Having evolved from a fishing village to one of the largest cities in the world, the towering spectacle of Dubai is not to be underestimated. Voted in 2017 as the most popular destinations for tourists, this bustling city is increasing in popularity for a variety of reasons. As the perfect blend of traditional culture and futuristic modernity, Dubai is one of those cities that has so much to offer that no matter how long your holiday takes, you'll still never be able to see everything. With the world's tallest skyline and the shopping malls that are the size of towns, everything about visiting Dubai is always bigger and better than you could imagine.

Know what's there

It can't be overstated: there is a lot to do in Dubai. No matter what sort of attractions appeal to you, you're going to need to plan. Having a well-organized itinerary is going to be essential if you want to get the most from your Dubai experience and will ensure that you don't miss too much. Decide how much time to commit to shopping in the wide variety of sprawling malls and then stick to that time allowance. With the variety of theme parks and tailored premium experiences on offer, you're not going to run out of things to do and places to explore, so having a plan is essential.

Prepare for emergencies

Dealing with the unexpected is always a concern when traveling, and that is especially increased when your holiday is somewhere so different from home. As well as the cultural differences, there's also the issue of heat, which can adversely affect your Dubai break if you're not prepared for it. The best way to deal with the unexpected is to be aware of their possibility. Therefore, if your flight has been delayed and you lose out on valuable holiday time, be aware of resources like Fairplane.co.uk, who are able to help you with compensation in the case of those frustrating flight delays. While we all want the most hassle-free holiday of a lifetime, doing some basic preparation is key if you want to be able to face potential issues with confidence.

Culture shock

One of the best aspects of travel is the chance to experience different cultures, and that's one of the areas where you won't be lacking in Dubai. As a predominantly Muslim country, Dubai has a very religious outlook that will be reflected in the sights and sounds that you experience. One of the most consistent misconceptions about Dubai is that it there is no alcohol allowed, but this is not the case. While it's true that drinking (and being drunk) in public is illegal, most hotels and bars still sell alcohol. It may not be the party center of the world, but don't be misled by those cultural stereotypes, and you may just end up having the holiday of a lifetime.

As a primarily bilingual destination, Dubai is not the mystery that many make it out to be. With signs in English and large numbers of the population happy to converse in your native tongue, you will have very little issues when it comes to being understood. Dubai is one of those destinations that will amaze you with its multiculturalism, while also being familiar enough that even the most wary of travelers are able to relax and enjoy the life-changing experience.