This week I am going to try something different for my blog. Instead of describing my past travel experiences, I am going to research a destination. The city I have chosen is Dubai.

OVERVIEW:

Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most populous, along with Abu Dhabi. The emirates formed a unified nation after the British ended occupation of the Persian Gulf in 1971. Dubai's year round sunny climate and modern architectural monuments make it the eighth most visited city in the world.

SUGGESTED BASICS:
Departing from Rochester is always a hassle when going to a foreign city. Most airlines will not have direct flights, but rather multiple layovers in other cities. Using www.vayama.com, I found a flight from Rochester to Dubai priced at $1,728 per person through Klm-Royal Dutch Airlines. The passenger would fly from Rochester to New York, then from New York to Amsterdam, then from Amsterdam to Dubai. This would be tedious to most, with a travel time of twenty-one hours. The return flight only has a layover in Atlanta, but it's a long one; the travel time is over thirty-two hours.
I would suggest flying out of a bigger airport, such as JFK, Logan, or O'Hare. The price of the airfare will decrease significantly, but getting to the airport might cost more time and money.

Tourism is one of Dubai's main economic industries. A wide variety of hotels exist for travellers with different budgets.

BEST AVERAGE FAMILY HOTEL: Hilton Dubai Creek

This hotel is part of the worldwide Hilton chain, which makes it familiar to many Americans. The hotel has a pool, as well as many of the ammenities the average American would expect while traveling. Child-care is available, as well as infant cribs and hypo-allergenic bedding. Staying in April 2010 would cost $191 a night- not bad for a five-star hotel in the Middle East.

BEST BARGAIN HOTEL: Richmond Hotel Apartments

The Richmond Hotel Apartments are available in April 2010 for $51 per night. Many ammenities are included in the rooms, and most reviews claim that the hotel staff was attentive and friendly. Unfortunately, it is located 15 minutes by car from the popular shopping section.

BEST HOTEL FOR AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: One and Only Mirage Dubai

This five-star hotel has the look of a tropical paradise. It is costly- $531 a night. All normal ammenities are included in the room, plus more. The location is ideal for travellers in Dubai.


ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES:
Dubai's white sandy beaches and deep blue waters are sure to please travellers.

Dubai offers many opportunities for a Middle Eastern shopping experience. Just remember to barter with prices a bit (it's expected).

Touring the emirate is also fun, whether you get a bird's eye view from a hot air balloon or navigate the sand dunes with an SUV.

Dubai has many golf courses, most of them made of sand.

Wiki Wadi water park is typical of Dubai- modern and extravagant! Surfing is just one of the park's many attractions.

Visiting the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa (2625 ft)!


TRAVEL TIPS
As in any city, foreigners should be cautious. Children are well-liked and welcome in Dubai. Women traveling alone are usually treated respectfully, but some find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. The best thing for women to do is stay in hotels with higher ratings or in better neighborhoods. Travellers should also be aware of the Muslim culture of the Arabian Peninsula. In some of the rural areas, strict Islamic traditions are taken very seriously. Foreigners should be careful not to offend or disrupt any native customs.



Picture Citations:
http://readingshouts.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dubai1.jpg
http://www.alhiba.com/images/MiddleEastMap1.JPG
http://www.tropicbreeze.co.uk/images/2008crowneplaza.jpg
http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/images/hotels/Dubai%20Beaches/0003DXB.jpg
http://www.estatesdubai.com/uploaded_images/burj-khalifa-726453.jpg
http://www.ssqq.com/archive/images/dubai75.jpg