Okay, 2017 is well and truly underway and it’s high time we all had a little holiday. 

Here are a few places you can book for a long weekend, just because…

Ras Al Khaimah, 1.5-hour drive

RAK is a hot favourite for Dubai residents as it’s just a quick drive to the luxurious hotels in the coastal emirate. 

It’s a great place to escape the city and just switch off, and the beaches are beautiful. 

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Jabal Akhdar, 6-hour drive 

Okay, you’ll need a 4WD to get there, but Jabal Akhdar is SERIOUSLY beautiful and due to the altitude, is cooler than the city. 

Plus there are some spectacular hiking trails around the mountains. 

Muscat, 1-hour flight

One of the easiest flights is the Muscat trip, and you can hit this beautiful beachy town for the weekend. 

Meander through the souks, swim in the crystal clear water, and get a real taste of Omani life… or just hole up in a beautiful resort and let the world pass by. 

Beirut, 4-hour flight

We’ve already shared our love of Byblos – an hour’s drive from Beirut. 

But you should also head to Beirut for excellent food, parties and culture. You’ll feel as though you’re walking down a Parisian avenue in Downtown Beirut.  

Sri Lanka, 4.5-hour flight

A little further afield, Sri Lanka is a 4.5-hour flight from DXB and a paradise getaway. 

You’ll probably want longer than a weekend to explore, but it’s still worth going if you just want to kick back on a beach with a coconut in hand. 

You can fly straight into Negombo and will immediately be immersed in the tropical scenery, or explore a bit further out to Hikkaduwa or Bentota for more brilliant beaches.