If you’re wondering how to spend your money responsibly while on holiday in Dubai, think again. Here are ten terrible ways to blow your budget while cruising the Arabian Gulf on a dhow. Avoid these activities, from overpriced souvenirs to tourist traps, if you want to stay on budget during your vacation.
- Don’t overspend on souvenirs:
Sure, they’ll be a friendly reminder of your New Year Dhow Cruise trip but do you need to spend a fortune on them? Stick to a few essential items that you know you’ll use or cherish and leave the rest. Besides this, many of the souvenirs you’ll find in Dubai are mass-produced in China, so you’re not getting an authentic souvenir anyway.
- Avoid tourist traps:
Yes, they’re fun, but tourist traps are almost always a waste of money. You’ll find yourself shelling out more cash from overpriced drinks to tacky souvenirs than you ever intended. Save your money for something else and steer clear of these traps. However, try to haggle for a better price if you must visit one. Besides this, many of the souvenirs you’ll find in Dubai are mass-produced in China, so you’re not getting an authentic souvenir anyway.
- Don’t take cabs everywhere:
Cabs are convenient, but they’re also one of the most expensive ways to get around Dubai. If you’re on a budget, take advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation system or, better yet, walk. Not only will this save you money but you’ll also get to see more of the city. However, if you take a cab, haggle for a fair price before getting in.
- Don’t overdo it on the drinks:
It’s easy to get carried away with the flowing booze on a cruise, but drinks are not free. If you want to stick to your budget, alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or better yet, stick to water. It’s not as exciting, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run. Other than this, many cruises include unlimited soda and juices, so take advantage of that.
- Don’t gamble:
Gambling is illegal in Dubai, but that doesn’t stop some cruise lines from offering casino nights on board. If you’re tempted to try your luck, remember that the odds are always in favor of the house. So, steer clear of the casino unless you’re prepared to lose your shirt. Besides this, gambling is a vice, and it’s not something you should be doing on vacation.
- Don’t overspend on shopping:
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget on designer clothes and electronics. If you want to stay on track, set a spending limit and stick to it. You can also take advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation system or, better yet, walk. Taking a taxi is a great way to see more of the town. It costs money, but if you bargain for a fair price before getting in.
- Don’t overdo it on the food:
Food is one of the main expenses on a cruise, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on it. If you’re on a budget, stick to the buffet or order from the kids’ menu. However, if you want to save even more money, bring your food on board. Besides this, another great way to save on food is by avoiding the restaurants and eating at the food court.
- Avoid overpriced excursions:
Many cruise lines offer excursions in Dubai, but they’re not always worth the money. If you’re on a budget, stick to free or low-cost activities like visiting the beach or exploring the city on your own. So, it would help if you avoided overpriced excursions. However, if you take a tour, be sure to haggle for a better price.
- Don’t buy into the hype:
There’s no denying that Dubai is a beautiful city, but it’s not perfect. Don’t believe everything you hear about Dubai; do your research before going. Many of the city’s attractions are overpriced and not worth the money. So, if you’re on a budget, stick to free or low-cost activities.
- Don’t overdo it on the tips:
It is a fact that the tipping on dhow cruise Dubai is not compulsory but it is appreciated. If you’re on a budget, be sure to factor in tips when calculating your expenses. However, please don’t overdo it on the tips. A 10% tip is usually sufficient. Besides this, many cruises include tips in the price, so be sure to check that before you book.
Conclusion:
Following these simple tips, you can avoid wasting your money while on a dhow cruise in Dubai. You can stay within your budget and enjoy a memorable vacation by being responsible for your spending.
