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Unique things you will only see in Dubai

Dubai has become synonymous with luxury and uniqueness, it’s no surprise it has become the benchmark around the world. If Dubai is on your travelling bucket list, here are unique things you will only see in Dubai

  • Jumble
  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • Dubai Mall Aquarium
  • Dubai Water Canal
  • Burj Khalifa

Jumble

Travelling with friends? Family? Undecided on group activities? That’s why we recommend Jumble; the world’s first URBAN maze and the first indoor maze in Dubai. This unique Maze, which you can only see in Dubai, requires teamwork and communication to step up to the plate and escape the maze. If you love puzzles, you’ll love Jumble!

Aquaventure Waterpark

While it’s catered to families with kids, Aquaventure Waterpark can be just as fun for adults! Melt your problems away with a day of unlimited fun and thrilling rides. What makes this waterpark a unique thing to see in Dubai? It is home to the ‘Aquaconda’; the world’s largest waterslide tube and it was voted the fourth-best water park in the world.

You’ll likely get all your clothes wet but no stress, we have a drying service to wash your problems away!

Dubai Mall Aquarium

It doesn’t get more unique than the Dubai Mall Aquarium. Located on the third floor of the Dubai Mall, this unique attraction, which you will only see in Dubai, will fill you with an adrenaline rush.

Learn about the extraordinary life of the aquatic animals at the aquarium. The tank is home to 140 species such as sharks, rays, and sand tiger sharks. As you walk through the 48-metre tunnel, take pictures of the fascinating animals within your sight! There is also a souvenir shop to make the trip memorable!

Dubai Water Canal

When you think of Dubai, you think of unique buildings and architecture, but it is also home to a beautiful water canal that gives the city so much vibrance and colour that just fits the bill for a honeymoon trip!

Enjoy a romantic walk around the canal or if you just love fitness, the canal has added a running track and a cycling path.

Book a ferry and get your camera out and go crazy with the pictures as this is a truly unique sight to see in Dubai!

Burj Khalifa

This list just wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t talk about Burj Khalifa. This enormous building is a world icon and you will only see such a unique masterpiece in Dubai. There are other tall buildings around the world but the charm isn’t the same.

The gigantic building was first constructed in 2004 and opened in 2010. Located in Downtown Dubai, you can visit the tower and purchase tickets to go inside. Once you’re at the top, enjoy the unique and breath-taking view of the city! Take great pictures to show your friends!

We hope your laundry stack is nowhere as big as the tower but if it is, we’ll take care of it!

Burj Khalifa - Unique Thing To See in Dubai
Burj Khalifa

Dubai is truly beautiful and it has become every tourist’s dream.

Whenever you’re in Dubai, sit back in your hotel and decide which unique place you will see.

We also provide Laundryheap services in Dubai. Explore Dubai’s uniqueness and we’ll do your laundry!

Our app is available on iOS and Android!


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Kuwait City travel guide

Image by Dima Soufi

Kuwait City is home to a beautiful coastline, sprawling desert, and a plethora of museums. If you’re traveling to Kuwait City, this travel guide will give you all of the information you need to know. 

  • Temperature 
  • VISA and passport requirements
  • How to get to Kuwait City
  • Currency
  • Must-see sights
  • Top delicacy 
  • Nightlife

Temperature

Kuwait City has a hot desert climate with temperatures averaging at 45 degrees celsius. In the summer months, Kuwait City experiences some of the hottest temperatures on earth as well as strong wind and dust storms that can last for days. The ideal time to visit Kuwait City is in the spring when temperatures are lower and the humidity is less intense.

Image by Francisco Anzola

VISA and passport requirements

To travel to Kuwait City you need both a VISA and a passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Nationals from the USA and Europe can obtain one-month VISAs on arrival for business or tourist purposes. VISAs on arrivals are free for British nationals, but can not be extended. 

Photo by nappy from Pexels

How to get to Kuwait City 

The easiest way to get to Kuwait City from the UK or USA is to fly directly to Kuwait International Airport. If you are traveling into Kuwait City from other areas of Kuwait or the Gulf region, Kuwait Public Transport Company operates coach trips. Alternatively, you can travel by boat from Shuwaikh Port, which is Kuwait’s main port. 

Currency

The currency of Kuwait City is the Kuwait dinar (KWD). As of May 2021, the Kuwait dinar is the strongest circulating currency in the world with one KWD equaling 3.32 United States Dollars (USD). You can change your currency to KWD prior to your trip by visiting a local currency exchange. Alternatively, credit cards are widely accepted in Kuwait City for both paying in shops, restaurants, and attractions, and using ATMs. It is recommended to budget 150KWD per day. 

Image by radiant guy

Must-see sights

There are many beautiful sights in Kuwait City but these are our top three picks: 

Kuwait towers 

Kuwait Towers are an integral part of the Kuwait City skyline and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Kuwait. The Kuwait Towers are made up of three slender towers, with the main tower reaching 187 meters high. You can marvel at the towers from below, or travel up and enjoy a meal in the tower’s restaurant, which offers panoramic views of Kuwait City. 

Grand Mosque

Kuwait City’s Grand Mosque is the official Mosque of Kuwait. Spanning 45,000 square meters, the Grand Mosque includes a prayer hall, library of Islamic reference books and documents, and a 5-level car park. It’s striking structure is truly a sight to behold and should not be missed on your visit to Kuwait City. 

Al Shaheed Park

Al Shaheed Park is the largest urban park in Kuwait. Nestled within the park are a variety of gardens, including the Oasis Garden, Museum Garden, and Seasonal Garden. Amongst these gardens are museums, exhibition areas, and outdoor theatres where performers dazzle guests on a daily basis. It is definitely worth scheduling a trip to Al Shaheed Park on your Kuwait City vacation. 

Image by Cajetan Barretto

Top delicacy 

Machboos is considered the national dish of Kuwait. The dish consists of a bed of rosewater and saffron basmati rice, topped with slow-cooked mutton or chicken. The dish is finished with a drizzle of garlic sauce named Daqqus.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Kuwait City is very different from Western nightlife, as it focuses on friends and food. Rather than drinking alcohol, nightlife in Kuwait City centers around smoking hubble-bubble, a technique where smoke is drawn through a fruity mixture of flavours into a water bowl filled with cold lemon water, which cools the smoke before entering the pipe you draw on. 

Photo by The Castlebar from Pexels

There is so much to do and see in Kuwait City that you won’t have time to do your laundry. Luckily, Laundryheap is here to help. Book your Laundryheap service by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app. 


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Amsterdam fun facts

If being in self-isolation is leaving you yearning for a holiday more than ever, here are 10 fun facts about Amsterdam. The ideal post-isolation city break destination. 

  • Amsterdam got its name from the Amstel river
  • Amsterdam is the new capital of the Netherlands
  • Amsterdam lies below sea level
  • Amsterdam has over 100 canals
  • There are over 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam is home to dancing houses
  • Amsterdam’s tap water is safe to drink
  • Amsterdam is home to some of the most famous museums in the world
  • Amsterdam’s floating flower market 
  • Amsterdam’s tourists drastically outweighs its locals

Amsterdam got its name from the Amstel river 

Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village in the 12th century. The city grew around the Amstel river and was protected by a dam that prevented flooding from the  ZuiderZee (South Sea). Thus the name Amsterdam was given to the city as a combination of Amsel and Dam. 

Image by Giorgio Baresi

Amsterdam is the new capital of the Netherlands 

Amsterdam only became the official capital of the Netherlands in 1983. Prior to this, everyone assumed that Amsterdam was the capital but it was never official. Despite being the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam isn’t the political capital. The Netherlands government buildings are actually housed in Hague.

Amsterdam lies below sea level 

Half of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, is situated below sea level. In the 12th and 13th century, residents would dig ditches and remove water to pump windmills. This resulted in the ground getting progressively lower to the point where half of the Netherlands now remains 2 meters below sea level. Without the dikes and dunes that are enforced every year, the Netherlands would be submerged underwater.

Amsterdam has over 100 canals 

There are 165 canals across Amsterdam, which separate the city into 90 different islands. The majority of them were built in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. They now have a combined length of 100km. Amsterdam is notorious for its canals, so much so that the historic Canal Belt, or ‘Grachtengordel’ in Dutch, is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. 

There are over 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam  

Amsterdam’s canals are home to 2,500 houseboats, many of which have been afloat for centuries. Houseboats are either wooden or concrete, with the concrete ones being most desirable. If you own a wooden houseboat you are legally required to take it to a shipyard every three years for repairs and to be painted. The majority of the boats are residential, however, you can find hotel houseboats and even museum houseboats. 

Amsterdam is home to Dancing Houses

The Dancing Houses of Amsterdam are famous. Found on the edge of the Damrak canal these houses get their name from their crooked appearance. Originally built as both houses and offices for wealthy bankers, the soil these houses were built on was so swampy that they had to be built on stilts. This caused the houses to wobble and sink slightly, making them off-balance. The Dancing Houses are a regular tourist attraction and a highlight of Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam’s tap water is safe to drink 

Amsterdam’s tap water is the cleanest in the Netherlands. Above this, the Netherlands has the cleanest tap water in Europe. 

Amsterdam is home to famous museums

Not only is Amsterdam home to some of the most famous museums in the world, but it also has more museums per square meter than any other city. Famous figures, such as Anne Frank and Van Gough, have museums in Amsterdam, alongside the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam museum.

Image by emoro from Pixabay

Amsterdam’s floating flower market 

The Netherlands is well known for its flowers, specifically tulips. The iconic floating flower market of Amsterdam has been in business since 1862. It is now one of the most famous flower markets in the Netherlands. To this day, all the stalls of the market are located on boats as a remembrance to when flowers were delivered to the Netherlands by boat. 

Image by jimderda

Amsterdam’s tourists drastically outweigh its locals

Amsterdam is visited by roughly 14 million tourists per year. 4.5 million of these tourists travel from the Netherlands, with the rest travelling from around the globe. Amsterdam is home to only 821,000 residents, meaning that the tourists drastically outnumbers the locals. 

Another fun fact about Amsterdam is that Laundryheap operates from the city. If you are visiting Amsterdam and need your clothes laundered you can book your slot via the Laundryheap website or on the app. 


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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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Amsterdam: Must-Haves For Your Trip

Amsterdam is ripe with history, culture and excitement. The city has something for everyone, with priceless work of arts and historic architecture coexisting harmoniously alongside coffee shops (marijuana dispensaries) and the red light district.

It is always worth thinking ahead and deciding what to pack for your trip in advance. So, whether you are travelling from within Europe or coming from further afar, make sure you come prepared.

  • I Amsterdam City Card
  • Maestro Card/ Cash
  • Waterproof Clothing 
  • OV-Chip Card
  • Bring Earplugs
  • Backpacks Over Suitcases
  • Comfy Shoes Over Clogs
  • Don’t Forget Your Travel Adaptor
  • Study A Map Of Beforehand
  • Carry ID At All Times

I Amsterdam City Card

 The I Amsterdam City Card offers you a unique way to explore the Dutch capital. The card will give you admittance to the majority of the cities main highlights, including more than 70 museums, public transport, canal cruises, discounted dining and bike hire. 

You can order your card online before you reach the city and have it shipped home, to your hotel or pick it up once you arrive. If you are already in town, you can pick it up straight away – there’s no processing time. This card comes with a booklet, map and magazine, perfect for planning your trip as soon as it arrives. Alternatively, you can download the I Amsterdam City Card App to check out some of their recommended itineraries. 

Maestro Card/ Cash

If you have not travelled to Amsterdam before you won’t be aware that most supermarkets don’t accept anything other than maestro cards. Likewise, with smaller businesses like cafes, bars and restaurants have a similar policy regarding credit cards.   

You do not want to be that unsuspecting Visa or Mastercard user who’s card gets rejected after enjoying a three-course meal in a posh restaurant. For that reason, be sure to either have a maestro card at hand or carry cash with you at all times. But, there is no need to worry too much, though, as there is an abundance of ATM’s scattered around the city. 

Waterproof Clothing 

Amsterdam weather can be very unpredictable all year round, but chances are if you are there for more than two days you’ll see some rain. With this in mind, we advise you to pack several items of waterproof clothing. A good rain jacket and some a sturdy pair of boots should do the trick.

OV-Chip Card

Amsterdam is renowned as a cycle-city, but it’s public transport is comprehensive and efficient. To travel on public transport in the city, you will need an OV Chipcard. Buses, trams, trains and metro services require this useful smart card to gain access. 

Thankfully, there is no specific OV Chipcard for tourists. We recommend using the single-use chipcard or an ‘anonymous’ OV Chipcard. You can purchase your OV Chipcard at public transport service desks, ticket machines at train stations, tobacco shops and in several supermarkets. 

Bring Earplugs

Amsterdam’s city centre can be a particularly busy place both during the day and at night. As a result, the noise levels can be extremely loud and keep you awake at night if you stay in the centre of the city. It is worth packing a pair of noise-cancelling earplugs. This will ensure you get enough rest to see all the sights in the day.

Backpacks Over Suitcase

When packing for your trip to Amsterdam, try to remember that many of the cities streets are cobbled and not ideal for suitcases. A good size traveller backpack will serve you perfectly well in the city. This is especially true if you are only staying for a few days.

Comfy Shoes Over Cloggs 

Do not be fooled by Amsterdam’s flat terrain, walking around the city all day will leave a mark on your feet. To avoid blisters and bruises, make sure you pack comfy trainers or sturdy boots. Also, you will undoubtedly find yourself riding a bike at some point. This calls for suitable footwear with high-grade calf support. The Dutch may have historically worn Clogs on their feet, but times have evolved and so has the footwear.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Adaptor 

Like most other countries in the EU, the Netherlands power sockets have two prongs. So, if you are travelling from any non-EU country, we recommend buying a travel adaptor before arriving in Amsterdam. You do not want to reach your hotel without access to your phone charger or beard trimmer when you have big plans in the city that night. 

Study A Map Of Amsterdam Beforehand

The Dutch Capital has a notoriously confusing layout, thanks to the endless canals that curve around its oldest and more central neighbourhoods. For this reason, we recommend consulting a map before you get to the city. It is almost inevitable that you will get lost on your first outing onto the canals,that is why identifying key landmarks beforehand can help you find your bearings. 

Carry ID At All Times

If you are not a native Amsterdamian, you probably won’t be aware that in the Netherlands you are required by law to carry ID at all time. Due to this law, you must remember to carry a form of photo ID card at all times. Although it is not common, police officers can fine you if you do not have identification present on request. 

If you are thinking of travelling to Amsterdam follow these tips, stay safe and enjoy your trip. If you require a laundry service on your trip, Laundryheap is here to help with all your laundry worries.