OF VACATIONS AND STAYCATIONS
SUMMER IS UPON US AND MOST OF US ARE LOOKING FOR A RETREAT FROM THE EVERYDAY HUSTLE. WITH TOUR PACKAGES, TRAVEL DEALS, AND BUDGET FLIGHTS, THE UAE PROVIDES PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO JET OFF TO AN EXOTIC DESTINATION, RELAX AT AN OUT-OF-CITY ESCAPE NEARBY, AND E
Some would argue that youngsters today feel entitled to travel. And they are not entirely wrong. Now more than ever before, we can afford to do so — and not merely in the financial sense. Along with technological advances, the travel industry has found exciting ways to stay relevant and drive our fancy for leisure, exploration, and adventure. A frequent flyer today isn’t solely a man in a business suit with lounge access at airports around the world — it can very well be a 20-something rookie with a customised passport holder, matching trolley-bag, and a ‘scratch-off’ world map, who is ready to embrace new lands and cultures, and be worthy of the ‘travel junkie’ label.
As a country, the UAE encourages holidays activities — amongst both tourists and residents — in a bid to increase the popularity of its diverse hotel offerings and lesser-known seaside or oasis towns. It makes sense too — with the raging summer here, offering significant discounts on luxury accommodation is one way to keep people keen on visiting for a short staycation if they do not wish to go abroad. The trend in rewards programmes, loyalty schemes, and coupon deals certainly complements the opportunities for weekend getaways and budget travel to unexplored foreign destinations — with unique benefits for every kind of customer, including families with kids. The UAE’s central location and well-connected international airports additionally make it an ideal hub for outbound travel.
’Tis surely the season to be vacationing with summer in fullswing. From voucher companies to travel start-ups, we look at the different options available to local travellers. If you’re a young professional hoping to embark on your first solo experience abroad, we’ve got a checklist to keep you informed of travel dos and donts. Need a little insight and inspiration from frequent jet-setters? Find out what a few of them have to say. And if you are on a holiday-spree, perhaps you should slow down long enough to read the fine print on your vouchers and consider your spending habits.
Fasten your seatbelts or put on your beach slippers for all this and more.