Vacation in Dubai

So you want to take a vacation in Dubai? Or perhaps you need some ideas about traveling in Dubai or what there is to see.

First of all, do not worry about the language. Almost everyone there speaks English or some form of it.

Dubai is also safe to travel to at this point.

Before you start, the first thing you are going to need is your passport. You do not need a Visa for Dubai. You can contact your local post office to find out how to get one if you do not already have one.

On your passport they will ask for a copy of your birth certificate. This has to be the original, actual birth certificate that is registered with the county. The one the hospital hands you will not cut it. This will usually have a raised seal on it that you can feel; some will have a stamp and signature on them.

Before you decide what to on do your vacation in Dubai there are a couple of things you need to know.

First of all, summer time is the off time for tourists in Dubai. Why you ask since this is the main time in the United States and other countries of the world?

Two seconds after stepping off the plane you will know why. It is hot, stifling hot even at midnight. And added to the heat is the humidity. It is at least 100%. These two factors make it a very uncomfortable place in the summer.

But the good news for your Dubai vacation is this also makes for lower prices. A $200 a night hotel room will cost you $135. And there are a lot fewer people traveling so it makes going through customs a lot easier and quicker. I have been in and out of Dubai a lot of times with no problems. Once you get off the plane you will go through passport control. Then on to pick up your baggage and out the door.

In the summer time you can be out in 30 minutes or less.

In the winter time, with still high temperatures, but not as bad, you can be out in about an hour.

There are an abundance of taxis to take you where you want to go. They take American money, but it is best to use the ATM at the airport and get some Dirhams. Usually the exchange rate is around one US dollar buying three Dirhams.

One thing to keep in mind. The ATM machines do not have letters, numbers only. I only knew my ATM card pin# by the letters and not the numbers. So I had a hard time getting money the first time.

Also beware of any machine that takes the card inside and does not use the sliding method. If for some reason it keeps your card, you will be screwed.

Take your computer on your Dubai vacation. All the hotels I stayed in had internet access. Take your cell phone if it is a type that takes other Sim cards. You can buy a Sim card that will work in Dubai at the airport.

There are many good hotels in Dubai at a great rate. If you just land in Dubai and want to take your chances, there is a desk at the airport as you are leaving that will help you find a place.

From what I can tell, most of the hotels give you five star service for a one or two star price.

The staff is ready to serve. They help unload the taxi, carry your baggage in and take it to your room. Don't forget to tip.

One thing I like to do when I travel is to carry about 20 one dollar bills with me. Every airport I have ever been in takes them.

But they only give you their change back. I think one time at London's Heathrow Airport, they gave me American money back. I guess it was not worth anything at the time.

For instance, if my purchase is $6 and all I have is a ten, then I am going to get $4 back in that countries money. And not at a very good exchange rate.

But if I have the $1 bills then I can give them a $5 and a $1 and not lose anything.

Having $1 bills is also good for tipping.

Keep your passport on you at all times, even when on the plane. I like to wear a tee-shirt with a pocket under my shirt. Here I can put my wallet and passport. Ladies, find someway to keep your passport and money on you as well.

Even though Dubai is a Muslim country, many hotels do have lounges that serve alcohol. But no pork. You will not find pork. Also when you order a hamburger off the menu, it will be a protein burger, not 100% beef or in some cases I think it did not have any beef in it.

A Middle Eastern country is the last place you want to get picked up for breaking the law, especially drugs when you vacation in Dubai.

I have stayed in several hotels while working and while on vacation in Dubai.

The best one with the best staff, food and luxuries was the Traders Hotel.

Another one I stayed at was the Al Bustan Hotel.

I also stayed in the Millennium Hotel.

And one more was the Dubai International Hotel. This one is located at the airport. Keep in mind that to get to it you will need to have a copy of your itinerary. I really loved my short stay here while I was on vacation in Dubai.

When flying in from Afghanistan, I had a 12 hour wait so I stayed in this hotel for a while. It was also located next to McDonald's which made it perfect for me.

I did not get to visit much in Dubai so I cannot tell you about any sites, but this link will take you to a good site that has just about everything on it you need to know about taking a vacation in Dubai.

I hope you enjoy your vacation in Dubai.

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