10 travel deals to explore while planning your Eid holidays

Your essential Eid adventures abroad.

There is a rumour going round that this Eid holiday is going to be a good few days long, so we're back doing what we do best: David Light is scouring the world for some travel deals so you can celebrate in style.
A really wild safari
The romance and magic of safari in Tanzania is unlike any other in the world - rolling hills, expansive plains and home to wildlife including elephants, zebras, the black rhino, lions, buffalo and more. Its remarkable diversity can be seen up close in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, home to some 25,000 species; in the Serengeti National Park, renowned for its annual migration of nearly two million wildebeest and attracting visitors from around the world to witness the phenomenon; and by exploring Tarangire National Park. This Eid experience Safari in Tanzania with Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays.
Zanzibar is for foodies
For centuries, this Indian Ocean Island off the coast of East Africa has lured explorers, traders, adventurers, and romantics. It is a land of contrasts, a place to delight the senses. Swahili cuisine reflects a melting pot of its history along the East African coast, which over the centuries has brought the Portuguese, the Arabs and the British. Explore gastronomic tours with Grassroots Traveller Zanzibar and experience the diversity of historical culinary influences across Swahili cooking - whether gourmet, street food or home cooking. Zigzag through the maze of cobblestone Stone Town, bargain for souvenirs or artifacts and enjoy hidden food gems from local cafes and restaurants. www.grassroots-traveller.com.
In the Med
Cyprus, the island nation in the Mediterranean, is fast becoming a hotspot for families from the GCC. Conveniently close with only a four-hour flight from the GCC, the island offers mountains, beaches, archaeological ruins, fabulous food and nightlife. Only a 1.5-hour drive from Larnaka, Paphos is said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Paphos, a UNESCO heritage site, is home to its own Archaelogical Park. Four large Roman villas have been excavated here with well-preserved mosaic floors, and the ancient underground burial chambers known as the Tomb of the Kings, carved out of solid rock, feature Doric columns and frescoed walls.
Surf's up in Bali
Located just? 890km south of the equator, Bali's tropical climate and moderate weather conditions make for a splendid getaway. With world-class restaurants and luxurious villas, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa offers unmatched level of Balinese hospitality and is close to Waterbom Bali, the famous waterpark, and Bali Zoo. We like the surfing, though.
Right to the Seoul
Cathay Pacific has partnered with Korea Tourism Organization to offer everyone from the UAE special fares and additional benefits to South Korea this summer. Prices start from Dhs2,155 when travelling to Seoul, Busan and Jeju and those who travel from Dubai to Seoul are eligible to register for a free One-Day Special Pass to Lotte World. This offer is available to the first 100 travellers who book flights during the promotion period. Seoul's Lotte World is a vast leisure complex which houses the world's largest indoor theme park and features 'Magic Island' - an outdoor amusement park situated on an artificial island that is linked by monorail to shopping malls, a luxury hotel and a Korean folk museum.
Be an explorer
Holiday planners tajawal have put together an Eid package to Jordan. Adventurists can enjoy a stay away from the city and discover one of the seven wonders of the world, Petra, as well as Wadi Rum, where many award-winning movies have been filmed, such as The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia. The lunar-like landscape and majestic dunes are sure to keep visitors mesmerised as they explore life at the Sun City Camp. This deal is priced at Dhs3,380 for a three night/four day stay.
Privacy may be key
Picture this: a private plane over a horizon of islets. Speeding across lagoon waters to a welcoming party of native bodu beru drummers. Throwing open the doors of your sprawling overwater hideout to a panorama of nothing but open ocean and infinite blue. Welcome to paradise, your private playground where desires, apparently, are only limited by your imagination. Live on the edge this Eid at Niyama Private Islands Maldives while taking advantage of their special offer. Book your stay on niyama.com and enjoy 40 per cent off the room rate, a free half-board upgrade and 60-minute massages for two at Drift Spa. Created especially for Middle East-based visitors, this promo starts at Dhs2,500 per night.
Tranquility central
Head to the five-star Anantara Kalutara Hotel, Sri Lanka, for three nights of pure luxury in a Premier Garden View Room. Dnata has pulled some strings at this hotel situated in an ideal location between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga River, which boasts picturesque views and is a perfect spot for whale and dolphin watching. Included in the package are flights with FlyDubai. Check out dnatatravel.com.
Relax and unwind
The Constance Halaveli in the Maldives is offering customised experiences with a 50 per cent discount for bookings on bed and breakfast for all room categories along with another 50 per cent discount on return seaplane transfers from the hotel to Male. The hotel itself consists of 86 villas dotted across the tiny private island, each with a refreshing plunge pool and either a terrace or balcony. 57 are over water and the rest are nestled on the sands of the beach.
Who's been to Laos?
Not us, which is why we're excited about this. Home to unexplored caves and rare wildlife, Laos offers a unique taste of South East Asia. Once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site, described as the 'Jewel in the Laos Crown' thanks to its untouched, natural beauty. What's more, most of the city can be explored on foot; the perfect way to take in the temples, monasteries and waterfalls. The recently launched Avani+ Luang Prabang is just a few steps from the Mekong River, Royal Palace, and the popular Night Market.
david@khaleejtimes.com