Abu Dhabi to Houston Flights

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Houston

Houston is one of the large cities in the Texas state of the US. The city extends to the Galveston Bay and is home to NASA's Space Center. Much of the training that astronauts undergo to prepare them for their space venture takes place at the Space Center Houston. The city of Houston is known for its vibrant lifestyle and a slew of educational complexes. Houston is blessed with some immaculate museums and art galleries that celebrate the history of North America and Native Americans.

Due to its proximity with Mexico, the culture of Houston is interspersed with Texan as well as Mexican vibe. In fact, Tex-Mex is a famous term thrown around in the city for the confluence of cultures. Flight connectivity to Houston from major international cities is excellent. However, there are no direct flights to the city from India. Connecting flights and layovers are some of the things a traveller will have to prepare oneself with before boarding the flight. Booking hotels in Houston before the scheduled trip is recommended.

Best time to visit Houston

Houston's proximity with the Gulf of Mexico brings in all the heat while the winters are pleasant too. February to April and September to November, basically the springtime and fall are the best seasons to plan for a trip to Houston. Most of the year, Houston sees a temperature ranging between 26 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius. With a warm climate throughout the year, springtime and fall are the only seasons where it blends a balance between warm and cold climates. May to August can be quite hot and humid, which is not the most pleasant time to visit. During this time, though, the hotel prices drop as there are barely any tourists visiting the city. For those coming from hot climates wouldn't want to stick around for long as the humid and stickiness in the air would be quite annoying if anything. Cheap and affordable flight deals to Houston will also be available specifically for the summer months. Luckily, there are events and festivals during this time that will keep you entertained if the heat is bothering your zen mode. Events such as Pasadena Strawberry Festival, Pride Houston, Dragon Boat Festival, Juneteenth Celebration and CITGO Freedom Over Texas.

These festivals basically reflect the culture and lifestyle of Houston. As you participate or play a spectator to them, you will learn a lot about the city as well as its cultural heritage and history. The months from September to November witness pleasant weather and numerous carnivalesque festivals. This could actually be a good time for you to don some fancy costumes and attend the Texas Renaissance Festival. The habitants also celebrate a Native American Pow Wow, which basically honours the tribe and their colourful life. The 2-day fair has a series of events taking place to engage the festival goers.

Festivals in the city continue throughout the year, but it is only during the spring and fall that locals or tourists actually get to enjoy them. The heat can be quite unbearable and especially when teamed with humidity. Spring, between February to April, is also a good time to visit the city. However, many tourists flock over to visit Houston right before the summers kick in. The hotel prices take a staggering hike, making accommodation tough. It would be best to be on the safe side, and book your hotel rooms in Houston, months ahead of the trip.

Places to visit in Houston

NASA's Space Centre in Houston is undoubtedly one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. Well, you hear space, and you want to see how it works, right? Not to mention how the space centre does organise tours and events for tourists to indulge in as a means to educate them. Speaking of which, you should visit the Houston Museum District too. The complex literally has around 19 museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Menil Collection, to name a few highlights. If you're a space geek, you'll definitely have a good time at the Johnson Space Center House and Houston Museum of Natural Science as well. The city bustles with insightful structures and institutions that would be quite educational and entertaining too. The city also has a Holocaust Museum where you will find exhibits depicting incidents from World War II. There is a specific museum dedicated to motorheads called the Art Car Museum which basically comprises automobiles and derby racers designed artistically.

The city's Armand Bayou Nature Centre is also quite famous for the plethora of flora and fauna it inhabits. With over 370 species of diverse wildlife including alligators, deer, eagles, turtles and armadillos, the place would be quite an engaging expedition as will be the Houston Zoo which has over 6,000 animals including cheetahs, bats, albino reptiles, giraffes and more. If you are a bibliophile, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum will pique your interest.

Things to do in Houston

Houston has far too many things to do for a tourist to get tired. A walk around Hermann Park would be a good way to relax after all the excess sightseeing. Starting with shopping, The Galleria in Houston is popular for being one of the biggest shopping malls. The 2.4 million square feet area of The Galleria houses premium brands such as Christian Louboutin, Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, to name a few. They have high-end brands like Gap and Forever 21 too. You can take up a walking tour of Haunted Houston Ghost. Located close to the Buffalo Bayou river, the haunted house tour basically takes you through the story of how the haunted house came into existence.

Food and restaurants in Houston

Houston has been holding the title as one of the best cities for foodies in the USA for quite some time now. It doesn't really come as a big shock since the city does have a lovely culinary spread featuring two major dishes, Tex-Mex and barbecued meat. In fact, as a city close to Mexico, the influence of the cuisine is quite strong here. From breakfast burritos to grilled meat, the city majorly favours these two dishes. You can even find some of the best restaurants that will elevate your senses and give you the beautiful blend of spices in Mexican food. Places such as Picos Restaurant, M&M Grill and Pappasito's Cantina have some lip-smacking fajitas and burritos that will make you a fan. In fact, Pappasito's fame also comes from the fact that Beyoncé was spotted in the vicinity. Houston's love for grilled meat is evident in the plethora of dishes that they serve. These also include roasted tender brisket, baby back ribs and more. The city does not fall short of BBQ establishments. In fact, some of the popular ones include Killen's Texas Barbecue, an establishment run by venerated chef Ronnie Killen. Along with the famed BBQ joint is the Jackson Street BBQ, another sweet joint for exquisite meat.

Not just barbecue and Mexican flavours but Houston also hosts a plethora of cuisines ranging from the Mediterranean to Japanese. In fact, their food culture is quite elaborate with some brilliant bars and restaurants serving varied cuisines. You can indulge in some buffet at Aladdin's Mediterranean Cuisine, get some of the Cajun cuisine action at Brennan's of Houston, sip on Japanese whiskey at Izakaya, enjoy a luxe French spread at Etoile Cuisine et Bar and more. The nightlife of Houston is just as lively as the food culture. There are several hip-hop dance clubs with recognised DJs supplying endless beats to keep the city in high spirits.

How to reach Houston

Houston has three major airports that serve the city. However, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the only airport with international routes connecting the city globally. As one of the major airports in Houston, the airport witnesses tremendous passenger footfall. Hence, it is also known to be the tenth busiest airport in the United States. The flight connectivity of Houston to other major international cities is excellent. Even with cities from India, Houston has flights flying in and out. However, there are no direct flights to Houston from India. Since there are no direct flights to Houston, layovers and even connecting flights need to be taken for the passenger. The major airlines that service flights and connect Houston and India are Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, United Airlines, Lufthansa, American Airlines, to name a few. Out of all the airlines, Turkish Airlines is the only one that directly connects with Houston with a layover in Istanbul. The flight to Houston takes the Middle Eastern international route to reach the United States.

One way flight tickets to Houston are decently priced. But if you wish to acquire cheap flight tickets to Houston for a round trip, you should ensure to book the ticket in advance and even look for online flight deals. Some of these online flight deals to Houston come as a package with hotel accommodations too. Try to get your hands on those to save as many greens as possible.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.