Ever thought you would be making a profit out of going on a holiday? Well now you can, we reveal the 9 top destinations where residents and expats of the UAE can vacation and save money at the same time. How? The following countries have a weaker currency than the UAE Dirham resulting in great savings for us.
Take advantage of the strong Dirham and visit our top 10 recommended cities of the summer… and save cash while doing so.
Country: Brazil
EW recommends: Sao Paolo
Sao Paolo, known as the Monster City because of its vast size, may be famous for its beaches, and great beach bodies, but it is also renowned for its innumerable art house cinemas and experimental theatres. Definitely worth a visit is its numerable gourmet restaurants and 24/7 underground clubbing scenes.
Sleep: Hotel Unique
You will never want to leave this five-star hotel thanks to its stunning architecture and its ideal location in the heart of the city, popular with well-travelled urbanites and style savvy alike. Its roof terrace is one of the finest in the city.
Eat: Maní
This rustic-chic restaurant is a hub among the trendsetting crowds. While famous for its Waldorf salad, we recommend the Brazilian dishes, which are best, served through a five-course set menu.
Shop: Casa da Vila
Set in a 1929 gorgeously built mansion, this shop is a truly a treat for the eyes with over 3,000 handcraft items.
See: Mercado Municipal
This covered market is a great place to sample some of Sao Paolo’s culinary treats. Its stain-glass windows are just stunning.
Country: Tanzania
EW recommends: Arusha
Arusha, in northern Tanzania, has a best of both worlds – modern (exotic restaurants and hotels) and natural (luscious greenery, complete with great safari experiences).
Sleep: Mount Meru Hotel
Situated on nine acres of landscaped grounds and surrounded by rich wildlife, the resort offers all the mod cons of a new hotel but with the Tanzanian warmth and kindness, which makes your stay an ideal home away from home.
Eat: Blue Heron
While it might be a family-run restaurant, this garden restaurant and bar has an impeccable ambience that attracts single ladies, families and couples alike.
Shop: Shanga
This environmentally-friendly boutique, located in the heart of the Acacia trees, sells furniture, clothes and trinkets made by disabled workers, very inspiring.
See: Meserani Snake Park
Get back to nature and explore the world’s most deadliest reptiles. If it gets too much hop on a camel and ride to the nearby Masaai village and visit a Masaai museum accompanied by a real-life warrior.
Country: Turkey
EW recommends: Istanbul
Istanbul is a magical place where east meets west, with its vast history, stunning art and intriguing architecture.
Sleep: Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Originally a palace constructed by Sultan Abdul Aziz, it has now been reconstructed into a chic modern retreat with a wonderful infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus.
Eat: Matbah
Embark on a historical and gastronomical adventure at this restaurant, which offers authentic Turkish food called Ottoman Palace Cuisine, serving the dishes made in the palace kitchens between the 13th and 19th centuries.
Shop: Cocoon
Istanbul is renowned for its rugs and textiles and Cocoon is the place to go for gorgeous silk scarves, Persian rugs and textiles from central Asia.
See: Süleymaniye Mosque
This religious landmark is the largest mosque in the city. Built between 1550 and 1558, it was once used as a place of refuge. Peek through the windows of Süleyman’s tomb to see jewel-like lights on the dome.
Country: New Zealand
EW recommends: Aukland
Known as the City of Volcanoes – there are over 50 volcanoes surrounding the city – it is truly magical with black sand beaches and hidden waterfalls. As the Kiwis say: “The curtain comes down but the show never stops.”
Sleep: Skycity Grand Hotel
For mesmerising views of Auckland Harbour and the city’s skyline, this well-heeled joint is the place to stay. The hotel is located in the heart of Auckland’s central business district with all the local attractions including the SkyJump and SkyWalk.
Eat: Depot
Owned by world-renowned chef Al Brown who offers delicious comfort food, made for sharing with friends. The seafood is the best in the city.
Shop: Little Brother
While famous for their exquisite street wear, they also specialise in unique souvenirs – perfect for gifts.
See: One Tree Hill
This volcanic cone is 182m tall with a 360-degree viewpoint. At the base sits John Logan Campbell’s grave. He gifted the land to the city in 1901 where the Maori people built their civilisation.
Country: Sweden
EW recommends: Stockholm
Spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, you will need to get those walking shoes on.
Sleep: Hotel Rival
ABBA’s Benny Anderson being the owner is not the only attraction – chic retro design is another pulling point, including its 1940s cinema-cum-cocktail bar. Located in its 1930s Art Deco building, each room is decorated with a scene from a classic Swedish film.
Eat: Rosendals Trädgårdskafe
With a gorgeous view of the botanical gardens, this little café offers delicious homegrown organic food and freshly baked pastries and bread.
Shop: Nitty Gritty
This place is a haven for international brands including Prada, Fred Perry and Dupe.
See: Kungliga Slottet
Built on the ruins of the Tre Kronor castle, which burned down in 1697. While a royal family called it home in 1754, it now functions as a working government building.
Country: Australia
EW recommends: Sydney
It’s not often we quote Russell Crowe but the Aussie actor’s words on Sydney are pretty spot on: “The best things about Sydney are free: the sunshine’s free, and the harbour’s free, and the beach is free.”
Sleep: Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay
This city centre hotspot is a hub for visiting celebrities.The hotel also boasts a magnificent rooftop pool with breathtaking views.
Eat: Ester
Contemporary dining with traditional food, every morsel is an absolute culinary delight. The award-winning restaurant is located in one of the hottest neighbourhoods in the city.
Shop: Westfield Bondi Junction
A vast, upmarket shopping centre, with over 400-stores. It also has event cinemas, restaurants and cafes.
See: Sydney Opera House
Designed by a Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this landmark is the most recognised building in Australia. It is comprised of five different performance spaces, for dance productions, concerts, opera and theatre.
Country: Poland
EW recommends: Kraków
According to folklore, Kraków was founded upon the defeat of a dragon; this mythical atmosphere covers the city and its many medieval attractions.
Sleep: Sheraton Kraków Hotel
Overlooking the Wisla River, this modern hotel is 11 minutes walk from the Market Square and 12 minutes walk from Wawel Castle.
Eat: Chłopskie Jadło
A rustic pub in the Old Town, serving traditional, and hearty, Polish food also known as Peasant grub. Live folk music will keep you entertained throughout the meal.
Shop: Krakowski Kredens
This is a great spot for edible souvenirs including as marinated mushrooms and gooseberries – ideal for helping you take a piece of the culture back home.
See: Royal Wawel Castle
Dating back to the 16th century, what was once the political and cultural heart of Poland is now a national cultural museum.
Country: Czech Republic
EW recommends: Prague
A historical gem often referred to as a 3D architecture textbook with its Romanesque chapels, Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces.
Sleep: The Golden Well
Once owned by Emperor Rudolph II, this gorgeous boutique hotel is located on a slope of the castle hill affording beautiful views of the palace gardens. It is ideally located within walking distance of Lesser Town Square, with close proximity to its attractions.
Eat: Augustine
Located in a historic hotel, fine dining is its forte. Visit on Thursday evenings to taste the unique BBQ menu prepared by Executive Chef Marek Fichtner.
Shop: Antique Music Instruments
The name does not do justice to wide collection of vintage stringed instruments dating back to the 18th century.
See: Astronomical Clock
The most popular free attraction in the astronomical clock, located near the Old Town City Hall dates back to 1410. The clock announces every hour with 12 apostles passing by the window above the astronomical dial and with symbolic sculptures moving aside.
Country: Denmark
EW recommends: Copenhagen
One of coolest Scandinavian cities thanks to its industrial bars, culinary revolutions, world-class museums and stunning scenery – its no wonder this city is named as one of the best to live in, in the world.
Sleep: Nimb Hotel
Located in the Tivoli gardens, this hotel is famous for is quaint room designed in Moorish-Style. With beautiful park views the hotel offers comfort and luxury at the same time.
Eat: Manfreds og Vin
An urban chic bistro with a wine list to impress any connoisseur and organic food to appease all gastronomes.
Shop: Just Spotted
Perfect for Copenhagen-themed posters and products from local artists including Sivellink, Martin Moore, KLAM, Wonderhagen and Hamide.
See: Tivoli Gardens
Dating back to mid 19th century, 1843 to be exact, it is the second oldest amusement park in the world, definitely worth a visit.
Words: Sakina Mala
Images: Corbis
