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Tag Archives: Explore


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Visiting Dubai: The Do’s and Do Not’s

Dubai is a city known for being technologically and architecturally advanced, yet it is incredibly traditional and religious. That is why we have made this guide of Do’s and Do Not’s for your visit to Dubai.

Do

  • Dress respectfully 
  • Take taxis
  • Drink tap water 
  • Leave the city 
  • See the Burj Khalifa

Dress respectfully

Dubai is a traditional Islamic city so dressing conservatively is highly advised. It’s suggested that women wear loose-fitting dresses and skirts, and men trousers and jeans coupled with long sleeve tops. However, just because you have to dress conservatively, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably. Dubai is one of the capital cities of fashion, where men and women alike love to experiment with colours, fabrics, and patterns. So, be fashion-forward with your conservative attire. 

Take taxis 

Taxi services in Dubai are reasonably priced and a great way to escape the heat and travel around the city. Additionally, if you are planning a wild Dubai night out, it’s best to plan to get to the club via taxi. It’s an offence in Dubai to be seen on the street intoxicated and could lead to a fine or even a month in prison. Better to be safe and book your taxi to and from the club than risk a prison sentence. 

Image by Fabio Achilli

Drink tap water 

Despite popular debate, it is safe to drink tap water in Dubai, so give it a taste. If you are still dubious, there are hotels that will import bottled water from Europe, however, due to the lack of environmental sustainability importation promotes, drinking imported water should be avoided. Instead, ask for locally sourced bottled water to avoid the harm to the environment and avoid the tap. 

Leave the city 

Dubai is a beautiful cosmopolitan city, but there is a lot to explore just outside the city walls. Take a trip to the desert one day and experience life beyond the city of Dubai. Desert safari experiences can be bought at a range of prices, and often involve a camel ride. Go wild for a day and return to the civilisation of the city later on. 

Image by alfonso venzuela

See the Burj Khalifa 

No Dubai trip is complete without seeing the Burj Kalifa. Standing 829 meters tall, the Burj Kalifa is the tallest building in the world and an architectural sight to behold. You can pay to see Dubai from the buildings viewing platform 555 meters up, or be shadowed by the building as you observe it, for free, from below. Either way, your trip to Dubai will not be complete without visiting this spectacular structure. 

Don’t

  • Wear swimwear away from the water
  • Take photos of government buildings 
  • Eat or drink in public during Ramadan 
  • Engage in PDA
  • Make big plans on a Friday

Wear swimwear away from the water 

As previously discussed, Dubai has a conservative dress code; this code also applies to swimwear. When at the beach or a pool it is completely acceptable to wear any form of swimwear that you desire. However, as soon as you step out of the water, you must be conscious of your clothing and consider throwing on a dress or shirt over your swimwear. 

Image by Sakena

Take photos of government buildings

Regardless of where you go on holiday you always want to take a few snaps for the memories. Dubai is home to some of the most extraordinary modern-day buildings that, undoubtedly, need to be caught on camera. This being said, be mindful not to capture any government buildings as, for security reasons, this is strictly prohibited.  

Image by Michael Theis

Eat or drink in public during Ramadan 

During the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims will take part in Ramadan where they will fast during daylight hours. If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan the locals won’t expect you to take part in the festival, however, you must be respectful towards those who are. If you want to eat and drink during daylight hours there are a handful of cafes and restaurants that stay open, however, you’re options will be limited. Alternatively, you can eat and drink in your room until the sun goes down. 

Image by George Shahda

Engage in PDA 

Public Displays of Affection (PDA) are a strong offense in Dubai. Everything from a kiss on the cheek to hugging in public is considered indecent. At a push, a married couple may hold hands, but even that is pushing the boundaries of acceptability. To avoid causing offense, it’s best to save showering your other half in affection until you return to your hotel room.  

Make big plans on a Friday 

Friday is considered a holy day in Dubai and is therefore not for working. Don’t worry, the whole city doesn’t grind to a halt, but you should expect there to be a limited number of amenities open. Bear this in mind when planning your Dubai trip and consider having a beach day on Friday. 

Image by Dr. Norbert Heidenbluth

Whatever you’re plans are in Dubai, do make sure that you use Laundryheap for all your holiday laundering needs and do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy your trip in the freshest smelling clothes. 


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5 Reasons Why You Should Try Solo Travel

Solo travel can be a challenge because you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on the unexpected and unknown wonders of the world. The thought of it may seem uncomfortable at first but once you try it, you’ll find it to be one of the best experiences of your life.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try Solo Travel

  • Freedom 

Travelling with friends, family or your other half creates amazing memories, but you may not get a chance to do all the things you actually want to do. Travelling by yourself is a liberating experience as you get the freedom to do what you want, when you want, without anyone telling you otherwise. 

  • Independence

Since you’re by yourself, you ‘re forced to take on full responsibility for what you do and where you go next. You get to make the decisions for everything and the only person you can rely on is yourself. This will make you feel empowered once you return from your trip.

  • Build Confidence

As you rely on yourself on your solo travel, you’ll learn to figure things out. You’ll find that there are many things you’re capable of doing that you thought you never were before. Your problem-solving skills will improve and so will your social skills.

  • Meet new people

Travelling alone is a great chance to meet new people, whether that’d be locals of the town or like-minded travellers you’ll meet at the hostel. Either way, you’ll seem more approachable as a solo traveller and be more inclined to create conversations with whomever you meet along your travels.

  • Self-discovery

Solo travel is a great way to discover yourself as you discover what else the world has to offer. It’s a great time to self-reflect as you get to broaden your perspective on life and learn more about yourself. It will give you the chance to find out what brings you peace of mind and what makes you truly happy.

These are only a few of the many reasons as to why you should try solo travel at least once in your life. The experience will allow you to grow as an individual and certainly broaden your perspective on everything.

If before and after your trip, you need your clothes freshly cleaned, you can count on Laundryheap to take care of the laundry for you! Laundryheap serves in the following cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham & Coventry, Dublin, Dubai, Sharjah, Amsterdam & Haarlem.