Think of the city where you will find gold and camels, 7 star hotels and driverless metro trains, all-year summer and cold winters. Signature-brands, Super cars police vehicles and many more. No doubt there that this is one of the most sought-after travel destination for luxury and everything extra-ordinary, yes I’m referring to you, Robocop. But do not fret, you can actually be able to explore and enjoy this city on a budget! Just follow my guides and tips below Tips: 1.Seat sale is the game We all know that every now and then, different airline companies attract travelers with their promotions and one of those is a seat-sale for Php1.00 base fare ticket. If your travel time is adjustable, wait for a seat sale. Since it’s a long-haul flight, you are sure that there is a bigger leg room for you and a more comfortable seat. Bring some food to munch on while you’re at it too! It’s always better than airplane food and cheaper too. My leg room in cebu pacific flight back home for a quick visit2.Look for accommodations in Deira, Bur Dubai, and Karama As long as it doesn’t look sketchy, it’s okay. Dubai is the city home to the 7-star hotel but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find cheap accommodations. Just make sure that the hotels you are going to book 3.Purchase an all-zone metro card If you are planning to stay on Dubai for at least a week, purchase your Nol card and ask for a 7day passes to get more discount. With this nol card, you can easily transport to anywhere in Dubai (as long as there’s a metro, bus, water taxi or water buses). As you may not know, Dubai metro is one of the most efficient and clean transport system in the world. All trains are fully automated or driverless; it also has a separate cabin for gold cardholders and for female and children. 4.Hoard on some free waters and tissues from your hotels/ tour rides etc. It’s no secret that Dubai’s temperature during summer can rise as high as 50 degrees. So bring all the water bottle and tissues that you can pack on your bag, trust me you’ll need it! Activities (less than 10Dhs or FREE!) 1.Be informed and wiser I suggest you check out couchsurfing and other related apps as Dubai residents usually provide land arrangements and activities for tourist. They can also give you cheaper prices than those of in the market, but always make sure you are dealing with the right person. Do not send out deposits first without getting assurance. For Desert Safari for example, they will ask you to pay for it when you arrived on the place of the activity and not before. the Tram for transfers to/ from different parks and parking lotroam around!photo credit to owners2.Visit the Riverland in Dubai Parks and Resorts Riverland is a multi-themed dining and retail district located inside the amusement park, Dubai Parks and Resorts. If you’re like me who’s not a fan of stomach-flipping rides, then this is the place for you. Best thing is, entrance is Free! In Riverland, you can transport to Europe with it’s main theme setting. Go grab those camera and pose your most European-esque! 3.Take a picture with Burj Al-Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain You weren’t in Dubai if you don’t have a picture with these three iconic places. The Burj Al-Arab is a 7-star hotel and third tallest hotel in the world. Do not worry, you don’t have to really be there to have a picture with it, instead visit the JBR beach. Have a picnic, swim and enjoy the sand and sun. Shop your stress away in Dubai mall and relaxed while watching the Dubai Fountain show (the world’s second largest choreographed fountain system). Take a picture with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. This is the best spot as you can include the whole structure of the building in the photo. 4.Have a break, have a Shawarma I’m sure you won’t get tired of eating this meat-wrapped sandwich. You can enjoy it for as little as 5Dhs! But just in case, also try the Biryani and Roasted Chicken with Hummus. 5.One-dirham activities/food you need to try
Walk towards the historic Old Souq/ Spice Market. Be at awe with all the gold you can find in Deira Gold Souq from common jewelry like rings to necklaces, to money clip, pen, wallet, belts and whatnots.
This is the best way to maximize your money while in Dubai! As almost all retailers are actively participating in different government-based promotions and sale. 7.Buy your souvenirs in 1-10 Gift Shops After strolling around Dubai, you will notice small-big shops with display of All items 1-10dhs or All items 1-20 dhs. This is the best place to buy your chocolates, keychain, and anything (made in china) souvenirs for your loved ones back home You do not have to worry in entering a Muslim-majority country as long as you follow and observe the rules and regulations imposed. You’ll be safe, and I tell you that Dubai is one of the most safe city you can visit! Let me know if the guides and tips above helped you on your travel too!
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When I decided to migrate to Dubai, I was scared, I had doubts. What if I don't make it? What if I had to return home with nothing but debts and lost chances? I was afraid when I was unable to find a job during my first month here. I wasn't sure whether to stay or not. I was dwelling on "what if's" and "but's". What if I just give up? but I'm already here.
Life is a series of choices. If you look around you, you have to make a choice, whether to walk or run? To do or not to do? Life is a series of risks we need to take on, but what if you made the bad choice? What if you took the wrong risk and it fall back to you tenfold? Can you still say it's okay? When I decided to quit my first job, it was a decision I wanted to do. When I decided to take on my second job, it was a harder decision because I learned that I had an easy and better paying job in the former company. When I decided to leave that company again to take on a more competitive job, I had doubts. What if I won't find happiness in this job? What if it's not for me? What if I should have stayed to my previous companies? Whether you chose the wrong choice will only depend on you. Did it make you happy? Was it worthwhile? If yes, it's okay to be wrong. Did you learn a lesson? If yes, use it to make better choices in the future. It's okay to give up when you are tired, when you can't seem to see the light at the end of that tunnel, when everything doesn't seem right, and when it doesn't make you happy anymore, it's okay. If you have to bend all the principles that you've lived to, if it makes you cry, and sad, and makes your heart break every time you think of it, it's okay, you can give up. No one will hold it against you, for choosing to give up, for choosing to let go, and for choosing to quit. It's your life, live the way it makes you happy. Letting go doesn't mean you are weak, it just means that you are stronger enough to know that it's not working out anymore and bear the pain today for a better tomorrow. On Saturday June 17, the temperature rose to 50.5 Celsius in Mezaira near Liwa, Abu Dhabi. It is no wonder that living in the U.A.E feels like living next to the Sun. We’ve all been there- putting towels, more tissue, and even newspaper just so we can remove those excessive sweats. But the long brutal summertime here is unavoidable, and we all know we love Summer! (except if it reach 50 degree Celsius). So how do we make the long days and short nights of summertime enjoyable? Below I’m going to share with you some tips to last during the day under the scorching hot sun!
A few years ago, I've forgotten this country existed- Armenia. A small, mountainous country that bordered in the North and East by Georgia and Azerbaijan, on the South by Iran and West by Turkey. A country that is rich in history, amazing architecture and landscapes, and filled with wonderful locals. Luckily, for us, it is only a 3hour and 10mins flight away from Dubai via FlyDubai. Visa Application
Visa For Filipinos (and UAE Residents), this country provides a visa-on arrival or you may also opt to apply an e-visa. We opted for the former. Upon arrival to Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), you will then be asked if you have obtained a visa, if not, you will be directed to the Immigration Area where you will fill-out the application form and just pay for your chosen visa depending on the number of days you intended to stay. We paid 2,500.00AMD (Armenian Dram) or around 5USD for a 21 day visa. There is a money exchange near the Cashier so it’s okay to just bring USD/Euro. But do not be tempted to exchange all your money there! Just have enough for the Visa Fee and your taxi fare. Read below why Language, Currency Money to Bring and Where to Exchange The official language of the people of Armenia is Armenian. However, many people also speaks Russian, and a few who speaks English (mostly, the young generation). I suggest that you either bring Euro or USD, and have it exchanged at the Money Exchanges near the supermarkets as they give the best rates! I will give you a detailed Itinerary and costs at the bottom of this article so you may have an idea on how much money you should bring. Our exchange rate was: 1USD = 481AMD Photo Credit to: http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/images/uae-currency.jpgSeriously, if you asked me this question a year ago, I'd probably say "Yeah, it's important but living now is more important"
Yes, I was one of those people who thinks that living in the moment is more important than building your future. I guessed I still am. But what changed then and now? I get to be more focused on reaching my goal. I am financially independent. A few months ago, I came across a few articles about a woman who got to retire early (If I remember correctly I think she was 27-30) she was a financial expert in America before she retired. What she did was to religiously save. So what is the difference between her and us? It's how she did it. Instead of saving what is left after her expenses, she deducted what she wants to save from her income and the rest is for her expenses. Easy peasy right? But why is it so hard to do this? I tell you why it's hard, because we live beyond our means. I get it that that new shoes is just so pretty it will go perfectly with your never-been worn pink dress. Or that extra chocolate cake. But is its okay to live extravagantly beyond what you can afford? I guess not. |
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