The world is full of beautiful places to see and wonderful things to do. But when you are planning a holiday in your head, what do you if you are spoilt for choice? Ask us. Yes, we have picked the most favourite holiday destinations from the UAE and chosen some unique activities that you shouldn’t miss.
Switzerland
Paragliding over the Alps. Touted as the most gorgeous place on earth, (and thereby, the most romantic) Switzerland owes a lot of its charm to the Alps. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of these snow-capped mountains by going on a paragliding adventure. Romance and adventure make a great combination, we hear. And it's great that the UAE nationals don't require a Switzerland visa any more.
Go on a Lindt chocolate tour. No self-respecting chocolate lover has ever said no to a delightful slab of Lindt chocolate. Made with fresh milk from cows fed on pure grass, these melt-in-the-mouth chocolates are sinfully delicious.
Take a scenic train ride. Enjoy the panoramic beauty of Switzerland, including the alpine lakes and glaciers by riding in one of their trains. With plush interiors and large glass windows, the Golden Pass route which connects Lucerne and Montreux, is especially enchanting.
A picnic to Rhine Falls tour. One of the most beautiful water falls in the region, Rhine Falls is less than an hour of train ride from Zurich. Go on a picnic and spend some time taking in the marvellous views.
Enjoy cheese fondue. Cheese fondue is a staple on the Swiss dining table. Get a family bowl and pass it around the table with your people. Too much of fondue can give you a cheese coma.
Thailand
Bargain deals at the floating markets. Whether you believe in retail therapy or not, it’s a shame if you are in Bangkok and don’t grab a deal at the flea markets.
Get a Thai spa done. Let the expert masseuse knead their fingers and give you a relaxing massage. While they untangle the knotted muscles, you can feel your stress melt away.
Snorkelling in Phuket. The pristine waters in Thailand is home to rich marine life. Dive in and have a little encounter with these aquatic beauties.
Party hard at Bangkok. If you are in Thailand, you must experience the nightlife in Bangkok. Go ahead, let your hair loose and shake a leg.
Feast on Pad Thai. This stir-fried rice noodle dish bursts with Thai flavours. Enough said!
Paris
Click a picture with the Monalisa. The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and also a historic monument of Paris. A must-visit for all connoisseurs of art, the high point of your visit will be clicking a photograph with the painting of Monalisa.
Climb the Eiffel Tower. Any visit to Paris is incomplete without climbing this iconic tower. Depending on the season and the time of the day, there will be a different view to welcome you. It’s quite a fascinating sight to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up at night.
Cruise over the Seine River. There are many ways to discover Paris, and one of the most romantic way is to go on a cruise over the Seine River. Glide past the major attractions while enjoying your huge cheese platter.
Visit the Notre dame cathedral. Even if you don’t usually include cathedrals in your travel plans, we recommend you to not miss this one. The place has an unparalleled aura about it, which is hard to find elsewhere.
Bite into a crepe. Chocolate, sugar-dusted, filled with custard and many more variations of the famous French crepe will invite you. Even the good old plain one is a great choice.
Georgia
Watch snowfall in Gudauri. The Caucasus mountain range is even more enchanting with snow, and is undoubtedly the highlight of Georgian tourism. Fix yourself a huge mug of hot chocolate and enjoy.
Go on a vineyard tour. Enjoy a relaxed tour of the vineyards and take in the breathtaking beauty.
Party at the sea-side resort town of Batumi. In Georgia, both the urban and the county side seamlessly co-exist. Head to the charming sea-side town of Batumi to enjoy a great nightlife.
Binge on Khinkali. A dumpling stuffed with meat, vegetables and cheese, Khinkali is a favourite among both the tourists and the locals.
Visit the enchanting Vardzia monastery. This jaw-dropping cave city is a 12th century monastery and has a network of mysterious tunnels and rooms and has a mystical appeal to it.
Armenia
Visit the monasteries. You haven’t holidayed in Armenia, unless you visit few of the really popular monasteries such as the Tatev Monastery.
Zip lining at the world’s longest zip line. Armenia is a destination for history lovers for sure, but who said you can’t have some adrenaline rush?
Drink copious cups of Armenian coffee. The Armenians love their coffee and prepare them in a special way, but they drink it without sugar.
Be amazed by the Lake Sevan. Taking a cruise on this lake is definitely a must-do activity when in Armenia.
Mineral water springs of Dilijan. The therapeutic properties of the mineral springs here is a lesser explored part of the Armenian tourism, but it's definitely worth giving a try.
By Neetu George