From my experience when people mention Florida everyone thinks of just Orlando and the Disney parks. Although these parks are magical for children (and adults) and can make an adult feel like a child all over again. Being over twice the size of Ireland, Florida has so much more to offer.
Setting off with a folder of tickets, a handful of sucky sweets and a backpack the size of a German Shepherd to a foreign country is a daunting yet thrilling experience. No amount of research can prepare you, because realistically they all state the obvious – don’t go down dark alleys, don’t get in a van with strangers and most importantly DO leave the Crocs at home!
Whether it’s trekking through the Amazon rainforest in Colombia, exploring the night life on Koh San Road in Bangkok or ‘finding yourself’ in India, travel is a great way to meet new people and try new things.
Below is a list I’ve compiled on tips I wish I knew before my first backpacking trip.
Everything You Need to Know About This Modern Emirate!
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the UAE. Out of the population of 9.2 million, expatriates contribute approximately 7.8 million. The culture fusion in Dubai makes everyone from everywhere welcome and that is certainly how I felt when I travelled there for a week in January 2020.
Spots to Stay
I stayed in the 5 star JA Ocean View Hotel, a Jumeriah Beach Residence. We booked a Superior Twin Room for myself and my friend and it was perfect. The beauty of this room is that every room faces onto the sea so nobody pays extra for a sea view room, its a given. The photo below is a photo I took from the balcony. I would recommend staying in the JBR area and travelling to Downtown Dubai and Old Dubai, Deira when you want to sight see and not vice versa. Other hotel recommendations are the Sofitel, JBR Dubai or the Habtoor Grand Resort. As a young traveller, they are all of similar middle budget and won't blow you out of the water. They all provide beach bags with umbrellas for you to set up on the beach free of charge.
Cultural Differences and Customs
Before we went to Dubai, people were warning us that we could never wear a skirt above our knee and that our shoulders would need to be constantly covered. This however we found to be highly dramatic. You can wear summer attire in all tourist locations and swimwear on the beach. You need to wear a t-shirt and longer skirt in malls and more suburban areas of Dubai and cover up when you go into beach side bars and cafes, you cannot lounge in your bikini. When visiting a mosque, you must be completely covered but if it is a tourist attraction, you will be provided with such attire. You should not show public affection in public or be obnoxiously loud but there is signage to remind you. If I did not know any of this in advance I would not be able to notice anything different versus a holiday in Spain. In regards to tipping, it is similar to America in that tips are expected and you are often prompted to tip. It is not as pressured as America however and it is not expected in casual dining locations.
Attractions - what to do besides bathe
Below is a list of everything we got up to, I will include links of where we booked each excursion if possible:
We booked using the above link and it was amazing, this is what you can expect (perfect for Instagram pictures😉)
It takes a whole day so factor this in when building an itinerary before you leave home!
This was a fantastic way to spend 1.5 hours and you get to see the Palm, The Burj al Arab and spectacular views of Jumierah Beach.
This was the best foo
d I had in
Dub
ai. So elegant, tasty and an amazing experience. The Atlantis is incredible and I can't wait to be able to stay ther
e one day, ho
pefully😂👏
Breathtaking views of Downtown Dubai from 135 floors up, so worth it!
We were not going to go here but I am so glad we did.
Dubai do
es everything to the absolute highest standard and no expenses are spared. This is what I mean: