5 Photo Destinations for Under $350 Round-Trip from Dubai (and Less than 5 Hours Flying!)

Spring fever got you down? We've scoped out 5 destinations that you can fly into from Dubai for less than $350, and it will take less than 5 hours to get there.

1. Tbilisi, Georgia

Flying Time: 3:30hours

Cost: Dhs 1300 (USD $350) on FlyDubai

Tbilisi, Georgia's capital is fast becoming a popular destination so make sure you get there before the selfie stick tourists run amok! The city is rife with photo opps whether you are a street or travel photographer and this article lists a photographer's observations and travel notes from his visit.

2. Isfahan, Iran

Flying Time: 1hr 55mins

Dhs 476 (USD $130)

Isfahan is often referred to as "Nesf-e-Jahan" meaning "Half The World" and for good reason. Due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An ancient town and capital of Persia from 1598 to 1722, it was long noted for its fine carpets and silver filigree. Today, textile and steel mills take their place. Its architecture, magnificent Imam Square make it one of the Iran's most picturesque cities.

3. Lucknow, India

Flying Time: 4hrs, 10mins 

Dhs 1,310 (USD $357) on Fly Dubai

Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of Northern India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. It was made famous by the soft-spoken, and sweet tongued, Awadh-Lucknowai culture that was based on civilized behaviour toward fellow human beings. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly presence and diction, being the birthplace and city of residence for many poets.

Photo opportunites are a plenty especially street photography and for the architectural/urban photographers, the two "imambadas" are a marvel to see and photograph.

4. Petra via Amman, Jordan
Flying Time: 3hrs 15mins

Dhs 905 (USD $247) on FlyDubai

Petra, referred to as the "rose red city, half as old as time", is a stunning city renowned for its ancient Nabataean city in the south of Jordan. Due to its breathtaking grandeur and fabulous ruins, Petra was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The breathtaking architecture makes it difficult to take bad photos but also offers interesting perspectives that are not so obvious to the unseasoned eye.

This is a great little article on finding interesting vantage points and photo opps. And whatever you do, spend a sunset and evening in Petra: it is magic.

5. Baku, Azerbaijan

Flying Time: 3:00hours

Cost: Dhs 955 (USD $259) on Azerbaijan

Baku, known as the “City of Winds”, is the lowest-lying national capital in the world and rests alongside the Bay of Baku. The city is know for its nightlife and architecture, and it is filled with museums, theaters, and photo opportunities for keen photographers.

Image by Stefano Bolognini.

 Happy Travels and keep shooting!