The Bahamas – Visiting Bahamas

The Bahamas, which has a population of just over 350,000 people, is such a warm and friendly place, making it ideal for families as well as individuals and couples. The islands lie in the mighty Atlantic Ocean about 100 miles off the east coast of Florida, making them an ideal location for cruises and weekend getaways. There is something in this tropical paradise for people of all ages.

Just one trip to the Bahamas is all it takes to realize why this beautiful series of 3,000 islands, islets, and cays is regarded as one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations. The Bahamas has it all; including soft sandy beaches, warm turquoise ocean waters, incredible five-star resorts, picturesque historical locations, and gorgeous weather. It may be a small nation physically, but it is definitely big on fun and adventure.

The exciting attractions to visit are simply endless. Some of the most popular include the Pirate Museum; Paradise Island’s water park, entertainment center and casino; the Queen’s Staircase; Fort Fincastle; Bay Street; the bustling Straw Market shopping district; the Ardastra Gardens zoo and conservation area; Fort Charlotte; the colorful Royal Victoria Gardens; Government House; and the fun-filled Crystal Cay Marine Park.

There are several electrifying events in the Bahamas each year with the Junkanoo Festival being the king of them all. This exhilarating celebration is similar to New Orleans’ famous Mardis Gras festival and Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. It is a yearly party which celebrates Bahamian culture, history, traditions, dancing, music, costumes, and cuisine. It is so popular that it’s held twice a year, in December. 26th and then again during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. It takes place in many of the nation’s towns, with Nassau holding the most extravagant parade. Smaller versions of the event are sometimes held in July and you can also visit the Junkanoo Expo museum to check out the colorful costumes.

Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to enjoy an excursion on one of the Bahamas many private islands. These islands offer everything you need to enjoy a pampered day at the beach such as showers, umbrellas, volleyball nets, hammocks, water sports equipment, children’s activities, massage tents, shops, bars, and restaurants.

When visiting the Bahamas, most cruise ships dock in the invigorating cities of Nassau and/or Freeport. Cruises to this fabulous destination are available all year long and the length of the trip will vary, depending on the specific journey you choose. The islands receive approximately five million tourists each year with many of them being returning visitors.

The cruise industry provides a value-based sector to the overall tourism product mix in the Bahamas, according to John Benneth, chairman of the Bahamas Tourism Organization. However, no shortage of unique challenges remain for Benneth and the entire Bahamas. “The biggest challenge is to re-invent our destinations all over the region into something new and exciting, while at the same time engaging our visitors in ways that spread the benefits as widely as possible. In effect, we need to provide great value and deliver a world-class destination experience on a continuous basis. The perception in the travel industry is that much of the region has gone ‘stale,'” explained the chairman.…

Loving Jamaica – Island in the Sun

As the winter quickly approaches, accompanied by its cold and snowy atmosphere, many are seeking getaways in the warmth of the Caribbean Islands; where the temperature is always hot and the beaches are many and easily accessible.

Jamaica is a unique country with beautiful people and picturesque landscapes from the lush mountain sides to the warm Caribbean Sea. From the black sand beaches of Treasure Beach to the almost blinding white sand beaches of Negril.

This Island has captured the hearts of many song writers, poets and avid travelers, and must be experienced in order to fully understand the reason why it has become so special to so many people.

It is saddening the negative publicity being poured into the media about this unique Island as the good far outweighs the bad.

The secrets it holds and the attractions that have found their homes in this amazing Island has made Jamaica a quality Island to visit for the best Caribbean vacation whether it be romantic or family.

Imagine exploring the depths of Green Grotto Caves, which was used as shelter by the first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians (Tainos) or having the opportunity to climb the World famous Dunn’s River Falls, which is 600 feet of cascading water over natural limestone terraces. Swimming with Dolphins, Stingrays and Sharks in their natural lagoons at Dolphin Cove, or going zip lining through beautiful rainforests and over one of the many Rivers that dance through the Island on its long journey to the sea.

This little Island holds something for everyone. The hopeless romantic may enjoy sipping cocktails while watching the sunset at Rick’s Cafe in Negril, using the magical background as a possible perfect proposal. The working parents are actually able to relax in the sun while their children build sand castles and swim in the safe Caribbean waters. The Backpacker who wishes to experience the “true” Jamaica from its roots up. Your Jamaican vacation is only what you make it but it can all be found in Jamaica.

It is sad but Jamaica does hold so many dazzling places that can be unfortunately missed due to the commercialization of the Island. Magical places like the Pelican Bar which is literally a shack in the middle of the Sea, that can only be reached by boat, but is surrounded by massive beautiful pelicans sunning themselves on a shallow reef surrounding the bar. Enjoying the view and feeling the empowerment of climbing the Blue Mountains, which is the largest mountain in Jamaica and home to the coffee plants that provide the best and famous Jamaican Coffee.…

Take a Road Trip up Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet, on the outskirts of the oasis city of Al Ain, is a popular destination for a quick and easy nature break from Abu Dhabi.

During the summer, the cool mountain air on the summit provides relief from the coastal heat.

This is the second highest peak in the UAE, and the winding road up to the top rewards you with far-reaching, sumptuous views across the mountain’s reaches and down to Al Ain.

At the top of the twisting switchback mountain road, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding desert stretching out in all directions.

Hafeet Mountain Road is a challenge for cyclists who use it frequently for training. The Jabal Hafeet Mercure Challenge is a road cycling competition held each January. National and international riders compete in the mountain’s 8% average ascent. [36] It hosted the arrival of the third stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour in 2015, which was won by Colombian Esteban Chaves. The road to the top of Jebel Hafeet has been a permanent feature of the UAE Tour since 2019. The mountain was visited twice for the 2020 edition. The first ascent was won by eventual Tour winner Adam Yates, and Team UAE’s promising young rider Tadej Pogacar won stage 5, which ended up being the race’s final stage due to concerns about the coronavirus.

View Sharjah Art Museum’s Renowned Art Collection

Sharjah Art Museum houses one of the world’s most renowned collections of work by Arab artists and Middle Eastern art.
Its permanent collection includes works by the biggest names in contemporary Arab art from the 20th century to the present, displayed in the Barjeel Collection Wing.
As well as art from18th and 19th century created by both Arab artists and European artists who centered their work on the Middle East.
This stunning museum features exhibitions and permanent collections by well-known artists. Explore the region’s history through the captivating works of art by Arab and local painters who have greatly enriched the Arab art scene.
This one-of-a-kind museum allows art enthusiasts and all visitors to admire the museum’s art collections and temporary exhibitions. In addition, the museum allows visitors to participate in its programs and workshops.
Investigate the silent magnificence of various mediums and techniques that will pique your interest. The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and art events throughout the year. Over 4000 titles in Arabic, English, and other languages, as well as visual and audio materials, are housed in the Art Library.
The museum is well-known for its temporary exhibitions program, bringing exhibits from established and emerging artists to the museum’s lower-floor galleries throughout the year.…

Explore Dubai’s Al Fahidi Quarter

The Al Fahidi district of Dubai (also known as Bastakia) is the last remnant of Old Dubai and should not be missed. This small heritage area evokes the city’s simpler, gentler past before skyscrapers took over the skyline.

Bur Dubai is home to the Al Fahidi Historical District. There are no official Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood hours for tourists to contend with; however, visitors are expected to consider the official opening hours of the museums and landmarks they intend to visit.

As you walk through the narrow winding alleyways, you will notice ochre-colored structures made of palm wood, coral, mud, or gypsum. Look up to see the wind towers atop the houses, which were the era’s answer to local air conditioning, with the towers designed to funnel cool air through the buildings. Take an Al Bastakiya tour on an abra along the Creek for the best experience.

The neighborhood’s narrow lanes are lined with carefully restored traditional buildings in traditional Arabian architectural styles, many with wind tower features that kept houses cool before air conditioning became common.

Many of the buildings now house small museums, art galleries, and craft shops, allowing visitors to see typical Arabian interiors.

The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is also located in the quarter and offers walking tours of the Al Fahidi quarter as well as on-site traditional meals for visitors interested in experiencing local culinary heritage.…

Family Fun at the Theme Parks

Dubai Parks & Resorts combines four major theme parks: Motiongate, which features rides themed after Hollywood films. Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park.

IMG Worlds of Adventure, which has rides, roller coasters, and experiences themed around both Marvel storylines and characters for older kids and the Cartoon Network for younger children, is also located in the city.

If all you want to do is splash around for the day, Dubai’s Wild Wadi Water Park is your best bet.

Wadi Adventure in Al Ain is the best water park for older kids and teenagers looking for more than just slides.

Due to its unique features, this theme park has become one of Dubai’s most famous tourist attractions. Let us fill you in on everything you need to know about this place if you have any questions. Let’s examine what makes this theme park unique:

It’s all about white water kayaking, surfing, and wakeboarding here, but there are also swimming pools for when you need a break from all the activities.

Two of the country’s most well-known branded theme parks are on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World is a thrill-paradise seeker with the world’s fastest roller coaster as its signature ride. At the same time, Warner Bros World features six worlds to explore, ranging from Cartoon Junction for small children to Metropolis and Gotham City, each with rides and attractions based on DC Comic storylines.…

Dhow Rides on Dubai Creek

The Burj Khalifa may provide a high-altitude view of the city, but the most iconic Dubai views are still from the water.

Dubai Creek runs through the city, and the best way to see it is from one of the gorgeous dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek.

Sunset cruises (which often include entertainment and dinner) are especially popular among visitors because they allow you to see the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk.

For a more affordable cruise, take one of the ablas (local ferries) that run between Bur Dubai and Deira.

A Dhow Cruise is one of the finest ways to learn about Dubai’s history and current developments. You can choose from a variety of cruise options that sail through the Deira and Bur Dubai areas. Heritage Village, Traditional Gold and Spice Souks, National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed’s House, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Grand Mosque, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Al Diwan (The Ruler’s Court), Rolex Twin Towers, and the Old Boat Fort are some of the iconic sights you will see while on a Dhow Cruise.

Having a classy BBQ supper laid out while floating down the calm Dubai Creek on our traditional Arabian dhow. It is a meeting that astounding surroundings, unparalleled generosity, and gracious councils believe in. One of the main draws of your Creek From Dubai excursion is a dinner cruise, which is the best way to take in the extensive views.

Some of Dhow Cruise experiences at Dubai Creek are well-known for the delectable dinners they provide. When booking a cruise, look for those that offer multi-course meals and enjoy sail under Dubai’s night sky.

If you need some guidance on best places in the area, check out https://www.tripadvisor.com/.…

Travel Destinations in UAE

The UAE is a well-liked destination for anyone seeking to combine a city getaway with some beach time because of the distinctive high-rise skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, surrounded by long sandy shorelines.

Easily accessible landmark tourist destinations include Dubai’s soaring Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre museum.

Both cities are known as the best destinations to visit by consumers thanks to their abundance of enormous malls. They provide families on vacation with a diverse selection of famous theme parks.

The UAE is more than just the contemporary glamour of its two largest cities, though.

The country’s interior’s desert and Hajar Mountains are known for their expansive views of the sky and action-packed excursions, such as 4WD drives across rolling dunes or the world’s longest zipline challenge over Jebel Jais.

The area has much more history than the contemporary buildings would have you believe. Sharjah and Al Ain are two cities committed to preserving Emirati culture.

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Take a Beach BreakFor many visitors, a vacation in the UAE revolves around the beach.

While temperatures drop across Europe and North America, the UAE’s punishing summer heat gives way to winter’s beach weather from late October to May.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the more obvious beach destinations, with city sightseeing, shopping, and theme parks all within easy walking distance of the sand.

Luxury resorts for sun and sand vacations in Dubai are concentrated along the coast west of the central city. The beaches around Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, in particular, have a plethora of family-friendly, five-star resorts dedicated to beach time.

Abu Dhabi’s luxury resorts line the shorelines of the city’s various islands, so resort areas are more dispersed than in Dubai. Some of the best beach resorts in town can be found on Saadiyat Island, Marina Breakwater, and Khor Al Maqta.

There are more beach options away from these two destinations.

Particularly well-liked city getaways are the beach resorts in Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman. On the other hand, Al Aqah beach in the Emirate of Fujairah is a well-liked choice for beachgoers looking to avoid crowds on the eastern coast of the UAE.

  1. Zoom Up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a soaring sky-high landmark in Dubai and one of the most famous buildings in the United Arab Emirates.

It is not only the world’s tallest building (at 828 meters) but also the tallest freestanding structure, the highest observation deck, and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world.

Most visitor itineraries include a trip up to the observation deck with its panoramic views of Dubai, both to marvel at this modern engineering and architectural feat and to admire the dizzying views of Dubai below you.

  1. Admire Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a sizable, stunningly modern mosque.

By merging modern design with age-old quality, the mosque skillfully combines ancient and contemporary styles and methods to produce a fresh perspective of Islamic architecture.

The mosque’s white marble stonework is lavishly decorated with gold, mosaic tiles, and glasswork on both the exterior and interior. At the same time, the architecture itself blends the various mosque designs of multiple Islamic empires.

The prayer hall’s interior is carpeted with the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (5,700 square meters) and illuminated by chandeliers made of 24-karat gold and crystals. Outside, the expansive marble courtyard features a massive swirling floral floor mosaic of semi-precious stones.

  1. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s newest and most spectacular museum, takes visitors through human history.

To demonstrate the links between cultures and civilizations that have threaded through humanity’s narrative, the collection has been sourced from around the world and throughout the ages, beginning with the earliest human settlements and ending with works by prominent names in today’s contemporary art scene.

The museum is a major draw for anyone interested in world history or art.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a marvel of architecture, art, and culture located on Saadiyat Island.

This magnificent “museum city,” created by Jean Nouvel, is home to over 600 works of art that tell the story of human creation in twelve captivating chapters.

Art lovers will feel at home browsing the various galleries, while those interested in architecture can examine the complex construction of the building. Families will enjoy adoring the kid-focused app and interactive children’s museum, which give amazing stories about the many items.

You might spend the entire day touring this top-notch complex, with more than 55 buildings plus on-site dining, drinking, and shopping options.

  1. Get Active on Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah

Jebel Jais in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates and a major activity center.

You can come here to gaze out the viewing platform terrace near the summit at the vista of rugged Hajar Mountain peaks rippling down to the coastline plateau, or you can combine those views with some adventure activities.

The world’s longest zipline, which runs down the side of the peak for over two kilometers at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, is the most famous mountain experience here.

During the cooler months, Jebel Jais’ Via Ferrata climbing route offers guided tours for fewer speed thrills and more mountain time, while independent hikers can choose from six courses.

  1. Experience the UAE’s Desert Landscapes

Those seeking adventure should head to the UAE’s desert reaches, which stretch across the country’s southern interior.

Numerous adventure activities are available, including 4WD trips across the desert dunes, camel trekking, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides.

Popular desert day trips from Dubai or Abu Dhabi typically include dinner at a desert camp following a 4WD journey into the dunes and time at the center for other activities like sand boarding or short camel rides.

Other desert tours provide more opportunities for wildlife viewing, and specialized desert operators also offer overnight camping among the dunes.

The desert interiors of the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al-Khaimah also have several luxury desert resorts where guests can soak up the dune scenery and go on desert activities.