9 travel destinations that Dubai residents should visit in 2018

New Year, new you… or so they say. But for many of us, a new year is less about reinventing ourselves and more of an opportunity to hit refresh on our annual leave. You’ve probably started planning how you’re going to use your time off already, so here are some places that you should definitely have on the list.

Zagreb, Croatia 
Known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, permanently full street cafes and museums, Zagreb is the perfect destination for aspiring architects, coffee connoisseurs and culture vultures. If contemporary and historic art isn’t your thing, head down to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Founded by Croatian film producer Olinka Vištica and sculptor Dražen Grubišić in 2010, the museum tells the tale of true failed relationships by exhibiting the personal belongings of ex-lovers. Each item is donated anonymously and is accompanied by a brief description or message. The concept proved so successful that a branch of the museum opened in Los Angeles, US in 2016.
Flight time: 6.20 hrs

Cebu, Philippines
Often referred to as mini-Manila, Cebu offers travellers the best of both worlds. Its pristine white sand beaches are perfect for those looking to unwind and relax, while the markets make it an ideal location for shopping enthusiasts. Spots like the Sirao Garden and the Tops Lookout are well-worth a visit.
Flight time: 8.50 hrs

Hanoi, Vietnam
Located on the banks of the Red River, this destination is incredibly popular with beach lovers and avid fisherman. It has an entire theatre dedicated to nothing but puppets – the Water Puppet Theatre pays homage to one of the nation’s famed past-times. Aside from temples – the Perfume Pagoda is a must see – the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are two sights that you to visit.
Flight time: 6.35 hrs

Phuket, Thailand
There isn’t much that Phuket doesn’t have. Rainforest, mountains and the Andaman Sea pull in masses of tourists every year. It’s so large that you’d easily forget that its an island, meaning that there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore. Out top tip is to pick a luxury resort away from the crowds if you fancy some r&r.
Flight time: 6 hrs