Discover the Desert on a Trip to Dubai

Adventure

Dubai CityIf you've ever thought of going to Dubai but imagined it was too ritzy or expensive for your tastes, think again. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city characterized by an almost unbelievable level of extravagance, but it is also much more.

If you like experiencing different cultures and spending time outdoors in fabulous weather, you'll love Dubai. Whatever type of water-based sports you like, you'll have a ball on the water. The beaches are immaculate, the water is incredibly warm, and every day is hot and sunny. There are also many, many interesting attractions and places to visit off the beach and away from the Mall.

Contrary to what you might think based on its "extravagant" reputation, vacationing in Dubai doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you'd like to spend a fortune on a hotel on the beach, you certainly can. I stayed at the Dhow Palace Hotel Dubai - off the beach, but undoubtedly the nicest hotel I've every stayed in, and certainly not the most expensive. It took just a few minutes to get any place I wanted to go by taxi, which the front desk was eager to call for me anytime.

My favorite activity in Dubai was the Desert Safari tour. The hotel recommended it, and I'm very glad I went with their suggestion. You'll find there are a number of Desert tours available so you can choose the one that suits your interests, schedule and budget. The one I choose was very reasonably priced, and it departed my hotel in the afternoon.

I loved everything about this desert tour on Dubai.Camel Riding across the desert with an experienced desert driver is a thrilling experience unlike anything I've experienced on other 4X4 expeditions. After driving through the sand dunes, the tour stopped so we could watch a beautiful sunset, then we headed to a desert camp.

Riding a camel at the camp was a big thrill for me, and I recommend whatever tour you choose, make sure there's a camel ride involved. After the camel ride, we had a delicious BBQ dinner in the desert and watched a live belly dancer perform at the camp. After some exceptional Arabian coffee, we headed back across the desert to the hotel.

I was wide-awake for the return sand dune trip home, but by the time I was back in my hotel room, I was exhausted - even though it was only 10:00 pm. Fresh air, fun, excitement and not a bit of extravagance had worn me out, and it was one of my best experiences in Dubai.