Of all the places I have had the opportunity to visit, Dubai was probably the most exciting and exotic. While that area of the world has developed a bad name as far as visiting goes, Dubai is a wonderful city that absolutely caters to its guests. Customer service is most likely the best in the world, and although the city is being build up around you, you are still in the middle of a desert, where there are camel races, and of course the largest, most advanced, indoor ski resort (where else would it be, if not in the desert?).

From the Gold Souk to Sandboarding, there really is something for everyone. And with the world's nicest hotel, the Burj al Arab, you may not even want to venture out. Go to Dubai!! It's an experience!${QuickSuggestions} Most of the hotels have several restaurants with incredible menus, along with three or four bars, but you must drag yourself away to experience a few things...

One of the largest, if not the actual largest mall in the world is located in Dubai. It's a day trip walking around it, and every store you can possibly imagine from around the world is in it, so bring your wallet.

The Gold Souk is a few blocks of stores with nothing but gold and jewels. It really is quite amazing, but those streets are dripping with gold. All prices are negotiable, so don't leave empty handed!

You can't say you've been to Dubai without experiencing the desert safari. You pay money for a driver to tear around in the dunes in his jeep while you hang on for dear life and hope that the jeep doesn't flip over. Not for the faint of heart, but a unique experience, and loads of fun. Then you are taken on a camel ride (they are deceivingly large and ours was ill-tempered) to the site where you go sandboarding (like snowboarding, only on sand, of course). The half-day safari also includes a barbecue.

${BestWay} The best way, and possibly the only practical way to get around, is by cab. It's so unbelievably hot there, you wouldn't want to have to wait for a bus anyway. The cab comes right to your air-conditioned hotel and drives you wherever you need to go, which is never too far anyway.

From journal Why Dubai?