Getting itchy feet but still no plans for the Eid break? Fear not, flydubai has just the destination for you. Whether it’s exploring the souks in Muscat, relaxing in the sulphur springs and baths of Tbilisi, or bungee jumping and canyoning in Nepal, there is a wealth of experiences to enjoy without blowing your budget thanks to Dubai’s innovative low-cost airline. Here are just some of the exciting destinations that flydubai flies to.
A place for... culture vultures - Tbilisi, Georgia
Did you know? Because of its diverse geography, Tbilisi is one of the world’s great starting points for hiking tours of any length or level.
Things to do: Almost 10 times the size of any other city in Georgia, Tbilisi is where it all happens and the place to which Georgians gravitate for action and excitement. In fact, they are so proud of the city that they offer free daily walking tours to areas such as the Old City Centre and Rustaveli Avenue, a street littered with historic buildings, churches and monasteries. Browse through the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Fine Arts, the Museum of Ethnography, the State Museum and the National Art Museum, where much of Georgia’s cultural heritage and art is showcased. Another must see is the 4th century Narikala Fortress, which provides a fantastic view of the city. Leave time to enjoy a relaxing dip in the simmering salts of the sulphur springs and baths that were, according to legend, the reason behind the founding of this ‘warm (tbili)’ city. Finally, don’t leave Tbilisi without spending an evening at the historic Paliashvili Opera House, where you can enjoy classics such as Oliver and Swan Lake.
Where to eat: Shemoikhede Genatsvale is a popular chain of Georgian restaurants dotted around Tbilisi. Try the hashapuri, which is delicious and similar to cheese bread. Down by the river, the expansive ‘Old House’ is one of the best places in town, serving authentic dishes – with a twist – from all over Georgia. There’s often excellent Georgian music and dancing in the main dining hall, which has long banquet tables and is therefore ideal for small groups with time to enjoy a full evening. If you fancy a quieter meal, choose the partially open-air riverside hall.
Where to stay: A lot of major hotel chains have a presence in Tbilisi, including the Radisson Blu and Sheraton. For travellers on a limited budget there are also hostels and budget hotels to choose from, including the Hotel Dzveli Ubani, which is centrally located.
Must have ‘accessories’: A party dress for the girls and dinner jacket for the boys for a night at the Paliashvili Opera House.
Flight frequency: Three times a week
A place for... people watching - Yerevan, Armenia
Did you know? Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited cities.
Things to do: While it’s the undeniable cultural and economic heart of the nation, Yerevan can at times feel like a city on a permanent holiday. Behave like the locals during the summer months and saunter up and down the main boulevards or pop into a park-side café to chat over a coffee. The most laid-back capital in the Caucasus, the city has a number of 19th-century Russian edifices in its central core plus rings of parkland and picturesque squares. There are museums and monuments aplenty but for the night owls, there are dozens of theatres, concert halls, galleries and live music clubs.
Where to eat: Baobab is a popular steak house among the locals, so book a table and try the local Armenian Steak Tartare, a delicious herb encrusted cut of beef.
Where to stay: If you’re on a budget, then the Areg Hotel is a great choice thanks to its reasonable rates and central location. Yerevan also boasts a number of international hotels including the Marriott and Best Western.
Must have ‘accessories’: A good book for the long, lazy afternoons spent in one of Yerevan’s street cafés or stunning parks.
Flight frequency: Four times a week
A place for... exploring -Baku, Azerbaijan
Did you know? According to Lonely Planet, Baku is among the world’s top ten destinations for urban nightlife.
Things to do: Explore the maze of alleys, mosques and historic buildings in Baku’s old city, including the majestic Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the evening, why not visit the Fountain Square and grab a bite to eat at a local cafe while you sit back, relax and enjoy the colourful fountain displays. Located just off Fountain Square and built in the 1800’s, the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the vivid history of the nation.
Where to eat: Baku is a foodie’s heaven, boasting a variety of cuisines from around the world. Tuck into delectable Persian at Bibi, admire the perfect pasta served up at Scalinis, or munch on everyday snacks at the Çudo Peçka. But beware; prices in top restaurants are equal to any in Western Europe so always check the menu before ordering. Luckily, there are plenty of bargains to be had, so head to one of the many mid-range restaurants that offer special lunch menus throughout the week.
Where to stay: Check in to the Boutique Palace Hotel for a touch of luxury in a central location. Alternatively, the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel has recently opened and offers sophistication combined with beach elegance. For travellers on a budget, there are a number of hostels and budget hotels to choose from.
Must have ‘accessories’: A trusted guide book and your suntan cream, as temperatures can reach 38 degrees Celsius in the summer
Flight frequency: Five times a week
A place for... partying -Belgrade, Serbia
Did you know? Serbia is the world’s largest raspberry exporter, accounting for one third of all the raspberries in the world.
Things to do: Get in touch with your wild side at Belgrade Zoo, set within the old fortress walls and home to a rare white tiger and white lion. Alternatively, take a sightseeing cruise down the river Danube or escape to Ada Ciganlija, which swarms with swimmers during the hot summer days. Often hailed as Belgrade's Montmartre, Skadarska was the bohemian hang-out of choice for poets and artists in the early 1900s. Wander down the cobbled street and take in its Balkan taverns, strolling musicians, cafés and art galleries. If it’s a romantic sunset you’re after, head to Belgrade Fortress Kalemegdan, which dates back to the first Century AD and was once an important military fortification but now serves as the Central Park of Belgrade, offering beautiful views, especially as the sun goes down. For those looking to party, Belgrade is famous for its nightlife. With a choice of clubs, bars and even floating venues on the river, there is something for every partygoer.
Where to eat: Cheap food and drink, coupled with distinctive national cuisine, make for a host of decent restaurants bursting with lively atmospheres. Head to the bohemian quarter of Skadarska for a choice of Balkan Taverns and bustling street cafes. If it’s an intimate meal for two you’re looking for, try Šešir Moj with its dark alcoves artistically decorated with oils and pastels. Make sure you finish your meal with Serbian coffee and a piece of Orasnica (walnut cake).
Where to stay: InterContinental and Hyatt Regency both have a presence in Belgrade but there is also plenty of choice for travellers who prefer boutique or more intimate hotels. These include Le Petit Piaf Hotel in Skadarska or the Beograd Art Hotel on the main pedestrian shopping street, Knez Mihailova.
Must have ‘accessories’: Your dancing shoes for a fun night out in Belgrade.
Flight Frequency: Four times a week
A place to... scuba dive -Muscat, Oman
Did you know? Oman boasts 2,700km of beautiful, sandy beaches.
Things to do: Soak up Omani culture with a visit to the Grand Mosque – Islamic architecture at its best. Alternatively, kick back and relax on Muscat’s beautiful Aviation Beach, popular for its crystal clear waters, dolphin watching and snorkelling. If you fancy scuba diving, Muscat is home to plenty of dive centres which cater for all levels. Diving just 15 meters below sea level will bring you to an underwater zoo full of manta rays, whale sharks, seahorses, turtles and shoals of tropical fish darting among the beautiful coral reef gardens.
Where to eat: Try The Turkish House, best known for serving freshly caught fish at local prices. For a true taste of Omani cuisine and hospitality visit the Ubhar Restaurant which serves Shuwaa – a delicious local delicacy which is ciabatta bread filled with spiced beef and homemade sun dried tomatoes.
Where to stay: Set against a backdrop of majestic Omani mountains the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa provides the ultimate in luxury accommodation. For a good mid-range option, stay at the Beach Hotel – a rare residential-style hotel located in Ruwi.
Must have ‘accessories’: Flat shoes and an underwater camera for scuba diving!
Flight frequencies: 22 flights per week, departing daily.
A place to... be active -Kathmandu, Nepal
Did you know? Nepal's Flag is the only national flag in the world that is not quadrilateral in shape!
Things to do: Get active by arranging for a local trekking company to take you along the rims of the Kathmandu Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Alternatively, get your adrenaline kick from world-class white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Not active enough for you? The Last Resort near the Tibetan border may be just up your street. Home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, the 160m-drop into the Bhote Kosi gorge is guaranteed to get the blood pumping.
Where to eat: The streets of Kathmandu are lined with cafes selling every kind of international cuisine possible. Dine in one of the city’s superb Newari restaurants, with the accompaniment of traditional dances or chill out in one of Thamel’s rooftop garden restaurants, with a good book and a lapsi which is a traditional seasoned dried fruit snack.
Where to stay: You have a wide choice of accommodation in Kathmandu from the basic but clean and friendly lodges such as the popular Kathmandu Guest House, set in the heart of Thamel, to the stunning Hyatt Regency.
Must have ‘accessories’: A good pair of hiking shoes to make the most of the beautiful Himalayan treks.
Flight frequencies: Daily
A place to.... discover- Colombo, Sri Lanka:
Did you know? The spice cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka and was discovered by the Egyptians.
Things to do: Check into one of Colombo’s many spas and treat yourself to a couple’s Ayurvedic massage and legendary Shirodhara treatment to sharpen your senses while soothing, calming and relaxing your body, mind and soul. If you want to escape the city, take an excursion to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, about 90km from Colombo towards Kandy and the home to more than 60 elephant orphans. Here, you can to see baby jumbos wandering around or being bottle fed and bathed by their human foster families. For those couples feeling adventurous, take an overnight train along Sri Lanka’s exotic south coast, which is quietly becoming the Riviera of choice for the world’s most discerning and inquisitive travellers. Base yourself in Galle, from where you can explore the 36-hectare Galle Fort comprising an amazing collection of structures and culture dating back through the centuries. But if you prefer to relax with a good book, or want to try your hand at some diving or snorkelling, take a tuk tuk to neighbouring beachside towns such as Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna for sun, sea and surf.
Where to eat: Rice and curries cooked in clay pots in a village home, a sizzling seafood grill on a sun kissed beach, a five-course gourmet delight under the stars, or refreshments amidst misty mountains, Sri Lanka is an exotic blend of tastes and aromas enriched by a historic mix of ethnic diversity. Colombo has a wide selection of small restaurants serving local hawker-style favourites such as meat patties, fish buns, egg rolls, string hoppers, lamprais, koththu roti and biryani. Galle Fort Hotel, Amangalla and Fort Printers, meanwhile, are all exquisite boutique hotels situated within the Galle Fort offering alluring fine dining. A few miles along the coast at Unawatuna, you will find a selection of characterful beach bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere where you can also take a dip in the sea to cool off. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, head 25 minutes north to Hikkaduwa, Galle’s bohemian beach satellite.
Where to stay: Colombo offers a range of accommodation options, from the five-star Taj Hotels and Resorts to more low-key, inexpensive alternatives. If you’re heading down to Galle, stay at the exclusive and very romantic The Dutch House, set high on a hill overlooking Galle Harbour. Together with its sister hotel, The Sun House, it is the perfect place to base yourself and explore the local and bustling markets and villages of the Southern Province.
Must have ‘accessories’: A bag of peanuts to feed the elephants at Pinnawala and a good book for the long, but picturesque train journey along the coast.
How to get there: flydubai flies to Colombo five times a week. Flights depart Dubai Terminal 2 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2150hrs, arriving in Colombo at 0340hrs. Return flights depart Colombo on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 0435hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0750hrs local time.
Flight frequencies: Five times a week
Flights can be purchased on flydubai's website (flydubai.com), through the call centre (+9714 3010800), its Travel Shops and with travel partners.