Okay, so I saw this Travelzoo deal – Dubai AND Mauritius for ten nights, all flights included, for only $2699?! I nearly choked on my lukewarm coffee. Seriously, that sounds insane. I’m not exactly a seasoned traveler, more of a “beach vacation once every five years” kind of guy, but this… this is tempting me to ditch my sensible spreadsheets and book a ridiculously extravagant trip.
Three nights in Dubai at the Copthorne Hotel. Now, I’ve only ever seen Dubai in movies – shimmering skyscrapers, crazy fast cars, and shopping malls that look like mini-cities. The idea of experiencing that firsthand is… well, mind-blowing. The deal mentions exploring the dazzling skyline, bustling souks (I had to Google that – apparently, it’s a traditional market), and more. I’m picturing myself sipping something exotic (probably something with an umbrella in it) while gazing at the Burj Khalifa. Pure fantasy, right? But maybe not…
Then, seven nights in Mauritius! I’ve never even heard of a souk in Mauritius, but the Travelzoo description promised a “tropical paradise.” Pictures show stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. I’m talking postcard-perfect scenes. I can almost feel the warm sand between my toes already. This is the complete opposite of the futuristic Dubai vibe, which is…actually kind of exciting. It’s like two completely different holiday experiences rolled into one!
$2699 for ten nights, including international flights? That’s less than $300 a night for a trip that sounds like it should cost double, maybe even triple that. I’m seriously doing the mental math here, juggling the cost against my already-overdue car maintenance and that leaky faucet…but honestly, who needs a car when you could be in Dubai?!
Speaking of unexpected travel experiences, I remember this one time I tried to be a “budget backpacker” in Southeast Asia. I’d meticulously planned my route, packed light (or so I thought), and even learned a few basic phrases in Thai. Everything was going swimmingly until I arrived in Bangkok and discovered my meticulously packed “light” backpack had actually somehow managed to attract a colony of ants. I spent a good hour – in the middle of a bustling Bangkok market – painstakingly picking ants off my meticulously planned outfits, each one a testament to my ill-conceived budget travel plans. Let’s just say, this Dubai and Mauritius deal feels remarkably more appealing than that experience.
And then there was that time I tried to “rough it” camping in the woods with my friends. Picture this: torrential rain, a tent that resembled a sieve more than a shelter, and a campfire that stubbornly refused to cooperate. We ended up huddled in a soggy pile, sharing one slightly-damp emergency blanket and attempting to build a fire with only slightly wet twigs and our rapidly deteriorating enthusiasm. Let’s just say I’m embracing the all-inclusive aspect of this Dubai and Mauritius deal. No ants. No leaky tents. Just sunshine and luxury (hopefully!).
So yeah, back to this Travelzoo deal. The website mentions the Copthorne Hotel in Dubai – sounds decent enough. I haven’t looked up the Mauritian hotel yet, but even if it’s just a basic resort, the opportunity to see both Dubai and Mauritius for that price is…well, it’s pretty incredible, isn’t it? I’m seriously considering putting my financial anxieties aside and just booking it. Wish me luck (and maybe send some ant repellent).
| Destination | Duration | Highlights (as per the advert) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3 Nights | Dazzling skyline, bustling souks, etc. |
| Mauritius | 7 Nights | Tropical paradise, stunning beaches |
What do you think? Should I go for it?
