Dubai on a Budget: A Broke College Student’s 3-Day, 2-Night Adventure

By sheer luck, I stumbled upon round-trip flights from China (via Chengdu or Haikou) to Dubai for just over 800 RMB. Visions of the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa—iconic landmarks I’d only seen in movies—flashed through my mind. The exotic allure of the Middle East, combined with Dubai’s visa-free policy, made me impulsively book the ticket. Here’s how my whirlwind trip went: Day 1: Arrival I flew from Guangzhou to Dubai via Chengdu, landing at night. At immigration, they handed me a free 24-hour SIM card, but I’d recommend buying a 3-day SIM in advance for convenience. After clearing customs, I grabbed a silver Nol card (Dubai’s metro/bus card)—it covers almost all transport except the 1 AED abra (water taxi), which is cash-only (easy to swap coins with fellow travelers). Then, I hopped on the metro to check into my hotel. Day 2: Old Dubai & Palm Jumeirah Highlights Morning: Headed straight to the Gold Souk, then walked to the dock for the 1 AED abra ride across the creek. On the other side, I explored the Al Fahidi Historic District (Iranian Quarter), passing the Dubai Museum (worth a quick stop). The famous Arabian-style Starbucks in the alley was the perfect spot for a coffee break by the water. Afternoon: The highlight—Aura Skypool at The Palm! To reach Palm Jumeirah, you must take the monorail (separate ticket, no Nol card). I pre-booked a lunch slot (2-4 PM) on their website (Visa card required). Pro tip: If it’s not crowded, staff might let you stay past your slot to catch the stunning sunset from the infinity pool overlooking the city. Evening: Took the monorail back and visited Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. The mall’s outdoor area offers front-row views of the dancing fountain show (every 30 minutes). Day 3: Souks & the Burj Al Arab Checked out early and wandered through Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional bazaar near the Burj Al Arab. Grabbed souvenirs and relaxed at the Costa Coffee terrace with a direct view of the iconic sail-shaped hotel. After lunch, it was time to fly home. Final Thoughts I used to think the Middle East was out of reach, but this trip proved the world is at your feet—if you’re bold enough to explore it. Budget Tips: Transport: Free buses (no letter codes), Nol card for metro. Cash: Only needed for abras (1 AED). Food: Local eats are pricey—plan meals wisely! #Dubai #DubaiTravel #WeekendGetaway #ExtremeBudgetTravel