How to Plan a Multi-gen Family Trip to Dubai
Transformed from a quaint fishing village cum port in the 20th century to the glitzy megapolis it is today Dubai is a thriving business and tourist hub. Along with glamour, Dubai places great value on its national heritage, hence, is a sound choice for those on multi-gen travel looking for glimpses of the past and indulgence in modernity. Discover some tips on planning the trip and the experiences you can weave into it enabling forming strong bonds through cross-generational sharing of knowledge.
Image via Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel
Overview of modern Dubai
The largest in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and one of the most visited destinations in the world at present. Welcoming visitors arriving for business, leisure, shopping, conferences and adventure, the city offers a bundle of different experiences that multi-gen visitors using Dubai city hotels can relate to if they are selected with care.
The large expatriate population in the city which is far more than the local Emiratis adds a rich mix of cultures that makes Dubai home to a huge palette of international cuisine making it a haven for foodies. Therefore, grandparents, parents, children, and even cousins will surely find the kind of food they like to enjoy making a holiday here a gastronomical delight.
Best Time to visit Dubai
Dubai is generally hot throughout the year and the winter months have a milder temperature with nights getting colder. The city is geared to cope with these hot desert climes with air-conditioning everywhere including the bus stops.
Hence planning the travel dates appropriately to suit the group of people is key. Winter months can be from November to April however the mildest weather is from mid-December to mid-February.
From May to the middle of October the heat is too much to enjoy any beach activities so if there are beach enthusiasts in the group look for other periods.
Getting about in Dubai
Dubai City boasts a sound transportation network that operates throughout the city, called the Dubai Metro. And it covers Dubai International Airport too with the charges per trip being reasonable.
The road network is excellent with clear signages in English and Arabic making it easy for visitors. The taxi service is also excellent and widely available at reasonable rates on the meter. However, as a slightly bigger group than a family when you are travelling as multi-gen, it may be worthwhile to get a driver for the day when you need to travel a longer distance together. This is an option taken by multi-gen visitors using properties like Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel as it is more convenient than using the Dubai Metro service.
Experiences for Multi-gen visitors
As you plan the experiences keep a few salient points in mind to enrich the experience.
- Planning the activities back-to-back seems logical for a new destination, however, multi-gen trips are exceptions, as they are for bonding and appreciating the different generations. Build time for that by having the little kids enjoy a day at the beach with their grandees while parents and the cousins shop or enjoy a meal together.
- Include excursions that each group enjoys so that no one feels left out.
Visiting a Themed Park – This activity can be for all as within the park children can share so many insights with parents and grandparents about the modern stuff while the grandparents can relate their experiences of going on a traditional merry-go-round as opposed to high-speed rollercoasters and more.
Visit a souk – An authentic experience to witness how shopping was done in Dubai in the olden days and how that culture still exists in this modern city, valuing the heritage.
Abra ride at Dubai Creek – The traditional boat ride will provide a fascinating experience to the whole group.
Things to pack
Whilst being mindful about packing for a hot climate (even though you may travel in the winter, the daytime can be warm to visitors from cooler clines) and going for light and comfortable clothing and footwear, it is important to be mindful of being modest in Dubai although it is a cosmopolitan city.
The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic nation; hence ladies must cover their shoulders and knees when in public places and refrain from wearing body-hugging attire when in public. Wearing trousers or a long skirt when visiting a mosque is ideal. Carry a scarf or shawl always to cover the head when entering a mosque.
Apart from being mindful of the above, carry sunscreen and a reusable bottle to carry water to be hydrated.
