Middle East & Africa Travelers Recommend

As a nation made up of mostly desert, the United Arab Emirates has become a top destination for desert adventures, many available just outside of Dubai. All-terrain vehicles carry passengers out into the dunes for sand boarding, camel treks, picnics, balloon rides, and starlit barbecues without any other signs of human habitation in sight. See below for your options.

Sandboarding

You can experience the rolling dunes from a 4x4 vehicle as it takes you from the city into the desert and then strap on a board for the exhilaration of sandboarding, which is easier to master than snowboarding and a great family activity.

Sand Buggy and Quad Bike Rides

For an even greater adrenaline rush, hop on the saddle of a sand buggy or quad bike for a guided tour of the dunes. Out on your own personal vehicle, you’ll have uninterrupted, 360-degree views of this otherworldly landscape. Another option is to see the desert from above in a hot air balloon. This is the best way to see just how vast the Arabian Desert truly is.

Camel Rides

An equally exhilarating and more traditional activity is camel riding. These animals have been central to survival in the Arabian Desert throughout history, and you’ll learn why on a visit to a camel farm.

Camping Out

If you’re interested in the culture of the nomadic tribes that once traveled these sands, spend an evening at a desert campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the dunes, wee a traditional Tanoura dance performance by the light of a campfire, feast on a barbecue dinner and swap stories over a shisha (a traditional Arabic water pipe).

Standing on the edges of the United Arab Emirates’ deserts, including the Empty Quarter that extends into Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi makes a wonderful point of departure for dune-based adventures. From camel rides to Bedouin-style camps, here are some of the top desert experiences available from the UAE capital.

Desert and Dinner Excursions

The most popular desert trips from Abu Dhabi fill the afternoon and evening, and feature sports, Bedouin traditions, and dinner at an Arabian Nights-inspired camp. Most begin with a 4WD dune bash, sunset photo ops, camel riding, and sand boarding. Then, it’s on to a tented camp for activities such as henna painting, falcon displays, and a barbecue buffet dinner and belly dancing shows beneath the stars.

Sports Trips

Sports-only trips are ideal if you want to enjoy the all-action opportunities of the desert and don’t mind skipping the usual afternoon and evening entertainment. Many of these trips happen in the cool of morning and include ATV or dune buggy treks, or sports such as dune bashing and sand boarding.

City and Desert Combos

Perfect for travelers with limited time, combo tours let you experience a number of different activities in one time-saving and hassle-free package. Some options team an afternoon-evening desert safari with an Abu Dhabi city tour and a Dhow boat dinner cruise, all packed into two days of sightseeing.

Liwa Desert Expeditions

Situated on the fringes of the UAE’s Empty Quarter—also known as the Rub’ Al Khali—Liwa is one of the country’s most beautiful deserts, and is characterized by towering red dunes. Trips to Liwa give you a feel for the scale and beauty of a large Arabian desert. Full-day group or private tours include dune drives, a visit to Liwa Fort, and usually, lunch at a desert resort.

Private Tours

Popular with couples and groups seeking quieter, less-crowded trips, private desert tours come in many different forms. Options include lantern-lit dinners for two in the dunes, intimate sunrise tours, and personal wildlife safaris followed by a private dinner table at an exclusive desert retreat.

Overnight Stays

Experience the UAE desert at both of its most magical times—sunset and sunrise—with an overnight desert expedition. Most start with a classic evening desert-and-dinner tour before letting you sleep in your own Bedouin-style tent or desert villa, so you can wake to breakfast and dawn breaking over the dunes.

With its show-stopping architecture, glam shopping, and sunny beaches, Abu Dhabi deserves its reputation as a rising star of the Middle East. And under two hours from neighboring Dubai, it's a popular choice for a day trip. Here's how to visit.

Group Tours

A budget-friendly and fun way to experience the highlights of Abu Dhabi is on a group tour from Dubai. Many of these tours include visits to the Corniche, Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, and Ferrari World.

Private Tours

For a more personalized experience with greater itinerary flexibility, opt for a private tour. With a guide all to yourself (go ahead and ask all the questions you want), you'll have even more time to acquaint yourself with this modern city by visiting only the attractions you're interested in.

Abu Dhabi from Above

If you think Abu Dhabi is impressive from the ground, wait until you see it from above. A seaplane tour of the city takes passengers soaring from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, offering aerial views of each city's top attractions and a thrilling landing on the water.

Things to Know

• Most Abu Dhabi day trips last upwards of 8 hours, so prepare for a full day.

• Round-trip hotel transfer from Dubai is included on most tours.

• Seaplane excursions include a 45-minute flight and sometimes include time to explore Ferrari World.

• Abu Dhabi is less than 2 hours from Dubai by car.

The Sahara Desert looms large in the imagination of the traveler in Morocco. And anyone who's been to see this natural wonder will tell you that it's an absolute must for any visitor to Marrakech. Here are some option for what to do and how to visit.

Camel Rides

One of the best (and most traditional) ways to experience the Moroccan desert is by camel. A camel ride through the palm groves of Marrakech and into the desert can take as little as a few hours, and often includes a stop at a local Berber home for mint tea and a snack.

Hot-Air Balloon Rides

Gazing down at the desert and foothills of the Atlas Mountains from a hot air balloon gives you an idea of the size and scope of the vast Sahara Desert. This bucket list–worthy experience is a great way to kick off a day in Marrakech or further exploration of the desert.

Buggy and Quad Bike Tours

For a desert-style adrenaline rush, opt for a tour of the desert and palm groves by buggy or desert quad bike. These small-group tours by all-terrain vehicle allow you to safely take in the stark landscapes of Morocco in as little as half a day.

Desert Camping

Experiencing the Moroccan desert beneath the stars is a completely different experience than by day. Those who have a night to spare will be rewarded with a camping trip into the desert, which often includes a camel trek from M’hamid into the Merzouga dunes of the Zagora Desert to a Bedouin desert camp, a sunset over the dunes, and a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars to the tune of local folk music.

Multi-Day Tours

The beauty and diversity of the Moroccan desert warrants more than just one day of exploration. On a multi-day trip, you might explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou or the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, stop at Atlas Studios (one of the largest movie studios in Africa), camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, or take in the scenic beauty of the Dades and Todra gorges.

Just beyond the towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels of Dubai, one of the Middle East’s most fascinating metropolises, lies the desert of the United Arab Emirates—an incredibly interesting natural landscape of much more than just sand dunes. From camel rides to ATV adventures, here’s how to visit the desert around Dubai.

Highlights

• Take a camel ride through the dunes of the Dubai desert for a traditional view of the stark and spectacular landscape.

• Hop into a 4WD vehicle for a day of dune bashing and desert exploration.

• Experience the thrill of sandboarding down desert sand dunes.

• Watch a falconry demonstration to learn about the hunting skills of the Emiratis’ favorite bird.

• Tuck into an alfresco BBQ dinner while watching a live tanoura (whirling dervish) and belly dancing show.

• Sleep beneath the stars on an overnight safari to a Bedouin camp.

Dubai thrums with serenity throughout Ramadan, when stores close, the faithful fast, and the city empties. If your visit lands during the Islamic holy month, you’re in for fewer lines, more culture, and a great time. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the Islamic lunar month of obligatory fasting, intense prayer, and spiritual reflection, as well as nightly feasts and fun. It falls at a different time each year, during which Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, tobacco, and sex from sunrise to sundown to focus on their worship. Nightfall sees lively meals called iftar shared with friends and family, while Islam’s biggest holiday, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan with three days of eating, thanking, and gift-giving.

Be mindful of rules and traditions.

While non-Muslims aren’t expected to fast, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in public during daylight hours. Refrain from swearing or playing loud music in public, and be aware that everyone is expected to dress modestly—women should cover their shoulders with a pashmina or shawl, and all visitors should cover their legs (down to the knee). Swimwear is acceptable in beach and pool areas.

Plan your meals in advance.

With shorter work hours and a fasting public, daytime food options are limited and last-minute dinner reservations impossible as Muslims meet to break their fast. Map out international hotels and shopping centers, which cater to hungry visitors and sometimes offer daytime meals, and always carry water—a city tour of Abu Dhabi is a good way to secure a cultural experience and a meal at a seven-star hotel.

Immerse yourself in the culture.

Don’t be shy! Try fasting for a day on a desert safari before breaking into a traditional iftar with your guide, or take a guided walking tour through Old Dubai to learn about Emirati culture and visit the Dubai Museum.

Sightsee in the city.

Dubai’s top attractions see way smaller crowds during the Holy Month. Book a guided city tour to see architectural masterpieces such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj al-Arab hotel or learn about the holiday at mosques, souks, and royal palaces.

Stay up.

When Ramadan breaks at nightfall, Dubai comes to life (perhaps even more so than usual). Malls stay open later and suhoors, or pre-dawn meals, keep people moving into the early hours.

Visitors to Cape Town usually love the city's urban flair, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to outdoor activities, but you may not realize there are great wildlife safari trips you can take from Cape Town, too. Here are some options for heading out on safari.

Full-Day Tours

Even the most time-pressed visitors to Cape Town have the opportunity for an African safari experience, thanks to a variety of day trips from the South African capital. The Aquila Private Game Reserve represents the closest place to the city where it’s possible to see the Big Five—African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalos—as well as the endangered Aquila black eagle and some 70 other bird species. Learn about lion conservation during a day trip to Inverdoorn Nature Reserve, known for its wide variety of free roaming species. Those who prefer the water can spot the Marine Big Five—southern right whale, great white shark, bottlenose dolphin, African penguin, and Cape fur seal—aboard a wildlife-watching cruise.

Multi-Day Tours

Multiple days mean multiple chances to observe South Africa’s varied wildlife, and tours from Cape Town typically range from two to eight days. Along the Garden Route, go hiking through Tsitsikamma National Park, stroll the beaches of Jeffreys Bay, canoe the waters of Wilderness National Park, observe elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, and explore Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. Shorter itineraries take travelers to Klein Karoo on the Western Cape to see the Big Five and other wild animals.

Most journeys to Egypt begin and end in Cairo, but a mere 3-hour drive from the capital will bring you to Egypt’s second largest city—Alexandria. Here’s how to visit this culturally rich seaside metropolis, at once both ancient and modern, that could not feel more different from the nation’s capital.

Group Tours

For travelers on a budget, a group tour offers a wallet-friendly way to experience Alexandria while benefiting from the insight of a local guide and the intimacy of a small group. Depending on the day trip you choose, you might visit the former site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Roman Amphitheater, the Catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa, the Library of Alexandria, the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar, and Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque (El Mursi Abul Elabas).

Private Tours

Booking a private full-day tour from Cairo to Alexandria means you’ll have your guide—even an Egyptologist guide, depending on the option you choose—all to yourself, freeing you up to ask as many questions as you like. An added benefit is a more flexible itinerary (and some tours are completely customizable); spend time exploring the points of interest that intrigue you and skip the ones that don’t. 

Things to Know

• Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast, 137 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Cairo.

• Day trips to Alexandria can last anywhere from six to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo.

• Choose a small-group tour or a private tour guide.

While many simply want to hit Dubai’s beaches, the city overflows with sights and activities that will keep sightseers, adventure seekers, and culture vultures happy, too, from the world’s highest tower to desert expeditions featuring dune bashing, sand boarding, and Bedouin-style dinners under the stars. Whether you choose to explore Dubai via flightseeing tour, boat trip, dinner cruise, or desert hot-air-balloon ride—or day trip to the dynamic UAE capital, Abu Dhabi—book ahead, as many experiences sell fast, especially during the peak season of November to March. Here are our top-pick activities for your time in Dubai.

From sci-fi–like architecture and cutting-edge leisure attractions to empty desert and bustling beaches, Dubai has plenty to fill your time, feed your soul, and fire your adrenaline. Plus, because the city is so compact, it’s easy to enjoy the must-dos even if time is short. Here’s how to get the best from Dubai in just one day.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Start at the At The Top observatory of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, where the Level 124 viewing deck is the perfect curtain-raiser to the city—letting you experience Dubai’s most celebrated skyscraper along with stupendous city, gulf, and desert views. After an hour here, check out Dubai’s landmarks on a guided city tour. View modern must-sees such as the Burj Al Arab, ride a traditional boat ( abra ) across Dubai Creek, and browse the souks and wind towers of old Dubai. Alternatively, take a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you see all the sights and explore as you wish.

Afternoon: Sands, Sea, and Fun

Dubai’s desert offers up myriad dune-based adventures. Ride a 4WD into the sands for dune bashes, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Arabian experiences, all capped by a sunset barbecue in a Bedouin-style camp. For a different kind of fun, book tickets to one of Dubai’s two water parks—Aquaventure or Wild Wadi—to enjoy their daredevil slides and gentler attractions. For thrills and views together, opt for a helicopter flightseeing ride or admire Dubai’s legendary skyline from the water on a RIB trip along the coast.

Night: Dinner Cruises and Desert Nights

There are many ways to spend evenings in Dubai, with most centered on enjoying the glitz of the city or the quiet beauty of the desert. To admire the city lights while you eat, book a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek, and sail by wind towers and minarets on a wooden Arabian dhow or glass-enclosed boat. Other options include Dubai Marina dinner cruises that glide you past its rows of sparkling skyscrapers. For an Arabian Nights –style evening, book one of numerous tours into the desert where groups enjoy a live barbecue under the stars complemented by sequined belly dancing and tanoura whirling dervish shows.

With three days in Dubai, there’s time to experience all of its main draws, from desert expeditions and day trips to the open seas, scented souks, amusement parks, and deluxe leisure experiences. Here’s how to get the most out of a 3-day trip to Dubai.

Day 1: Desert Delights Flanked by sands, Dubai is the perfect base for delving deep into the Arabian desert. Float above the dunes at sunrise by hot-air balloon, or burn rubber on a quad or buggy ride. Alternatively, sample Bedouin culture with a wildlife experience: watching the ancient art of falconry and scouring the dunes to spot Arabian oryx, gazelle, and more.

This afternoon, continue with a 4WD guided desert tour. Most trips include a dune bash, sunset photo ops, and a Bedouin-style camp sojourn beneath the stars replete with a barbecue, sparkling belly dancers, and activities such as camel riding and henna art.

Day 2: Capital City or Coastal Cruising Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s futuristic-looking capital, is a popular and easy-to-do day trip from Dubai. Most tours take a day to show you its top sights, including the white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Plus, some include entry to the avant-garde Louvre Abu Dhabi or Ferrari World, the huge indoor park of Ferrari-branded rides.

Another day-trip option takes you across the border to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to cruise along its mountainous coast. Settle in on an Arabian dhow and drift around its steep-sided bays, where you can swim and snorkel in the aquamarine waters.

Day 3: All Things Dubai Today's the day to immerse yourself in Dubai. Begin by admiring the 360-degree views from the Level 124 observatory at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, in the early-morning light. Or take a dawn seaplane flight to see the rising sun glinting on Dubai’s skyscrapers. For daylong fun, head for the thrilling fantasy worlds of Dubai Park and Resorts, or take a city sightseeing tour. There’s a tour option for all, from modern architecture round-ups to city-wide overviews and hop-on hop-off bus tickets. Speedboat or yacht trips are exhilarating ways to see the sights while enjoying the breezes and waves of the Persian Gulf.

Make your last evening truly memorable with a gourmet dinner at one of Dubai’s opulent hotel restaurants. Or book an evening cruise on the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek, letting the city lights come to you as you relax and dine in style.

Dubai’s souks —traditional covered markets—offer a more atmospheric shopping experience than modern malls. Largely located in the old quarters of Deira and Bur Dubai, souks specialize in a single type of product such as textiles or gold. Here’s what to know before diving in. Compare, haggle, and pay cash. Always shop around and explore each souk thoroughly to compare the stall prices. Then, be ready to haggle—it’s expected. Start by offering 50 percent of the quoted price and work from there. Then, if you’re not happy with the final price, walk away—the vendor may call you back. Paying cash should help you push down prices, too. Shop at all the souks. Dubai’s main souks clustered near each other, making it easy to visit them all in one outing and compare prices. Start at Deira’s Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk—all within steps of each other—before riding an abra boat across Dubai Creek to Bur Dubai’s Textile Souk. Know the day’s gold price. Gold at Deira’s Gold Souk is government-checked, so you can be sure it’s the real deal. Check the day’s fixed gold prices (as shown on the electronic stands), then haggle on the “making” charge: the additional fee that reflects the intricacy of each piece. Check customs rules for spices. The aromas and colors of Deira’s Spice Souk make it an unmissable experience. If you’re shopping for goodies here—think saffron, frankincense, nuts, or coffees—check your home country’s customs regulations beforehand and ask the vendor to seal and label whatever you buy. Visit in the mornings and evenings. Time your shopping for the mornings or evenings; souks are open 9am–10pm Saturday–Thursday (with a break between 1pm–4pm). On Fridays, most souks don’t open until 4pm. Cover up. Dubai’s souks are traditional spaces that reflect local customs, so wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Book a guided tour. If you’re unsure about shopping or navigating the souks, book a tour for valuable pointers. A guided souk shopping tour will help you get your bearings, scope out what each souk sells, and give you useful haggling tips.

The second saltiest major body of water on earth, the Dead Sea possesses such high salinity that it makes swimmers become super-buoyant. Here’s what you need to know about visiting one of Israel’s top attractions from Tel Aviv.

Full-Day Tours

Located 61 miles (98 kilometers) from Tel Aviv at 1,312 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea makes a relatively easy day trip. Tours often include stops in the Judean Desert such as the Inn of the Good Samaritan, the mountaintop Masada fort, the Ein Gedi Oasis, the ancient settlement of Qumran, and the city of Jericho—one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. No matter what tour you choose, you’ll have free time to float in the salty water or take a therapeutic mud bath.

Multi-Day Tours

With so much to see in the region surrounding the Dead Sea, a multi-day tour becomes an enticing option for those with more time to spare. Lasting anywhere from two to five days, a Dead Sea tour from Tel Aviv might include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, the caves of Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found), Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee.

Things to Know

• Day trips to the Dead Sea can last upwards of 12 hours, depending on the option chosen.

• Combine your visit to the Dead Sea with stops at sites like Masada and Old Jerusalem.

• A guided tour allows you to see other points of interest on the way to and from the Dead Sea.

• Multi-day tours take you to Israel’s highlights, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Masada.

• Some tours include pickup and drop-off at Tel Aviv hotels.

The ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the jewel of Jordan. And, though you could spend days exploring this spectacular sandstone settlement, travelers who are short on time can see the highlights of the ancient city during a day trip from Amman. Find out more below.  

Private Tours

If you’re on a tight schedule but want to see as much of Petra as possible, private tours are the way to go. With private tours from Amman, you dictate the timings. This means you can get your trip underway as early as you wish, or perhaps a little later, with pickup from your hotel. 

Opt for private round-trip transfers from Amman and either explore Petra independently or hire your own local guide. Alternatively, pick a more comprehensive private tour package that includes a guided excursion of Petra. Tours can be tailored to your specific interests, be they art, history, or culture. It’s also possible to add on additional experiences, such as a short horseback or camel ride, as well as visits to Little Petra and the Dead Sea.

Group Tours

Group tours to Petra from Amman offer a good-value and are an efficient and hassle-free way to see the top sights in the ancient Nabataean city. As with private tours, sightseeing experiences vary depending on which tour you choose. Pick a bare-bones excursion that includes transfers from Amman and free time at Petra, or opt for an all-inclusive tour with round-trip transfers, a guided tour of the site, a horseback ride, and even lunch. 

Things to Know

• Petra is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Amman. Driving takes 2.5–3 hours. 

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat to protect you from the desert sun.

• Some tours include entrance fees to Petra.

• Full-day tours from Amman typically last 8–13 hours. 

With temperatures regularly hitting 100°F (38°C), Dubai’s summer heat makes many daytime tours and activities uncomfortable. Yet, with clever timing and the bonus of ever-present air-conditioning, it’s still easy to enjoy the city. From dawn desert trips to indoor theme parks, here’s how to enjoy the best of Dubai from June to September.

• Admire the sights on a panoramic city tour aboard an air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus, minivan, or coach.
• Pretend it’s winter with a day of skiing, tobogganing, and penguin-watching in the frozen indoor wonderland of Ski Dubai.
• Absorb the sea breezes and wide-screen views of Dubai’s futuristic skyline and Burj Al-Arab on a high-speed RIB boat cruise.
• Beat the day’s heat on an early morning desert experience that lets you sand board, ride a camel, and drive an ATV across the dunes before the sands start to sizzle.
• Stay cool and enjoy Dubai’s best views on a combo tour that includes the Burj Khalifa observatory, Dubai Aquarium, and dinner by the Dubai Fountain.
• Splash and swim the day away at the slides and pools of the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.
• Hit the rides and coasters of Dubai’s IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s biggest indoor theme park.
• Savor the views and a gourmet dinner on the air-conditioned, glass-enclosed deck when you take a Bateaux dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.
• Experience the thrill of a skydive minus the fierce summer heat during an indoor skydiving session.
• Take advantage of cool evening temperatures on a sunset camel trek and Bedouin-style dinner experience in the desert.

Dubai is one of the world’s most expensive vacation destinations, but with smart planning it’s possible to keep your costs down. From choosing combination tours that cut your transportation fares to buying a discount-crammed attractions pass, here are a few ways to save money in the city.

Book a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Dubai’s sights are spread out, so paying for cabs and metro trains quickly adds up. Limit costs by booking a 1-day or multi-day pass for a hop-on hop-off bus that gives you unlimited cross-city travel for one price. Tours typically cover key sights such as Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina and often include perks such as museum tickets and guided walks.

Bundle Two Activities with Super Savers

Super Saver passes combine two bestselling activities into one tour for a lower price than if you were to book them separately—letting you experience Dubai’s quintessential activities while simultaneously cutting costs. Popular pairings include desert-and-dinner expeditions and dinner cruises and desert safaris teamed with city tours.

Choose Tours that Include a Meal or Tastings

If you’re heading off to sightsee on a city tour, choose one that includes a meal or tastings so you won’t need to pay for the equivalent meal yourself. Many include lunch or dinner at top restaurants, such as the Burj Al-Arab, giving you a way to experience glamorous dining spots at a great value. If you want to experience old Dubai, some tours offer tastings as you walk or let you learn about Emirati culture over an authentic local meal.

Buy a Sightseeing Pass

Passes that provide entry to a number of Dubai attractions for a single price save you money as you sightsee. Options include cards valid for an allotted period that give you cut-price admission to must-visits, such as the Burj Khalifa, as well as discounts and deals on tours and at restaurants, shops, and theme parks.

Opt for a Combination Tour

Combo tours pair together some of Dubai’s most popular activities to fill a day—think a city tour followed by a waterpark visit. These tours typically include transportation, so you avoid the cab, bus, or metro fares you’d pay if going independently. Other tours bundle several essential activities into two days and incorporate transportation throughout, saving you even more.

With the winter crowds thinning out and temperatures still comfortable before summer turns up the heat, spring is a great time to enjoy Dubai. Here are some popular ways to make the most of the city’s sights, outdoor activities, and desert wilds between mid-February and early May.

• See the best of old and new Dubai from a hop-on hop-off bus tour, where you can opt for a seat on the open-air top or in the air-conditioned lower deck.

• Tour downtown and modern Dubai to admire its futuristic architecture, such as the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest tower.

• Dive into the aquatic fun of the Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel—ideal for cooling down when the sun is high.

• Gaze down instead of up at the skyscrapers on an exciting helicopter flightseeing ride over the city.

• Ride horseback across Dubai’s sands to feel the full beauty and vastness of the desert.

• Bounce across the Persian Gulf for widescreen views of the city on a coastal speedboat tour.

• Experience the desert at its most magical with a sunset 4x4 dune bash and barbecue dinner at a Bedouin-style camp in the sands.

• Cross the dunes by vintage Land Rover to spot gazelle and other animals before a night under the stars on a wildlife safari and overnight stay.

Two days in Dubai let you branch out beyond the essential desert and city tours. Delve deeper into Dubai’s sands and Bedouin culture, dive headfirst into its 21st-century architecture and theme parks, and up the pace with the extreme sports the city does so well. Here’s how to make the most of a 2-day stay in Dubai.

Day 1: Essential Dubai

**Morning:**Sightseeing in Dubai is best in the relative cool of morning, so begin today with a guided city highlights tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore more freely. Take photos of the ultramodern must-sees such as the Atlantis, the Palm, and Burj Al Arab, and delve into old Dubai, where wind towers and souks huddle around Dubai Creek.

**Afternoon:**Devote the afternoon to Dubai’s entertainment heavyweights. Stay cool in the sun courtesy of the pools and chutes at the Wild Wadi or Atlantis’ Aquaventure water parks, or head for IMG Worlds of Adventure for white-knuckle rides and virtual-reality experiences.

**Night:**Most Dubai desert tours take up the afternoons and evenings, when the desert looks and feels extra romantic. After a 4WD dune drive, group tours make tracks for Bedouin-inspired camps to enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, henna art, and other traditional activities. A barbecue dinner and live entertainment usually provide the finale before convenient transfer back to your hotel.

Day 2: Let Rip or Kick Back

**Morning:**Rise early for a sunrise seaplane flight offering phenomenal bird’s-eye views of Dubai’s skyscrapers glowing gold at dawn. Follow your aerial exploits with another burst of adventure, this time in the desert. Join a quad bike or buggy expedition and feel your adrenaline race as you roar across the dunes.

**Afternoon:**To escape Dubai’s afternoon heat, head for one of its indoor attractions—air-conditioned oases out of the sun. All ages love watching the sea life at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, while skiing in the winter-like world of Ski Dubai makes for an adventurous and quirky alternative.

**Night:**Go all out for your final night in Dubai. Prebook evening admission to the 124th-floor observation deck at the Burj Khalifa for floodlit city views, or ramp up the luxury and height at the 148th-floor SKY observatory. For a meal to remember, dine in one of the city’s ultra-glitzy hotel restaurants or take a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina.

As one of the world’s oldest cities and an important spiritual center of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem is an undisputed highlight for visitors to Israel. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, about an hour’s drive.

Full-Day Tours

Jerusalem is jam-packed with sights to see, but it’s possible to catch all the highlights on a half- or full-day trip from Tel Aviv. On a typical city tour, you’ll visit the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb, Via Dolorosa, the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Mount of Olives, and extend your visit to nearby Bethlehem to explore the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square. Depending on the tour, you might also stop at the Dead Sea.

Multi-Day Tours

Almost all multi-day small-group or private tours through Israel’s Holy Land take you to the top attractions in Jerusalem’s old city, as well as Bethlehem, Masada, and the Dead Sea. Those who have couple extra days to spare will also be able to see the biblical landmarks of Nazareth as well as the Sea of Galilee and towns like Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, and Acre.

Things to Know

• Jerusalem is located 42 miles (67 kilometers) southeast of Tel Aviv.

• Day tours to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv can last anywhere from six to 12 hours depending on the option chosen.

• Choose a day trip or a guided multi-day tour of Israel’s highlights.

• Many tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Tel Aviv.

The landlocked Dead Sea sits 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level in the Jordan Rift Valley, making it the lowest point on Earth. Floating in its warm, mineral-rich waters is an experience that should not be missed. Here are your options for tours from Amman. 

Full-Day Tours

If time is short, it’s possible to visit the Dead Sea Spa Hotel or take a swim in the Dead Sea on a half-day tour from Amman, stopping along the way to visit Bethany on the Jordan River, the believed site of Jesus’ baptism. On a full day trip, you could combine your visit with an Amman city tour; a visit to the sacred Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land; or a tour of St. George’s Church in Madaba, famous for its magnificent Mosaic Map.

Multi-Day Tours

With time to spare, a multi-day tour means you can venture further afield and explore at a more leisurely pace. A 3-, 4-, or 6-night tour from Amman means you can take in Jordan attractions such as the UNESCO-listed city of Petra, the ancient city of Jerash, the Wadi Rum desert, or the Red Sea. 

Things to Know

• The Dead Sea is located 187 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Amman, a journey of about 1.5 hours by road.

• Day trips from Amman can last between four and nine hours. 

• Be sure to bring your swimsuit, but be aware that the mineral-rich waters can stain fabrics.

• Multi-day tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, some meals, and round-trip coach transport.

With three days in Cairo, you can cover a lot of ground, including the city's famous Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the ancient Ptolemaic city of Alexandria. Here's how to do it all in three days.

Day 1: Classic Cairo

Spend your first day in Cairo familiarizing yourself with the highlights of the city. Start with a tour of the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts, many of which were pulled from the tombs of old pharaohs. Book a guided tour and get whisked to the highlights you want to see, including the gold mask of King Tut himself. The museum also has a number of mummies and a gargantuan statue of King Khafre. In the afternoon, head to Coptic Cairo, aka Old Cairo. Tour its ancient churches, including the famous Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum with a guide who adds context to the neighborhood, which also includes mosques and a synagogue. Finally, join a tour of Khan el-Khalili, the most famous souk (bazaar) in the city, where you can pick up everything from food to locally made perfumes to papyrus paintings.

Day 2: Pyramids and Other Ancient Sites

Put your newfound knowledge of Egyptian history to use at the country's most famous attraction: the Giza Pyramids. Join a tour to enjoy round-trip transport to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home not only to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, but also to the iconic Sphinx. Many visitors also opt to preebook a camel, horse, or quad ride in the desert sands for ease. Consider a tour that includes visits to Saqqara and Memphis, as well, for more ancient exploration. Saqqara is best known for the Pyramid of Djoser, a step pyramid dating back to the Third Dynasty. Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt and home to all sorts of ruins, notably ancient temples. Get dropped at your hotel afterwards to freshen up before supper: A dinner cruise on the Nile is an enchanting way to end your day.

Day 3: Journey to Alexandria

Spend your final day on a day trip to Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. Named for its founder, Alexander the Great, this coastal city is home to numerous important points of interest, many dating back to its heyday as the hub of Hellenistic culture. Typical tours include a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest roman burial site in Egypt that features an interesting blend of Greco-Roman and ancient Egyptian decorative features. Other notable sights include the Roman Amphitheatre, the only one in Egypt, and the seaside Citadel. Full-day tours also often include a stop at the Modern Alexandria Library, an ode to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, which thrived under the Ptolemaic Kingdom but later disappeared.

Don't let Dubai's searing summer temperatures put a damper on your travel plans. This fascinating city in the Arabian desert offers plenty of blissfully air-conditioned indoor options for visitors. Here are some ways to stay cool when it's hot out.

• Dive into the colorful underwater world of The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm.

• Have some splashy fun in the sun at Aquaventure water park.

• Take in the views from the Burj Khalifa At the Top observation deck on the 124th floor.

• Step into a winter wonderland of sledding and skiing at Ski Dubai or Dubai Snow Park.

• Sip afternoon tea in the fresh Burj Al-Arab.

• Head into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on an evening safari when the weather cools.

• Find your bliss with an indulgent treatment at Spa CORDON.

• Enjoy some retail therapy at the air-conditioned Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates.

• Feel your adrenaline pump at iFly Dubai, an indoor skydiving center.

• Explore IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of the world's largest indoor theme parks.

• Head to the Dubai Chillout Ice Lounge, where you'll actually want to warm up with apple pie and hot chocolate.

There’s more to Abu Dhabi than sun-baked beaches, desert dunes, and towering skyscrapers. The UAE’s capital city also promises wildlife-filled mangroves, cutting-edge theme parks, fast-paced motor sports, and ocean-going fun. Here are our recommendations for how to fill three memorable days in the city—with time to visit its alluring neighbor, Dubai.

Day 1: Discover the City and the Desert

Getting an eyeful of Abu Dhabi, known for its look-at-me architecture, on a sightseeing overview is a must on your first day. Settle into a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour and let the sights come to you—either from the open-air deck or air-conditioned lower level. For a more well-rounded take on the city, choose a classic coach tour that includes a guided walk around the gleaming Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, plus time at cultural attractions such as the Heritage Village and Dates Market.

This afternoon, head for the desert to experience its orange dunes and soul-stirring vastness. Most tours feature an all-inclusive package of sports and entertainment to give you the full Arabian Nights experience. Expect everything from 4x4 dune bashing and camel riding to dinner at a tented camp and belly dancing shows—all played out as the sun sets and the desert stars dazzle.

Day 2: Delve into Dubai

Abu Dhabi’s bigger neighbor, Dubai, beckons from around 90 minutes by road up the coast. Widen your lens on the UAE by taking one of the many full-day tours to this futuristic metropolis; most include special extras that promise to make the trip extra memorable. Many also showcase the highlights of old and new Dubai, combining time to shop in its traditional souks with panoramic tours of the city’s ultramodern landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm hotel. 

To add another dimension to your trip, take a seaplane flight along the UAE shoreline to the city, watching as its skyscrapers reveal themselves on the horizon. And for maximum bragging rights back home, look for tours that include a visit to the 124th-floor observation deck of the world’s highest tower—the soaring Burj Khalifa.

Day 3: Fill Up on Thrills

Abu Dhabi has plenty going on adventure-wise: in the desert, on the sea, and at the thrill-packed theme parks of Yas Island. For a serious adrenaline rush, book an all-day ticket to the fun of Ferrari World or the aquatic rides of Yas Waterworld. Or combine your sporty side with Abu Dhabi’s natural landscapes, taking an exhilarating ATV ride over the dunes or hitting the waves on a high-speed RIB cruise past the city’s stunning skyline. For something a bit slower, perhaps try a stand-up paddleboarding tour around Abu Dhabi’s picturesque mangroves.

As dusk descends, ease into the evening with a leisurely cruise. Choices range from private abra water taxi rides around the city’s inshore channels to all-singing, all-dancing dinner cruises along the Corniche. The latter are great for taking one final look at the city, treating you to fabulous panoramas of its illuminated skyscrapers.

While the sights, sounds, and history of Marrakech are intoxicating, the wide open skies, graceful palm groves, and authentic Berber villages of the countryside make for a welcome escape best experienced the traditional way: by camel! Here’s what you need to know.

Highlights

• Trade the chaos of the medina for a relaxed exploration of the rural Moroccan countryside.

• Learn how to mount and ride a camel, while wearing the traditional protective scarf of Morocco’s desert dwellers.

• Enjoy a sunset ride through a scenic palm grove.

• Sip a warm glass of mint tea at the home of a local Berber family.

Combo Tours

A quintessential Marrakech experience, a sunset camel ride can be combined with other activities to make the most of your time in Morocco. Afterward, take an adrenaline-fueled quad bike tour of the deserts outside the city, or begin your day with a stroll through the serene Majorelle Garden before heading to the Palmeraie for your camel ride.