Imagine yourself riding a camel as the sun sets, stargazing under the clear blue skies and enjoying Moroccan street food on top of a giant sand dune. It might not be your first thought for a holiday abroad, but trust us, a desert adventure is something you’ll never forget! Put these breathtaking spots on your bucket list, and prepare to be wowed by their other-worldly beauty.
Sahara Desert, Northern Africa
Spread across ten countries in northern Africa and covering 3.5 million square miles (roughly equivalent to the United States), the Saharan Desert is the biggest desert in the world. Some areas are off-limits for tourists, so a good place to enter this sea of sand is through Morocco. From here you can take a camel tour and even go camping amidst the richly colourful and peaceful landscapes that are the essence of the Sahara.
Where to stay: Hivernage Hotel and Spa starting from €65 per night*
How to get there: Return flights departing from Dublin to Marrakech from €85**
Simpson Desert, Australia
Located on the other side of the world is the Simpson Desert in Australia. This desert has the longest parallel dunes in the world (up to 200km long), which makes for a truly mesmerising sight. You can cross the Simpson Desert with relative ease in a 4-Wheel Drive and swim in the Dalhousie Springs, where the water temperature ranges from 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. Pick your travel time wisely, as believe us, there is such a thing as ‘too hot’! We recommend the cooler months between mid-March to mid-August.
Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters starting from €86 per night*
How to get there: Return flights departing from Dublin to Alice Springs from €1068**
Sonoran Desert, USA
The Sonoran Desert is located across large parts of Arizona and California in the United States and offers a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. It’s like stepping onto the set of an old western movie, where different shaped cacti are silhouetted against the deep red sun and hazy canyons. The desert is the home of the saguaro cactus, which is known to be a particularly slow grower. Even after ten years, a saguaro can still be just 1.5 inches tall, so make sure to look where you’re walking! Or – keep your feet off the ground altogether: take a hot air balloon expedition and drift across the desert to take in the views in style.
Where to stay: Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort starting from €200 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from Dublin to Phoenix. from €631**
Arabian Desert, Western Asia
Located in Western Asia, the Arabian Desert is an iconic natural landmark, featured in popular films and novels throughout the last century. It’s also known for is variety, catering to a range of travellers. Adventure fans can take the desert dune buggies tour and drive across the sand dunes at speed – a thrilling way to explore another world. If you’re looking for something that’s a little slower paced, the dune dinner safari is a perfect way to relax. Watch the sun go down over catered dinner and enjoy a traditional Arabian-style camping experience.
Where to stay: Atana Hotel starting from €88 per night*
How to get there: Return flights departing from Dublin to United Arab Emirates from €524**
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy (including taxes and fees) and were found on KAYAK.ie on 30 January 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices shown above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on KAYAK.ie on 30 January 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
