Trip from Dubai early July

[NorthDave]

Hi All

I need to be in Dubai for work at end of June and usually like to tag a trip on as I haven't explored that far afield very much. Previously I have done North India and Tokyo from there.

I'm struggling to work out where to go this time.

India - monsoon season.
Sri Lanka - monsoon season
Thailand - I've been before and am not a massive fan.

I really fancied Oman but everyone is saying avoid due to the heat! Has anyone been early July? I've been in Dubai when it is too hot to be outside for longer than 5 minutes at a time and would rather not do that for a holiday! There does look lots to do though.

Any inspiration greatly received. I would ideally keep the flights less than 3 hours but could be persuaded for longer if needed.

Thanks in advance!

[Targarama]

Oman is great, just came back from another trip there (4.5hrs drive to Muscat from Dubai gives you wheels/freedom to explore the beaches and mountains). But hot in July. You could head to Salalah, Oman - 1000km South of Muscat and it gets the Khareef (monsoon). The GCC citizens love it at that time of year, to me its like springtime in the UK

How about Tanzania or Madagascar? A bit different.

[NorthDave]

Targarama said:

Oman is great, just came back from another trip there (4.5hrs drive to Muscat from Dubai gives you wheels/freedom to explore the beaches and mountains). But hot in July. You could head to Salalah, Oman - 1000km South of Muscat and it gets the Khareef (monsoon). The GCC citizens love it at that time of year, to me its like springtime in the UK

How about Tanzania or Madagascar? A bit different.

Thanks Targarama! How hot is hot? Muscat was where I fancied going. I dont mind 30+ if it is dry, it's the humidity which is a killer. Is it too hot to walk in the shade or is it one of those where you wont feel like moving at all?

Will check out Madagascar although would probably rather stay or head further east as a bit more difficult to get to from UK.

[Kenty]

How about Mauritius?

[NorthDave]

swerni said:

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sit and chill with a cocktail, city centres or go explore the wilds?

That's a good question - i went to Tokyo last year and started off doing museums and stuff, hated it. Once I'd got that out of the way i just wandered about going to nice restaurants and exploring the different districts. I'm a big foodie so also did a cookery course which was great and visited an onsen which was also good. I like experiences.
Current thinking is Hong Kong for 3 or 4 days and then Kerralla for a week or so. Just hoping Kerala will be ok in July!

[NorthDave]

swerni said:

I've just got back from Singapore.
It's a bit a trek but awesome place

Singapore it is! Looks great. I'm a big foodie and this looks like nirvana!

Thanks for your recommendation.

[Targarama]

NorthDave said:

Targarama said:

Oman is great, just came back from another trip there (4.5hrs drive to Muscat from Dubai gives you wheels/freedom to explore the beaches and mountains). But hot in July. You could head to Salalah, Oman - 1000km South of Muscat and it gets the Khareef (monsoon). The GCC citizens love it at that time of year, to me its like springtime in the UK

How about Tanzania or Madagascar? A bit different.

Thanks Targarama! How hot is hot? Muscat was where I fancied going. I dont mind 30+ if it is dry, it's the humidity which is a killer. Is it too hot to walk in the shade or is it one of those where you wont feel like moving at all?

Will check out Madagascar although would probably rather stay or head further east as a bit more difficult to get to from UK.

Too hot for any sightseeing outside your car in daylight hours.

[Stylus]

NorthDave said:

Targarama said:

Oman is great, just came back from another trip there (4.5hrs drive to Muscat from Dubai gives you wheels/freedom to explore the beaches and mountains). But hot in July. You could head to Salalah, Oman - 1000km South of Muscat and it gets the Khareef (monsoon). The GCC citizens love it at that time of year, to me its like springtime in the UK

How about Tanzania or Madagascar? A bit different.

Thanks Targarama! How hot is hot? Muscat was where I fancied going. I dont mind 30+ if it is dry, it's the humidity which is a killer. Is it too hot to walk in the shade or is it one of those where you wont feel like moving at all?

Will check out Madagascar although would probably rather stay or head further east as a bit more difficult to get to from UK.

Muscat will be the same temp as Dubai if not hotter, but with a noticeable increase in humidity. Beautiful city but tends to get very sticky in the summer wedged between the mountains and the sea.

That said, if you like outdoorsy things then heading into the mountains in Oman will get you away from the humidity and see a decent drop in temp.

[NorthDave]

Stylus said:

Muscat will be the same temp as Dubai if not hotter, but with a noticeable increase in humidity. Beautiful city but tends to get very sticky in the summer wedged between the mountains and the sea.

That said, if you like outdoorsy things then heading into the mountains in Oman will get you away from the humidity and see a decent drop in temp.

Thanks chaps. I've gone for Singapore but will visit Oman in the "winter" - it looks great.

[NorthDave]

I saw that place on TV and it does look amazing. I'd forgotten it was in Singapore though so have already booked the intercontinental.

I'm looking forward to the trip - already booked a foodie tour and planning a couple of cookery classes too. Any other must see sights? I'm trawling Trip Advisor for inspiration but recommendations would be great too.