Off the beaten path with flydubai

Discovering your inner adventurer is easier than ever this Eid Al Fitr with flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low-cost airline, flying to five up-and-coming destinations for those looking to explore the next must-see global holiday hot-spots.

Samara, Russia

Did you know? Set on the banks of the River Volga, Samara is now known as a sun and fun hub - a far cry from the days of World War II when it was Russia’s “second capital”.

Things to do:

1. Immerse yourself in Russian art at the Samara Art Museum, home to works by Russia’s best known painters, Surikov and Malevich.
2. For a spot of outdoor adventure, sign up for a bike tour of the Zhiguli Hills to get panoramic views of the Volga.

Where to eat: Kipyatok – to sample home-made kvas (a fermented beverage made from black or regular rye bread) and mors (sweetened fruit juice diluted with water) as well as  innovative dishes that push the boundaries of authentic Russian cuisine. Also check out Marlin for the catch of the day from the Volga.

Where to stay: Renaissance, Holiday Inn and Meridien all have hotels in the city

Must have ‘accessories’: Swim wear and sunglasses

How to get there: Flights to Samara leave Dubai on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 0900hrs, arriving in Samara at 1350hrs local time. The return flights depart Samara at 1450hrs and arrive in Dubai at 1935hrs local time.

Prices: Prices for flights from Dubai begin from AED 1,270 and flights from Samara start at AED 1,589 including 20kg checked baggage.

Yekaterinburg, Russia

Did you know? Best known for its grizzly history as the site of the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918, Yekaterinburg is the starting point of the legend of Anastasia – the missing Russian princess who has spawned an Ingrid-Bergman classic, much-loved animated movie and a Broadway musical.

Things to do: Get cultured and check out Yekaterinburg’s wealth of museums or catch a performance at one its world-class theatres. Enjoy the city life with a spot of people-watching at one of the bustling cafés or go clubbing and experience one of Russia’s celebrated rock bands performing live.

Where to eat: Go local – opt for cafes and restaurants with Russian cuisine such as Uralskie Pelmeni (a Soviet-era favourite of Boris Yeltsin’s), Stolle (famous for their meat, fish and sweet progi (pies) or the 24-hour haunt, Mama’s House.  

Where to stay: Accor Novotel in the city, or if you are looking for some relaxation and TLC, check into the Indra Ayurvedic Spa Hotel, on the outskirts of Yekaterinburg.

Must have ‘accessories’: A fashionable wrap/pashmina – just in case the temperature dips.

How to get there: flydubai flies to Yekaterinburg twice a week. Flights depart on Wednesdays at 0915hrs, arriving in Yekaterinburg at 1620hrs and Saturdays at 0900hrs, landing at 1605hrs. Return flights depart Yekaterinburg at 1720hrs arriving in Dubai at 2035hrs on Wednesdays then depart at 1705hrs on Saturdays, arriving in Dubai 2020hrs local time.

Prices: Prices from Dubai start at AED 1,270, with flights from Yekaterinburg from AED 1,589 inclusive of 20kg checked baggage.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Did you know? According to Lonely Planet, Baku is amongst the world's top ten destinations for urban nightlife.

Things to do: Out of club hours, head to Yanar Dag (Fire Rocks), an ever-blazing spot of natural gas. Also visit downtown Fountains Square, the One and Thousand Nights Beach, Shikhov Beach and Oil Rocks.

Where to eat: With cuisine from around the world, from Eastern European to Indian, the world is your oyster in Baku. Tuck into delectable Persian at Bibi, admire the perfect pasta served up at Scalinis, or munch on everyday snacks at the Çudo Peçka

Where to stay: All the major hotel chains have a presence in Baku, including Hyatt, Ramada and Radisson Blu. For travellers on a limited budget there are also hostels and budget hotels to choose from.

Must have ‘accessories’: A pair of dancing shoes for Baku’s famous nightlife.

How to get there: flydubai flights depart Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1130hrs, arriving in Baku at 1525hrs. Return flights leave Baku at 1625hrs and arrive in Dubai at 1815hrs local time.

Prices: Prices for flights from Dubai start at from AED 513 with flights from Baku starting at AED 666.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Did you know? Ashgabat means “City of Love” and is renowned for its resplendent marble palaces, golden domes that dot the skyline of the city and manicured parkland.

Things to do: Catch a traditional Turkmen drama at the Mollanepes Drama theatre or check out some of Ashgabat’s quirky tourist haunts such as the Turkmen carpet museum and the futuristic Iranian Mosque.

Where to eat: Ayna – especially if you are feeling a little home sick. The seafood restaurant flies all its ingredients in from Dubai and Moscow and the delicious Tsar’s salad is exemplary. There are also Lebanese, British and Chinese joints around the city for those craving variety. 

Where to stay: Sofitel Ashagabat Oguzkent, Hotel President and the Grand Turkmen hotel are tourist favourites thanks to their modern facilities and value for money.

Must have ‘accessories’: Embrace Turkmenistan fashion with Soviet-style lapel pins

How to get there: flydubai’s service to Ashgabat operates three times per week with flights departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays at 0810hrs touching down in Turkmenistan at 1140hrs and on Sundays departing Dubai at 1625hrs, landing in Turkmenistan at 1955hrs local time. Return flights depart Ashgabat on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1225hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1355hrs and on Sundays departing 2045hrs, reaching Dubai Terminal 2 at 2215hrs.

Prices: Flights to Ashgabat start at AED 1,120. Flights from Ashgabat to Dubai start at AED 1,083.

Yerevan, Armenia

Did you know? As the most laid-back capital in the Caucasus, Yerevan is the best spot for some post-Ramadan relaxing. Set in the heart of Armenia, it is the perfect base from which to explore spots such as Lake Sevan, Mount Aragats and Vayots Dzor.

Things to do: If you’re not in the mood to do anything too strenuous, people-watching and retail therapy will provide hours of entertainment. Culture abounds; you could catch a jazz performance at Malkhas Jazz Club or an opera and ballet performance at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Where to eat: Our Village, which serves home-made Armenian food, or the Caucasus Tavern, which has cheap yet good quality food served by waiters in Georgian garb, are both favourites with locals and tourists alike.

Where to stay: From quality hostels (Envoy) to five star accommodation (Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan), the city caters to the entire spectrum of travellers.

Must have ‘accessories’: A cool pair of trainers to walk around the city in

The service operates three times a week. Flights depart Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays at 0610hrs, arriving in the Armenian capital at 1025hrs local time, and on Sundays, departing Dubai at 0925hrs, landing in Yerevan at 1340hrs. The return service leaves Yerevan on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1110hrs arriving in Dubai at 1315hrs and departs on Sundays at 1425hrs and touching down in Dubai at 1630hrs local time.

Prices: Prices from Dubai to Yerevan start at AED 565 with a one way flight from Yerevan beginning at AED 743, including 20kg checked baggage allowance.

flydubai currently flies to the five listed CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) destinations and in September 2011, will start operations to Kiev, Donetsk and Kharkiv in Ukraine and Kazan and Ufa in Russia. 

**Flights can be purchased on flydubai's website (flydubai.com), through the call centre (+9714 3010800) and with travel partners.