5 Must-See Architectural Marvels in Dubai

Money can't buy happiness? Habibi, come to Dubai.

All the superlatives - the highest, longest, greatest, biggest and largest of man-made items are found in Dubai. This UAE emirate is noted for its glittering nightlife, massive shopping centers, and spectacular architecture. In fact, Dubai is an architectural wonder dotted with cloud-piercing skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, huge aquariums, and luxury hotels. It also has the world’s largest shoe store and garden.

Let’s now check out 5 elegant architectural feats that you can see during a Dubai tour.

1. Burj Khalifa

At a towering height of 829.8 m or 2,722 feet and 163 floors, Burj Khalifa is the tallest free-standing building on earth.  It was designed by American architect Adrian Smith. Adrian said that the design of the building was inspired by the desert flower, hymenocallis. Burj Khalifa is a classic example of what is possible in architectural design and engineering. It combines Arab’s cultural influences with latest technologies, and today it shines as a global icon for compact and livable urban center.

2. Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel standing on an artificial island. It’s the only hotel to enjoy a 7-star status. The hotel was designed by respected UK-based design consultant Atkins, and the structure resembles the sail of a ship. It has a helipad as well on the roof. Typically, suites at Burj Al Arab comes at $18,716 a night.

3. Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is arguably the largest shopping center on the planet by total area (1,124,000 m2). It houses 150 restaurants, a theme park, a zoo, an aquarium, a waterfall and a luxury hotel. In this sense, the mall is seen as a microcosm of the city itself. It hosts more tourists than bigger cities such as New York and Los Angeles.

4. The World Islands

It is a group of 300 artificial islands off the coast of Dubai shaped like the world map. Designed by the city's premier development company, Nakheel Properties, the islands were made from sand. These private islands are divided into 4 categories - private homes, community islands, dream resorts, and estate homes.

Read more: Top 5 Facts You Should Know About Dubai

5. Atlantis, the Palm

Atlantis, the Palm is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the palm-like man-made island, the Palm in Dubai. It covers 46 hectares. Several residential properties dot its fronds and the hotel sits at the top. Atlantis also features exciting marine entertainment that families can enjoy together, as well as several award-winning restaurants with delicious cuisines from around the world.

Last Word

Dubai is stylish, classy, adventurous and rejuvenating. From a sleepy backwater back in the ‘90s to an incredible city with man-made structures dotting its skyline, this Arabian peninsula has come a long way. It never ceases to dazzle visitors with its riches and glamor reflected in the architecture. As a popular international travel destination, Dubai has many things to offer to those who don’t mind spending a little extra. Travelers from Ahmedabad and other cities in India can check out exciting Dubai tour packages for families at Flamingo Travels. Don’t miss it!

5 Wacky Things to Try on Your Australia Tour

A trip to Kangaroo land means a lot of experiences to tick off from your bucket list. While some experiences will be outright crazy, others would help you in getting a better understanding of Australian culture, diversity, and nature. When you are buying Australia tour packages, make sure to leave some time for these totally wacky things to do on your vacation.

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

The iconic bridge stands 134 meters above the sea level. What you get from there is the 360-degree view of Sydney. More than three million people have climbed the bridge in last two decades and more than 4000 wedding proposals were made on the bridge. It takes approximately three hours to climb the bridge and you can choose dawn, day, twilight or night for the climb.

Cage Dive with White Sharks

The Port Lincoln in South Australia is one of the handful places in the world that let you cage dive with white sharks. Head to the Neptune Islands for this thrilling experience. The island has high visibility and there are several tour operators that put you inside a secured cage for an encounter with the predators.

Read Related: Magical Melbourne with our Australia Tour Packages

Swim with Whale Sharks

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia is the place to be, if you want to snorkel next to whale sharks. The whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters long and are world’s largest fish. They gather in the region between March and August, and many Australia holiday packages include the experience for their customers during this period. You will also see manta rays, humpback whales, and dugongs.

Go on a Ghost Tour

If you want a spooky experience, there are ghost tours in Victoria that will certainly leave you with a memorable, if not frightening experience. You can be a part of the ghost tour to the Ararat Lunatic Asylum, Oldest lighthouse in Cape Otay, Altona Homestead or Ballarat’s old cemetery.

Take Up a Food Challenge

Food challenges are popular in Australia, especially Melbourne. Take up a good challenge to eat as much as you can within a time limit set by the restaurant. If you succeed, your name will be on the wall, if you fail, you might feel sick for a day or two.

Wrapping Up

A trip to Australia is incomplete if you don’t try at least one of these wacky things. Many travel companies that provide Australia tour packages from Ahmedabad can include one or all of these activities in your itinerary.

Top 4 Destinations for an International Holiday

Whenever most people think of international holidays, the first thing that comes to their minds is costs going through the roof. They always ponder upon things like how many years they need save up before they can travel finally. But this is not always the case. The destination one chooses decides the travel expenses. There are plenty of cheap international destinations one can visit without paying anything extra. Affordable flights, affordable accommodation and long days of sightseeing, shopping, feasting and sporting activities make up international tour packages for a handful of destinations.

Here are the top 4 picks for travelers from India.

1. Kathmandu, Nepal

Many good things in life are to be found not in some far-away fairyland but right under our nose. The largest Hindu country of Nepal is one such thing. Being an immediate neighbor of India, there’s a cheap flight connectivity between New Delhi and Kathmandu just across the border. Temples, mountaineering, rich culture, souvenirs, hospitality - there is a host of good reasons to visit this landlocked country protected by high mountains where traditional and modern is in the right mix.

2. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is another cheap international holiday destination with a charm that is still untouched. It is one of Thailand’s fast-growing tourist spots. Its
white beaches, blue waters and coral reefs are so beautiful that many people who see them on pictures for the first time mistake them for photoshopped images. Scuba diving, the discovery of fauna and flora in tropical forests, cave exploration, beach hopping, relaxation on islands and hot springs never cease to captivate visitors.

3. Malé, Maldives

This tropical island nation is famous for its beaches, extensive reefs, and blue lagoons. Major tourist attractions in the capital Malé include a busy fish market, colorful architectures, mosques, shops, and restaurants. Turquoise waters, rejuvenating spas, atolls, and underwater life makes Malé a refreshing destination away from busy city life. There is air connectivity between major Indian cities and Maldives. Steeped in high cultural taste, Maldives continues to woo travelers from India because of its memorable experiences.

4. Singapore

Singapore is another ideal destination for travelers with limited time and a tight budget. According to recent statistics from the World Tourism Organization, it is the 5th most visited city by international tourist arrivals. A multicultural city-state with rooftop bars, yearlong festivities, endless shopping, and wonderful artworks in cool neighborhoods, Singapore is soaked in everything one expects to find in any modern city. One can watch past and present, old and new mingling harmoniously across this Lion City.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the leading international destinations for vacations. Make sure your international holiday packages this time include them, and you’ll realize soon why. Bring to life the backpacker in you and head to these places on a shoestring budget. Book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and changes in rates. At the moment, many attractive tour packages are on offer online for travelers from Ahmedabad. Don’t forget to check them out. Happy holiday.

Planning a Thailand Tour? Read This First!

First-time international travelers from India flying to Thailand are inundated with so many questions. Apart from the documentation and fares, most of them wonder how is the place like, where to stay on landing, how to travel, what to eat, etc. In short, is it tourist-friendly? Let it be said that Thailand is one of the fastest growing hubs in southeast Asia for travelers. But newbies need to keep in mind certain things before visiting this captivating country. This is to make sure that the experience is a pleasant and trouble-free one. See these tips:

Accommodation

Thailand is far less expensive compared to western countries. One can get many comfortable places to stay in Thai cities at prices starting 200 Thai Baht, which is equivalent to around 395 in Indian Rupee. The costs in the countryside are even lower than that. Northern Thailand is cheaper than the southern islands as well as the capital Bangkok. One can get comfy hotels and resorts at 1,000 THB and above. It is advisable to book a guesthouse or hotel a month ahead of your Thailand trip.

Food

As a traveler from India, you aren’t going to face any particular problems with food in Thailand. The Thais love food as much as we Indians do. Street food is where one can find many similarities between the two countries. Ready-to-eat delicious meals are available in abundance in several eateries at affordable prices. However, take precautions before consuming such food. Make sure the place is clean. Wash hands before eating; carry along a hand sanitizer. Avoid tap water; carry bottled water with you.

Transportation

Thailand has a varied transport system just like India. It has buses, rails, motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) for land transport, while boats serve its navigable waterways. Overall, traveling around is again very cheap there. However, if you plan to travel by trains, make sure you do it during the day since the fares tend to double during nights.
Markets

You’ll find those typical Chinatown markets, night markets and flea markets in Thailand. The most notable among them is the Chatuchak, a weekend market in Bangkok and one of world's largest. It contains over 15,000 booths divided into 27 sections, selling goods sourced from all parts of Thailand. Such local open-air markets are a good place for exciting deals on a range of local products. Tha Kha Floating Market and Chiang Mai night bazaar are also well-known commercial areas for visitors.

Read related: Top 5 Unique and Exciting Things to Do in Thailand

Currency System

1 Thai Baht is equal to 1.98 INR. Despite minor difference in currency value, Thailand, unfortunately, doesn’t accept Indian rupees. So, it is essential to carry enough local currency with you while traveling around. Forex cards are handy for bill payments at big restaurants and hotels. You’ll have to use cash at local street shops and markets as they don’t accept these cards. The cards are available for purchase at many local forex service providers. One can also order them from online forex companies.

Last Word

For any Indian budget travelers, a Thailand tour package is an attractive proposition. Everything you buy gives you value for money. From delicious food and friendly locals to affordable accommodation and convenient transit systems, Thailand is every traveler’s paradise. In the past few years, this perennially bustling and lively country has become a favorite travel destination for Indians living in places such as Delhi and Mumbai, not to mention smaller towns of the country. One can hop around its cities for months, yet it will be an endless process of discovery, enjoyment and personal memories. When are you booking a tour to this amazing country?

South Africa for Wildlife Lovers: What to Expect

Africa is known across the world for two things - its diamonds and wildlife. When a person is not there for diamonds, it is certainly for wildlife. A large number of land animals, birds, mammals, reptiles, predators and freshwater fishes roam Africa, especially East and South. Every year, wildlife lovers flock to this fauna-rich and second largest continent in the world for wildlife watching or safari where they get to observe these life forms in their natural habitats.

Let’s now see what you can expect to see in the South African wild that most South Africa tour packages are offering to take travelers to these days.

World’s Largest Herds of Elephant

Botswana is gifted with diverse ecosystems, and a large number of protected areas in this country encourages flourishing wildlife. The Chobe National Park is one such unmissable place. It is home to the world’s largest herds of elephant, the face of African wilderness since ages. The African elephants are classified into two species - the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant. Besides Chobe, the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth and Kruger National Park in northeastern SA are famous wildlife reserves. These forested areas boast of the Big 5: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos, which are found in largest numbers here. But visitors also get to see other animals such as giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bat-eared foxes, and antelopes.

More Than 200 Species of Mammals

There are 299 mammal species in South Africa. Some of them fall in the endangered or vulnerable categories, according to IUCN. The black-backed jackal belongs to a candid or dog family. Their high adaptability skills and non-reliance on just one food source or habitat ensure their survival since thousands of years. Another species of mammals, impalas are agile, graceful and medium-built antelope that are plains game animals. They can be sighted in abundance. Watching these mammals gives travelers one of the best wildlife experiences in South Africa.

Rich Marine Species

Nature has also endowed South Africa with a rich variety of marine lives. The largest of them, the blue whales, are found off the west coast of this country. They grow up to 33 meters in length. So far, eight whale species have been identified in South African waters, and the most frequently seen are the southern right whales. One can get a land-based view of this imposing and lovely sea creature when they arrive in coastal bays to calve. South Africa’s fish species are another attraction for nature lovers. One of the most awe-inspiring of them is the great white shark, which is just one of the 2,000 species comprising 16 percent of the world’s total. Other interesting marine organisms include rock lobsters, line fish, abalones, pilchards, and sardines.

In Conclusion

More and more people from India are traveling to South Africa for an annual retreat. If you’ve to travel from Ahmedabad to Johannesburg, flight connectivity is available at reasonable rates. Travel packages from India to South Africa usually include a full-day tour to prominent wildlife spots. It is one of the few places on earth where one can enjoy unalloyed nature at its best. South Africa is a global leader in wildlife conservation. Of late, there is a growing realization of the importance of sustainable tourism in South Africa given the extent of human damages done to environment and wildlife.

A Brief Guide to Planning Your Maiden Singapore Getaway

Singapore, over the years, has emerged as a tourist hotspot. The sovereign city-state is one of the most visited places in Asia. If you are still looking for reasons to book a Singapore tour package, we will give you not one but many. The island country is a melting pot of different cultures. The influence of these cultures can be clearly seen and experienced in the diverse cuisine. Singapore also has a number of architectural marvels, entertainment parks, and shopping hotspots to keep the wanderer and shopaholic in you interested. Now that we have your attention, let us help you plan your Singapore tour better.

Things to pack on your Singapore Trip

Singapore is located a degree north of the equator. Temperature remains steady throughout the year and varies between 25-31 degree Celsius, however, at 70-80 percent, humidity can be a problem. To ensure humidity doesn’t play a spoilt sport on your Singapore tour, carry sun-smart gear, heavy duty deodorant, and light clothes. If you plan to go swimming, carry swimmers ear medicine to avoid chances of infection. Bringing alcohol and cigarettes into the country is a strict no. To stay hydrated, carry electrolyte drink. If you will be visiting night safaris and zoos, remember to carry pest control products such as mosquito repellant.

A 3-day proposed itinerary  

Day 1

Dedicate the first day of your Singapore trip to exploring the cultural heritage of the Lion City. After breakfast, leave for Kampong Glam, a major heritage site. Next, visit the magnificent Masjid Sultan. Your next stop must be the Malay Heritage Center, a museum that showcases the culture of Malay Singaporeans. Some other places worth visiting are Aliwal Street, Barber Street, and Haji Lane. After having a sumptuous lunch, visit Little India, Mustafa Centre, and Tiong Bahru. After the Sun goes down, walk from Raffles Park to Singapore River and let the calm air soothe your senses. Stop by at the Marina Bay Sands to enjoy the spectacular light and water show.

Day 2    

If you love nature getaways, Singapore has enough in store for you. Start the second day of your Singapore trip by doing the Southern Ridges Walk from Kent Ridge Park to HarbourFront. Cross the Sentosa Boardwalk to enter Sentosa Island. Have a scrumptious lunch at Sentosa Island. After you are replenished, try different rides at Universal Studios. At night, go on a Night Safari Tour, the first of its kind nocturnal zoo in the world.

Read More: Crazy Singapore Facts We Bet You Never Knew!

Day 3  

Reserve the last day of your trip for exploring the local cuisine, and shopping. If you like collecting signature bags and apparel or your heart beat for branded products, head straight to Orchard Road. If you want to collect souvenirs or unique items, all roads lead to Bugis and Chinatown. After appeasing your inner shopaholic, try the authentic food at Maxwell Hawker Centre or Chinatown Food street.

Conclusion 

Every year millions of wandering souls pack their bags and head to Singapore for a fun-filled holiday. When it comes to exploring places of interest, the vast number of options can overwhelm you, especially if you are a first-time traveler. To avoid confusion and get the most out of your trip, consider booking a tour package. You, like many other travelers, are sure to fall in love with the Lion City and by the time you return, your resolution to return back will get stronger.