Affordable Travel to Dubai is Not an Oxymoron

Chances are, that 15 years ago you had never heard of Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates, but today you can’t pick up a newspaper or a magazine without reading something about this over-the-top desert playground.  The evolution from quiet desert to tourism mecca has carved out a reputation for Dubai as having the biggest, best, and most luxurious of everything in the world.  Not surprising, it has a very expensive price tag to go with that reputation.

But if you thought Dubai was only for the rich and famous, the Dazzling Dubai tour will grab your attention.

Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai

Put together by Friendly Planet Travel, who specialize in exotic travel destinations at affordable prices, this six-day tour is priced at just $1,499, including airfare from JFK.  That’s right, under $1,500 in a city where a night in a hotel can set you back that much or more.  This is a steal!

Here’s what the tour includes:

• Flights via Emirates Airlines, consistently hailed as one of the world’s top airlines, out of JFK (New York).  Add on charges from the west coast.
• Hotel accommodations at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel Dubai
• Daily buffet breakfast in Dubai
• Dubai city tour
• Arrival and departure transfers
• English speaking tour manager

Additional taxes and security fees apply, and there are a variety optional excursions and extensions available.  As with any travel purchase, you should do your due diligence and read the fine print of package.  Departures are offered through April 2010.

You’ll have plenty of time to wander around and see what interests you, as well as time to sample that wonderful duty free shopping.  What’s to see in Dubai:  The Dynamic Tower, a rotating skyscraper, The World, a man-made Archipelago of 300 islands built in the shape of the land masses of the earth, Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, and Burg Al Arab (in photo), where you’ll find the world’s most expensive hotel room.

Optional tours are very reasonably priced and include a wild desert safari and a visit to the Mall of the Emirates, where you can ski the world’s only indoor slopes.  Optional trip extensions include a Kenya Wildlife Safari and a trip to Cairo.

If you thought a trip to Dubai was out of your price range, think again.  This is an affordable way to see the most expensive city in the world.

Photo credit: dlisbona @flickr