When it comes to taking a much needed mental health holiday, there are few places that can beat the sunny beaches, glitzy hotels, and utopian wonderlands of Dubai. For all the hate that this desert kingdom receives, it still manages to attract nearly 17 million tourists each year, so it surely does something right.
Dubai essentially caters to all types of tourists, whether you’re an avid adventure junkie, a foodie, a health and wellness enthusiast, or a staycationist finding delight in the luxurious hotel services and amenities, the city has you covered.
With a bit of preparation, a few essentials, and things to take care of, your holiday in Dubai can be a wondrous experience to truly rejuvenate you for months ahead. In this article, we cover some essentials to pack for a hassle-free and stress-free experience in the Emirates.
1. Summer Wear & Accessories
With clear blue skies, and scorching temperatures all year round, travelers best pack for the summer no matter what time of the year they plan their visit. This means the light, breathable summer dresses, skirts, trousers, and comfy sandals are ideal for experiencing Dubai.
You’d also do well to pack light as a rule of thumb, as just small strides out in the Sun can be exhausting, without having heavy luggage weighing you down. A few other accessories include portable mini fans, an accessible water bottle, and sunglasses to best deal with the heat.
2. Conservative Swimwear
The innumerable beaches, watersports, and parks make swimwear absolutely essential, but unlike your regular European or North American beaches, tourists are expected to be a little more modest, and conservative when it comes to their dressing sense in Dubai.
Being one of the most progressive countries in the world, a one-piece, or bikini won’t land you in any trouble, but they are likely to attract unwanted attention, and it’s best to remain respectful of local traditions and sensibilities.
3. Travel Insurance
While having adequate insurance for emergencies and uncertainties is pretty much common sense when traveling abroad, for a visit to Dubai it remains mandatory.
All residents in the Emirates, locals, and expats alike need to mandatorily have health cover, and for tourists, travel insurance usually covers a wide range of medical expenses, apart from any preexisting conditions.
Travelers can compare health insurance options from a wide range of service providers to choose the plan that best suits their requirements and budgets.
4. Chargers, VPNs & More
You’re unlikely to be able to live without your smartphone, or iPad no matter where you’re traveling, and while Dubai has robust network coverage and high-speed internet, there are a few peculiarities that visitors need to be made aware of.
To start with, Dubai uses a 3-pin socket, the kind that is used in the UK as well, but if that’s different from the charger you have, you might have to purchase an adapter. Beyond this, there are a few websites that remain blocked while in the Emirates, which makes VPNs a necessity if you’re planning on accessing such sites.
Contrary to misconceptions, VPNs aren’t illegal in Dubai, and their usage is prone to fines, if caught accessing websites that remain banned by the government. This law, however, is rarely enforced, so tourists need not be anxious in this regard.
Final Words
Travel is often ideal for beating stress, and overcoming the cesspool of toxicity that we experience in everyday lives, however, it becomes entirely futile if traveling itself becomes stressful.
Being one of the best places in the world to blow off steam, just a few simple measures, and accessories can ensure you have a time of your life while visiting Dubai.
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