February half term: alternatives to Dubai

[Nevergoodenoughforthem]

I’ve spent days researching suitable destinations for a week long holiday for me, my DD and my DSIS and every path seems to end up in Dubai. I’ve never been but it doesn’t appeal for various reasons.

So, I’m hoping for some suitable recommendations on here. We want:

• Sun/warmth
• Beach/sea for swimming
• Culture (if we feel like having a day out) *Relaxing. We are not looking for anywhere lively
• Not more than 8 hours flight as it’s only a week and both my DD and DSIS won’t mange due to health issues.

All ideas gratefully received but I have already discounted Canaries and the like as they don’t tick all the boxes.

What is Oman like? What is there to do? Never been but seems like lots of people here recommend it.

If you would consider Canaries then Las Palmas, Gran Canaria could work.

I was going to say Abu Dhabi, I've never been (it's on my bucket list 😊) but I know someone who lived in the Middle East for years and they say it's beautiful and far superior to Dubai.

Turks and Caicos

I don’t think she means you’re unsafe - just that there are more hookers around than Amsterdam + vegas combined…

She’s not wrong. It’s less flagrant than other places, especially if you’re not looking for it. But it’s very very much a thing!

I love some of the suggestions here, thank you. I’ve spent hours looking at Oman and decided to do that as a trip with DH as I’d feel guilty not going with him!

Morocco

I grew up spending much of my childhood in Dubai from the age of 12 OP (I am Western, British and father works in UAE) and it really can be a great trip. It is completely safe.