articles|interviewsination: United Arab Emirates | Suitcases & Strollers

Dubai With Kids: Dubai Insider

Thinking of heading to the Middle East with kids? Don’t believe the media hysteria, say Jenny Bufton and Laura Davison of Mums The World. The Middle East and especially Dubai are safe, fun and make a fantastic family holiday destination. These bloggers and best friends live in the United Arab Emirates with kids (Jenny has George (5) and Isla (2) and Laura is mum to Finlay (6) and Elliott (3)) and say that far from backward or unsophisticated, the Middle East is modern, glitzy and actually very luxurious. They tell suitcases&strollers why Dubai with kids makes for great family holidays you won’t soon forget.

The Ultimate Barbie Experiences

If your little girls can’t get enough of the blonde bombshell that is Barbie, perhaps it’s time to embrace their love of hot pink and seek out these fantasy-like experiences. Whether it’s just an afternoon in a mall to dedicating an entire island holiday to Barbie, here are some of the most memorable kids holiday ideas for Barbie fans.

Dubai With Kids

Dubai is a city of extremes. Sand-coloured, modest houses sit comfortably opposite gleaming steel and glass skyscrapers with stunning geometric silhouettes. The Emiratis wear the calm monotones of all-white or all-black traditional dress while the malls are filled with every single international chain and brand you can imagine. The days are glaringly bright, sunny and hot. And yet, this hedonistic city is super easy to travel to with kids and is so full of startling contradictions it makes for a surprisingly fun family holiday that won’t be easily forgotten. Here's the suitcases&strollers travel guide to Dubai with kids.

International Adoption

Adopting a child from another country is certainly not the same as planning a holiday, but it does involve international borders, multiple countries and families with young children. While every individual family’s experiences are completely different, suitcases&strollers also recognises that there is a distinct lack of information to help guide people who want to understand more about the process. With that in mind, here is a bit of a starter kit of things parents should think about if you are considering adopting a child from another country.

Dubai With Kids: The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is so much more than just a shopping centre. It’s a hedonistic, sensory and commercial assault that is just so much fun. Shopaholics will be in heaven but if you even have the faintest interest in retail, this is still an absolute must. It’s like a compacted, non-gambling version of Las Vegas for families and all in air-conditioned comfort away from the searing heat. Dubai with kids is so much easier in this one-stop wonderland. If you are thinking of travelling to United Arab Emirates with kids, even just for a stopover, this is the place to hit.

Family Friendly Accommodation Booking Websites

Most villa and hotel booking websites are great pre-kids, but after that they somehow fail to deliver all those little details you need to know as a parent travelling with children. “Kid-friendly” can mean anything from a mere tolerance of children to step stools in the bathroom and a fully accredited kids club. So the best way to find the type of accommodation that works for your family – no matter the kids’ ages – is to go to the sites that specialise in helping parents find the right fit in accommodation when planning family holidays. Here are some of the best accommodation websites for families for vacations primarily in Europe.

10 Reasons to Choose Cruises For Families

Kitschy and mass market, a cruise might seem like the type of holiday for people too lazy to plan their own family vacations. But that’s exactly what makes them so much fun. Yes, the décor is often tacky. Yes, you may be eating buffet (a lot). Yes, your friends will laugh. But you and your kids will enjoy yourselves more than you can imagine and you will come back super relaxed. And isn’t that what a holiday is all about? Here are 10 reasons why cruises make for some of the best family holidays.

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