travel

 Abu Dhabi deserves much more than a weekend's attention. However, if that’s all you’ve got, there is plenty to do in the contemporary yet, quintessentially vintage nation. Fill your two days with eating like a local to time at the beach, desert safaris, exploring heritage sites, and even visiting the UAE’s largest mosque. Ready to plan a whirlwind getaway? Here’s how to spend a weekend in Abu Dhabi. Image by  atimedia  from  Pixabay     1.    Day One – Hit the Beach, Visit the Souks and Sightsee  So, are you off to Abu Dhabi on a quick business tour? Or are you on a transit break? First things first, get yourself well located at a central hotel; popular options like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, are perfect for enjoying Bedouin life in luxury, even for a weekend. Oh, and business guests will find these resorts are quite popular for more than perfect  Abu Dhabi meeting venues . Once settled into your hotel plan your day a...

  When in a foreign country, it is often said that it’s best to behave as the locals do if you want to integrate and not ruffle any feathers. Vietnam is a fairly popular tourist destination in Asia, and, as a result, sees quite a lot of tourists annually. Therefore the locals are used to foreigners to a certain extent and will make exceptions and allowances for them, it’s still best to make sure that you know what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable so that you can enjoy a pleasant stay. Image via Anantara Quy Nhon Villas Step One – Watch What you Wear in Places of Worship This is a common one across Asia and in many other parts of the world as well. Whenever you step out of your  luxury resorts in Vietnam   the likes of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, make sure you dress appropriately, especially if you plan on visiting any religious sites. On the day that you’ve set aside to explore temples or pagodas, make sure that you wear appropriately conservative clothing so that...

 Doing your research before an upcoming trip to Vietnam? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your time exploring the local cuisine of the country. From tips to help you get by at small local eateries to those on some of the best dishes to try, here are some things to know before you set off to Vietnam. Image by  zompoch  from  Pixabay     Step One – Try and Eat Like a Local  Inexpensive, local food from a food stall can be just as flavoursome, if not more sometimes, than what you’d find at a more commercial restaurant that caters to foreigners. The one thing to remember though is that unless you are familiar with the language, it’s going to be very hard to communicate with the vendors to find out the intricacies and ingredients behind any particular dish.   One way to get around this is to first try popular local dishes at one of the  hotels in Hoi An  where language is not a problem such as Anantara Hoi An Resort or a s...

The country's laidback capital of Vientiane, party centre Vang Vieng, and beautiful World Heritage city Luang Prabang can all be explored in about 7 days with some bus trips and well-placed café stops. All of this is achievable inside one week in Laos without sacrificing the unique feeling of tranquillity that the nation provides. Wikimedia Commons Day 1: Vientiane Visit Laos' most significant national landmark, Pha That Luang, and the surrounding temples in the welcoming capital of Vientiane. Also make your way closer to town to see the inner city's magnificent temples, including the Wat Si Saket, and take some café breaks in between to taste the exquisite local beverages. Take a walk along the Mekong with the rest of Vientiane's city people at sunset. Day 2: Vientiane Tuk Tuk Safari is a fantastic tour that gives you a taste of the authentic Vientiane. You will witness a goldsmith at work, travel behind the scenes at local eateries that assists street kids, and visit ...

  Sri Lanka is known for beach getaways. The country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, which has endowed it with a charming coastline. Sri Lankan beaches have different characteristics; some beaches back onto a forested terrain while some are dotted with palm trees. Almost every beach has a collection of hotels and eateries to facilitate those who visit.  Whether you are a family, a couple or a solo traveller, Sri Lanka will offer you the best beach experience. Image by  Allannah  from  Pixabay   1.When to visit April to December is the best period to visit the east coast. The south coast has the best weather conditions from December to May, and December to April is the best period to visit the west coast. 2.Where to stay Sri Lanka has a plethora of accommodation options for tourists. Hostels are the best choice for budget travellers. With a bit of research, you can find a  Kalutara beach resort  at a reasonable rate. Apartment hotels and villas ...

 Ranked among Australia's most popular tourist hubs, Melbourne is the perfect destination for a weekend away. Home to some of the country's top restaurants, shopping hotspots and cultural landmarks, this vibrant metropolis is also a dream come true for adventurers and nature lovers. Here are some tips on planning the ultimate getaway in Melbourne from finding the right base to making sure you make the most of your time in the city. Photo by  form  PxHere   1. Time the Trip Those who are planning to spend only two days in the city should first and foremost ensure that there's no chance of inclement weather impacting what one can experience during the getaway. The spring season from September to November and the Autumnal period from March to May are considered the best time to visit the city as this is when weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and adventures. This is why weekenders should plan their holiday to coincide with these fair-weathered times of ...

 As one of Australia's most dynamic holiday hotspots, Sydney attracts visitors from around the world. Those who are fans of walking tours and exploring new destinations on foot may also be surprised to find that Sydney is very easy to explore on foot. From signing up for guided tours to walking around some of its most interesting precincts, here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to Sydney.   1. Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee This is perhaps one of the best walking trails in all of Sydney not only for the spectacular ocean views on offer but just how much one can cover in a walk that's no more than 6km. Starting off from Notts Avenue on Bondi, this walk is popular among locals and tourists alike. The coastal path from Bondi to Coogee passes by some of the area's finest beaches. As an urban walk, you are never too far from air-conditioned cafes and other refreshments including cool beers so one can slip in and out of this track while exploring the thrivin...

 As one of the Middle East's most popular holiday destinations, Dubai attracts visitors from around the world. Dubai's reputation as a global business capital also means that it is a prime location for corporate functions and meetings throughout the year. Regardless of the duration of your stay or the purpose of the visit, knowing how to explore the city using public and private means will prove highly useful for every traveller. Here are some of the best ways to get around this Arab capital. Image by  Werner Satzger  from  Pixabay     1. Stay in a Central Location Those who wish to explore Dubai with ease should first secure accommodation in a  luxury hotel in Dubai   that offers easy access to some of its most iconic highlights. Whether it's the Oaks  Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai  or any other venue, it is crucial to consider how far one's hotel or resort is to the nearest airport, shopping malls, cultural attractions and the like. This firs...

As one of Queensland's most popular tourist hotspots, Gladstone offers visitors a plethora of exciting activities and attractions. Blessed with natural wonders including stunning islands laden with sandy beaches, Gladstone is the perfect retreat for those who wish to truly get away from it all and enjoy a seamless holiday Down Under. From hitting the area's biggest highlights to taking part in exciting activities, here are some tips on making the most of your tour of Gladstone. wood26,  Looking north on the Tannum Sands Main Beach - panoramio ,  CC BY-SA 3.0   1. Secure a Strategic Base Those who wish to enjoy all that the Gladstone region has to offer should first and foremost secure a base hotel that offers easy access to some of the area's biggest attractions. Whether it's the Oaks Grand Gladstone Hotel or any one of the other luxury   hotels in Gladstone QLD , one must consider the location of the venue and its proximity to the main beaches, activity bases and po...

As one of Australia's most famous wine-producing regions, Adelaide is home to some of the country's finest wineries and vineyards. Most tourists will sign up for a wine tasting tour of Adelaide's wine country during a trip to this region as it would be a mistake to pass up the opportunity to sample the home-grown vintages. From examining the labels to making the most of your wine tasting experience, here are some tips for travellers interested in tasting wine like a pro in Adelaide. Image via pixabay   1.  Do Your Homework Those who intend to enjoy a wine tasting tour in Adelaide must first and foremost learn all they can about the vintages produced in the region. Every wine country, even within Australia is different not only in terms of the types of wines that are manufactured in the area but in the types of grapes that are cultivated in various locations. Reading up on Adelaide's wine business can be beneficial to all visitors as it will undoubtedly enhance the wine ...