Last minute National Day breaks: 5 destinations within five hours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi
04 November, 2019
With National Day just around the corner, many of us are now looking forward to enjoying a five-day holiday from Friday, November 29 until Tuesday, December 3. If you're thinking about booking a last-minute getaway, there are plenty of places to choose from thanks to the UAE's location within easy reach of many much-loved travel spots.
From firm favourites like the Maldives and neighbouring Oman, to plenty of less-discovered destinations that are just a quick flight away, we've rounded up a host of holiday hotspots where flight times from the UAE are less than five hours making them a good idea for a last-minute escape...
1. Kannur, India
If you've already covered the Kerala backwaters and want something more, fly direct to Kannur in the north of the state. Located about 80 kilometres north of Kozhikode, Kannur was once the hub of the spice trade. Colonial Portuguese, Dutch and British influences are evident across the city, and sites worth a visit include St Angelo and Thalassery forts.
Still very much off the beaten tourist trail, travellers can hike through forests to discover pristine waterfalls, lounge on uncrowded beaches and check in at unpretentious guesthouses and family-run hotels.
GoAir flies direct to Kannur from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and flights take around four hours. Economy fares start from Dh2,052 over the National Day holidays and a stay in Krishna Beach Resort, which is ranked highly on TripAdvisor, starts from Dh334 per room, per night.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Dripping in history, Cairo is a city that you could spend weeks exploring. But if you've only got time for a short break, its proximity to the UAE makes it a worthy pick for a few days of discovery. With a flight time of just under four hours, it won't be long before you're checking out the must-sees like the Pyramids of Giza and the artefact-filled Egyptian Museum. Be sure to schedule time to tour the art galleries, shop in the old Khan el Khalili Bazaar and cruise down the Nile. The bent pyramids, just south of the capital, are also worth checking out.
Cleartrip Holidays have a trip leaving on Friday, November 29 from Dubai with FlyDubai including three nights in the Movenpick Cairo, a Nile River cruise and various sightseeing tours from Dh2,399, with breakfast and airport transfers.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Just a short hop from Dubai, Flydubai has plenty of direct flights to Tbilisi and the journey takes less than four hours. The Georgian capital has centuries-old ruins, beautiful botanical gardens and a bustling street-life. The Caucasus country sees summer averages of 30 degrees Celsius and crisp cold winters where temperatures fall to single digits. Meander around Meidan Square, take a cable car across to Turtle Lake or keep little ones happy with a trip to Mtatsminda Park, the Georgian equivalent of Disneyland.
Book with AirArabia Holidays departing Sharjah on Thursday November 28, spending four nights at the Epic Hotel. Rates from Dh2,616 per person, including transfers and breakfast.
4. Muscat, Oman
For a super quick escape, and a well-worn favourite with UAE residents, Muscat is a good pick. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, head to the harbour to check out Al Jalali Fort or book tickets to see a show at the Royal Opera House. If you're craving ocean vibes, make for the northerly coast where you can spend the day at Zale Beach Club or take a trip to the old town to soak up the vibe at Mutrah.
Fly with Salam Air from Abu Dhabi. The flight takes 1 hour 15 minutes and fares start from Dh621 departing Sunday, December 1 and returning Tuesday, December 3. The Hilton Garden Inn Muscat has rooms from Dh420 or stay at The Kempinski from Dh706.
5. Amman, Jordan
The Jordanian capital is a good pick for cooler climes, sightseeing galore and a visit to the Dead Sea. Three days is a good amount of time to get to know the city making it ideal for a long weekend escape. Head to Rainbow Street on a Thursday night when the pre-weekend buzz fuses with plenty of great places to eat, drink and people-watch. Take a day trip to the Dead Sea on Friday, just an hour from Amman. If you've got more time to play with include sightseeing trips to the ancient ruins at Al Qala’a or take in contemporary art at Jabal Al Weibdeh, then head down south to visit the Dana Biosphere, the country's largest nature reserve.
Book via Vacations by Marriott and you'll get a return flight from Dubai with Royal Jordanian departing on Friday, November 29 plus three nights at W Amman from Dh3,263 per person.