Travel
Top travel tips for new
educators
O
nce you have settled in, you
will realise that a popular pass
time for expatriate teachers
in the UAE is that of travelling.
Whenever a break or extended holiday
comes around, bags are packed and
teachers are off on an adventure. One
of the great things about living here is
that you can take advantage of deals
and travel to many different countries.
This short guide will provide you with
some tips on how to travel like a pro.
We already know that the teachers you
meet will help you to add more names
to your bucket list of places to visit.
Start with home
Try vacationing here for shorter breaks
(long weekends or one week breaks).
If it is luxury that you seek, look no
further than the world-class five star
hotels that deck the waterfronts of
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Ras
al Khaimah. If you want to get out of
the UAE, head over to Muscat, Oman.
Depending on where you are located
in the UAE, it could be a four-hour
drive or a short plane ride.
Plan early, book early
This handbook comes with a calendar
that has school and national holiday
breaks. Use it when checking to see
the various places that you may be
able to travel to with the time that
each break allows. Both Etihad Airways
and Emirates Airlines offer specials on
ticket prices at different times of the
year. If you find a good deal, take it!
overweight or extra bag, this should
be on the return leg of your trip, when
you have great souvenirs to show
for it. Book your extra bag ahead of
arriving at the airport, as airlines tend
to offer cheaper rates when you book
in advance.
Don’t get carried away
What kind of traveller are you?
Some educators are able to take luxury
vacations at almost every break. Don’t
try to keep up with them. Remember
what your financial goals are and what
you are able to afford. Plan for the
vacations that are most important to
you and your family.
Do you travel to shop, seek out exotic
locations or simply to relax? It could be
all of these things. For each time that
you travel, be clear on your agenda
because this affects your budget.
If you are adventurous, save money
by taking the bus/subway instead of
taxis, which can be expensive. Try an
Airbnb that comes with good reviews
and suits your pocket. If you are single,
find a travel buddy. This will help you
to save up to half of the cost on hotels
and excursions.
Cash vs. credit card
Yes, it is more convenient to pay with
your card. However, using your UAE
credit card in another country can incur
high exchange rate charges. As much
as possible, use cash. Remember to
notify your bank prior to leaving the
UAE, in the off chance that you may
need to use your credit card.
Weight issues
Extra and/or overweight bags incur
extra charges. If you want to keep your
travel budget for what it’s intended,
pack lightly. If you need to pay for an
Stay alert
It is easy to get lost in the moment
while on vacation. After all, there are
many wonderful distractions to drink
in. Keep in mind, that there are still a
few unscrupulous characters in every
country that target tourists. Be on your
guard. Leave expensive jewellery and
other valuables in a safe place at your
accommodation.