Most underrated destinations in Dubai

Dubai is a major tourist stop to see the world’s biggest, tallest, and richest. But there is so much more than this to Dubai, and for those who want to experience the more historical and residential parts of Dubai; here are a list of some of the most underrated places to visit in Dubai.

Souq Naif

While many tourists rush to the Gold or Spice Souq for shopping in Dubai, Souq Naif is the market for the more adventurous traveler. From sparkling Arabic inspired dresses to Persian carpets, from local sweets and dates to Indian run snack shops, this enormous souq will give you a glimpse into the local market life for the residents of Dubai.

Mirdif City Centre

This shopping center is one of those underrated places that all travelers should stop by. It has a friendly, family atmosphere, and is the perfect place for people watching the local Emirati families and Arab residents of Dubai do their shopping. Mirdif City Centre also has enough brand name shops, cute cafes, delicious restaurants, and touristy shops to fulfill all your mall needs.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Many tourists will stick to the glitzier beaches of Jumeriah and JBR, but Al Mamzar Beach Park is just as wonderful for a relaxing soak in the sun or walk along the corniche. Here you won’t be bombarded by tourists trying to squeeze in a spot on the sand, but instead enjoy a clean beach, green park, local families, and even delicious food stalls. For those who wear the hijab or would rather enjoy the beach without the prying eyes of men, Al Mamzar Beach also has women-only days.

Dubai Desert Conservation Centre

A trip to Dubai is not complete without an excursion into the desert, however it can be hard to choose which tour or which experience you want to pay for. Instead of paying for a tourist-trap trip, why not support the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre, which aims to educate about local wildlife in the desert as well as provide guided tours into the desert to experience the authentic desert and culture of the Emirates. You’ll be able to ride camels, hold a falcon, and even spend a night in the desert while learning about the traditional ecosystem of Dubai.

Dubai Museum

While many tourists see Dubai as a modern and even futuristic city for the most globalized of citizens, many forget that Dubai has a historical and traditional past that all Emiratis are proud to protect and treasure. Instead of getting trapped in the materialistic aspects of the city, why not stop by the Dubai Museum located in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort for an educational experience, find out about the life of Emirati Bedouins, and traditional local culture. You won’t regret this experience and will walk away with a whole new appreciation for the history of Dubai.

See more: 5 best shopping malls for shopaholics in Dubai

Source: theculturetrip

Best beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of Thailand's largest island, and also popular for its beachgoers looking for long stretches of white sand and clear water stretching to the horizon. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, and there’s also an international airport that receives regional flights from large urban centers like Bangkok.

Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi’s proximity to the island’s ferry port makes it a great choice for visitors who want to hit the beach without wasting valuable time traveling all over the island needlessly. Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches. The water is shallow and increases very gradually, making it possible for an adult to stand with their head above water more than 100 meters out.

Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget. The waterfront sports a few ritzy seaside villas, but there are inexpensive bungalows available that are just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach too.

Silver Beach

Characterized by the majestic boulders jutting from its aquamarine water and stretches of ruggedly beautiful beaches reminiscent of Tom Hanks’ island sanctuary in Castaway, Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll likely ever see no matter where your travels do. By the size, Silver Beach is one of the smallest islands and it’s also home to a few of the island’s original resorts that have been catering to foreign travelers for decades.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Silver Beach Resort are a few of the most popular, sporting private stretches of beach that are typically reserved for their guests, but rumor has it that it’s really a public beach and that they just post the no trespassing signs to keep the riff-raff out.

Snorkeling is particularly fun in the clear, boulder-strewn waters, and depending on the tide, you’re likely to see a variety of fish and marine crustaceans.

Bophut Beach

Known for its alluring Fisherman’s Village, exotic local markets, and swanky, comfortable seaside resorts and restaurants, Bophut Beach has a little something for everyone. Bophut Beach is a narrow arc filled with white sand and framed by majestic clusters of palm trees. For those interested in doing some cultural sightseeing, the Big Buddha Temple just inland is a magnificent place that’s well worth the trip, especially for those who’ve never seen a real-life Buddhist Temple up close and personally.

Dining and lodging options abound, and unlike many other nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do to fill your time if you can only stand laying on the beach for an hour or two at a time.

Taling Ngam

Due mainly to its proximity to the Anthong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the cleanest and most picturesque of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, and it probably won’t be overdeveloped anytime soon. It’s located on the island’s southwest corner nearest to the mainland, making it a convenient option for those who’d rather get their fill of quality beach time instead of exploring.

Taling Ngam’s remoteness is its greatest asset for many visitors, but for those who prefer to be close to town, it’s probably not a good choice. Nathon is the largest nearby town and is about 20 minutes away by taxi, and Chaweng is about an hour.

Source touropia

Things to know before visiting Nepal

Nepal is largely a very conservative and traditional society. It has deep cultural roots in Buddhism, Hinduism and a complicated tribal and caste system. As a result, there are many customs and taboos that you should try our best to observe. Many of the following guidelines would come under a general banner of polite subtlety and respect.

Do not mess with them yaks

You are bound to come across several yaks acting as caravans for locals in the alpine regions. These yaks are also called Bos Grunniens. Make sure to steer clear of their paths as they can be rather hostile at the slightest hint of intimidation. This can be attributed to them having weak hearing and visual abilities. They more than make up for that with a weight of 400 kg, heavy and strong enough to take on even bigger animals than themselves. So if you come across some yaks on your way, step aside and let them pass by.

Hand etiquette

Most Nepalis, especially Hindus, consider the left hand to be unclean. You should always therefore shake hands, offer and receive with the right hand. This is generally a good idea quite apart from the cultural aspect as the left is the one they will have used for nasty jobs like those immediately before exiting the long drop. An additional mark of respect or gratitude is shown by touching the right elbow with the left hand whilst giving or receiving with the right.

Do not carry equipment by fake labels

Another important thing to not do is to be tempted by cheap prices and as a result, carry or use defective equipment or gear when going to treks through the mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Along with carrying probiotics, it is also incredibly important to carry with you. May it will be trekking shoes, walking sticks, sweaters, windcheaters, thermals, etc. Do not be fooled by cheap prices, instead buy products by certified brands and labels. The defective products may look exactly like the original ones but these ultimately prove their worth when they fail the test of austere weather and terrain conditions.

Environmental and social issues in Nepal

Nepal is a developing nation that can struggle to keep up with the influx of tourists. Be aware of the waste you create while on your trek. Try to unwrap new kit and supplies while at home, where it can be properly disposed of. Also, filter your water instead of buying disposable plastic bottles. There is no way for disposable plastic bottles to be recycled in Nepal and the tourism industry accounts for millions of plastic waste each year.

Do not trash the trail. Pack out your trash, or dispose of it in provided waste bins. If you really want to do your part, pick up a few items of trash that you spot along your way. A little goes a long way in protecting a high alpine environment. Try to be conscious of purchasing items with a lot of packaging. Also, do not ever put trash in the teahouse stoves.

Shopping and souvenir

Nepal is paradise for the shopaholic. Unique, handmade products are always the best kind of souvenir for your family and friends.

Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu. There are plenty of street vendors that sell interesting gifts, as well as large commercial areas with malls. Nepal has some particularly popular areas for shopping in its major cities

Learning Nepalese languages

Local languages give you excitement during your visit to Nepal. Learning a few words and local dialogue will help you communicate with the locals and help you understand their languages and lifestyles. As travelers, you will find the locals are the most informative people when traveling around in Nepal.

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Nepal

Source Internet