Destination Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven states making up the United Arab Emirates and it is located in the Middle East at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

Dubai is a city of striking contrasts; it is an exciting destination both for travelers seeking thrills and adventure and for expatriates seeking a healthy employment climate and a tax free lifestyle.

Those expatriates planning on moving to the UAE or who are seeking the latest job opportunities in Dubai are certainly not alone. The population of Dubai is one of the fastest growing in the world and over the past twenty five years it has quadrupled.

Employment prospects in the city rise annually by an average of 8.3% and the increasing availability of quality jobs has attracted record numbers of expatriates to the region. The appeal of Dubai lies in the fact that it is a liberal and moderate emirate and it has attracted major players from every single significant business sector of note because of the tax free trade zones Dubai is famous for. These industry giants from the media, IT, engineering and financial sectors for example can recruit internationally and many offer their staff a tax free salary with attractive relocation benefits on top meaning they attract the best, most dynamic employees from around the world.

The expatriate population in the entire UAE makes up 91.5% of the working population so you can see how popular a destination Dubai is with international executives from around the world. To work in Dubai it is necessary to obtain an employment visa, if you secure a job offer before you fly out your employer will sponsor your visa for you. Alternatively you can travel to the country on a 30 day temporary visa, seek work and as soon as you secure a job offer you can apply for your employment visa.

In terms of those who holiday in Dubai they are divided into a number of categories – you have shopoholics who come for the tax free prices on luxury goods and jewellery, you have those who want an adventure in and around the ancient and fascinating heart of Dubai, you have families keen to hit the theme parks and adventure centres and those who come for the sporting highlights of Dubai such as the world class golf, polo, diving and desert safaris.

Visitors to the city of Dubai require a visa unless they herald from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman or Saudi Arabia. Those visitors who are staying in one of the amazing and luxurious hotels Dubai is famous for will be provided with a visa by the hotel for the duration of their stay. The process to obtain a visa is very simple, in fact most travel agents or hotels will fill in the necessary paper work for you and you can either apply for a 14 day ‘transit visa’ or a 30 day ‘visit visa’ and then enter the country and be free to enjoy your time exploring this dynamic and breathtaking city of contrasts.

Dubai

Dubai As a Wedding Destination

Dubai with its wonderful white sand beaches, amazing 7 star hotels, romantics resorts and an endless number of shopping destinations has become one of the most popular wedding destinations. Thanks to the boom in the tourism industry it is now much easier to get married in Dubai, and you can be sure a Dubai wedding will be remembered forever not just by you but by all your friends and family who are privileged to attend.

If you are not too tight on the budget you can contact a wedding planning service and they will arrange everything for you including hotels, meals, tours etc. These days even tour operators are doing weddings so it would be wise to get in touch with some and find out what they would charge to arrange the whole thing.

A cheaper option is having a Church wedding, and making the rest of the arrangements yourself, in this way you would save a lot of money and plan the whole wedding according to your wishes. Almost all churches in Dubai can be found online, you can email them and they are very cooperative in giving you all the details and requirements they will even give you contacts for associated services. You can book hotels online for a cheaper price, as well as plan the dinners and tours for your guests, on a small budget you can do a lot if you do it yourself.

Chicago - A Top Family Vacation Destination

Chicago is one of the best family vacation destinations in America. The "Windy City" or "Chi-Town" as Chicago is sometimes referred to has everything a family could want from beaches, museums, both cultural and historical, educational things to see and do, excellent zoos, amusement parks, great food, shopping, nightlife, and not to mention something for every type of sports fans. From the beauty of Lake Michigan and Grant Park to riverboat rides on the Chicago River, Chicago is a fantastic place for a family to visit.

You might think that seeing the sights in one of the world's most exciting, sophisticated cities would be expensive...but you'd be wrong. Chicago has such an astounding number of free things to do throughout the year - including many of the city's best attractions - that you could easily fill several weeks with fascinating fun which won't cost you a penny.

Along the lakefront Chicago has 33 beaches and miles of jogging and bike paths that are always free. Discover the fun for kids of every age and here are a few of Chicago's favorites that are always open and free.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Located within a lush park just minutes north of Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers, who come to hear a lion's roar echo off nearby apartment buildings, see gorillas climb trees as the Willis Tower looms in the distance, or forget where they are as they engross themselves in tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.

The Chicago Botanic Garden has over 300 acres of incredible landscape. Discover eight different lagoons and a variety of different botanical environments. Two of the highlights for plant and flower enthusiasts to enjoy are a Japanese garden and an English garden. The garden is often home to special outdoor events. The best part for this attraction is that admission is free.

Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. The result of a unique partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre Park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers. During warm weather there are often free concerts and end your tour at the Crown fountain, where the kids can't resist splashing through the water. The kids can also run across the 925-foot BP Bridge, which connects the park to the lakefront. Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Visitors are encouraged to make the Millennium Park Welcome Center their first stop at the Park where specialists are available to help plan their Park visit.

Grant Park is Chicago's principal downtown park. It is located between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan. It consists of a series of bridges which cross the Railway tracks that are still on the park's compound. After the bridges, the park is divided in sections with lawns, trees and monuments, one of them being a statue of Abraham Lincoln. The main attraction in Grant Park is Buckingham Fountain. The Buckingham Fountain, which features a central jet shooting water up to 150 feet in the air, is best seen at night when it is animated with a now computerized choreography of color spotlights.

There are many different attractions that Chicago has to offer. Here some additional attractions you should consider visiting during your family vacation that have nominal admittance fees. Although, on certain days some of these attractions have free admission you will have to check each attraction if/when they have free days.

Navy Pier is Chicago's most visited tourist attraction. Located on Lake Michigan you can experience beautiful views of the city from atop the Ferris wheel and more fun rides below. Navy Pier has an IMAX Theater, the Chicago Children's Museum, and a launching spot for boat rides, restaurants and more.

The Field Museum is Chicago's natural history museum that houses the world's most complete T-Rex, exhibits on African animals, underground bugs and Native Americans. An interesting attraction for every age group.

The Museum of Science and Industry features immersive exhibits such as a ride down a coalmine shaft or a walk through a U-505 German World War II submarine. This museum has many interactive exhibits. If you have time for only one museum, the Museum of Science and Industry is one you should not miss.

The Shedd Aquarium connects people to the living world. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan the Shedd Aquarium is the world's largest indoor aquarium with more than 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world.

Explore outer space at the Adler Planetarium. This amazing tourist attraction lets you experience space up close. Check out the Sky Pavilion, where you can enjoy an interactive tour of the Milky Way. There are several great interactive exhibits as well.

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to all kinds of exhibits for art lovers to enjoy. The museum is known for its collection of French Impressionists, ancient Greek and Roman pottery and Japanese art. No matter what sort of art you enjoy you'll likely find it here.

A visit to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to Wrigleyville, home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. Try to score some tickets if the Cubs are in town. Even if you are not a Cubs fan, just catching a game in this historic park is exciting.

Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country featuring over 2,700 animals on 216 acres. In habitats designed to replicate nature, The Tropic World recreates environments of rainforests on three continents while the Fragile Kingdom imagines the desert, jungle and mountainous regions. With so much to see here you will not be able to see everything in a day.

Want to see a great view of Chicago? Whether you're exploring the city's astonishing architecture during a guided tour (on foot or aboard a Chicago River boat, lakeshore cruise or sightseeing bus) or you're enjoying the birds-eye view from the 103rd floor of Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the 94th floor Hancock Observatory.

Chicago is such a food lovers' paradise that diners face just one dilemma: How to choose from so many delicious options? One way to narrow your dining choices is by type of food. Chicago has many outstanding restaurants serving every cuisine. Two classics that Chicagoans take very seriously: pizza and hot dogs. Sample these two favorites during your visit so you can officially join in the debate.

The nightlife in Chicago is extraordinary. No matter what type you favor - pop, rap, hip hop, bluegrass, R&B, gospel, soul, or salsa - you'll find it in this city that loves music. And if you feel like dancing, step out at one of the city's sizzling dance clubs. If comedy is in your plans Chicago has outstanding comedy clubs. Two of the best are The Second City and ComedySportz, which deliver the fastest, funniest, and smartest acts you'll ever witness.

Chicago has an unparalleled variety of choices in downtown hotels and bed & breakfasts. If you prefer accommodations outside the city, broaden your reach into the greater metropolitan area for hotels near O'Hare or Midway airports and suburban hotels. You'll find service, comfort, and value at every price point - and many of these properties are offering hot deals right now. Whatever your accommodations you will be sure to find something that suites your budget.

The Best Museums in Chicago

Only two other cities in the whole of the US are larger than Chicago. That guarantees you plenty of streets and sights to explore and appreciate during your stay.

And as with many cities all over the world, Chicago has its fair share of museums to visit too. No matter where your interests lie and what kind of exhibits you like to see, Chicago is certain to have at least one museum that will draw you inside.

Take the National Museum of Mexican Art for example. Located on West 19th Street, the museum is devoted to sharing all kinds of examples of Mexican culture with the world. You have the chance to view some stunning paintings and photographs, as well as textiles and even exhibits from ancient times.

A very different museum indeed can be found in the Chicago Children's Museum. This has been developed to entertain and educate children of all ages, although their parents will also find it entertaining.

Specific parts of the museum are designed for specific age groups, so you have everything from cooking and safety advice to a huge garden with equally huge insects!

Of course the best way to find out more about any city is to visit a museum that is dedicated to the city itself. The Chicago History Museum should be your destination if you want to know more about the Windy City.

Some of the temporary exhibitions celebrate notable anniversaries that should be remembered. In contrast the permanent exhibitions highlight many important events and parts of the history of Chicago for you to learn from. You'll find plenty to fascinate you here.

Perhaps one of the most unusual museums you will find in Chicago is the International Museum of Surgical Science. The name itself gives you an idea of what to expect - but even then nothing will prepare you for actually walking through the front door.

There are some quite mesmerizing exhibits here, including such diverse items as Napoleon's death mask, x-rays and various paintings which delve into the subject in various ways. This museum is enlightening, fascinating and surprising - three good reasons why a visit is well worth the time.

There are lots more museums throughout the city as well, including the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium and Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. Each one offers a unique experience that will only serve to enhance your holiday in Chicago.

Walt Disney World Holidays - Celebrating the Christmas Season With ...

Walt Disney World Holidays - Celebrating the Christmas Season