Are you looking for weekend getaway inspo? We’ve found five places within five hours of the UAE that are all just a Fly Dubai flight away and waiting to be explored!
1. Georgia: Tbilisi’s Abanotubani District
Must Try Activity: Sulphur Bath Experience
Surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia has loads of history, stunning views, and the warmest hospitality. While Tbilisi, the capital city, has loads of attractions to keep you busy, you should venture into the Abanotubani district to experience the extra special. Here, hidden beneath cobbled streets, lie the sulphur baths. Here, you can have a relaxing soak surrounded by ancient architecture, let the mineral-rich waters give your skin some TLC, and let go of those work worries on your mind. Check out our round-up of things to do in Georgia for more inspiration for your trip.
2. Romania: Transylvania’s Biertan Fortified Church
Must Try Activity: Wine Tasting Tour in Sibiu
Not often first on the list for a holiday in Europe, Transylvania in Romania should be. A place that combines legends, folklore, and breathtaking nature, it’s a world away from the bustling streets of Bucharest. While Bran Castle is a must-see, you should also visit the enchanting Biertan Fortified Church. Tucked away in a pretty little village, this UNESCO World Heritage site has remarkable medieval architecture and a fascinating history. A 1-hour journey to the nearby Sibiu for a wine-tasting experience in acres of vineyards and rolling hills is highly recommended after a day of exploring.
3. Sri Lanka: Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge
Must Try Activity: Join a Cooking Class in the Local Village
Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean, has lush landscapes, historic ruins, and a vibrant and welcoming culture filled with things to do. Sitting back with a cold drink on the pretty beaches should be on your list, and so should a trip into the hill country to check out Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge. This beautiful piece of architecture, hidden in nature, has fantastic views and offers a glimpse into the island’s past. After hiking or exploring the bridge, you could join a cooking class nearby and learn the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cooking from local experts.
4. Istanbul, Turkey: Balat’s Street Art
Must Try Activity: Ottoman Calligraphy Workshop
Istanbul is a city where the East meets the West, where history and modern living coexist peacefully. Iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are mega-popular, but a trip to the neighbourhood of Balat is free and just as fun. You can wander through its colourful streets covered in funky street art and learn about the neighbourhood’s rich culture. Afterwards, you could get involved in some Ottoman calligraphy and do a workshop that’ll teach you the intricate strokes and symbolism behind the old-time art form.
5. Maldives: Hanifaru Bay’s Marine Wonderland
Must Try Activity: Night Snorkelling with Luminous Plankton
Escape to the Maldives, where crystal-clear waters are filled with exotic fish and marine life. Although you’ll want to chill out at your overwater bungalow, a trip to Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll is an unforgettable experience. This UNESCO Reserve site is famous for its snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks – but a night snorkel to see the bioluminescent plankton lit up in the dark is a more magical one.
Explore our list of travel gadgets that could be handy on your next trip.
