Shopping-spree in Dubai

Dubai is known as one of the biggest shopping centers in the world or a "shopping paradise". It's common to see shopaholics from every continent rush to Dubai to shop however they want.

1. Emirates Mall

Among the shopping centers, Emirates Mall stands out as one of the most spectacular architectures in the world. Emirates Mall has over 700 stores with mostly luxury high-end brands such as Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Armani, D&G, etc. Most consumers are from Europe, some are from Asia - mostly Japanese, the rest are Arabs. That explains the wealthy upper class coming to these high-end stores. Each tourist wander around the mall with at least one bag of a luxury brand.

2. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is also a favourite mall of the shopaholics as this place has over 2,200 luxury brand stores, which make it even more thrilling yet challenging to shop. Dubai Mall opens its doors from 10 a.m. to midnight daily. You don't have to pay to wander about, but certain attractions in the mall will charge admission.

3. Other Malls

On the other hand, there are also more "affordable" shopping malls in Dubai, such as Ibn Battuta - world's largest themed shopping mall with more than 270 shops, Festival City - a large residential, business and entertainment development, Deira City - the original flagship mall in the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio, etc.

4. Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place at the start of the year and attracts thousands of tourists each year. During the festival, every major shopping mall starts discounting all kinds of items, from clothes, cosmetics, electric devices, vehicles, furnitures, etc. to even gold.

5.  Gold Shopping

Dubai people are generally extremely wealthy. That's how some "gold markets" were founded in the city as more and more rich people have demands over gold adornments. If tourists want to buy real gold, Gold Souk is the most highly recommended place to stop by. The government is really strict when it comes to the goods' authentication so tourists don't have to worry about "fake" gold. 

See more: 5 luxurious dishes only in Dubai

Source: wiki-travel.com.vn

Something to know before visiting Philippines

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people. Besides, its culture is enough interesting for us to find out and explore.

Life is better shared

Are you familiar with the Filipino drinking style? A bucket of six beers is ordered with one cup. The cup is filled, finished by one person, and then passed on to whoever’s next in the circle of friends. The underlying reason is to drink in unison so the buzz is uniform around the table, contradicting the American tradition of ordering your own personal beer. Why do anything alone of it is more enjoyable with someone beside you?

Respect the elders

If you see your “Lolo” or “Lola", it is mandatory that you bow down and lightly press the back of their hands to your forehead. No family, especially if thoroughbred Filipino, started out wealthier than they are now. Recognize, acknowledge, and thank your grandparents for their endless hard work that sprouted into the life we all so conveniently enjoy today.

Filipinos value traditions and culture

For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are important. They usually set aside a specific day for a certain celebration like festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc. And of course, every gathering is dedicated to keeping up with each other over sumptuous food.

Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations

Even as early as August, you can hear Christmas songs and jingles being played in the malls or in the restaurants in the Philippines. The mood becomes festive, with many people shopping and in good spirits. Christmas celebrations last until around the first or second week of January.

Religious commitments come first

When in Indonesia, you will see Balinese present their offerings first thing in the morning, or employees dropping everything for prayer time. No matter what religion they uphold, Indonesians are generally very spiritual. They take their religious practices very seriously, and that is reflected in daily rituals, ceremonies, even the grandness of their places of worship.

Filipinos love to party

Filipinos love to hold celebrations and fiestas. Bacolod has its MassKara Festival, Davao has its Kadayawan Festival, and Marinduque has its Moriones Festival. There are also communal celebrations like a myriad of different ceremonies of harvest or thanksgiving, and special dates associated with legends or history.

Every place has a legend

It is fascinating to learn the geological processes that make mountains, hills, and rivers. But Indonesians go beyond tectonic plates and erosion to explain how natural landmarks came to be. In most places, you can talk to the locals and dig stories of gods, spirits, royals, or hermits that contribute to the forming of a particular spot like natural features, temples, or other cultural landmarks.

Source CultureTrip

Top 5 unique vehicles in the world

Buses, cabs, and trains might be too familiar with travelers. However, if you have a chance to visit Thailand, China or even Cuba, don't forget to experience in sitting on these most unique vehicles.

1. Tuk-tuk, Thailand

It practically as Thailand's national emblem, the humble tuk-tuk is at the heart of Thai people as well as visitors. These are little like the buzz of a spin around the Thai capital in one of these open-air and three-wheeled vehicles. The name "tuk-tuk" is from word "samlor", literally means "three wheels" and although riding in tuk-tuk can be described as more chaotic than comfortable, but it still a worth experience when traveling in Thailand.

2. Coco taxi, Cuba

Similar to the tuk-tuk, coco taxi is an auto rickshaw-type taxi vehicle in Cuba. The coco taxi is a yellow car with small dimensions, can be seen in big cities. The use of the coco taxi from Cuba began in Havana at the end of the 1990s. It was initially thought of as another way of transporting tourists. The coco taxi is mainly found in the cities of Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad.

3. Xích lô, Vietnam

Xích lô (or cyclo) was the most transportation means in Vietnam in the past, but now it is a representation of the Vietnamese way of life. In the past, cyclo was used as luxury transportation for French people in Vietnam and for a small number of Vietnamese noble at that time. People found that it was convenient for carrying up to 2 people and goods. It was cost effective and with its small size could fit perfectly on Vietnam city alleys and narrow streets.

4. Maglev train, China

Shanghai maglev train or Shanghai transrapid is a magnetic levitation train. Clean, green, quick and quiet are the best features of this maglev train. In addition, it is able to stop quickly and safely and glide off noiselessly on a cushion of air. Shanghai maglev train is currently the fastest train commercially operated in the world.

5. Camel, Dubai

Camels are known as the ship of the desert because of the ease at which they elegantly move across the desert sands. Getting out of the bustle of the Dubai city in the afternoon for this thrilling and amusing experience on an Arabian Desert Camel Safari. Ride on the traditional local "transport" - a camel, which is here called the God`s gift to the Bedouins. It`s a very calming experience.

Source Internet