Dubai is the easiest first international trip a South African can take. Eight hours direct from OR Tambo, or a cheaper connecting route if you would rather put the saving towards spending money. The e-visa is straightforward, English is spoken everywhere, and there is no meaningful jet lag.

Every departure includes return flights, four-star accommodation, transfers, a desert safari with dune bashing and a camel ride, an evening dhow cruise, and a Thrifty Adventures tour leader throughout.