I'm thinking of visiting Dubai. Where do I start?

First, give yourself a high-five, because you've made a fantastic choice. Dubai is a uniquely beautiful, clean, and very safe tourist destination; and starting in September 2020, is opening once again to travelers, with strict guidelines in place to keep everyone healthy. Die-hard nomads and travelers who have seen their travel plans halted due to the global pandemic, REJOICE! There's still at least one safe and exotic travel destination out there. Get ready for an exciting, culturally rich adventure you will never forget.

Because of the year-round hot weather, it is highly recommended that visitors come during the autumn and winter months.

Hire a reputable house or pet sitter

For the best travel deals, vacationers should look to visit during off-peak travel times, like September/October, and January/February. This can mean the difference between paying $130 per night at a luxury five-star hotel and paying as much as $700+ per night during peak seasons.

As it relates to the weather, the optimal time to visit is during November and December. While the summer temperatures can get as hot as  43°C (110°F) during the day, in November for example, the average daily temp is a balmy, more palatable 30°C (87°F) .In addition to perfect weather, holiday decorations are on display; so if you can get a good deal during this time, take full advantage.

Most importantly, look for ALL-INCLUSIVE deals. This is perhaps the most important piece of advice we can offer. Hotels in Dubai host some of the top culinary brands in the world, and you don't want to be denied ANY of it. So whenever possible, focus on vacation packages that includes HALF-BOARD; meaning breakfast AND dinner are included daily. Half-board packages allow you  the freedom and flexibility to try everything. That's what it's all about, isn't it?



Despite its reputation as a playground for the wealthy, an affordable trip to Dubai is completely within reach for the average, working-class traveler. Good deals become available all the time. So don't be afraid to do the research and take the plunge. This is by far a journey worth taking.

And in case you are wondering, yes...there are many quality affordable hotels in Dubai. 

The first step is pricing. One of our favorite tools is Priceline. Besides great deals on hotels, they allow you to custom-tailor your own AFFORDABLE vacation package, which can include flights, hotel and car rental for under $1000 per person. Click the blue box below to start pricing your dream trip to Dubai or other destinations.

Many of those who are genuinely passionate about travel agree that the vacation begins the moment you leave home for the airport, and the flight is just as much an exciting part of the journey as the destination itself. So be mindful to dress comfy, because flights to and from Dubai can be very lengthy (as long as 17 hours, depending on your city of origin).

Learn Packing & Preparation Tips

Colour Me Dubai recommends booking  any airline that will allow travelers to bring two suitcases per person at no charge (Emirates is our top choice). Most airlines offer a greater luggage allowance if you book First/Business class.

The airlines tend to offer a good flight experience on a journey this long. They feed you well, serve complimentary beer, wine and spirits, have good entertainment systems and on-board wi-fi. While Emirates Airlines is our preferred choice, other airlines offer many if not all of the same comforts.

Become a Flight Attendant

No matter what the luggage allowance though, get the beat deal you can.

If you choose to plan your trip a la carte, look for cheap flights months in advance as well as last-minute offers. Most travel search engine sites allow you to sign up to receive notifications when deals become available to the city of your choice. Others will alert you when prices drop. Sign up and let them bring the deals to you.

Next, familiarize yourself with the dirham, the official currency of the UAE. Head into your adventure with a solid idea of the conversion rate on your country's currency. This will be especially helpful as you negotiate pricing for goods purchased at local markets.

Finally, make certain your passport and travel documents are current and up-to-date. Travelers should be advised that passports must not be close to expiring when you visit Dubai. For example, if your holiday is scheduled for January, but your passport expires in July, you will not be allowed to enter the country, no matter how short your length of stay. Travelers must have more than six months validity on their passports to gain entry into the UAE.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?

If you are a passport holder from the following countries/territories, no special visas are required to visit the UAE. Once you disembark from the airplane, head to Immigration, and your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visitor visa free of charge. Now including ISRAEL.

Andorra	Mauritius
Argentina	Monaco
Australia	New Zealand
Brunei	People’s Republic of China
Canada	Russian Federation
Chile	San Marino
Hong Kong	Singapore
Ireland	Ukraine
Japan	United Kingdom
Kazakhstan	United States of America
Malaysia	Vatican City

If your country or territory is listed below, your passport will be stamped with a multiple-entry 90-day visitor visa that is valid for six months from the date of issue. When all 90 days have been used, you may apply for a paid pre-arranged visit visa.

Austria	Greece	Portugal
Belgium	Hungary	Romania
Brazil	Iceland	Seychelles
Croatia	Italy	Slovakia
Cyprus	Latvia	Slovenia
Czech Republic	Liechtenstein	South Korea
Denmark	Lithuania	Spain
Estonia	Malta	Sweden
FInland	Netherlands	Switzerland
France	Norway	Uruguay
Germany	Poland

Rules vary for other countries. Be sure to check travel advisories often to get updates on travel restrictions.



Have any questions? Leave them in the comment section below! (Note: this is a fun and friendly forum, please keep it clean and courteous.)

LET THE PLANNING BEGIN!

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