Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2017 Issue 5 Volume 4 | Page 47

Travel 5 ways to make the most of your staycation this summer C ontrary to popular belief, not all educators leave the Middle East over the summer holidays. There are some among us, who for several reasons choose to stay in the region over the summer. If you are choosing to stick around this summer this article is for you. 1. Bag a luxury hotel bargain If you have ever dreamed of spending a night or two in the most expensive hotels in the region, then I have some great news for you. Over the summer months, the most expensive hotels and resorts slash their prices to attract business. The fact is very few tourists will brave the summer heat to visit the Middle East during this period, so in order to attract visitors, hotels and resorts offer unbelievable deals. Since you are already here and have grown accustomed to the heat, why not spend some time in the lap of luxury? A top tip is to call the hotels directly and enquire about their residents’ rates. Do not be afraid to bargain during those months. Some hotels will even include meals, if you are persistent. 2. Enjoy traffic free explorations One of the best things about being out and about during the summer months in this region is that there is considerably less traffic on the roads. Ever thought of doing a tour of any of the major cities in the region? Well, grab some company, lots of cold drinks, and make a day of it. With schools being out and many people being away on holidays, it is the perfect time to discover some new places in a city near you. Start your day early when it is a little cooler. Museums and most places of interest are air-conditioned, so you will be able to enjoy at your leisure. Don’t forget your sunscreen if you will be spending extended periods outdoors. 3. Flights to nearby destinations are reduced The summer is perfect for visiting those countries close by. Flights to other parts of the Middle East tend to fall once the rush is over at the start of the school holiday. Head to Petra in Jordan. Go check out the pyramids of Giza, or see what life is like in Salalah, Oman. All of this is possible for less in the summer. If you detest crowds and would rather not queue, then this is the best time to go to those more popular tourist attractions. 4. Invite friends and family to visit If your relatives can handle the heat, invite them over. You will have more time to take them touring, and it will cost them far less. Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have put on summer programmes to keep both adults and children entertained, so there will always be something to do. 5. Get The Entertainer The Entertainer is a book or an app that you can purchase, which allows you to enjoy, buy one-get one free, offers on dining, accommodation and entertainment. I would encourage you to get the app instead of the book, as the app is always being updated with the latest offers. I can personally testify to the savings you can enjoy while using The Entertainer. Class Time | | May - Jun 2017 | 45