Top Places to visit from Dubai in 2023

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Are you considering taking a winter vacation somewhere else than Dubai? You would find good news in that that the Emirate is ideally situated to offer quick and simple access to a number of travel locations in Africa, Europe, and Asia! 

The following is a list of the top places to travel from Dubai that you can visit this December!

Celebrate Winters by Immersing in New Cultures, Exploring New Destinations, and Meeting New People!

Perplexed about where to go for a winter vacation? The top places to visit from Dubai can be found listed below. Bon Voyage!

1. Experience Christmas Cheer in Tbilisi, Georgia!

Georgia is one of the best places to fly from Dubai. UAE residents are allowed visa-free entry to Georgia. All the cities in the country, including Tbilisi, have a lot to offer. Tbilisi is a Christmas wonderland during December, making it an excellent winter travel destination. The churches and lively squares in the city are lit up, with these cold winter lights creating a contrasting warmth and bringing a Christmas cheer to the environment. 

Here are some activities worth participating in during the festive season in Georgia – 

  • Joining a winter walking tour of the city
  • Relaxing in sulfur baths
  • Georgian wine tasting in the traditional wine bars in the city
  • Relishing rare delicacies like khinkali, chikhirtma, lobio, and khachapuri
  • Purchasing Chilchilaki and participating in the holiday traditions
  • Visiting the Christmas markets
  • Going for a hike at Narikala Fortress and Mtatsminda 
  • Enrolling in a Georgian cooking class
  • Exploring the rich and unique architecture of Tbilisi 
  • Breathing in the city view in some of the best cafes in Tbilisi, like Minimalist Coffee, They Said Books, Erti Kava, Skola, Chocolatorie and Roastery at Hotel Stamba, Cafe Linville, Cafe Mukha, Coffee LAB, and more
  • Joining the Georgian tea ceremony at Bitadze Tea Shop
  • Taking a tour of the State Opera Theatre

2. Relax and Rejuvenate in Oman!

Oman is one of the best places to visit from Dubai. While Muscat and Musandam are the regular short vacation destinations in Oman, Salalah is the most visited one during winter. So if you are planning a trip to Oman, you can visit the white sandy beaches of Salalah. 

The complementary banana and papaya plantations make this place a tropical paradise. You can also go to Rustaq and the Island of Masirah and make the most of your winter holidays. 

The following are some things worth doing in the country – 

  • Wahiba Sand Tour
  • Explore the wildlife
  • Walk the beaches of Al-Sawadi
  • Tour the world heritage sites
  • Sightseeing the architecture like Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Al Jalali Fort
  • Explore grandeur structures like Nakhal Fort
  • Visit the Royal Opera House
  • Swim in Bimmah Sinkhole 
  • Trek the picturesque Snake Canyon
  • Shop at Muttrah Souk for jewellery, spices, handicrafts, and rare gems

If you are travelling with your family, you can visit the Shatti Al Qurum beach and the Muttrah Corniche, and spend time in Muscat. You can also visit Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and get an opportunity to view the endangered green turtle nests.

3. Witness the Fusion of Old and Contemporary in Azerbaijan!

Azerbaijan is a classic blend of ancient tradition and modern development. This unique mix makes it one of the best places to travel from Dubai. A fun fact about the country is that it homes the maximum number of ecological zones in the world, which is 9 out of 11. It requires a 3-hour flight journey to reach the destination. Once in Azerbaijan, you can go to Baku and visit the unique museums and explore stunning architecture.

Some activities worth exploring in the country are – 

  • Hiking through the less-travelled trails of the Caucasus mountains and the Gelersen-Gorersen fortress
  • Skiing at Tufangdag and Shahdag
  • Snowmobiling and quad biking at the Shahdag mountain
  • Ziplining in Khizi
  • Paragliding at Zaqatala and Caucasus mountain
  • Snow tubing with kids at Shahdag mountain and Ilisu village
  • Relishing rare delicacies like Dushbara, a soup with meat-filled dough balls
  • Relaxing amidst nature at Goygol National Park or Agh Gol National Park
  • Exploring the nightlife at Pivnaya Apteka and BeerBasha Restaurant

4. Get in the Christmas Vibe in Budapest, Hungary!

Budapest is widely considered a winter heaven in December. If you visit the national capital in December, you can get an opportunity to explore the Vorosmarty Square Christmas market which is famous for local handicrafts and mouth-watering Christmas delicacies like cinnamon chimney cake. 

You can also watch folklore-based theatrical performances and visit children’s craft workshops. Another Christmas market is organised at St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Some other activities and events you can enjoy are – 

  • Visiting the Buda Castle and intake the scenic city views
  • Relaxing in a thermal bath at Szechenyi Baths
  • Enjoying Budapest Nutcracker Show in the Hungarian State Opera House
  • Going on a river cruise in the River Danube
  • Enjoying Christmas musical concerts 
  • Ice skating at the Ice Rink Castle and Vajdahunyad Castle
  • Attending Budapest Christmas eve midnight masses
  • Spending a day at Gellert Spa hot springs
  • Taking a tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building
  • Trekking up to Mattias Church
  • Walking up Andrassy Avenue to Heroes’ Square

5. Nothing Like a Beach Vacation in Thailand!

Thailand has numerous interesting things to explore, especially if you go there around December. Thailand is a haven from the frigid winds of Dubai. Phuket is among the top tourist destinations in Thailand. You can discover the city's most beautiful beaches, including the national park-like Hat Mar Khao Beach. 

You will encounter a new kind of urban life in Thailand, one that is alive with the views and sounds of motorbikes, tuk tuks, Buddhist temples, rural communities, and historic ruins. If you prefer modernised tropical vacations, you will seldom find places better than Thailand. 

Given below are some things to try in Phuket – 

  • You can go to James Bond Island on a boat cruise in Phang Nga Bay or can take a full-day excursion to the fishing community of Koh Panyee. In this case, Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park is also worthwhile to visit if you have more time than simply a day. 

The most unusual species of birds, animals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles can be found there. Additionally, you can engage in thrilling activities like sea kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

  • Next on the list of things to do in Phuket is to savour the quaintness of the past in Old Phuket Town. You can come here to experience the stunning fusion of Chinese and colonial structures and indulge in mouth-watering Thai cuisine as well. 

Every Sunday, the Thalang Road hosts the Phuket Walking Street event, which draws tens of thousands of people and makes the area a popular hangout in the evening.

  • Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Banana Beach, Bang Tao Beach, and Laem Singh Beach are some of the noteworthy places to go.
  • If you prefer nature and wildlife, check out the trips available in the Khao Lak Park and the Khao Sok National Park. Both parks are home to a diverse range of plants and animals. 

You will see several wild elephants, big cats, and gazelles in action, so have your cameras ready. Also, take part in exciting pursuits like walking to a waterfall, elephant trekking, and bamboo rafting.

  • Phuket is a bliss for shoppers. In Phuket, many different pathways are there to explore, from thriving flea markets to enormous shopping centres. From there, you can purchase a wide range of goods, including designer clothing and accessories, jewellery, antiques, and traditional handicrafts. 

At the night markets and outdoor marketplaces, you can utilise your negotiating talents. However, if haggling isn't your thing, you can still enjoy using your credit cards at high-end retailers.

6. Explore India in All its Dimensions and Direction!

India is a great place to find the diversity you are seeking. This is one of the best places to travel to in December from Dubai due to the abundance of things to see and do, including stunning beaches and comfortable temperatures in the south and snow-capped peaks and deep forests in the north. 

Even if these are not of much interest to you, the nation's history, religious tourism, diverse culture, and cities (both large and small) with distinct personalities can nevertheless pique your curiosity. Additionally, this location is a true paradise for budget travellers. You can find delicious meals, easy transportation, and liveable lodging. 

You can discover this country's rich culture in December, with some places, events, and activities worth exploring being – 

  • Kutch Festival at the Rann of Kutch
  • A beach holiday at Lakshadweep
  • Camping at the Thar Desert in Rajasthan
  • Skiing at Auli, Uttarakhand
  • SunBurn & Christmas carnival in Goa
  • Islands of Andaman & Nicobar
  • Hornbill Festival at Nagaland
  • Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
  • Backwaters of Kerala

7. Enjoy the Christmas Market and Snowy Days in Armenia!

Armenia is a well-liked tourist destination for residents of Dubai and is an affordable winter destination within a 5-hour flying time from Dubai. In particular, if you are seeking a snowy Christmas, Armenia has a lot to offer. 

This nation, known for being one of the most ancient Christian nations in the world, goes all out for festivals. While a December vacation could prevent you from seeing all of Dubai's Christmas markets, Yerevan, the pink city, is home to a sizable number of them. Additionally, there are mountains and history everywhere you look to make your vacation worthwhile.

With the rose-coloured stone being utilised for many of its structures, the capital of Armenia is frequently referred to as the "pink city." History lovers can adore this place as it is one of the oldest continually occupied cities in the world. You can also go to Swan Lake, the location of rapper Kanye West's infamous swim during an unscheduled concert in 2015.

8. Winters and Paris is Always a Good Idea!

Paris is usually a wonderful idea, especially if you are looking for traditional European winter places to visit from Dubai. Paris continues to be one of the most well-liked vacation destinations from the UAE, and for good reason—it has glistening Christmas decorations, delectable winter sweets, and chilly December weather ideal for curling up next to a fireplace!

9. Explore Russia in December!

There is no better location for individuals in Dubai who require a truly radical departure from the UAE than St. Petersburg, Russia. You may visit what is perhaps Russia's most picturesque city for as little as $300 on the cheapest tickets. Even after you return to the heat of Dubai, the snowy landscape, appetising Russian sweets and warm cuisine, and vibrant culture can certainly have you daydreaming of Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky!

Things to Remember When Travelling Abroad

While it is natural to be excited for vacations and make plans for travel, you should first keep a few things in mind before travelling abroad for your winter getaway – 

  1. Make sure your passport and visa are up-to-date
  2. Check for health advisories and travel warnings and advisories
  3. Get vaccinations and fill prescriptions
  4. Buy an international travel insurance
  5. Stock your wallet with acceptable methods of payment
  6. Pack appropriately
  7. Always do your homework before you travel to another country – the more you know about the history and customs of your destination countries, the more you will enjoy and benefit from your journey.

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