Dubai – a Truly Affordable Travel Destination
Probably no other destination View definition in a new window in the world has undergone such a transformation in the past decade as Dubai. Where just a few years ago dunes and camels dominated the landscape, one of the most impressive metropolises has now emerged. One superlative after another is being created at an absolutely breathtaking pace. Seven-star hotels, indoor ski slopes in the desert, artificial islands, gigantic shopping malls, breathtakingly large aquariums, and the over 820-meter-high Burj Khalifa – all of this was pure fantasy in the 1990s.
Hardly any other destination inspires such pre-trip anticipation, which then turns into absolute enthusiasm. Unfortunately, many Germans shy away from a vacation in Dubai, as the emirate is often mistakenly labeled “far too expensive.”
However, indeed, you don’t necessarily have to pay 800 euros for a single night in Dubai; you can have an all-inclusive holiday for a whole week for less money.
One luxury hotel after another continues to open in Dubai; approximately 10,000 new hotel beds are expected to be built in 2011 alone. To fill this capacity, hoteliers are engaging in price wars, which are benefiting vacationers.
The situation is very similar in Dubai’s skies. New flights to Dubai from all over the world arrive almost weekly. The existing Dubai International Airport is being continuously expanded and already boasts one of the largest terminals in the world with Terminal T3. Parallel to the expansion, a second airport, Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport, is currently being built, and the first cargo flights are already being handled through the new airport. In the future, both airports will operate in parallel.
Due to the high number of flights, airlines are engaged in a price war similar to that of hoteliers. Cheap flights to Dubai are available almost year-round with a wide variety of airlines.
But Dubai is not only very affordable due to its travel costs, but also due to its location. From Germany, the emirate is only about a six-hour flight, with a time difference of only three hours. Comparably exotic destinations like South America, Asia, or even the Maldives require a much longer and more complex journey.
Dubai is definitely worth a visit.
Antalya – a Paradise for Golfers
Antalya, Turkey’s fourth-largest city with an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants, offers countless vacation options throughout the year. One of these is arguably the fastest-growing: golf.
However, when we talk about Antalya as a golf destination, we actually mean the better-known town of Belek. Only 20 minutes from the international airport, the region stretches approximately 20km from Kadriye in the west to the east, until just beyond Belek.
On this stretch of coast, 11 golf clubs with a total of 19 golf courses have been built between 1994 and today. Two new courses are in the planning stages and will be open in approximately 2-3 years. There’s talk of German golf legend Bernhard Langer building a project there.
But how is it even possible to build so many courses in just one place? For one thing, it’s certainly due to the 330 days of sunshine—even in the winter months—and the perfect sandy soil. Plenty of water is also available. And the construction of the golf courses was completed within 14 months.
In addition, 55 hotels, mostly 5-star, offer ample comfort for golf guests. This year, the number of guests is expected to rise to over 150,000 this winter. It’s particularly popular with Scandinavians and Britons. Other Central Europeans, such as Germans, Austrians, and Swiss, have also become regular guests.
While the green fee price is above the European average, the quality is certainly fair. It’s worth comparing prices, for example, with the agency Greenfee-Scout, which offers affordable green fees and top tee times, as well as all-inclusive travel packages for the numerous golfers.
What fascinates most golfers in Belek is the outstanding care and the rich variety of golf courses, all within 20 minutes.
But even for non-golfers, the golf clubs offer affordable entry-level opportunities for those interested.
When is a better time to start playing golf than on vacation, when your mind is clear? Whether you’re just looking to get a taste of golf, jump right in, or improve your swing and handicap, the Team Golf Golf School, with its German pros and a sophisticated teaching system for all levels, is highly recommended.
And of course, the weather does the rest. A pleasant 20 degrees Celsius on the fairways, where winter still lingers at home. Will you be coming soon? Turkey is waiting to be discovered.
