Hollywood always seems to release an avalanche of feature films in the lead up to Christmas and a few favourites spring to mind.
Trains, Planes and Automobiles and Home Alone are just two box office hits that have delighted viewers the world over. One common thread involves travelling home or with your family for Christmas and both conjure up a toe-curling dread of being deserted at an airport, long waiting times or being stressed and tired during the whole experience.
Most of us focus on getting to our destinations at Christmas as we look forward to a much-needed break, but not all stopovers need to mimic John Candy’s experience in Trains, Planes and Automobiles.
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is an unlikely option for some, but films such as Sex and the City, and the allure of the Arabian Desert are changing these perceptions daily.
Abu Dhabi is located on the northeastern part of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula. Situated on an island less than 250m from the mainland, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a jewel in the region’s crown.
Abu Dhabi offers a diverse range of places to visit, cuisine to experience and magnificent resorts and hotels to rest your head after an adventurous day. Whether you’re more inclined to the arts, favour lounging on the beach or prefer adrenalin fuelled sports, this is the place for you.
Dune bashing in the desert, a visit to the Heritage Village situated near the Abu Dhabi Breakwater and a visit to the Marine Mall for some retail therapy, are just some of the things you can enjoy.
Travelling to Europe for the festive season is a real possibility for South Africans as special offers and packages abound. Furthermore, thoughts of a white Christmas are enough to tempt anyone in the heat South Africa has at this time of year.
Most of Europe is covered in snow over the festive season and although the UK remains popular, destinations across the region are gaining ground.
Paris, Cannes, Calais, Le Havre, Le Mans and Strasbourg are the main cities in France and are relatively easy to access.
Audrey Hepburn did Paris splendidly in Love in the Afternoon and I don’t think there’s a woman alive who wouldn’t enjoy a romantic stroll along the Seine or an evening at the Hôtel Ritz Paris.
Today, the Eiffel Tower has become a global icon of France. It is an iron tower built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris.
This Parisian landmark, named after its engineer designer, Gustave Eiffel, is one of the most recognised structures in the world and is the tallest structure in Paris. With 200 million people having been to the Eiffel Tower since its construction, this monument is the most visited paid monument.
Other interesting places to visit include Le Moulin Rouge, the Louvre and the Sacré-Coeur or St-Sulpice.
l Getting There:
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, flies to 16 cities in Europe, connecting daily from South Africa. Among them is Paris, which connects 14 times a week via Etihad’s home base in Abu Dhabi; Milan seven times a week; Geneva seven times a week and London 14 times a week . Bookings can be made at www.etihad.com or by calling the 24-hour call centre on 021 427 3344. - Saturday Star