'I go on solo Dubai holidays without my kids so I can party - you should too'
A mum goes to Dubai without her kids so she can unwind and enjoy the high life.
Katie Smith loves to sip cocktails and dance the night away in the Gulf city, where she often gets free drinks and dinners by agreeing to post to her large following on Instagram.
The 35-year-old does it all without her children, by herself, and loves to get stuck into the nightlife.
The mum-of-two, an office worker from the north-west of England, believes it is important that her children see her happy. "I love it in Dubai - it's amazing fun. If I didn't have kids I'd live there," she said.
Katie heads to Dubai several times a year (SWNS)
The 35-year-old does it all without her children, (SWNS)
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"It's all about the nightlife because that's when it's not too hot. There are so many places to enjoy. I love holidaying alone. You have no pressure, no one to look after, and you can do what you want when you want.
"I love my kids but I love being on my own too - and it's important for me and my kids that I enjoy myself. I'm more relaxed and happy so I'm more able to be there for them. I never feel guilty about it, that just adds negative stuff to your life. You have to be happy first and then your kids are happy.
"If you always put your children first you’ll be unhappy and depressed and then you’re no good to them. I used to be like that, but I've changed. If they mind then I take them next time, and that's fun too. Holidays have to be about mums too, and you should go all inclusive so you get a real break."
Katie jetted off to Dubai for a week alone in August last year, ten days in December, and another week in May this year.
She took her kids, aged 9 and 11, for a week last October. And when she's alone she bags as many freebies as possible.
Katie said: "These places are very interested in Instagram - you have to have more than 3,000 followers. I just asked if I could go in free if I posted on my story and they said, 'Yes'. It's very easy and it's available everywhere - clubs, restaurants and bars.
She says she gets treated to free dinners and drinks (SWNS)
The mum says her kids are more likely to be happy if she is (SWNS)"Sometimes you get asked if you'll do a photoshoot. It's a great opportunity - you do four hours and you get the night, and dinner and drinks for free, but you do have to look glamorous. Often Mondays are ladies' nights so you get in free, and free cocktails, and women get reduced entry and lots of promotions generally."
Katie says swimming pools in luxury hotels, including one in the middle of the desert, also let women in free in the afternoons. She added: "There is so much luxury to enjoy. I would fire off four or five stories on Instagram anyway, so it's really something for nothing."
It's not all about the expense for Katie - who likes saving money on flights. She uses budget airlines and changes flights in a European country to reduce the cost of her flights each way. "I used to spend £650 to £750 each way flying direct with Emirates. Now I go via Greece, Bulgaria, Bucharest, or Romania and fly with via Wizz Air, or Ryanair," Katie said.
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