Travel plans come easy when you live in the UAE. You can hop on a plane in the morning and be sunbathing on a tropical beach by lunchtime. Squeeze in a hike across the Himalayas this weekend? It's doable for earlier risers. Eagerly course through the streets of a new city and be back for work on Sunday? #wanderlust.
That's why these airlines are helping us gain more passport stamps by launching routes to new destinations every year.
In fact, Fly Dubai added 23 new routes in 2014 with the carrier boasting a total of 81,530 flights flown last year. Emirates launched a daily flight direct to Cebu, Philippines in March and not long after the world’s longest non-stop flight, between Dubai and Auckland, New Zealand with a flight time of roughly 17 hours and 15 minutes. In early 2017 they'll smash that record with the launch of a non-stop flight to Panama – a mere 17 hours 35 minutes long.
Could Dubai be any better connected? Well yes! Here are eight new routes that you can book now, or very soon. But forget passport stamps, now it's all about clocking up some golden Instagram moments. Take note, choose your filter and Bon Voyage!
Check out 5 other travel deals that will sort out your wanderlust
1. Pisa, Italy
Launched: August 2016
Why: If you haven’t visited this Italian University city before now is your chance to kill ‘that’ bucket list photo – you know, pushing the Leaning Tower of Pisa upright. You’re Instagram page is worthless without it. And did you know Pisa is a spa town? So after the bants sink into the thermal waters of Casciana Terme or San Giuliano Terme.
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight time: 8 hours 45 mins (via Doha)
Cost: Dh2,630
Book: qatarairways.com
2. Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Launched: August 2016
Why: Who wouldn’t want to visit the friendliest place in the world as recently voted by international tourists? Myanmar is crammed with ancient sites, nature trails, beautiful beaches and stunning buildings – like the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. There’s now a daily service from Dubai to Myanmar's largest city Yangon, so go catch some smiles!
Airline: Emirates
Flight time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Cost: Dh2,780
Book: emirates.com/ae
3. Windhoek, Namibia
Launched: September 2016
Why: It’s not every day you wake up to find a cheetah peering in through the window of your lodge, like surprise! Namibia’s capital city only has a population of 250,000 people and the biggest draw is the wildlife and beautiful desert-like wilderness that stretches out for miles around Windhoek. Spot the ‘big five’ on safari or from your bed for that matter.
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight time: Approx 13 hours (via Doha)
Cost: Dh4,400
Book: qatarairways.com
4. Hellsinki, Finland
Launches: October 2016
Why: This beautiful city with its fairy-tale like quality is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics and boating in the summer months and cosy coffees overlooking the harbour in icier climes. You first box to tick here is a Sibelius selfie. Made up of over 600 steel tubes linked together and suspended the Sibelius monument in Sibelius park was finished (no pun) in 1967, to commemorate the life and works of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight time: 8 hours 45 mins (via Doha)
Cost: Dh4,500
Book: qatarairways.com
5. Venice
Launches: October, 2016
Why: Venice in the summer is hot and a bit stinky. You can see the magic of it but only through hazy puffs of sweat exuded by hordes of sticky tourists (18 million each year in fact). Winter is still the city's best kept secret and the best time to visit this mysterious foggy labyrinth. It’s a moody romantic wonderland with more civilised crowds and cheaper prices. Flights arrive at Marco Polo airport, where you can take a water bus or water taxi into town. Wrap up and enjoy the magic.
Airline: Etihad
Flight time: 7 hours 10 minutes (via Abu Dhabi)
Cost: Dh2,420
Book: Etihad.com
6. Krabi, Thailand
Launches: December, 2016
Why: Cut the fat on your travel plans and bypass Bangkok to head straight to Krabi on Thailand’s south west coast. Enjoy sugary white beaches, clear waters and stunning lagoons. Limestone rock formations offer perfect rock climbing conditions and photo backdrops. Hop on a long boat to Rai Leh beach – one of Thailand’s hidden gems to discover a mini paradise and climbers dream spot.
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight time: 8 hours 45 mins (via Doha)
Cost: Dh4,500
Book: qatarairways.com
7. The Seychelles
When: December 2016.
Why: It’s been three years since Qatar Airlines stopped flying to this beautiful island destination of dreams, but a daily service will resume from December - just in time for New year’s eve – bring in the new year with a picture postcard #nofilter.
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight time: 8 hours 20 minutes (via Doha)
Cost: Dh1,905
Book: qatarairways.com
8. Bangkok, Thailand
When: November, 2016
Why: The Thai Capital is steeped in history and culture and last month beat 132 cities including London, Paris and Dubai to be crowned the world’s most popular travel destination this year according to Mastercard. Be sure to book afternoon tea at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel authors lounge, take a trip down the Chao Phyraya river and explore the many night markets. Come evening time relax in one of the cities super cool bars like Maggie Choo’s, Above 11, and Cafe des Stagiaires, which is run entirely by hospitality students.
Airline: Fly Dubai
Flight time: 6 hours
Cost: Dh1,600
Book: flydubai.com
Tilda Hannon is a regular contributor to Gulf News Guides who lives in Dubai
