The Best Places To Travel To From The UAE In 2018

It’s a new year and it’s time for an updated list of new travel destinations to visit! From those of us who are already based in the UAE to those who are looking to fit in another trip while visiting the UAE, there are numerous unique places to quickly and cheaply see from Dubai International Airport. Here are a few ideas for the best places to explore from the UAE for the new year.

Georgia

Quickly becoming a tourist hotspot for its delightful capital, Tbilisi, its grand Caucasus Mountains and its wide-open hills for hiking and camping, Georgia is always a good idea – especially if you’re looking for a wild escape into nature from the UAE. With each coming year, the popularity of this absolutely stunning country grows, so make the trip to Georgia this year before it gets completely overrun with tourists!

Montenegro

Uzbekistan

While the breakup of the Soviet Union was a long time ago, Uzbekistan has only recently been opening up its borders to more tourist and travellers from around the world are discovering this Central Asian gem. A cultural and historic empire that housed some of the most colourful cities along the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan is only a three-hour flight away!

Oman

Oman has grown to become one of the best places in either the Arabian Peninsula or in the Middle East. Perfect for those who dare to travel to lesser-known areas of the world, you’ll get an intimate look into its authentic culture and stunning nature. Neighbouring the UAE with a long border (so there really is no excuse not to hop on over), you’ll be able to enjoy dazzling deserts, rocky mountains, secret natural springs and wadis and some of the most hospitable people in the region.

Rwanda

Statistically one of the safest countries in Africa, Rwanda is one of the best gateways to Sub-Saharan Africa with easy access for tourists, the perfect mixture of both urban and nature and one of the best gorilla reserves on the continent. Only a six-hour flight away from Dubai, if you’re already in the UAE, then this is the best way to get a glimpse of Central Africa.

Zanzibar

An island off the coast of East Africa and part of the country of Tanzania, Zanzibar has a long history with the UAE. Here on the island, you can visit the deeply thought-provoking Stone Town with its memorial for the slaves taken from Africa for the Indian Ocean slave trade. Or, explore the wonderful blend of different cultures that make up its colourful markets and cuisine while enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa.

Sri Lanka

Often overlooked or mistakenly believed to be a part of India, Sri Lanka is a unique and fiercely independent country with some of the warmest people in the region. Experience the rush of the capital Colombo, explore Sri Lanka’s ancient history and culture in the mountainous town of Kandy or bask in the misty allure of the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, all for a cheap ticket from Dubai (usually only around 300 dollars, roundtrip)!

The city of Kandy is considered the cultural heartland of the island

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.