Travel Mama Takes you to 5 Places Within 6 Hours from the UAE

Ask any Dubai resident and they will tell you that one of the best perks of living in the UAE is the accessibility to travel destinations.

Let’s take a look at some of the most family friendly destinations within 6 hours flying time from Dubai.

A city that is one of Jordan’s best and most historic, Petra was made famous by the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade adventure movie where the Treasury building was featured in the film.

The rock city was created and thrived as a trade route and the natives lived in the caves cut out from the pink rocks. You can walk into the ancient city and it is advisable to hire a guide as this would enrich your experience of Petra. I would also recommend the Night/Evening Tour which is offered several times a week. It is a lovely experience where the path to the Treasury building is lit with candles and a musician plays soulful music while the guests relax under a canopy of stars drinking cups of tea.

Time to get here: 3 hours flight to Amman. Drive time to Petra approx.. 3 hours.

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A state on the western coast of India, Goa stands out for its long stretches of beaches, a relaxed vibe, colonial architecture and great Goan food. The Portuguese arrived on Goan shores in 1510, excited by the promise of trading in the rich spices of the East. Evidence of their prior occupation is evident in the whitewashed churches with their typical Roman Catholic ceremonies, old forts, beautiful bungalows and impressive cathedrals around Old Goa.

Goan cuisine is flavourful and you really should try the classic fish curry rice, vindaloo with its rich garlic and Goa vinegar taste, fried calamari and prawns or the xacuti curries with its thick, spicy texture. You can explore Goa with a guide or on your own with a motorbike and take a tour of the spice farms to see how pepper and red chillies are grown, harvested and dried.

Time to get here: 3.5 hours flight to Goa with Indigo, Air India or Jet Airways.

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Ask anyone in the UAE about the Maldives and you will hear how this is one of their favourite destinations for some R&R. With twenty-six natural atolls and one thousand one hundred ninety islands, this is literally heaven on earth for everyone who visits. The islands are surrounded by lagoons and reefs with rich marine life so snorkelling, swimming and diving are popular sports. Spot dolphins, turtles, manta and sting rays, reef sharks among the deep green atolls.

Gaafu Alifu Atoll where The Residence Maldives resort is located is one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world teeming with sealife so children can learn about endangered species, ocean currents and marine life.

Time to get there: 3hours 45 minutes to Male and then either speedboat, sea plane or domestic flight to get to your resort island.

Special offers available for The Residence Maldives for travel till October 31^st.

Prague Castle, the Old Town Square and the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock are just some of the sights to enjoy when in this fabulous city. Catch a live jazz performance at one of the underground clubs in the Old Town, walk down Charles Bridge or visit the Negreli viaduct bistros.

Interestingly there’s a little Hanoi where you can experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine and do a bit of bargain shopping as well. You can mingle with the large Vietnamese community that has settled in this city.

Time to get here: 6 hours approx.. with Emirates.

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Located east of mainland Tanzania, the archipelago of Zanzibar is also one of the most beautiful dive spots in the world. Stone Town is steeped in history and a great place to start exploring the island. Rich Omani trade ties are evident when you stroll around Stone Town and pass by carved, ornate doors and balconies. It is recommended that you take a walk and get lost in the meandering alleyways and side streets.

A great itinerary would include a couple of nights in Stone Town and then a longer stay by the coastal beaches. Known to have some of the best coral reefs and marine life, I recall Zanzibar being my most favourite spot to go snorkelling.

Time to get here: Approx. 5.5 hours flying time to Zanzibar with FlyDubai.

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