This article was created in partnership with Western Union.
Planning a vacation is always exciting: going to new places, meeting new people, having new experiences. Vacations really open our eyes to the world around us. That said, a well-planned trip requires some homework and thoughtful planning, particularly for UAE residents headed outside the country.
For a smooth UAE travel experience, there are certain things you should keep in mind — and your itinerary is just the start. Read on for what you need to know to make your holidays memorable.
Documentation and health
Although documentation is not the most glamorous aspect of travelling, it’s definitely one of the most important. The foremost document you’ll need is your passport. For Emirates, the UAE government offers emergency passport renewal services. While travelling outside the UAE, if something happens to your passport, you can contact the UAE embassy in the country you’re in for an emergency passport or return document.
You will need a visa or an e-visa for other countries like the U.S., Australia and Turkey, among others. Be sure to plan ahead and leave yourself enough time to obtain the right documents.
No one wants to fall ill while on vacation — but it can happen. So, it’s wise to take preventive measures before you embark on your journey. For instance, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated for common viruses according to the region. Healthy travel is happy travel.
Money and budget
Money makes the world go round, and planning your finances properly can help make your vacation not only easier, but more enjoyable. It’s best to budget for your vacation based on your personal preferences and itinerary. Budgeting will help prevent you from going overboard during your travels. Always keep a little cash stashed away for an unforeseen situation. This could come in handy, especially if you’re going outside the UAE for travel.
If you’re planning your vacation well in advance, keep an eye out for different promotions that airlines feature from time to time. These deals offer some fantastic discounts on ticket rates, and you might end up saving big for your trip. Another way to save some money is figuring out an alternate route for your travel. Would it be better to fly out from Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Small changes like these could reward you in a big way.
Lastly, it’s crucial to be able to access your money while travelling abroad. You have multiple options, including credit cards, debit cards, traveler’s cheque, cash and money transfers. It’s best to pay for big transactions, like hotel bills, with credit cards. Debit cards, on the other hand, are a good option for getting local cash in-hand, as they enable you to withdraw from a local ATM — although you will need to take into account the exchange rate and withdrawal fee.
Exchange rates
It can be difficult and confusing to navigate foreign exchange rates. Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid exchanging currency at the airport. Instead, keep an eye out for exchange rates before and during your UAE travel. This way, you’ll be able to bargain with money exchangers and get the appropriate rate while travelling abroad.
You could also use technology to your advantage by using apps like the Western Union® app, which lets you transfer money quickly, while giving real-time exchange rates*.
Happy travels!
Planning your dream vacation doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is a bit of research and planning ahead of time. That way, you can focus on the fun and adventure — and making your trip one to remember.
*In addition to the transfer fee, Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Fees and rates subject to change without notice.
