With the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start planning your vacation. So where do you plan to take off to - will it be the seaside or the mountains? The countryside or the city? Or how about going green and opting for an eco-friendly destination? Friday speaks to a few travel enthusiasts who offer plenty of tips on how to make the most of whichever holiday destination you choose.
Beach holiday
Nick Flynn
Director of F&B and Kitchen Operations, Executive Chef InterContinental Hotels Group
Why I prefer a beach holiday
For me a holiday is all about getting out of your normal routine. As an hotelier I work in an extremely busy environment, with long hours including weekends in the city. So the perfect holiday for me is a quiet environment with my wife and daughter.
Listening to the waves crashing on the rocks or lapping the sands and seeing the blue ocean can really calm your mind.
Terrigal Beach, Australia has powder white sand, great surf, beautiful walking and running tracks through the bush. If you are lucky, you can see koalas, kangaroos, iguanas, dolphins...
What is also important to me is to get a taste of the local culture wherever I go for a break.
For instance, the cuisine can reveal a lot about a country so I enjoy dining out and visiting the local markets. In Australia, you must try the amazing variety of fresh seafood and fruit. If you are the adventurous kind, try native meats such as kangaroo, crocodile, emu, barramundi and coral trout.
How I plan for the holiday
I believe pre-planning can make a holiday boring. Being spontaneous and experiencing and enjoying pleasant surprises add zeal to the vacation.
My holiday experience
Australians love sport and at Terrigal you can do everything from sport, fishing to hot air ballooning and skydiving. At night you have a large range of entertainment from live bands to just going down to the beach to watch the sunset. I love going to the seafood takeaway restaurants and getting freshly cooked prawns and oysters and sitting on the beach with my girls and watching the surf while the sun sets. There's also plenty of shopping that can be done.
Travel tips
Carry an iPod, a Lonely Planet guide to that area and surfboard. It is extremely important to swim between the flags and look for warnings from the local lifeguards that are on duty.
Barry Lee Cummings
Managing Director, Maximum Net Gain
Why I prefer a beach holiday
One reason: you can do so many things from a beach base. For that reason, Koh Samui (southern Thailand) was a particularly memorable beach destination. The beach is right at your door. You can also choose to base yourself a little away from the city. This way you can have access to the nightlife when you want it, but also have that chilled out time by the sea or the pool. Incidentally, Koh Samui was voted the world's most beautiful airport.
Planning for the holiday
Most of the planning was done by Naomi, my friend, and we tied the trip in with some time in Bangkok as well. The planning we did was more on the ground once we got there. We had our trusted Lonely Planet guidebook so we had an idea of what we wanted to see and do. One great resource that we did use was www.wotif.com, where you can get some amazing deals.
My holiday experience
We hired mopeds to get around the island, so as well as our beach time, we explored the island quite a bit. I highly recommend mopeds over a jeep because you can take off to just about anywhere. We were there during the New Year celebration, Songkran, and it can be a little daunting on the mopeds riding through the streets when people are throwing buckets of water at you, but it's an amazing experience. I will definitely go back to do some scuba-diving.
Travel tips
Take along your MP3 player and some good company - it is always great to share new experiences with someone.
Ideal beach destinations
Khao Lak, Thailand
4 days 3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, airport transfers and 3-star accommodation
Price per person: starting from Dh6,330 on twin- sharing basis (does not include airport taxes and surcharges)
Contact: Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays on 04-2956777, email: holidays@alrostamanigroup.ae
Seychelles
4 nights (stay 3 nights - 4th night free) Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare and transfers, taxes, stay at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles in a Garden View Villa
Price per person: starting from Dh9,410 valid until June 30, 2011
Contact: Dnata Travel, Tel: 8008118, www.dnatatravel.com
Langkawi, Malaysia
4 days 3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy airfare, 3-star hotel stay on BB basis and airport transfer
Price per person: Dh3,950
Contact: Bonton Tours and Travels LLC. On 04-2228283, email: info@bontontours.com
Country holiday
Tamara Souza
Dubai-based freelance tour guide
Why I prefer a countryside holiday
Last year, I went to Tuscany, Italy, with my husband, sister and brother-in-law and simply loved that holiday experience. Actually it was my sister who chose this destination and I think it was a great idea. We visited several small cities including Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra and Cortona. Our adventure began in Lucca.
Planning a holiday
We didn't book this trip in advance. It all happened on the spur of the moment. My husband got a few days off and we got on the first available flight to Rome and from there we went by train to Lucca.
My holiday experience
In Lucca, we visited spectacular churches like the Chiesa di San Michele, the Chiesa di San Frediano, and the Guinigi tower. My favourite place was the Piazza Anfiteatro, an oval-shaped plaza from the Roman times. The city grew around it and today it is filled with cafés and restaurants. We also visited San Gimignano another fortress style city, then stopped in Pisa to take pictures at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and we bought ourselves souvenirs - Tuscan hats and magnets.
Our Bed and Breakfast at San Gimignano (La Fornace di Racciano) was located on the outskirts of the city. After visiting places of interest like museums and climbing towers, we rented a vintage scooter, started our adventurous trip. We visited Volterra, Colle di Val D'Elsa and Monteriggioni and stopped at several sunflower fields for pictures. We also went on a guided tour from San Gimignano to Siena, visited the Cathedral and had coffee at Piazza del Campo.
Travel tips
Under the Tuscan Sun is a great book to get a feel of the place. Light clothes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and sneakers are some of the things you should take along.
Vanessa Salvatti Franulovic
Dubai-based Portuguese teacher
Why I prefer a countryside holiday
I love nature and Serra de Ibitipoca in Brazil is an amazing countryside place where you can get up and close with natural forests, animals, waterfalls and lakes away from the noise, pollution, bright lights and malls. You can wake up to the chirping of birds, experience nature in all its glory and in the evening sit by the fire and enjoy roasted marshmallows. I chose this destination because it's close to my home town back in Brazil.
Planning a holiday
I usually go on holiday with friends and planning our holiday depends on who is accompanying us. If children are travelling with us, we opt for comfortable accommodation at nice hotels. If we are on our own and the goal is adventure we go for cheap inns and have lots of fun there! I went on this trip with friends and their families. We researched the destination and found that we could reach the city after an hour of off-road driving.
My holiday experience
Choosing such a place means that you should not expect much of technology and comforts. It's all about going back in time, enjoying the silence and meditating. Be ready to wake up in the morning to the aroma of Brazilian coffee. You can also enjoy delicious breakfast prepared by the elderly local women who greet you with their toothless smiles. After a day of enjoying the natural wonders, we spent the evening at one of the great inns in town, dancing a very typical countryside Brazilian dance along with the guy playing the concertina. You will come back home feeling rested.
Travel tips
Carry warm clothes, as the temperature drops at night; tracking backpacks, buy lots of insect repellents and snacks for the long hiking trips.
Ideal country destinations
Athens, Greece
4 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, 4-star accommodation (bed & breakfast)
Price per person: starting from Dh2,599
Contact: Al Futtaim Travel on 04-2319200, email: holidays@alfuttaim.ae
Edinburgh, Scotland
3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, airport transfers, taxes and accommodation
Price per person: Dh6,285 on twin-sharing basis
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-3344330, email: info@lama.ae
Nice, France
4 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, airport transfers, taxes and accommodation
Price per person: Dh4,950
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-3344330, email: info@lama.ae
Mountain holiday
Arti Vardhan
Director, Prism Advertising
Why I prefer a mountain holiday
I have travelled almost all over India but it is the mountains that have always beckoned me. I love the serenity, natural beauty and the peace in the mountains. So last year during the summer break I convinced my husband that we should take a short cool break in the mountains.
We had been to most of the places in the Himalayas. Nainital, Dehradoon, Shimla, Rishikesh I felt had become very crowded. Since we were going with the children, we realised we could not go on a very adventurous trip so we finally short-listed Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Planning a holiday
We sought the help of a travel agent to reserve our accommodation and the short trips around Manali. It was necessary to plan ahead as it was peak season and we - husband, two kids and I - didn't want end up stranded with no place to stay.
My holiday experience
The place was marvellous. The beautiful snow-capped peaks, the still and clear Beas river, fruit orchards, the Alpine and deodar trees. It was truly a feast for the eyes and the soul. After a day in Manali we went to Rohtang Pass. We also visited the beautiful Doshohar Lake and on our way to Rohtang, saw the Rahala waterfalls. We also stopped by Kothi and Gulaba (popular with the Bollywood film-makers for their scenic beauty). Apparently skiing is possible even in summer months (May and up to mid-June). I went paragliding - it offered unforgettable views and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Travel tips
Carry your stuff in rucksacks and backpacks. Smaller day packs are recommended too as are high-quality sleeping bags, a first-aid kit, torch and batteries, water bottle, towel, sunscreen, toiletries, camera and other essentials. Carry and wear hiking or walking boots or sports shoes, a water/wind proof jacket with a hood, loose-fitting lightweight trousers and shorts, thermal inner wear, sweater, T-shirts, thick socks, gloves, a woollen cap, sun hat and sunglasses.
Melissa Hidalgo
Senior international marketing consultant, Century Global Properties
Why I prefer a mountain holiday
A mountain vacation helps me get in touch with my true self. The natural beauty of the place has the power to make you introspect and to be one with nature. One place I truly like is Appenzell in Switzerland. Seeing farmers carrying the cheeses they made to the market looks so out-of-touch with the notion of Swiss modernity. Listening to the farmers talk with pride about their produce and of the minute details of cheese production was interesting.
Planning a holiday
I got together a few like-minded friends, made the bookings and set off. Bonding with friends is what makes a trip valuable.
My holiday experience
My favourite experience was having a hot chocolate at the mountain inns in Appenzel while chatting with the owners. Another important moment was the overnight stay at an authentic Swiss farm (which had no electricity) relishing home-made macaroni and cheese. Viewing the exotic scenery and petting the sheep, goats and cows with the proverbial Swiss bell tinkling in the background was really exciting. And yes my holiday can't get over without a touch of adventure; I hiked the Alps to explore the spectacular displays of nature.
Travel tips
Don't forget your knapsack, a heavy towel, flash-light, cap, mineral water, and also, a sleeping bag, warm blanket and some Swiss chocolates for energy since you need the sustenance to be in the mountains.
Ideal mountain destinations
Geneva, Switzerland
3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare and 3-star accommodation (Bed & Breakfast)
Price per person: starting from Dh2,799
Contact: Al Futtaim Travel on 04-2319200, email: holidays@alfuttaim.ae
Chiang Mai, Thailand
3 nights/4 days. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, 3-star hotel stay and airport transfers
Price per person: Dh3,950
Contact: Bonton Tours and Travels LLC on 04-2228283, email: info@bontontours.com
Vienna, Austria
3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare, all transfers and entrance fees taxes, 3-night stay in 3- or 4-star hotel
Price per person: Dh3,960 on twin sharing
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-3344330, email: info@lama.ae
City holiday
Xavier Nunes
Brand manager, Kraft Foods
Why I prefer a city holiday
I've always wanted to go on a backpacking tour of a city. I like to get to know as much as I can about the city - the cultural delights, the local food, the history, lesser known places in the city...I chose Singapore because it was one of the cities about which I wanted to know a lot more. Since I had four weeks of holidays, I decided to include a few other cities such as Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and Bali in Indonesia in my schedule.
The trip was a mix of adventure, social and cultural experience in four different countries, where the highlights were getting to know the people/culture; exploring the country's history; and exploring amazing little-known places like Puc Island in Vietnam.
Planning a holiday
When I plan my vacations I always check online for hotel bookings on websites like www.hotels.com and www.venere.com. They offer the best deals. I also find out the popular tourist destinations, lesser known sights, artefacts...
My holiday experience
One on my best experiences was in Singapore. I enjoyed the famous chilli crab while seated at a restaurant by the canal, visited Sentosa Island - a haven for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. We also visited China Town.
In Vietnam, we enjoyed a night in Ha Long Bay on a boat - an amazing rock island worth visiting and which boasts plenty of photo ops. Another spectacular place is Hoi An near Da Nang village, a nice fishing village.
Travel tips
Interact with local people, hire a tuk tuk and drive around the village, feel the air, the smell of the city, and indulge in some people watching.
Michael Kruger
Fashion photographer
Why I prefer a city holiday
There are loads of pluses about going on holiday to a city! First, you're never too far away from the airport, which means commuting from airport to hotel is not too much of a problem. One of my favourite holiday destinations is Cape Town because I was born in South Africa, but while growing up never ever spent any time there. After living in London for many years, it wasn't until just a couple of years ago that I made it over there! The strong selling point was just the exotic nature of being in Africa and everything that goes with it. A few things drew me to Cape Town. I'd always wanted to go to the top of Table Mountain, visit the vineyards of Stellenbosch and more.
Planning a holiday
Having a lot of knowledge about how South Africa ticks helped me, but for those who are not sure, you need to know that it is still developing its public transport system. To get around you should hire a car and get GPS/sat-nav. It's better and cheaper to book one before you arrive. The other thing to prep for is the climate. The best time of year to visit is between October and April, when the weather is warm to hot and at its most settled!
My holiday experience
A big must is getting to the summit of Table Mountain. It can be done in two ways - the easy way, by cable car, and the hard, by foot. Another must-see is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area. A great attraction here is the Cape Town Aquarium and you can spend a full day shopping, eating and being entertained by the local street buskers and bands. No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a day or two in Stellenbosch.
Travel tips
Keep as little as possible with you while touring. Never leave the hotel without that life-saving water bottle and a bit of sun cream.
Ideal city destinations
Paris, France
4 nights. Package inclusive of round-trip economy-class airfare and 4-star accommodation (bed and breakfast).
Price per person: starting from Dh4,949
Contact: Al Futtaim Travel on 04-2319200, email: holidays@alfuttaim.ae
Istanbul, Turkey
4 days 3 nights. Package inclusive of return economy-class airfare and stay in a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
Price per person: starting from Dh3,315 on twin-sharing basis (does not include airport taxes and surcharges)
Contact: Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays on 04-2956777, email: holidays@alrostamanigroup.ae
Singapore
4 nights. Package inclusive of round-trip economy-class airfare, airport transfers and taxes and stay at Orchard Parade with breakfast .
Price per person: Dh4,415 on twin-sharing basis
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-334 4330, email: info@lama.ae
Eco holiday
Nehemia Matthyssen
Personal assistant for a construction company
Why I prefer an eco holiday
I have been to a few eco-friendly destinations, such as Suriname, Ecuador and Indonesia. I enjoy an eco holiday because you not only have a great holiday, you are also supporting the local community and as a result the local community takes better care of the flora and fauna around them.
Planning a holiday
The internet is my tool to get in contact with local eco tour operators, book train tickets and accommodation. It's a bit of a hassle but it means I save time and money. I read other people's experiences and blogs just to prepare myself for the best and also the worst. One of the pitfalls of planning is that you tend to plan too much, so be sure to include rest periods in your travel schedule.
My holiday experience
In Suriname, some fellow students and I went on trips in a korjaal (a small wooden boat with a motor behind it) on Suriname's interior rivers, which is part of the Amazon. We stayed with the Maroons (descendants of escaped West African slaves) and also with the Wayanas (one of the original inhabitants of Suriname). They rent out huts which have no electricity or running water. We bathed in the rivers and enjoyed the local meals. Discovering all the animals that live there in the wild was a highlight of the trip. On my trip to Ecuador, I visited Galapagos to see its unique flora and fauna. I hopped from island to island with a perfect ending at Ecuadorian Amazon, where I stayed with the indigenous people, saw some pink dolphins and ate lemon ants. The island of Java, Indonesia, has the most amazing volcano. You can climb it to view the crater.
Travel tips
Travel light and forget about bringing your watch, high heels or iPad. Don't bring any books or music, let nature be your only entertainment. Enjoy the silence. However, do bring insect repellent and a hammock in your backpack!
Suad Al Halwachi
Director, Education Zone, Knowledge Village
Why I prefer an eco holiday
My memories of a holiday to Stewart Island in New Zealand are not very recent. It happened back in the days when fully loaded mobile phones, iPads and all the other gadgets that keep us connected 24/7 were not readily available. So one can quite literally disappear while on a holiday. For me, an eco trip is the best way to go back to the pre-gadget era. I chose Stewart Island because a lot of my friends had been there and had a great time. Listening to the experiences my friends had had, I decided I must make a trip.
Planning for eco holiday
My travel agent was adamant that Stewart Island represents his highest sales in New Zealand. It also suited me because it was a five-day package. Being a student consultant my time is not always mine, hence the choice to visit this destination had all the advantages in terms of value for money, time, beauty, and serenity in one place.
My holiday experience
We went for a day-long hike, saw some amazing sights and spotted some rare birds. The trees, shrubs, flowers and ferns were really beautiful. The smell of vegetation is so wonderful like that of a freshly-mown lawn. So engrossed were we absorbing the wonders of nature we didn't notice that our legs were covered with mud and our faces scratched due to low branches. The view of the sunset was picture perfect. The memories of the journey still remains. I want to go for such a trip again, surely before I turn 60.
Travel tips
You can reach this island by boat or ferry, the sea is rough so seasickness tablets are a must. Other items to carry include a good pair of boots, a couple of jeans, T-shirts and jackets. Carry light food such as biscuits, dried meat, chewing gum, sweets and noodles. Some canned foods are a must too. Night entertainment is limited so you need to bring a book, board games or cards.
Ideal Eco Destinations
Pinnawala/Kandy/ Kalawana/Bentota, Sri Lanka
6 days. Package inclusive of round trip economy-class airfare, airport transfers and accommodation
Price per person: starting from Dh3,650 on twin-sharing basis
Contact: Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays on 04-2956777, for more information email: holidays@alrostamanigroup.ae
Johannesburg and Kruger National Park, South Africa
2 nights each. Package inclusive of round trip economy-class airfare, all transfers and 3 or 4-star accommodation
Price per person: Dh8,950
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-334 4330, email: info@lama.ae
Kochi and Munnar, India (Kerala)
4 nights. Package inclusive of round trip economy class airfare, all transfers and accommodation with breakfast
Price per person: Dh3,280
Contact: Lama Holidays on 04-334 4330, email: info@lama.ae
Hina Navin is a Dubai-based writer
