Feast of the Far East

Hong Kong
Fly: Emirates – 9hr15, connect in Dubai
Stay: Marriott Hong Kong SkyCity Hotel 4*, near airport
Pay: From BD1,549 - 2 adults + 2 children, flights, 7 nights (breakfast not included)
Why go: If the Gulf just can’t sate your desire for endless shop-
ping and big-city bustle and nightlife, you’d best head to Hong Kong. Dine on dim sum, take a double decker bus along a neon valley, take a harbour cruise, head up to Victoria Peak to take in the views of lush green mountains and skyscrapered horizons, then relax on the beach. Spend one day on Lantau Island, the next at Hong Kong Disneyland
or Ocean Park. But, be warned, a break in this place will not be easy
on the wallet.
Don’t miss: Big Buddha, accessible by cable car or bus (on which you get a tour of Lantau thrown in) taking in beautiful coves, beaches, mountains and forests, this is a remarkable sight in itself, but also has a museum, a monastery and shopping village. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Straddle the continents

Istanbul, Turkey
Fly: Turkish Airlines – direct 4hr20
Stay: Atlantis Hotel 3*, Sultanahmet neighbourhood 7 nights + breakfast
Pay: From BD932 - 2 adults + 2 children, flights, 7 nights + breakfast
Why go: A heady mix of the ancient and the modern, of European and Asian, Istanbul offers bustling bazaars, mosques, churches, aromas of incense and spice, shopping, restaurants and nightlife, cruises along the Bosphorous, museums and fortresses.
Don’t miss: The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), beautiful, impressive and serene, and the Hagia Sophia church and museum (Ayasofia), the crown jewel of the city.

Paradise islands

Maldives
Fly: Qatar Airways – 5hr25, connect in Doha
Stay: Meeru Island Resort 4*, Meerufenfushi - 6 nights full board
Pay: BD1,932 -2 adults + 2 children, flights, 6 nights full board
Why go: Sun, sea, sand, scenery and serenity all the way! Pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters and five star service and accommodation, the North Male Atoll is the ultimate beach holiday, and it’s only a few short hours away. What are you waiting for? If you can drag yourself up off your sun lounger for just a few hours, there’s also plenty to see: the local markets, the Old Friday Mosque, the National Museum, the wreckage of the old Victory, whale submarine trips for non-divers and scuba-diving galore.
Don’t miss: Snorkelling – swim with sharks, stingray, eels, octopus, lobster, and any other exotic, colourful sealife you can think of. Check with your resort for the packages/sessions they have on offer.

Into Africa

Mombasa, Kenya
Fly: Ethiopian Airlines – 6hr45, 8hr45 with connection in Addis Ababa
Stay: Serena Beach Hotel & Spa 4*, near Bamburi Beach 7 nights half board
Pay: From BD1,968 - 2 adults + 2 children, flights, 7 nights half board
Why go: Kenya’s second-largest city has something for everyone: Arab, Indian and European influences, wildlife, safaris, beaches, scuba, biking, forts and museums.
Don’t miss: Haller Park, where you can see crocodiles, hippos, tortoises, monkeys, antelope, fish and snakes, and make sure you get on the overhead walkways when it’s time for the kids to hand-feed the giraffes. Great stuff.

Super splurge

Seychelles
Fly: Qatar Airways – 5hr40, 6hr15 with connection in Doha
Stay: Le Meridien Barbarons 4*, Mahe Island
Pay: BD2,077 - 2 adults + 2 children, flights, 6 nights + breakfast
Why go: Mahe is the Seychelles’ largest and main island and home to the capital, Victoria, but retains its idyllic beauty in the form of its gorgeous beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and varied plant life.
Do: Grand Anse Beach, Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, Victoria Botanical Gardens
Don’t miss: The Botanical Gardens at Victoria where you can spend a few hours strolling amongst the lush flora and fauna, look out for the giant tortoises.
For further details about these deals and many more, log onto www.expedia.com