30 Days in Abu Dhabi: How to Survive in Style

Written by: Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC

Summary: Learn how to survive a month in the UAE in style.

The UAE has some of the most exciting cuisine and night life in the Middle East, and it’s a popular destination for British tourists with growing popularity in the rest of the Western world too. And why not? During summer time, travel rates are very affordable enough to where one could easily justify spending upwards of an entire month there.

Dealing with Transportation

One of the challenges you’ll need to overcome is transportation. The UAE is very hot during the summer, and tourists are encouraged to either hire drivers or rent a car in Abu Dhabi. Renting a car opens up the island in a way that using public transit doesn’t.

The secret trick here is to pick a 4×4 for your monthly car rental in Abu Dhabi. The terrain in the UAE can be unpredictable, and you’re not far from desert landscapes anywhere you go. Lots of people enjoy spending time out in the backcountry, where you can go offroading or camp out for the day. It’s a very serene experience unlike anything else in the world. You just don’t want to be in a situation where you car is stuck in sand, so an all-terrain vehicle will help greatly in this respect.

Finally, even if you’re staying within city limits you’ll want a car. Taxi service is available all day and all night, but the costs add up. The UAE is known for dramatically reduced costs for cars, especially luxury vehicles, so car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and UAE will typically cost far less over the course of your trip than hiring a taxi or a driver would.

Three Must-Do Experiences to Have in Hong Kong

By Phineas Upham

If Hong Kong hasn’t made it on your bucket list, it’s time to start wondering why. This cultural epicenter is rich in traditional architecture with a modern twist. The city is evolving at a rapid pace, and though it’s dense there is a lot to be found for the keen traveler. Here are three experiences you can’t miss if you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong.

Visit a Street Market

Sure, you’ve probably been to a swap meet but nothing can prepare you for a Hong Kong Street Market. You’ll hear people shouting prices, haggling over items. You’ll smell fish and meat and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables of all types are there for the buying. It’s one of the most unique assemblage of goods for sale anywhere in the world, reminiscent of old-world bazaars full of merchants hocking wares from far off places.

Challenge Your Pallete

China is known for challenging the tastes of even the most accomplished food connoisseur. One of the prime examples is chicken feet, which is completely delicious once one gets past the concept of eating chicken feet. You will find bones in soup, head of animals and all sorts of food in between. At the very least, be prepared to try something new.

Tour a Temple

There are a plethora of temples, some inside the city proper and some on the outskirts, that are worth visiting. Pick one, and go. The experience is like nothing else you’ll ever do, and it’s difficult to explain why. It’s serene, but it’s also a learning experience. It can be humbling, especially if you visit a temple that allows tourists to dine with monks. It’s an incredible glimpse into a culture preserved over thousands of years.

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Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Twitter page.