Middle East

Upon first inspection, Dubai lives up to its reputation as a millionaires’ playground; it is chock-full of business folk impeccably turned out in Arab thawbs or designer labels, driving huge cars from one gleaming, gargantuan mall to the next. But while this futuristic city in the middle of the desert is great fun for those with money, it is also ideally set up for kids.

Tourism to Iran is on the up. Combined with strengthening diplomatic relations between Iran and the West, means the country is finally opening its doors to western tourist. Western government are no longer advising their citizens not to visit this once no-go-zone. However, there are some parts that are not recommending visiting yet.  Consequently, eager tour operators are lining up to take curious travellers to the crumbling city of Persepolis, the rug-strewn bazaars of Esfahan and the stately gardens of Shiraz and see Iran’s many temples, mosques, fortresses and monuments.

When Omar Sharif emerged from the shimmering desert mirages in arguably the greatest screen entrance in cinematic history, David Lean not only gave us a new matinee idol in his movie masterpiece, Lawrence of Arabia; the legendary film director also gave movie-going audiences a chance to see one of the most magnificent and magical landscapes in the world: Wadi Rum.

We all want a truly extraordinary holiday, but how often do we actually go one? In Oman, incredible sights and experiences are an everyday occurrence – from glimpses into ancient worlds to super-modern hotels, via unparalleled natural beauty that’s ripe for your next big adventure.

Pick from our list of great places to visit for your next short break.   If you have not select your next short break destination yet, then checkout these places.  We have destinations in Europe, Asia,  South America and the Middle East.

What makes the perfect family Holiday? Well, guaranteed sunshine 365 days a year is a must, all-inclusive packages make it easier to budget and there has to be a crėche, a kids's club and somewhere for teens to chill. Mum might be wishing for mammoth luxury shopping centres and indulgent spas. And for dad? A championship standard nine-hole gulf course, fine dining dazzling entertainment and knowing everything, and everyone is being taken care of.

Why have just one luxury holiday when you can plump for two if you are flying over to Mauritius via Dubai . Here are two phrases I never thought I’d hear in my life: one of them is, ahem, ‘foot virtuoso’ (more of which later), the other is ‘pastry library’. I am confronted with the latter at Stay, the swanky signature restaurant situated in One&Only The Palm, sister hotel to the brand’s Royal Mirage resort – itself located a ten-minute speedboat ride away on what passes for Dubai’s ‘mainland’.

Dubai is the sort of place you think you know even if you’ve never been – it conjures up images of opulent hotels and towering sky scrapers.  Most of our experience of Dubai is a stopover destination; however, it is so much more. It has some of the most luxurious resorts - the world’s only seven star hotel, world class restaurants, pristine beaches and a great place for a family holiday.  Even if you choose to use it as a gateway to your next destination, make your next stopover a bit longer to enjoy what of what Dubai has to offer.