are exposed orange-red rocks on the shore and a small pagoda, and then, wham, you’re in the harbour. There’s a ramshackle fishing village and then a small main street that’s filled with lively and extremely casual cafes and small shops selling cans of imported beer for a buck, plus snacks and towels and such. There you can find both Chinese sea food and Western restaurants. The village isn’t that big, but that’s part of the charm. Family Trail can take you between one to two hours, depending your speed and the amount of photographs you want to take along the trail. It’s quite a relaxing route, but does include some work for your legs and butt. Wear comfortable shoes and remember a water bottle.there is plenty of excellent fish and seafood restaurants, with picturesque views of live animals in aquarium. It is also large fish farming site in waters of this quiet bay here, said to be the largest one in Hong Kong.

Yonge Piggies:

This is a world class food city, but only recently have they offered world class sausages and poutine. The pig is centre of attention in Hong Kong at the moment, first with the opening and unyielding popularity of The Salted Pig, and now with Yonge Piggies, on the corner of Bonham Strand and Jervois Street. Yonge (pronounced ‘young’) Piggies is a Canadian hotdog joint named after hotdog vendor-lined Yonge Street in Toronto. With its retro neon signs, metal clad decor and open front, complete with high red stools, Yonge Piggies does indeed look like it’s been transported straight from North America, much like its Canadian sausages.

Visite here for :

Hong Kong Macau Disneyland Tour

Top Travel Tips for Dubai(UAE) Travellers

Dubai, Known for its gigantic shopping malls, innovative architectural structures, wonderful sports facilities and luxurious holiday resorts, Dubai is truly a gem in the desert country. The city has become one the most popular playgrounds of the rich and famous, and has made many a statement with several of the world’s tallest buildings, man-made islands and even a huge indoor ski slope and all this in the middle of a desert. These fishing towns in the Arabian Gulf have gone through a lot of changes and, at present, it is one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

The summer months

Weather wise, the best time to come to Dubai and really enjoy the outdoors as much as you enjoy what’s inside the malls are in the cooler months of November to March. During summers, the temperature is often above 40 degrees centigrade. So be sure to discard any notion of visiting the city from May to October. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to May, that is, the winter season. During this time, temperatures only range from 25 to 15 degrees centigrade. There are lots to see and do here, not just the sun, shopping and modern buildings – you can go see the traditional (old) Arabic architecture down at the Bastakiya Quarters near the Dubai Creek or join a desert safari to experience the vast desert.

Rent a car

Dubai that is loaded with liveliness, fun, energy and excitement you need to experience every sight. In order to resolve this issue, you need to rent a car Dubai that suffices your demands, making you comfortable and easy. Once you have decided to visit Dubai as a tourist or for business purpose, you need to assure the following points:

1.       Make sure you have the international driving license. Of you do not have the license none of the UAE car rental will let you rent a car, because it’s a must. Every agency will ask you for international driving license; therefore leave the home town with it.

2.       Always keep in mind that you do not belong to the city of you not local and locals own this city more than you. Never get into any trouble by reacting harshly to any abusive gesture by the locals. It will causes serious trouble to you.

3.       If you are a first time driver in Dubai, it is must for you to take care of the lanes. Dubai is a crowded city with crowd all over, therefore it’s necessary for you to stick to your lane.

4.       While making your way to toll points, make sure you have change because most of these points do not have change. Giving extra money will either cause you the loss or will displease the officers there.

Go Mall Hopping

The last thing anyone would REALLY want to do is go to a country as a tourist and spend a major part of it traipsing through a Mall. Mall of the Emirates isn’t the only shopping centre in the UAE with a surreal twist. The Dubai Mall has a huge aquarium – one of the largest in the world, containing 10 million litres of water, sharks, stingrays and thousands of exotic fish – right there next to the customary high street fashion outlets, such as H&M and New Look. Visitors can take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to admire all the sea creatures or, if they’re feeling brave, go diving with the sharks or take part in a little cage snorkeling. The Dubai Mall also has an Olympic-sized ice rink, where you can play hockey, take ice dancing lessons or just go for a sociable spin.

Tour the Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk is a traditional market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. World famous Gold Souk is Dubai’s Gold Souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with ornaments made in 22 and 24 carat gold. Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk, each shop window is crammed with gold necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches. On display in one of the shops is the World’s Largest Gold Ring, certificated from the Guinness Book of World Records. Designs can be traditional or modern, bold or conservative, loud or sober, sturdy or delicate. Along with designs, you will find many different shades of gold like pink, white, yellow or green hues in one piece. Dubai Gold Souk is worth a visit even if you have no intention of buying. It would be hard to resist the temptation to buy them. Haggling about the price is like a tradition. Take your time and plan 2 to 3 hours for your visit.

Travel the ‘Emirates’ of UAE

Having grown from a quiet backwater to becoming one of the leading Middle eastern tourist destinations, UAE is home to some of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities of the world. You can find world’s largest man made islands, world’s tallest building, as well as some of the world’s best shopping centers right here along with traditional Arabic culture and a history that dates back to thousands of years. The place is full of crowded shopping malls as well as secluded sand dunes that will make your holiday memorable one. However, most of the people are aware of either Dubai or the Abu Dhabi regions of the country. The country has much more to offer than that. In fact, there are a total of seven emirates that make up the country. Though the most well known among these is Dubai, others are equally fascinating and are well worth a visit.

Umm Al Quwain:

 

Consisting of some of the most beautiful stretches of lush green mangrove forests dotting the Persian Gulf shores, Umm al Quwain is like a peaceful heaven with rolling sand dunes accompanying the fertile oasis surrounding the Falaj Al Moalla. Said to be one of the most peaceful of all UAE Emirates, the place is free from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, that does not mean that the place is devoid of attractions. The place is home to world’s largest aquapark known as Dreamland as well as the first UAE aviation club that is world known for its skydiving and parachute championships. There is also the Corniche for those who love to smoke shisha accompanied by the sound of waves. Not only this, you can make your holidays much more memorable with traditional Arabian adventure activities such as camel racing, falconry as well as sailing in addition to the regular water sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, wind surfing and water skiing.

Sharjah

Though a little dusty and chaotic compared to the other UAE Emirates, Sharjah has a unique charm for all the tourists. Being the third largest of all the seven emirates, Sharjah is the only one of all to have lands on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Located just next to Dubai, the place is much cheaper compared to its neighbor and has many attractions worth visiting for its tourists. There is the Heritage area located near the Burj Avenue that has some of the most exciting and interesting sites of the emirate. In addition to this, there are also various other museums and desert parks that you can visit. The place is also a treasure haven for those looking to sample some of the Middle eastern delights as delicacies and drinks are available all over the city at very cheap prices. However, the emirate, also known as ‘dry emirate’, forbids sale or possession of alcohol in any form.

Fujairah

Located on the easternmost corner of UAE, Fujairah is the youngest of all emirates considering it became independent from Sharjah in 1952. It is also the only emirate to not have a coastline along the Persian Gulf. The place has witnessed rapid growth in terms of social and economic development recently though the place is yet to be noticed much on the tourism radar. However, this makes it all the more attractive for those who yearn to escape the mad tourist crowds and look for peaceful places to unwind. The place is home to the oldest mosque of UAE that was built in 1446 with mud and bricks. Some of the other interesting places to visit in the emirate include the Fujairah fort as well as a museum located right next to it, though construction of a heritage village is underway. However, if you like to enjoy sunny beaches and practice sea activities, it is best to go to the city of Diba where you get to hire a boat to visit the islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman. All things considered, Fujairah is more suitable as a base stop from where you can go on to further trips rather than anything else. 

Ras Al Khaimah

Nestled between the Persian gulf and the Hajjar mountains, Ras Al Khaymah shares its borders with the Oman Sultanate. The place has a fascinating topography what with the clean white beaches fringing the calm beaches, dramatic sand dunes along with the majestic Hajjar Mountains, all at one place. With various beautiful wildlife conservatories and sanctuaries as well as numerous tourist landmarks, the place is fast becoming one of the leading tourist destinations of UAE. To add more to its appeal, with the completion of the new Emirates highway, the place is now just an hour away from Dubai. Some of the must see attractions of the place include the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Khatt Springs, Prehistoric Shimal, Dhayah village, Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, the Old City, and various others. The place is well worth a visit if you like to enjoy camel races, camping, picnics, desert safaris, quad biking as well as various other adventure activities.

Ajman

Considered to be the smallest of all seven emirates, Ajman is located smack in the middle of UAE as a whole. This makes it highly accessible with roads leading to it from Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain along with the main Emirates road. In addition to spectacular sunny white beaches with cool blue waters lapping, the place is home to many a designer outlets as well as dining options. There is also a traditional Iranian souq where you can buy some interesting domestic goods as well as pottery options that are sure to make your trip worthwile. For those looking for some historical fun, there is the Ajman Museum as well as an old fort that was built in 16^th century where you can see the different artifacts as well as the reconstruction of traditional life. Alcohol is easily available in this emirate and is served in many hotels and restaurants.

Dubai

One of the most progressive and modern emirates of UAE, Dubai is a popular tourist destination that is essentially a desert city with exceptional infrastructure, liberal policies and excellent tourist amenities. With just 5 hours away from Europe, the place makes for a great place for partying, shopping, sporting events, sunbathing and various other sinful pleasures. If you are looking for the biggest, the fastest, the highest and the largest, Dubai is the place. In fact, with the largest immigrant population of the world, the place hardly seems like an Arab emirate once you land into it. The place has so many attractions that they can hardly fit into a list. The place is home to Burj Dubai, Jumeirah Museum, the Gold Souk, Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, Palm Islands and various others. In addition to these attractions, the place is also a popular shopping destination what with the spice souks, diamond park, Jumeirah Town Center and several others. There is also the Dubai Shopping Festival that has some of the top world brands coming in to present amazing deals to the customers. In terms of dining to, the place has many multi cuisine options with several leading world food chains having their outlets in the city. In short, the place is a world in itself with both international and traditional attractions on offer.

Abu Dhabi

Largest of all emirates, Abu Dhabi is also the capital of UAE. In addition to this, the emirate is also the first among its counterparts to export oil in 1962. In fact, its long coastline that stretches over the shallow waters of Southern Gulf and were once considered to be the world’s best waters for pearling. This emirate is also the most populated of all with some of the world’s largest sand dunes. These offer a great opportunity for Desert safaris and other sand adventures that make for a complete Arabian adventure. In addition to some of the finest hotels, the place is also home to delicious Arabic gastronomical delights that are sure to put your taste buds in a party mood. Though the place is much more conservative compared to Dubai, it does not lack in any way in terms of attractions. The place has Sheikh Zayed mosque which is counted amongst the most beautiful mosques of the world, Ferrari world which is the first theme park of its kind to be styled around the Ferrari cars, Al Hosn Palace which is one of the oldest buildings of the city and many others. The place has something for everyone from individuals to couples to families.

So come visit UAE and get to experience an Arabian Nights adventure that is full of palaces, sand dunes as well as beaches perfect for any person.

Some Luxuries Things Not To Miss in Dubai

Dubai one of the world’s most opulent destinations – are spoilt for choice when it comes to seeking luxury. The city has become one the most popular playgrounds of the rich and famous, and has made many a statement with several of the world’s tallest buildings, man-made islands and even a huge indoor ski slope and all this in the middle of a desert.  Here are five luxuries you won’t want to miss on a visit to Dubai.

The Gold Souk

Unlike anything you have seen in the world, Dubai’s Gold Souk is a market that showcases seemingly endless amounts of gold jewelry. Dubai is known for really cheap gold — but you'll have to haggle for it. Whether or not you're ready to buy, a stroll through the dazzling Gold Souk is a must. The stores also offer platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver, and the government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.(The same cannot be said, however, of the street vendors outside hawking "genuine fake" watches and "Guuci" handbags.) If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter — persistent protest capped with a walkway will get merchants to drop their asking price by as much as half. Less atmospheric, but even cheaper, is the Gold & Diamond Park, where you can find unique designs or get jewelers to recreate pieces for you at a fraction of the cost of the original.

Dubai Hot Air Balloon

If you still have a head for heights, then why not see Dubai and the surrounding desert from a hot air balloon? Leave the glitz and glamour of Dubai behind and join this early-morning hot-air balloon expedition deep in the heart of the desert. Rising early to see the desert is something you'll never forget! Prepare for an exhilarating flight with unrivaled views as you enjoy a magic carpet ride over giant red sands, emerald green oases, gazelles and wandering camels. Wake up early and watch the sunrise on this one-hour Dubai balloon flight deep into the heart of the desert Unforgettable views. Personalized flight certificate for every passenger, signed by the Pilot-in-Command.

Brunch in Dubai

To brunch in Dubai is a way of life, the weekend starts early on a Friday with an all-you-can-eat and drink mentality. If you are holidaying in Dubai and visiting on a Friday, you must experience the traditional 'Friday Brunch' which has now become a standard feature across Dubai.  Friday is the first day of the weekend and a religious day; therefore you'll find most places of interest shut during the morning to allow for Friday prayers.  In the past, major shopping malls would only open from 1pm, but now laws are more relaxed and the malls do open earlier.  You will find many expats choose to stay up late on a Thursday and relish the lie-in and slow Friday start with a trip to one of the Brunch haunts in the majority of Dubai hotels.  Brunch normally starts at 12.30 and it is advised not to eat anything before you arrive.  You will be greeted with a feast of food - that will be hard to absorb, even with just your eyes!  If it’s your first time, go for one of the mid range options where you know the food is of good quality and variety and if with children, there are deals and of course activities to keep them happy.  If you really want to splash out, go for one of the top five star hotels that offer a champagne brunch with all the trimmings (non- alcoholic package will be available and cheaper), this will really be the icing of your holiday and will leave you so full, you'll be on salad and soup the next day! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand for any Friday Brunch venue.

The Beach

You'll definitely want to see the shore while you're in town. The posher beach hotels have partitioned off the majority of the sand, so if you're not staying on the Jumeirah beach strip, your best bet is Al Mamzar, a public beach near the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. The clogged artery of a road that connects the cities means it's frustratingly inaccessible during the work week. Other good alternatives are Jumeirah Beach Park with its small coffee shop and AED 5 ($1.30) entrance fee, or the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim, known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city's kite-surfers. If you insist on a more luxurious beach experience, then a few hotels will allow you to sit on their sand for a fee

UAE Food Tourism

United Arab Emirates is a rich cultural tourist destination that has something for everyone. Being just five hours away from Europe, Dubai, the desert city, makes for an ideal winter getaway. However, the real hero that is seldom acknowledged is the food. You can find almost anything from any cuisine in this country.

Traditional food cuisines

The key to enjoying the food culture of UAE lies not in the ingredients but the hospitality that is bestowed upon the guests while serving. Guests are treated honorably no matter what type of living they make and are expected to eat until they are close to bursting. Though some of the Middle eastern food is known to all, but there are various other country delicacies that may be completely unknown to you. For example, there is

falafel that is slowly making its inroads on the world palate. Served wrapped in pita bread with a variety of toppings, this is a popular street food that you can find in the stalls all around the UAE, particularly in Dubai. When you think of dining in Dubai or anywhere else in UAE think of a large platter placed right in the middle of the table with heaps of rice, chicken or lamb and a number of side dishes such as the stewed vegetables. Another add on to any meal is a rich Coffee that makes the meal complete.

Eating Out

If you are looking for some delectable eating out options, UAE has some o the most delicious culinary gems dotted all over its cities. Whether it is Dubai or Abu Dhabi you are spoilt for choices. In fact, there are special food tours that let you explore the cities not with your eyes but your tummy. Savor the rich ethnic culture served up on the streets of the UAE and take home not just an Arabian visual experience but an Arabian Nights food experience too. For one of the most famous gourmet meals served in Dubai, head to Al Muntaha hotel located inside the majestic Burj Al Arab. This restaurant offers an awesome and stupendous view of the sea from high above the building. Your tummy is gonna thank you as you tuck in the gastronomically delicious gourmet food with seared scallops or lobster Caesar salad along with prime roasted beef with mustard crust for entrée.  Another famous tummy attraction is Verre, the restaurant by famous celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

So, come visit UAE and savor attractions that delight not just your eyes and mind but your palate too.

     

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI

Dubai is “Dubai” there is no competition to it! With Burj Al Arab (a 7-star hotel) and the highest manmade landmark (Burj Al Khalifa) in its kitty, it can win that travel trophy without any doubt! The luxury life style, splendid spas, serenity of breathtaking sunsets and white sandy beaches is experienced in Dubai.

Now, when you are in Dubai, you won’t have to worry about the accommodation! There are enough roofs under which you can get a secure shelter! All you have to do is to count your money and make a choice! If you are rich (and I mean RICH), then the best option would be the 7-star property which I extolled earlier (yes, that Burj Al Arab)!

But if you are a modest traveler, then do not gulp! There are plenty of other 3-star hotels which are great and still quite cheap! A few budget hotels would be Hyatt Regency, Movenpick Hotel Deira, Capitol Hotel and Coral Oriental. These are pretty luxurious but the tariffs are lower.

If you want to extract maximum pleasure from your trip, you need to book a holiday home in a neighborhood that not only fulfill your accommodation and dining needs rather, it also provides easy access to places you have planned to visit or at least main city attractions like shopping malls, entertainment, leisure and dining facilities, than some of the places are:

Jumeirah

For beach lovers, Jumeriah beach will be the best suburb to book a holiday home for your accommodation. There are number of glamorous resorts, hotels and beach clubs you can choose as accommodation for your holiday trip. Palm Jumeriah and Umm Suqeim are main sub rubs of Jumeirah District. Madinat Jumeriah at Umm Suqeim and luxury resorts and hotels at Palm Jumeirah and Jumeriah .

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina provides best accommodation for those who want to enjoy real luxury lifestyle of Dubai, as this neighborhood is full with ultra modern apartment and hotel buildings. The neighborhood possesses almost everything from modern accommodation to luxury shopping amenities. The Address, Grosvenor House and Dusit Residence are few renowned luxury hotel in Dubai Marina, where you can book your holiday home.

If your budget is really low then try booking a room at Dream Palace Hotel or Holiday Inn. They are very pocket-friendly and meant for people like me:P

Instead of hotels, you may also find suitable self catering accommodation in serviced apartment projects like Nuran Marina Serviced Residences. Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa can be the best place to visit if you want to relax your body and soul.

Alternately, you can buy Cheap DubaiPackages from a trusted website t2everywhere.com and let the travel planner put you in a good hotel.

Some Hidden Beach Destinations of UAE

We all know about the popular Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourist destinations but what about the rest of UAE!!! Here we bring to you some hidden gems from the country that will make your holiday to the country a much more enjoyable one while you discover some great new places to visit to…

Khorfakkan

Located just 25kms away from the Fujairah town center, Khorfakkan is a quiet beach stretch ideal for families. However the real secret of the beach is picturesque space, also known as Heart Beach that lies to the north end of the beach. Though it involves a bit of trek that takes about 15 minutes max, perhaps the reason why the place is still unspoiled, the spot that you will get to will be well worth the effort. The spot that you will find is so scenic that it could well be termed as a part of some masterpiece painting. The place is pure uninterrupted heaven with soft white sands and gentle blue oceanic waters. To add more to the whole experience, head back to the nearby Oceanic Hotel which offers some great diving and snorkeling tours.

Musandam

Located on the northern tip of Oman, Musandam offers some great beach fun for you and your family. Head on to the Khasab port and haggle with the fishermen to take you to a secluded bay. It is your luck where you end up as the place is full of both beautiful as well as spoiled coves. However, the trick is to keep going until you reach the perfect spot which are aplenty and offer you a slice of paradise all to yourself. Do wait up till nightfall when the phosphorescent algae in water make every splash seem like an underwater firework display. So what are you waiting for…Head on to this beautiful paradise and make your trip a memorable one!!!

Dibba

If described in a single word, the place can only be termed as ‘stunning’. This eastern coastline consists of some beautiful unspoiled and hidden beaches that are so remote that can only be accessed by a fishing boat or a six hour hike. Two of the most isolated beaches of the country can be found on this shoreline- Al Myam and Haffa. Al Myam is more exposed with its white sands framed with Hajar mountains and a small fishing community. Though the tourists are not allowed to walk on the beach, you can have some great fun from your boat itself along with some snorkeling. For someplace less remote, there are various other beaches in Dibba where you can enjoy some great views and deep blue waters.

Ghantoot

Just 20 minutes away from the bustling Dubai, Ghantoot beach makes you feel like you are a world away from real life with not a big hotel or crane spoiling the view. With white sands and turquoise blue waters, the place has just handful of people at any possible time that you would struggle to overhear the conversation of the nearby loungers. To add to the experience, there is a quaint little hotel named Golden Tulip nearby with a great café. When the night falls, head on to the other end of the beach that has a small bar which comes alive with people playing volleyball and having barbeques. If you are looking for the dual fun of peace as well frolics, Ghantoot is the right choice for you. 

Ras Al Khaimah

This small UAE Emirate has some of the most pristine and most beautiful concealed beaches. There are beaches that are pure white headland while clear unobstructed waters that lap on to the soft sandy beaches. There are no facilities on the beach making it one of the most pristine of all but you can find some great fun at the nearby hotels.

These are just a few of some hidden gems of UAE. Head on to these beaches and enjoy your own great Arabian Nights Adventure.      

Travel Tips for Your UAE Holiday

Planning a trip to UAE??? In addition to all those Visa requirements, there are many other things that you need to keep in mind while travelling in Middle East. Their society is considerably more formal and traditional than modern western societies. In fact, even those unfamiliar with the region know of the different code of etiquette followed in the society. In order to make your trip more comfortable and less troublesome, it is best to know of these differences beforehand and prepare for them ahead of the trip to avoid any future problems. Here are some tips regarding how to conduct yourself in the Middle Eastern society to get the maximum hospitality from your hosts:

Language:

Because of its diversely expatriate population, English in addition to Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in UAE. You may even hear snatches of Urdu, Hindi and Pashtu as well as various other dialects of Arabic.

Food:

In Middle East, communal eating is considered to be a sign of friendship. Also, it is best not eat with your left hand as it is considered to be unclean. In many places, it is considered polite to leave some food on the plate after eating. Do remember not to ask for any pork or pork products as Islam frowns upon the consumption of the same. Also, instead of asking for alcohol, accept the tea or coffee served to you by your hosts. This is because in UAE alcohol is only served in some restaurants and is not widely available as most observant Muslims do not drink or smoke.

Women Travelers

Women travelers to UAE should keep in mind the stringent conditions placed by the Middle Eastern society on the fairer sex. Though they are not required to cover their heads or wear the traditional dresses as the locals do, they are required to dress appropriately and conservatively according to the society rules. Many a time while visiting a mosque, you shall be even asked to wear an abaya that shall be provided to you at the mosque itself in adherence to the Muslim tradition.

Photography

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of any religious place or military installation or evn any Middle Eastern person, especially women.

Formal interactions:

Dress modestly and keep both your feet on the floor as it is considered as an insult to show the bottom of your feet to another person. Also, try not to be intrusive and keep your talks to general topics only rather than asking about the spouse or other family members. Another thing that you need to keep in mind while meeting and greeting locals is not to shake hands. Few men indulge in handshakes while most women refrain from touching men who are not from the family. Instead they show their sincerity and happiness in simply putting their hands on their hearts. Men and women may hold hands but should only do so if they are married or related.

Religion:

Though Islam is the official religion of UAE, the county recognizes other religions too.  You can find quite a few Christian churches as well as Hindu temples in addition to the Islamic mosques in the country.

Middle Easterners are great people who love to meet and greet people and are quite social and personable people. They also love to know their guests and expect their guests to respect their culture too. The place is a treasure trove of various attractions and is a great place to enjoy some sun and sand. So happy travelling!!!

         

Dubai Travel Tips

DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS

Dubai, very much like any other large global city, it has its own unique set of rules and regulations that Westerners are not always aware of on their first visit. Here are five things to be aware of if you are taking luxury Dubai holidays.

Things not to do in Dubai:

  1. Public shows of affection are strictly prohibited in Dubai, Yes you can hold hands but kissing between lovers should not be done in public.

2. Drinking alcohol in public is outlawed, if you are after a drinking holiday with a group of friends, Dubai may not be for you. Tourists can consume alcohol in licensed hotels and bars/restaurants/pubs. Non Muslim Expats can buy alcohol in special liquor stores if they hold a liquor license.

3. Exposing any skin from the neck down is frowned upon in Middle-Eastern countries, however In Dubai; the rules are relaxed slightly in an effort to be more tourists friendly. Beachwear should be worn on the beach and otherwise you should be dressed "normal", means no superfine skirt, no belly free shirts, no shorts while shopping etc

4.  Dubai, it has been known for people to be arrested for making an obscene gesture therefore never raise your middle finger. Remain polite and courteous at all times. Avoid jaywalking the streets. If caught you have to pay a fine.

5.  Drug possession is serious crime in any country, but in Dubai, it can lead to imprisonment and even a death sentence.

Things to Do:

1.       Dubai is known for really cheap gold, government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.

2.       If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter — persistent protest capped with a walkway will get merchants to drop their asking price by as much as half.

3.       Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed in Dubai.

4.       The centerpiece of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is its massive tank inhabited by 33,000 creatures such as sharks, rats and countless multi-colored tropical fish. Get up close and personal with the sharks in the walk-through tunnel.

5.       Experience the awesome Arabian wilderness on a desert safari. Activities to try out in the desert include ‘dune bashing’ in big 4x4 jeeps, dune bogging and sand skiing.

Some OMG Facts About Dubai

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is today one of the most visited places of the world and is fast becoming an emerging economic leader in the world economy. With its strategic location, the place was an important port even during the ancient times. However, there are many fun facts about this place that you may hardly believe to be associated with such a small place. Lets take a peep into this fascinating Arab world and get to know some of its secrets that make it even more attractive for the travelers from around the world.

·         Less than 20 percent of total Dubai’s population comprise of actual locals. This has resulted due to an exponential immigration leading to the local Emirati population almost being drowned out. However, there is little strife among the people as everyone gets along with everyone else, thus leading to a more liberal attitude towards culture and dressing. Crime Rate is almost equal to zero with racial tensions unheard of in the city. Though the place still retains a distinct Arabic and Bedouin influence, yet the large foreign influx has lent a cosmopolitan culture to the society.

·         Located on the side of Dubai Creek is the most famous gold market also known as the Gold Souk. With over 250 gold shops including several world class top brands, the place offers bargains on gold jewelry shopping unmatched anywhere else in the world.

·         Keeping in line with the tag of Dubai fast becoming the shopping capital of the world, the place is also home to the Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the world in terms of area. Housing the Discovery Center and the Aquarium, the place also holds the unique world record for having the largest acrylic panel too.

·         Built to resemble the shape of a dhow sail, experience life king size at Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels of world as well as the fourth tallest one. Built on an artificial island and having a lobby taller than the Statue of Liberty, the place is luxury personified. Al Mahara, one of the restaurants housed in the hotel, features a massive acrylic glass seawater aquarium. The entry to the hotel can only be made through a simulated submarine voyage.    

·         Others on the list of tallest buildings are the world’s tallest residential building named as 23 Marina as well as the tallest hotel of the world namely the Rose Tower are also located in Dubai.

·         Talking of the tallest skyscrapers, how can we miss the majestic Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure on the face of the Earth that is as lofty as two Empire State buildings on top of each other. Boasting of the highest mosque, the highest restaurant, the highest nightclub and the highest observation deck of the world, the place is treat for the eyes as it offers views like none other. Get to watch the sun going down twice during a day- once while watching the sunset from the base and then take a ride up and get to see the same sun still setting from the observation deck!!!

·         Palm Islands, a man made artificial group of islands being made through land reclamation techniques, are a sight to behold. The place, after completion, shall be the biggest archipelago of the world housing luxury hotels, beachfront properties, entertainment centers, malls, theme parks and much more.  

·         Another interesting fact to know about Dubai is that the city is that there is no concept of street addresses in the place. Also, you do not have to pay any income tax or personal tax to the administration!!!

Keeping these facts in the mind, it may well be understood now why Dubai is climbing up the tourism ladder and is becoming the holiday destination for vacationers from around the world.