The Price is Right!!!!!!!--Travel

Great holiday destinations to suit every budget.

It's the time of year when the UAE heat begins to drive everyone indoors. This is also generally the time of year when we begin to think about where in the world we want to venture to for our holidays.

In light of the current economic climate, more of us are becoming conscious of how much we spend and what we spend our hard-earned cash on. We've put together a guide to some of the best holiday deals available this year to suit three budgets, which will hopefully make the selection process that little bit easier. All prices are for a family of four.

Less than Dh10,000

In these uncertain times, it is still possible to enjoy a getaway on a reasonable budget. Air Arabia now offers holiday packages to destinations across the region and beyond — you can take a two-night break in the historic city of Athens from around Dh8,000, staying at the Oscar Hotel (bed and breakfast included). The price is inclusive of a half-day tour of the city and transfers to and from Athens airport.

Visit the Acropolis, to see the Parthenon in its splendour. Plaka, the old town area of Athens beneath the Acropolis, is also worth a visit, with its narrow streets and inviting tavernas. For the children, visit the Banaki Museum's Childhood, Toys and Games exhibition, which features 20,000 toys, games and childhood items.

If you'd prefer to stay slightly closer to home, you can opt for bustling Amman in Jordan — prices start at around Dh8,000 for a two-night stay at the Commodore Hotel, with a four-hour tour of the city and transfers to and from Amman Queen Alia International Airport. The city, which is built on seven hills, is one of the oldest in the world. Take a trip to the Dead Sea, where, due to the high salinity, you will float effortlessly on the surface. A trip to Madaba, the city of mosaics, where you will find Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics dating from the fifth to seventh centuries, is also a must.

Dh10,000 – Dh20,000If you have a bit extra to spend on your holidays this year, you may want to consider venturing further afield. Bangkok, Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre, is a must-visit for those with slightly older children. For around Dh13,600 with Sharaftravel, you can enjoy a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel, with daily breakfast and return airport transfers by a private vehicle (also includes flights).

If you're looking for a destination the whole family can enjoy, try Kuala Lumpur. It offers an abundance of activities and sightseeing opportunities, ranging from adventure parks like the immense Sunway Lagoon Theme Park for the children, to landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers. For a little less than Dh14,000 you can stay in a four-star hotel for a week, with breakfast included. This also includes return flights and return airport transfers (Sharaftravel).

If you're a family of culture vultures, then consider Istanbul in Turkey. For Dh13,790 you can enjoy seven days in a five-star hotel, with daily breakfast (flights and return airport transfers included). The city itself has an abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new galleries. For children, a visit to the toy museum (Oyuncak Muzesi) is a must — its home is a lovely old wooden house, which could have come straight out of a fairy tale. More active youngsters can enjoy ice skating at the Galleria shopping mall in Atakoy.

If you need to be closer still, why not explore Abu Dhabi? Qasr Al Sarab is set to open next October. Taking shape amidst the towering dunes of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), this five-star desert retreat will be managed by Thai hospitality chain Anantara. It is just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and the luxury get-away will feature 140 guestrooms, ten Royal Pavilion villas and 42 additional villas, a mix of one, two and three bedroom units, as well as a spa themed along the lines of the traditional Hammam baths.

More than Dh20,000
So you've decided to go all-out and splurge on this year's holiday. For Dh24,725 you can enjoy seven nights in a four-star hotel in Geneva (including daily breakfast, return airport transfers and flights). The city is small, lovely and has good public transportation.

The Patek Philippe museum was once a watch-making workshop, owned by a high-class Geneva watch-making company. A typical tour of the museum will reveal a horological library and audiovisual displays. For water park enthusiasts, a trip to Aquaparc is must, which boasts three worlds, all made up of water. Adults can enjoy ‘Paradise Land', which promises relaxation through Turkish baths, saunas and Jacuzzis.

You may want to consider heading south to Australia; Sydney is a city for all ages and tastes. To keep the children happy you can head to the Sydney Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world. The aquarium features two underwater tunnels beneath the seal and shark tanks. Feed the little ones' inexplicable fascination with insects at the Butterfly Farm Activities Resort, which houses all kinds of moths, beetles, scorpions and insects. There's also an Indy 800 kart track and water skiing on offer at the park. Etihad holidays offer packages to Sydney – please contact your nearest agent for individual pricing.