Everybody has a list of favourite holiday destinations in their minds. But over time, plans change and eventually the trip gets pushed to next year. After all, every international holiday requires the right planning and preparation.And for people living in Dubai the good news is that a lot of these dream destinations are just a few hours flight away, with direct connections from DXB. Big holidays don’t happen often. So when your turn comes, think twice and pick your favourite destination wisely. Choose a place where you can enjoy new experiences, something you will remember – and something you can’t get anywhere else.
So here are 7 international destinations that are worth visiting at least once in your life, along with flight time and best season for each.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is the country that comes in mind when people think about snow mountains, lakes and green valleys. The flight from Dubai to Zurich or Geneva is around 6 to 7 hours. Places like Interlaken, Lucerne and Zermatt are very popular, and the train journeys like Glacier Express are an experience by themselves. Switzerland is costly as compared to other places on this list, so my suggestion is to take a Swiss Travel Pass which covers most of the trains, buses and boats. You need a Schengen visa for this trip, so apply at least one to two months before.
2. Japan
The Land of Cherry Blossoms, Japan is two worlds in one, where modern and old has been existing side by side for years. Fly from Dubai to Tokyo in about 9 to 10 hours and you will find neon lights and the famous Shibuya Crossing waiting for you. Visit Kyoto, where old temples, wooden houses and gardens take you back in time.The bullet train between cities is fast and always on time, which is a big plus point for travellers. Best time to visit is March and April for cherry blossom, or October and November for autumn colours.
3. Turkey
Turkey is a good mix of history, food and nature, and the flight to Istanbul is only around 4 to 5 hours. In Istanbul you can visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, and do a Bosphorus cruise in the evening. After that most of the tourists go to Cappadocia for the hot air balloon ride over the rock valleys, which is one of the most famous balloon rides in the world. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, because the summer gets very crowded and the winter is very cold in Cappadocia.
4. Egypt
Now if you are interested in history, then Egypt is a must visit country at least once. The flight to Cairo is around 3 to 4 hours from Dubai. But here is the truth. The photos of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx look different than the real ones. And watching them closely feels like a moment you won’t forget for the rest of your life. Simply stop there and enjoy the beautiful panoramas. Many travellers also add Luxor for its old temples and a Nile cruise. Others go to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh to snorkel in the Red Sea. October to April is the best time because the summer in Egypt is as hot as Dubai.
5. Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is a very popular choice for honeymoon couples and also for people who want a relaxing holiday with nature. The direct flight is around 8 to 9 hours. In Ubud you see rice terraces, temples and monkey forest, and in Uluwatu and Seminyak you get beaches, cliffs and beach clubs. When its about Bali holiday packages from Dubai, 5 to 6 nights is the ideal duration so you can stay in Ubud and the beach area both. Most of the Bali holiday packages from Dubai include flights, hotels and a private driver, which is helpful because public transport is limited there.
6. Kenya
Suppose you want to see wild animals in their natural home, then Kenya is the place to go. The flight to Nairobi is around 4 to 5 hours, which is shorter than most people expect. Masai Mara is the main highlight where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs from the safari jeep. From July to October there is the Great Migration, when lakhs of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. Kenya holiday packages are usually of 4 to 6 days and include park fees, safari jeep and lodge stay. Since a safari needs proper planning, it is better to book Kenya holiday packages through an agent instead of doing everything by yourself.
7. Maldives
Maldives is the place you see in every travel photo with water villas and blue sea, and it is only around 4 hours from Dubai. The main activities of Maldives tour packages are snorkeling, diving, sunset cruises and just relaxing on the beach. Big plus point is that Maldives gives free 30 day visa on arrival to tourists of all nationalities. The resorts are expensive, but staying on local islands like Maafushi can save a good amount of money. November to April is the dry season and best time to visit.
Quick Comparison Table
Destination | Best For | Flight Time from Dubai | Best Time to Visit |
Switzerland | Mountains and lakes | 6 – 7 hours | Jun – Sep, Dec – Mar |
Japan | Culture and cities | 9 – 10 hours | Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov |
Turkey | History and balloon ride | 4 – 5 hours | Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov |
Egypt | Pyramids and Nile | 3 – 4 hours | Oct – Apr |
Bali | Honeymoon and nature | 8 – 9 hours | Apr – Oct |
Kenya | Wildlife safari | 4 – 5 hours | Jul – Oct |
Maldives | Beaches and water villas | Around 4 hours | Nov – Apr |
Having said that, visa rules and prices keep changing, so always check the latest requirements as per your passport before booking.
