Rennie Travel’s Lynn Howarth and Yasmeen Khan recently winged their way to Dubai by invitation of Emirates Air and their experience was so amazing that we thought it was worth sharing. Although they were going on business Lynn found out that Dubai is fabulous to take just a long weekend for a spoil-yourself getaway, as it is quick to get there and you can do so much in a short time.

When our travellers went in August it was hot - around 44 to 46 degrees C, but one must remember everything is air-conditioned and you don’t really feel the heat unless you are taking one of the great desert excursions. Probably the best time to go would be around Oct to Nov and with school holidays coming up and that season being upon us it’s best to book now!

The travel experience 

Emirates is a great way to fly and the flight going both there and back was fabulous. Worth mentioning is that even prior to the Sunday night late flight getting to the airport was a pleasure with Pogisos Transport, a name worth remembering. Our couple were lucky enough to experience Business class on Emirates which was incredible with extra legroom and all the mod cons that that airline has to offer. There is even a huge lounge in which to mingle and a mini-bar in the little booth you occupy on the 380 which was the aircraft for their return flight.

From the bag drop off in Jhb (with a slight delay at customs) to arrival at the Dubai International Airport, where taxis were freely available to pick our travellers up, the travel experience was great. By the way, the taxis all take all forms of payment and issue business expense slips. Our travellers used a Trip Source app for travel slips which is very convenient. Just one other point is that on the return flight, you also get to experience the amazing Emirates lounge at the airport which has everything from a restaurant to spas and showers. All round, the travel experience was a memorable part of the getaway!

The Destination 

As a destination, Dubai is quite remarkable. What has arisen out of the desert in a relatively short period is nothing short of spectacular. Ultra-modern architectural wonders reach for the skies all vying to be higher and more amazing than the next. It is a vibrant, exciting place teeming with a mix of cultures all with a common goal to experience the best of what this wonder city can offer.

Our pair stayed at the Ibis Hotel, very central and close to the business centre and the Mall of Dubai, the hub of this shopping Nirvana. It is a mall like one will not experience anywhere else. It even includes an Aquarium that stands 3 stories high in which you can go diving!

Unfortunately Lynn’s time there was short but she reports that the must-sees and do’s in Dubai are Atlantis - a world of dining, entertainment, Aquaventure and incredible experiences, as well as Jumeirah beach and the desert experience, to name just a few. Even in their short stay just spending time at the Mall of Dubai our team experienced very friendly people all eager to please and make you feel at home in the restaurants, and it’s noticeable that to encompass all cultures the eateries all serve Halaal, Vegan and Vegetarian apart from the norm. Just be warned that for the South African, this is an expensive destination and it can cost as much as R250 for a hamburger, as scrumptious as it may be!

In summary

Apart from ensuring you take plenty of money to shop and enjoy, Lynn advises that you pack to be cool and comfortable and she summarises the trip as an unforgettable experience both in the air and on the ground. The architecture, lighting and technology are so incredible that they make this place a sightseeing experience with a difference. You will be dazzled and amazed, but at all times feel pampered and comfortable.

Remember to always be advised by and book through Rennies Travel as we have the best packages available in Dubai for the school holidays right now and the forthcoming year-end holidays. Talk to us today if you’d like to fly to Dubai for an all-time high – or customise any vacation anywhere in the world that suits your availability and pocket. Whatever your travel needs, Rennies Travel has got you covered!