I am getting the feeling of an accomplishment after coming back for so many reasons. First is I planned the entire itinerary myself, though I customized a bit and took some fixed tour. Don’t get allure by attractive Dubai trip packages explore as much as you can before deciding on your visit.
Secondly, I came back with so many memories and learning. I would share my experience; hopefully, it can benefit many aspiring solo travelers. This article covers everything starting from its history to stay, commute, and other attractions. Probably, this write up may expedite your Dubai trip plan.
SUB-HEADING OF ARTICLE
Dubai History
Dubai Tourist Visa Cost from India
Solo Travelling Advantages and Challenges
Dubai History, Politics, Citizenships
About Dubai
Political Scenario: Dubai follows the monarchy. The Arabian Sheikhs and their dynasty rule it.
Cost of Stay & Commute in Dubai
Stay
You can make your stay comfortable by selecting an average property that will cost you anywhere between Rs. 3,500-4,000 per night, including breakfast. Besides the amount you spent on booking a hotel on your own, be ready to pay for per day Dubai tourism tax.
The hidden cost of an additional tax amount was surprising to me as I never paid it during any of my domestic or international journeys. I made my booking through make my trip and choose Hotel Royal Falcon. When they asked me about the last-minute tax, I was shocked. None of my previous visit demanded me to pay such hidden charges.
On the one hand, I was angry at online booking people and another at the hotel. Later on, I realized this is the city tax that is levied by the Dubai government.
Another interesting fact is you will see the pictures of their Sheiks in every hotel that is mandatory to place. In spite of all these shocking facts, my stay was very peaceful and relaxing.
Commute: – Before landing in Dubai airport, you can either pre-book your airport transfers or take a cab after arrival. The taxi cost from the airport will be around 15 USD. However coming back to the airport for departure. It will be less around 10 USD.
If you plan your excursions with experts, then you can get pick and drop through cab from your hotel. You can customize your itinerary as per your convenience as well. Metro can be one of the cheaper options that you may consider, but you may have to walk a few miles to catch it.
Popular Dubai Excursions
Excursions
Additional Attractions & Cost:-
- Abu Dhabi Trip- Mosque & Ferrari World
- Miracle Gardens
- Atlanta Water Parks
- Burj Al Arab Brunch
Total Cost without Airfares & Visa
Cost of Stay for five days without Tax: – 120 USD
Average cost of popular Dubai Excursions including transport:- 145 USD
Average Food Cost: – 100 USD (excluding breakfast & excursions)
Total Cost without Airfares from any Continent: – 120+ 145+100 = 365 USD is approximate
Total Dubai trip price from India may differ from other countries according to the air tickets and visa.
Dubai Tourist Visa Cost from India
Visa Cost
If you are holding an Indian passport, then you need to process your visa in advance before visiting Dubai. There’s no visa on arrival benefits unless you have a US visa or passport. The average cost for 15 days can cost you anywhere from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000.
Many agents can make your process swift and simple. You can check some of the reliable ones online. Before choosing the right one, you can always have words with them over the call. Alternatively, do check their reviews and ratings as well.
Documents that you need to submit are passport, return tickets, ID proofs, and at times your current company ID card if you are employed. Certain flights may need an “ok to board” visa that can be easily granted by your agents. You can check about the same with the airlines that you booked for your trip.
Air Tickets from India
Many flights go to Dubai daily. I booked Kuwait airways and had a decent experience. The screen in front of my seat exposed me to outside few; in addition, I was able to watch one of the latest blockbusters.
Meals served were fresh and yummy. All was perfect except just one of the crew member who was a little clumsy while serving food. However, I prefer to ignore these trivial things and focus on positives.
Dubai Culture and Solo Traveling Experience
Dubai Culture
Solo traveling is safe in Dubai. However, if you wish to have some group fun, then join the travelling communities. You may be able to cherish one of the best Dubai vacation trips with people of the same wavelength around.
What Can You Learn From My Experience?
Solo Travel
I planned my trip during Diwali between 26th to 30th October from India. It was a fantastic experience with a few leanings as well. Here’s a brief snippet of my takeaways, both good and bad.
Dubai Attractions:-
Dubai is full of surprises. Besides the paid excursions, you have the privilege to access many free facilities, as well. Some of them are the magnificent Infrastructure, which is the viewers’ delight.
Flip Side of Dubai:-
Now you may be surprised if I talk about it, but that’s fact. It’s none other than Burj Khalifa on the top. All hype and no fun. There are different slots you can choose to visit here. It’s better to go during the prime hours as its dark, and you can see some lighting.
The minimum ticket for the same is Rs. 4100, which is not at all worth. It is super crowded, at least when I visited. As soon as you enter, there will be professional photographers occupying half of the space, and they will push you for clicks. Surprise will knock you when they tell you the cost of one picture that is not less than Rs. 4,000.
Another bad experience I had was with the maid on the 124th Floor, she was frustrated with her job and looked like Chinese or Thai. While I was on other washrooms, she was cleaning others with jet, and the water sprinkle to others.
When I asked about it, she was not at all apologetic. Do you come on the top of Burj to face all this shit? I informed the manager Akbar after I went down, not too sure if any action is taken or not.
Last but not least, what I was surprised about was the tourist tax they take on your stay in the hotel. The cost may not be much as compared to what you spend on the entire trip.
Nevertheless, you feel cheated about that. As such, Dubai, 60% of revenue comes from tourists on the top. They are charging more on stay. You feel as if this emirate is obliging your visit. High time the rick Sheikhs should found some alternatives for earning money.
In spite of these few negative experiences, positive ones are good enough to compensate for the better. I wish you a pleasant trip to Dubai. I am a professional Trip organizer, stay connected with me on WhatsApp @+91-9910014871 for any upcoming trips.
I manage a small community of solo travelers. It will help you connect with like-minded solo travelers that can make your travel more fun. Besides the best Dubai trip deals, my passion is to create a platform for like-minded solo travelers.
Common FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a transit visa in the connecting flight?
If your layoff is less than 7 hours, then you don’t need it at all. However, it may vary from airline. It is advisable to check from them before you book.
Is there VOA (visa on arrival) Facility?
If you are traveling from India, then there’s no visa on arrival. However, if you hold the US visa, then criteria is different.
What are the documents required in the VISA?
You may need few mandatory documents like your passport, written tickets, passport size pic, and ID card from current employer.Besides that you may be asked to provide any alternative ID proof that may depends upon the source you are applying and the type of VISA as well.
What if your name is mismatching in the passport and flight tickets?
Your name must be the same in the passport. Even if your surname is different, you should get it changed. At times you may be able to manage if your surname is missing. But to stay safe better to change it as soon as possible.
Is it mandatory to get “ok to board” Visa ?
Ok to board visa is mandatory in some flights. It’s an additional clause that is required along with your standard visa. You can check with your airlines, whether it’s needed or not. If they need it then you can get it as little extra cost along with your regular visa.
Do you need to get Travel Insurance?
In the case of Dubai, travel Insurance is not mandatory. However, travel insurance can be beneficial in many other ways.
Is an international SIM better or roaming on your existing connection?
This can be a personal choice. If you don’t expect any urgent calls, then you can always activate international roaming on your existing SIM. However, if you want to use unlimited data or calling, then buy local SIM from there.
How to choose the best excursions in the limited time?
It may be much more daunting than it sounds like planning the right itinerary. You can always customize it as per your preference.
Is it wise to travel with travel communities?
Yes, why not, especially when you can save a lot by choosing the right travel partner. You may not even have to pay more for the same. At times with organized groups you can save a lot of your time and money.
How to pack the right outfits for the Dubai trip?
Dubai is a very urban hub. You may not have to worry about your dressing at all. Especially if you are female, then pack stress free. You can wear anything casual as per your destination to visit.
Without incurring more, you can leverage great benefits. You can enjoy one of the best Dubai group trip on this platform. You can subscribe to the blog and stay updated with Dubai trip booking to reserve your spot.
