Travel Deals & Destinations To Check Out For National Day Weekend
We’ve got lucky with another long weekend coming up at the end of November, mamas! With Thursday 30, November a public holiday in honour of Commemoration Day and December 3 declared as a holiday for National Day, we’ll be getting a lovely 4 day weekend – yippee! . If you’re looking for a quick short break then look no further as our travel mama Andrea has put together some great options for that getaway before the year ends. Excited? We are!
To book, email: andrea.bailey@travelcounsellors.ae or call +971 (0)55 9569502.
The beautiful country of Azerbaijan is located in the south of Russia and faces the Caspian Sea to the west. Azerbaijan means ‘land of fire’ is marked by the Caucasus Mountains on the northwestern border.
A city break that is perfect to explore over a long weekend, Baku is firmly on the tourist trail for UAE residents. Spend three nights at a city hotel and explore Yanar Dag – the fire mountain that burns continuously due to enormous gas reserves.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 3,490 per person with FlyDubai economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Four Seasons Baku (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Family-Friendly City Breaks: The Best Hotels To Stay At With Kids
Paris – the ‘City of Light’ is ever so popular. There’s just something about Paris… the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur on Montmartre, Notre Dame, these are just some of the beautiful sights of this astounding city. Visit in winter to experience the Christmas Markets where handmade trinkets, great food and activities are part of this season’s offerings.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 5,290 per person with Emirates economy flights and a 5 night stay at the Clarion Collection Hotel (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Packing Essentials For A Weekend Away With The Kids
A city that is best known for being a melting pot of cultures such as ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indian migrants, British colonials is also known for its rich gastronomy. Enjoy a few nights is the capital of Malaysia and experience the richness of its culture and cuisines.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 3,790 per person with Emirates economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Traders Hotel (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: 3 Dubai Services That Help Make Flying With Kids A Breeze
Perfect for a getaway to paradise, Maldives remains a perennial favourite with UAE residents. Set in the Indian Ocean, Maldives offers guests a combination of peace and relaxation amidst the beauty of its amazing turquoise waters teaming with coral and sealife.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 4,390 per person with FlyDubai economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Bandos Resort (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Magical Maldives. Kids Stay (& Play, Eat, Adventure) For Free At Kanuhura
An island created by underwater volcanic eruptions, Mauritius is an incredibly rich and diverse country with a fabulous fusion of Creole, French, Indian and Chinese cultures. Enjoy incredible street food – everything from fresh coconut water, chopped fruit covered in chili and sugar, hot curries topped with chili and pickles wrapped in buttery breads, and Chinese noodles
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 5,390 per person with Air Mauritius economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Merville Beach Hotel (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: 10 Tips For Getting The Best Photographs Of Your Kids Over The Holidays
Visit the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ this long weekend and visit the beautiful national parks of Yala, Minneriya or climb the steps to the top of the Sigiriya’s Lion Rock. Experience the best of Sri Lankan cuisine and wildlife and come away with unforgettable memories.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 3,590 per person with FlyDubai economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Centara Ceysands (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Travel Mama Takes you to 5 Places Within 6 Hours from the UAE
Ever so popular with the residents of the UAE, Bangkok is full of surprises. Enjoy a cruise along the Chao Phraya River that runs through the heart of Bangkok, visit the Floating Market or the Chatuchak Weekend Market is claimed by some to be the largest market in the world with 8000 vendor stalls.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 3,390 per person with FlyDubai economy flights and a 3 night stay at the Amari Boulevard Bangkok (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Travelling with Kids: Things to Make the Journey That Much Easier
One of Thailand’s most outstanding destinations, Phuket has a lot to offer any type of traveler. Explore Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay and Old Phuket Town among other breathtaking sights around Phuket. Get a dose of adventure while kayaking at Ang Thong Marine Park or go white water rafting at Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Special offer: Packages starting from AED 4,190 per person with Emirates economy flights and a 4 night stay at Royal Paradise Hotel and Spa (or similar) with breakfast and taxes.
Read more: Travelling With Kids: How to Avoid Toddler Tantrums While Flying
If you want your long weekend break to come without flights then why not head to the newly refurbished Hatta Fort Hotel – one of our very favourite places to visit with kids in tow! From resident peacocks to spot to sprawling lawns, a dramatic mountain back drop, dedicated family pool and the opportunity to explore the area on foot, there’s oodles to do here! The Hatta dam is now offering kayak rentals too – so much fun!
Read More: Hatta Fort: The New Look
Fancy snorkelling the clear waters of the Indian Ocean – in just over a 2 hour drive away? Head to Snoopy Island in Fujairah where you can do just that (and even spot a reef shark or two!) from the beach at the Sandy Beach Hotel where there are hotel rooms or little cabins to book (it’s nothing fancy but we love it!). With a swimming pool onsite, gardens to explore and the opportunity to book a Musandam cruise too, this is a fab family option.
Read More: UAE Staycation: Snoopy Island At Fujairah
Featured image and image 5 sourced via Instagram page of Visit Maldives, Image 2 sourced via Instagram page of Welcome Travel, Image 3 sourced via Instagram page of Paris Tourism, Image 4 sourced via Instagram page of The Dscovrr, Image 6 sourced via Instagram page of Igers Mauritius, Image 7 sourced via Instagram page of Secret Squirrel, Image 8 sourced via Bangkok.com, Image 9 sourced via Instagram page of Ivan, Image 10 sourced via Instagram page of Adventures With Kaya