Dubai & where…?

[Jessforless]

I want to book a trip for April time. I have two weeks booked off work and unexpectedly house works have cost less than we expected so can have a special treat 🥳

DH and our 2 DC really want to go to Dubai and have always wanted to.. I’m fine with this as want them to be happy and involved in the planning, but it’s never been a destination I was overly excited about.

DH suggested maybe a 2 centre trip and the most common one that seems to pop up is Dubai and Maldives.. I think I probably sound ungrateful but Maldives looks a bit boring to me, I do love to read a book on a lounger but feel I could probably do this a lot cheaper! Also, DH doesn’t swim and DC2 isn’t water confident at all so feel it might be a bit stressful. (Happy to be corrected?)

so where would you go if it was you? I like to do stuff, I like day trips, pretty much all. From things like castles, parks and museums to food tours, theme parks and just a trek to see a brilliant view.

I would love some advice! Thank you if you post 😊

What about Hurghada?

Ooh a nice problem to have!. Having been to the Maldives I agree its not worth it if your not fussed about the sea, its a very kick back and relax type holiday. Would Mauritius, Sri Lankia or India be any good? .... if it were me id go to Singapore but I think its another 7ish hour flight so might be too far for a 2 week holiday?

I was coming on to say Sri Lanka too. Or maybe Istanbul?

When I went to Dubai I added on Hong Kong, but that may be a bit far to travel for you?

Singapore -massive fan

It's not the most direct route, but Dubai and South Africa.

Staying local to the ME, Oman?

And another vote for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka or Singapore/Malaysia. Depends what you want to do.

Been looking at Hong Kong, Singapore & Sri Lanka, all look fab!

Singapore maybe looks the best as the kids have discovered there is a universal studios there they’re quite excited about 😅

I think maybe 5 days in each could be enough?

Singapore

A few days in Dubai and then Singapore fir the rest of the, you can go across to Malaysia for the day and Bintan etc

Hong Kong, Sri Lanka or Singapore all absolutely fantastic options! I’ve visited the first two and would love to go to the third.

Vietnam! Lots of flights into Vietnam from Dubai - great place for a family holiday. Or Oman

Mauritius?
India?

Zanzibar. I think you can fly there directly from Dubai these days

possibly a bit too similar vibe to Maldives, but does have stuff to do (bigger island for starters)

That sounds so good, how do you do that? (Pop for the day I mean)

I actually put Zanzibar into a search when I saw they flew direct from Dubai but coming home seemed crazy with loads of stops on SkyScanner, about three flights with Ethiopian air… unless I’m doing something wrong?

Thanks everyone this is really helpful and exciting!

Dubai is a huge hub, so you could go more or less anywhere in that direction - we've stopped off in Dubai en route to Cape Town, Mauritius, Singapore (and then on to NZ) and will be doing it again next year for Bali. India or Indian Ocean are really good options, as the second leg flight isn't too long. I think I would go to Kerala.

Oh that’s a shame re Zanzibar

if they fly there they will def fly back, but perhaps the times don’t tally with the connection you need.
might be worth trying a different day - they are unlikely to fly this route daily.

Wherever you pick I'd honestly just do a few days in Dubai and more in your 2nd location. Sounds like Singapore could be a winner with the kids 😉 and a winner for you!

Muscat and Zanzibar