Sun, sea and sand are usually considered vital ingredients for an idyllic holiday and as such, Caribbean paradise Antigua, the newly developed city of Dubai and favored honeymoon destination the Maldives are popular destination choices. But what time in the year should you choose to go to these destinations and what are the key differences between these 3 places?

Antigua:

I personally suggest that you take Antigua holidays sometime between the end of July and early August as this is when the Carnival celebrations occur and this will give you the chance to really absorb the local Caribbean cultures of music and dance, all within a euphoric party atmosphere like you have experienced before.

The best advice for getting through Antigua airport quickly is to make sure that both sides of your immigration card are completed. If it is not your long queing process will have been for nothing as you will be sent away to fill it in the remainder of the form.

Dubai:

Dubai is loved because of huge shopping mall, VAT free shopping and vast orange desert. Tourists should avoid visiting between October and November since this is when the religious holiday Ramadan is held and not even tourists are allowed to eat between 5.00am and 5.00pm. December to March is the best time to avoid the most extreme of hot temperatures in Dubai.

It is also important to remember that as an Islamic city, there are some strict restrictions in place regarding alcohol consumption so if intoxication is critical to your holiday enjoyment you might want to consider an alternative to Dubai holidays.

Maldives:

If you want to avoid tropical storms, the best months to take Maldives holidays is between late SEPT and APR. Most of the inhabitants are Muslim and as such, topless sunbathing is prohibited. It is also respectable to ask people for their permission before you take any pictures of them.

You should also remember that the Maldives although beautiful and paradise-like are catered for tourists and this means that they are the types of people you will meet throughout your stay. This can mean that absorbing real local culture is difficult.