Eid al Fitr is expected to fall on June 15, so it might not be a long weekend. That needn’t stop you from taking a few days off to celebrate, and what better way than to do that with a trip.
We worked with Wego to bring you this list of budget summer escapes, all with flights that cost less than Dh2000. You could even plan these for the long weekends we have left this year.
London, UK
This internationally loved city is a great escape for us UAE residents in many aspects. A reasonable flight time, no dearth of airlines and a pleasant climate await you in case you decide to travel here for a few days. London is also great for short trips with great sight-seeing and shopping opportunities, especially during summer. While you can’t imagine strolling around in the UAE in summer, you could try London’s outdoor activities, such as a leisurely walk through Hyde Park, witness the changing of guard ceremony at the Buckingham palace or a cycle alongside the Thames.
Cost From Dh1,982 per person (Round-trip flights with a stopover)
Athens, Greece
Greece brings to mind a myriad of peaceful whites and blues. From island hopping to getting a history and culture fix, Athens is a great short trip to take from the UAE. Make sure you plan your island trips on boats and buses in the country well ahead of your arrival to avoid any delays. While booking hotels, make sure they’re accessible easily as there are a very limited number of taxis you can hail – a novel thing for UAE residents, we know. That being said, the food, the sun, the parties and the sea are worth all the planning.
Cost From Dh1856 per person (Round-trip flights with a stopover)
Tbilisi, Georgia
A popular weekend destination from the UAE owing to low costs of travel and a complete change of scenery, Tbilisi is slightly more expensive in summer. Scale the Caucasian mountains, visit the Black-Sea coast or explore the alleys all over the city. There are also plenty of affordable and delicious local food to be sampled. If you fly out of Georgia on Sunday or Monday, direct flights are harder to come by based on Wego searches, so plan your departure date carefully.
Cost From Dh1700 per person (Round-trip flights with a stopover)
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is the largest city in Tunisia, an off-the-beaten path destination in the Middle East, and a treasure trove of culture and historic charm. It is a perfect mix of Mediterranean, European and Middle Eastern. No matter where you’re in this history-steeped city, you’re never far from the beach. Its old medina is a Unesco world heritage site that you can’t miss; not to mention the Bardo museum and the ruins of ancient Carthage.
Cost From Dh1370 per person (Round-trip flights with a stopover)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is a great place to go, not just because it’s incredibly affordable, the country is a riot of colours with great weather, and just a short flight away. For the solo backpacker or the whole family, there is something for everyone in Nepal’s largest city. From yoga and meditation to sampling momos and visiting temples, this trip will leave you wanting to go back for more.
This place could also offer you a chance to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life with yoga and meditation sessions by renowned experts. Make sure you sample fried or steamed momos, which are the local delicacies of the region.
Cost From Dh1,106 per person (Round-trip flights with a stopover)
**All these figures and costs have been provided by Wego.co.ae
