With Two School Holidays Coming Up, It’s Time To Book A Break For The Family Mamas!
Most schools in Dubai will break for half term in February and then again at the end of March, we think a little holiday with the fam is called for (especially as the summer term is looooong, mamas!). Our travel expert Andrea has found 10 of the best places to travel to whether you’re after sun or snow, Europe or Asia – and even somewhere within the UAE. With so many destinations within easy reach and a wide range of airlines to get us to them plus new routes opening ever few months we really are quite spoilt for choice!
Need more of an incentive to explore the beautiful world out there?! We didn’t think so! Check out some of these amazing holiday deals for February and March…time to get excited!
Contact Andrea Bailey for more information or to book, Andrea.Bailey@travelcounsellors.ae or call 055 9569502
Visit Train World, Brussel’s authentic train museum or take a ride in a vintage car around the city’s old districts. Walk around La Grand Place, centre of this vibrant city or visit the iconic Atomium. An experience at the renowned chocolatier Pierre Marcolini is a must-do. Combine your stay in Brussels with three nights at Amsterdam which is only a 2 hour train ride away and enjoy the canals or take a tour around The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Leiden.
Travel deals: 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation, transfers, train journey and tours included.
Packages from AED 8,400 per adult. AED 6,700 per child. (Packages and dates can be customised and tailor-made)
Step into the world wind that is Phnom Penh, a glorious city of cultural experiences! Walk through the Phsar Thmei or Central Market filled with local handicrafts or the night markets of Phsar Reatrey near the riverfront. Feel like a Cambodian royal at the visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda with fabulous Khmer architecture.
Angkor Wat is not to be missed, so make sure Siem Reap is on your itinerary! The local markets are bursting with an array of street food that you have to try out! Enjoy traditional Khmer dances, namely the Apsara dance or visit the floating villages of Kompong Khleange.
Travel deals: 7 nights, 8 days duration. International flights with Thai Airways, 7 nights accommodation, transfers and tours included.
Packages from AED 6,490 per adult. AED 4,790 per child. (Packages and dates can be customised and tailor-made)
There are holiday breaks and then there are ALL INCUSIVE holiday breaks that are ‘next level’ One such destination is the newly opened Grand Massif Club Med Samoens Morillon. Situated in the heart of the French Alps just one hour away from Geneva airport, this is a fabulous choice for the last of ski season! It is also a great summer holiday option if warmer weather is your preference.
Combine sport, wellness and cultural activities in one place and its ‘all-inclusive’ offer is great value for money. Children are endlessly entertained at Club Med, something that they do excellently with a Baby Club Med (from 4-23 months), a Petit Club Med (2-3 yrs), a Mini Club Med (4-10 yrs-included in package costs) with ski and activities instructors available.
Even the teens enjoy their own space with Club Med Passworld (11-17 yrs) included in package costs. Activities like skiing, snowboarding lessons, drama, dance and much more are part of the deal at this resort.
Travel deals: 7 nights, 8 days duration. International flights with Emirates, all inclusive package with airport transfers and in-resort activities.
Packages from AED 9,400 per adult. AED 7,400 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
March is cherry blossom season…everyone knows this (by now!). Enjoy the bustling city of Tokyo and the quaintness of cultural Kyoto. Walk in the calming Bamboo Forests of Arashiyama or visit the art island of Naoshima.
You can take the Hakone Tozan switchback train that zigzags through the mountains and offers views of surrounding valleys. Ride the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers.
While on Mt. Owakudani, you can sample one of Hakone’s specialties, the kuro-tamago, which is an egg hard boiled in the sulfuric hot springs. They say that if you do, it will add seven years to your life!
Travel Deal: Itinerary of 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, 6 nights accommodation, transfers, tours, train tickets included.
Packages from AED 12,780 per adult. AED 7,780 per child. (Packages and dates can be customised and tailor-made)
A favourite of any UAE resident, Jordan features prominently on the traveller’s list due to easy accessibility (only 3.5 hours away!) and its history and culture that is so vibrant!
A night walk in Petra to the famous treasury building and around it’s Nabatean tombs is a very enriching experience. Enjoy a cup of warm tea with the local Bedouins in the windy caves above Wadi Rum and stay the night under a velvety black sky with millions of twinkling stars. Walk around the mosaic ruins of Madaba or around the beautiful souks of Amman.
Travel deals: 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation including a Wadi Rum camp stay, airport transfers and tours around Jordan.
Packages from AED 4,480 per adult. AED 2,380 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
A staple of the UAE traveller, Maldives has become popular with families looking for that relaxing break. Feed the sting rays, dive or snorkel in the corals of the Indian Ocean, sample Maldivian food or just spend those days lounging and getting that much needed dose of R&R!
Travel deals: 4 nights, 5 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation at luxury resort The Residence (or similar) for 4 nights and return airport transfers.
Packages from AED 7,500 per adult. AED 4,500 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
Known to have distinctly beautiful and unique beaches spread out over its 7,100 islands, the Philippines are a must-see destination for 2018. El-Nido with its soft white sands, turquoise waters and rocky enclaves, beckons travellers for an unforgettable visit.
Make sure to pack your flip flops for this trip of a lifetime!
Travel deals: 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation for 6 nights, transfers and tours around El Nido and Cebu.
Packages from AED 9,400 per adult. AED 6,800 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
This Balkan gem that was formerly part of Yugoslavia is on the destination must-visit list for 2018. Take the funicular up the hill to the Ljubljana Castle for a panoramic view of the old and new city. Visit the beautiful Postojna Caves and then head to the medieval town of Piran, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coastline.
Enjoy the ski pistes of Kranjska Gora and other winter activities or visit stunning Lake Bled with its own little chapel and cake shop that serves the Bled Cake. Ring the bell in this church and make a wish!
Travel deals: 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation for 6 nights, transfers and tours around Slovenia.
Packages from AED 6,400 per adult. AED 3,500 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
If long haul is not your thing, a local staycation is always a great idea! Surround yourself with luxury at the Hilton Beach Resort and Spa in Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy the private bay and soft white sands.
Or head out to the beautiful Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort with a view of the blue sea and the Al Hajar mountains in the distance.
Travel deals: Room rates starting from AED 750 per night with breakfast and taxes.
An exciting addition to the wish list of 2018, Taiwan especially if you time your visit for the Lantern Festival that traditionally is celebrated around the mid-end of February. Fireworks and torches are lit while people feast on rice dumplings, enjoying the festive atmosphere!
Travel deals: 6 nights, 7 days duration. International flights with Emirates, accommodation for 6 nights, transfers and tours.
Packages from AED 7,100 per adult. AED 3,600 per child. (Packages can be customised and tailor-made)
All images sourced via official Instagram handles of each respective destination
