When we say we’re obsessed with Emirates Airline, that’s putting it lightly. The in-flight amenities are so good that if you fly First Class or Business Class, you may never want to come back down to earth. Think: your own private suite with a minibar and fully flat bed. Over 2,500 channels to surf. An exclusive A380 Onboard Bar and Lounge. Meals complete with sommelier-selected wine pairings. And did we mention the Bulgari toiletries available for you to use in the First Class A380 Shower Spa? Seriously, it’s no wonder Emirates was ranked the #1 airline this year.
Since a bucket list–worthy travel experience should start (and end) with a flight you’d actually look forward to, here are five Emirates destinations to focus your wanderlust on.
Credit: Emirates Airline
Singapore
Why Go:
Culinary influences from South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East combine to make this locale a nonnegotiable must for foodies.
Don’t Miss…
- Chinatown’s Hong Lim Market & Food Centre. Here, you’ll sample everything from spicy curries to dim sum and noodle soups.
- The Rainforest Tour and Orchid Garden Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens – which was nominated to be Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A visit to the 19th-century Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. Trips there are said to bring good luck. It’s particularly packed on Chinese New Year, when flocks of devotees queue up for blessings.
Credit: Emirates Airline
Milan
Why Go:
It’s not the actual capital of Italy, but it’s most definitely the fashion capital. People watching is always stylishly inspiring.
Don’t Miss…
- The Duomo di Milano. Head up to the roof of the 14th-century Gothic cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
- Seeing The Last Supper. Book ahead to view Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Shopping at Quadrilatero d’Oro, which features a who’s who of designer shops from Gucci to Armani. Plan strategically so you’ll be there for Fashion Week sales.
Credit: Emirates Airline
Tokyo
Why Go:
The food alone is worth the trip. Bring an appetite for fresher-than-fresh sushi, steaming bowls of ramen, and more.
Don’t Miss…
- Tsukiji Fish Market. Over 400 types of seafood are sold at this massive market, but the early-morning tuna auction (you’ll need a permit to watch) is what it’s really famous for.
- People watching at Shibuya Crossing. Packed with neon lights, huge TV screens, and a monster crowd, street lights are timed to turn red all once. Head up to the second-story Starbucks window to watch the surge of pedestrians crossing in organized chaos.
- The Akihabara neighborhood. You’ll find maid cafés, video game rooms, and lifetime supplies of things like fluffy kitten ears and manga.
Credit: Emirates Airline
Dubai
Why Go:
This glittering metropolis rose up in the last 40 years to become one of the world’s foremost shopping meccas.
Don’t Miss…
- The Dubai Mall: Literally the world’s largest shopping mall, it’s also home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
- A dinner dhow cruise. Bateaux Dubai raises the bar for Dubai Creek dining. Enjoy Eastern and Western cuisine accompanied by a pianist and violinist.
- Going on a desert safari. Expect more than just sand and the occasional cactus – you’ll get up close to wildlife like Arabian oryx and gazelles.
Credit: Emirates Airline
Shanghai
Why Go:
The tallest city in China is also the country’s financial center. Here, space-age skyscrapers mingle with historical architecture.
Don’t Miss…
- The SWFC Observatory. Ride the elevator at the Shanghai World Financial Center 100 floors up to the Garden Observatory – the second-highest viewing platform in the world.
- Shanghai Museum. Take in what you can of the ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and Qing dynasty artifacts. This is one of China’s top museums.
- Shanghai Circus World. There are acrobatics and illusions, but the highlight is eight “terror cotta” warriors doing motorbike stunts in a steel-mesh globe.
By Chrissy Waters, Editor
