Latest news with #getaway
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can travel to during holidays
Eid Al Adha is just round the corner and many UAE residents, if not most, have already made plans for the holidays. A majority of them have already made travel plans outside the country to get a brief respite from the sweltering heat, while some have opted for staycations. But if you are one of those who is still undecided on where to go during the break, we have got you covered. There are many visa-free countries which are just a short flight away. Here are five visa-free destinations for a quick getaway: Georgia Georgia is one of the popular destinations for UAE residents as well as for travellers from around the world. Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia is known for its natural beauty, mountain landscapes and the popular town of Tbilisi. Georgia is just a short flight away with a travel time of 3.5 to 4 hours. UAE residents can get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Seychelles Seychelles is another gem in the Indian Ocean and known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty. It is the ideal destination if you want escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The travel time to this paradise is approximately 4.5 hours and UAE residents can get visa-free entry. Maldives Maldives is another great destination if you want a quick getaway. The beach destination is known for its lagoons, picture-postcard views and resorts. Maldives offers visa on arrival for all nationalities and can be reached in 4.5 to 5 hours. Azerbaijan Azerbaijan is another go-to destination nestled between Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan known for its natural beauty, old towns and its cultural scene. UAE residents can get a visa on arrival for 30 days and the flying time is 3 hours. Nepal If you wish to be in the lap of Mother Nature, Nepal it is. The Himalayan Kingdom, home to Mount Everest, is known for its mountains, trekking, food, culture as well as ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites. UAE residents can get a visa on arrival and it takes approximately 4.5 hours to get there.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha getaway: UAE expats say Jebel Jais' 10°C cooler air, views are 'perfect reset'
As the long Eid Al Adha weekend approaches, many UAE residents are looking for quick getaways to escape the summer heat. For those not planning international travel, Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah, is proving to be a top pick among residents. About 10 degrees cooler than those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the temperatures at Jebel Jais hover between 23°C and 30°C, the mountain offers a refreshing break from the city's heat. The cool breeze, winding roads, and peaceful views are drawing residents looking for a quiet and scenic escape. Unplanned trips Shadab Mannar, a digital marketing executive living in Al Nahda, visited Jebel Jais last weekend with a friend. 'We were just driving along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and decided to take a short trip last Sunday. We didn't really plan anything; we just felt like getting away,' he said. 'The city felt too hot and crowded, so we got in the car and ended up at Jebel Jais.' He added that the drive became more enjoyable as they climbed higher into the mountains. 'Honestly, the weather was so pleasant, especially as we went up. It didn't even feel like we were in Middle East summer. We stayed till after sunset, around 9.30 pm, just sitting there enjoying the calm. It was so peaceful and cool.' Shadab now plans to have a short trip with his cousins and friends during the Eid break. 'After that experience, we already decided to drive up again during the long weekend. It's just perfect,' he said. Similarly, Maria Fernandes, a PR executive in Dubai, also found herself at Jebel Jais earlier this week in an unplanned trip with her cousins visiting from Abu Dhabi. 'After lunch, we stepped out just to get some ice cream. One of our friends had to drive to Ras Al Khaimah for some work, so we tagged along,' she said. 'After his work, we were all thinking about what to do next, so we drove up the mountain.' Maria said the change in scenery and temperature was immediate. 'As soon as we hit the mountain road, the air felt cooler and lighter. We had brought sandwiches and tea in a flask, so we stopped at a viewpoint and had a little picnic.' 'It wasn't just the weather, it was the silence, the views, and the break we didn't know we needed. It felt like the perfect reset before starting the workweek again,' she said. 'Away from the malls' Zubair Ahmed, a father of three living in Abu Dhabi, is planning to take his family to Jebel Jais during the upcoming Eid break. 'We will be traveling to Dubai for lunch at my brother's place on Eid Al Adha and then head straight to Jebel Jais in the evening,' he said. 'We usually end up going to the mall or some indoor activity because of the heat. But this time, I wanted to do something different.' He added that several of his friends recently went to the mountain and had only good things to say. 'They told me it's much cooler there in the evenings. The kids are excited about the road trip, and I am just looking forward to spending some time outdoors with them, no screens, no noise, just fresh air and mountains.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
The stunning Kent town with a rich history just an hour from London
In need of a getaway from the busy, loud and non-stop atmosphere of London? Then the beautiful Kent town of Edenbridge is worth a visit. Edenbridge is described as a traditional Kentish location that is set in the surrounding Eden Valley. From London, you can reach Edenbridge in as little as 38 minutes, catching the train from London Bridge and heading to Edenbridge Town station. You can also drive to the town, taking around one hour and 47 minutes with tolls along the route. Whether you just fancy a break from London and want an easy weekend, or fancy a weekend of long walks, Edenbridge is the perfect place. If you're a keen walker, Edenbridge offers plenty of great walking trails, including a route that takes you through the town. The town trail follows a straight line route that the Romans would follow on their route to London from Lewes. The century church records show that Edenbridge first appeared on records in the 12th century, according to Visit Edenbridge. Throughout its history, the market town has seen the likes of miners and smugglers and more recently, a rise in commuters, with it being just 25 miles from London. Despite being close to London, Edenbridge feels miles away, surrounded by countryside and high streets showing off its rich history. According to Visit Sevenoaks, the high street is filled with " timber-framed medieval buildings" that make it the "picture-perfect backdrop". The high street has shops, including antiques, gifts, plants and more, along with its market. Recommended Reading The beautiful Kent village less than an hour from London for a weekend trip Why you should visit Hever Castle as a day trip from London Instagram-famous tulip field with 1.5 million flowers set to open for spring Edenbridge Market was first established in 1227 when it once sold cattle, but now it is a more general market held on Thursdays. There are also plenty of places to eat in the town, including The Old Eden, the local pub which has a Google Review rating of 4.3/5 and saw one guest share: "What a find, called in for dinner and had one of the best pies I've ever had, full of steak and kidney and the pastry was delicious." For places to stay in Edenbridge, the Ye Olde Crown is a well-rated hotel, and Hurst Farm is a popular bed and breakfast.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sponsored: Hong Kong Tourism Board – Jet, set, Hong Kong!
Winnipeg Watch Krissy Vann dishes on luxe hotels, rooftop cocktails, hidden gems—and how to win your own dream getaway.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
Bank Holiday getaway chaos starts early with drivers stuck in huge queues – check worst times to hit the roads
THE Bank Holiday getaway chaos has started early today with drivers stuck in huge queues. Traffic was spotted crawling on the A2 in South East London as holidaymakers started to make their getaways ahead of the weekend. 4 4 Drivers have been advised to check traffic conditions with 17.9 million road trips expected over the late May Bank Holiday. The RAC and transport analysts INRIX are warning of a potential "double dose of delays" today and on Saturday. The highest number of leisure trips are projected to be made by car – 3.4 million on both days respectively. With most getaway trips due to begin before lunchtime, research suggests the best times to hit the road will be very early in the morning or into the evening. A majority of drivers say they'll head off at some point between 5am and 12pm. Meanwhile 14 per cent plan to leave between 5am and 8am and nearly a third intend to travel mid-morning between 8am and 10am. A further quarter will set off later between 10am and 12pm. Traffic is expected to peter out significantly later in the day with those that can advised to leave their journeys as late as possible. Just 3 per cent of motorists are planning trips between 7pm and 11pm following the evening rush hour. Experts are warning M25 users to plan well ahead as the UK's busiest motorway is expected to bear the brunt of the worst delays. Elon Musk's Cybertrucks are coming to Britain - and may spell the end of household bills On Friday – the day most drivers will be setting off – the M25 anticlockwise from J4 to J1 near the Dartford Crossing may see lunchtime journeys delayed by more than 45 minutes compared to normal. Later in the day, the M25 anticlockwise between Cobham services (J10) and Clacket Lane services (J6) may face queues of 35 minutes longer at 5pm during the evening rush hour. Elsewhere multiple routes connecting the West Country to the rest of the UK are expected to carry the lion's share of journeys on Saturday. Stretches of the A30 westbound towards Okehampton, the M5 southbound to Bridgwater and the A303 westbound past Stonehenge may suffer hold-ups of up to 55 minutes more than usual. 4 4 With the bank holiday weekend marking the start of the school half-term break in many parts of the UK, there's little reprieve for drivers travelling home back on Friday, May 30. RAC Mobile Mechanic Aaron Bryan said: "Our research shows it really is best to leave as early or late as possible this bank holiday weekend, as the majority of motorists are planning to set off in the morning. "If the warm weather continues, travelling at cooler hours of the day saves fuel, puts less strain on the air conditioning system, and means older cars have much less chance of overheating. "Regardless of the weather, always check your vehicle's oil and coolant levels before setting off, as well as tyre pressure and tread depth. "Alternatively, an RAC Mobile Mechanic can check any battery or brake pad issues before you travel, along with diagnosing any faults signalled by dashboard warning lights. "There's no need to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the garage either, as we can come to you at home or work. "In hot temperatures, it's wise to carry lots of water, food and a tool kit, with jump leads, torch and some first aid basics. "In the worst-case scenario of a breakdown, make sure you've got an umbrella and sunscreen to provide shade for all passengers when awaiting assistance. "While Devon and Cornwall remain some of the most popular destinations for summer getaways, many other major routes across the country could be hit by increased traffic – not least the M25 which so many drivers use to reach the coast and the South East. "These stretches are likely to be equally as busy on Friday 30 May when drivers use the same roads for return journeys."
