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Archive for July 12th, 2010

Abu Dhabi is becoming a popular holiday destination in the United Arab Emirates. We’ve compiled a list of the must-see attractions in the city:

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
This complex of rich cultural heritage is one of the United Arab Emirate’s most interesting gardens, with fountains and a real sense of historic culture. There are arts and crafts workshops, but the highlight is the fort museum filled with Bedouin jewellery, traditional costumes, bronze coffee pots and old baskets. This experience will provide you with a first-hand experience on how the Bedouin people lived before the modern irrigation and agricultural system came to existence.

Beach Clubs
There are pretty beaches around the town, but if you want to lounge like a celebrity for the day it’s probably worth paying to check in a private club that offer palm trees on white-sand beaches, and an array of swimming pools, restaurants, bars and water sports. Try the Hilton Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, which is open to non-guests, and the Beach Rotana Hotel, which has a PADI registered diving center.

Desert Safaris
Looming near Abu Dhabi is the desert. The best way to see the desert is on a safari tour where you can expect to see camel farms, go ’sand skiing’ down dunes, have an Arabic barbecue and even an overnight stay in the desert.

Corniche Road at sunset
Undoubtedly Abu Dhabi’s favorite strolling jaunt is along the waterside stretch of Corniche Road. To avoid the scorthching midday temperatures, wander beside the waterside in the morning or at sunset.

Al Ain Oasis

Head out on the ancient trade route to the city to Al Ain, the region’s largest oasis town. Explore the fort and camel market before continuing to Jebel Hafeet, the highest peak in the UAE. Billed as the world’s best driving roads, the winding 7.3-mile road, climbing some 1,200 metres has an incredibly smooth surface enjoy the  wonderful views along the way.

Traditional fish market

Head to Abu Dhabi’s Dhow Wharf and Fish Market to watch fishermen unload their catch, as boats come in day and night. Soak up the atmosphere as market traders, fishermen and supper bustle around this traditional market, where you can get a real feel of the old Abu Dhabi. Buy a fish straight from the dhows, get it cleaned and have it charcoal grilled before your eyes for the freshest fish supper you’ve ever had.

Cruises
The spectacular views of the city’s skyline along the Corniche Road is stunning. For something a little different, sightsee from the water in the Gulf coast. You can hire 10-person boats from the Dhow Wharf, but a more refined way is aboard a yacht.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, named after the founder and first president of the UAE, is one of the world’s largest mosques. With 82 domes and four minarets the mosque cost about $545 million to build and is the only mosque in the UAE open to non-Muslims. Guided tours are available to take you around the Grand Mosque, which has room for 40,000 worshippers.

Remember your cheap holiday insurance!

So that you can really enjoy your Abu Dhabi getaway, don’t forget to take out your cheap holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your cheap holiday insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your break before you buy it.

When buying your cheap holiday insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your holiday insurance provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your cheap holiday insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you’re prepared for every eventuality!

The third busiest airport in the UK, Stansted Airport is the heart of many of Europe’s low cost airlines. Flights from Stansted travel to destinations such as Amsterdam, Geneva, Prague and Sweden. Located in Uttlesford, Essex, Stansted Airport is approximately 38 miles from central London, so what is the best way of getting there?

Although driving is considered convenient, the unavoidable game of suitcase tetris in the car boot, is a stress most passengers can do without. The rising price of petrol and the expense that comes with leaving your car in the airport’s car park, is enough to put some passengers off.

In a bid to avoid the expensive car park fees, more passengers are exploring alternative travel methods. Coach travel is a popular choice as coaches leave from all of the main bus and train stations. However, indirect routes can add hours on to a journey which isn’t great on the way when all you want to do is get to the airport and isn’t ideal when you just want to get home.

Public transport is the best method offering regular buses and tubes to London’s main stations. If travelling by train or tube, passengers can also take advantage of the Stansted Express, the quickest way to get from London to the airport and back. The station platforms are an escalator ride away from departures and the express route runs every 15 minutes. The station has disabled access and plenty of trolleys for your luggage.

The journey from Stansted Airport station to the nearest London underground station, Tottenham Hale takes a mere 35 minutes, and routes to Central London are on average 45 minutes. The trains do not operate overnight, but Stansted Express tickets can be use on National Express Coaches to and from central London, meaning passengers are not restricted by their time of travel.