Beach shoes are a blessing if you want to avoid getting tar on your feet, a painful trudge along hot shingle, or spoiling your regular shoes or trainers by getting seawater on them. Some can double up as ordinary holiday wear. And the protective types that let you paddle or swim off a rocky shore definitely merit space in your case.
Toms espadrilles for men
From an online shoe store that delivers worldwide, these could take you from beach to yacht deck with barely a pause to brush the sand off. With a traditional canvas upper but rubber sole, these are a step up from the standard, rope-soled espadrille, and a fraction of the price of new Chucs Dive Shop espadrilles at Harrods in London. £32.99 (Dh194) plus £19.99 (Dh118) for p&p from www.mr-shoes.co.uk.
Strappy floral seagrass flip flops
Monsoon makes perfect, inexpensive one-season accessories, with just enough style to keep them interesting. Seagrass feels much nicer against bare feet than rubber, particularly in very hot weather, and if you sprinkle baby powder on them after use, the sand gets shaken out in seconds. Flip flops cost around Dh70 from branches of Monsoon throughout the UAE.
Tusa unisex aquashoes
If you're going into the water in a rocky area your tender toes will need protection. Made of lightweight neoprene with a side Velcro fastening and dimpled sole, these aren't the prettiest beachshoes - they're unisex, for a start - but they do the job. They're quick-drying for convenience, and the flexible sole and adjustable heel make for a comfy fit. Costs £7.99 (Dh47) from www.decathlon.co.uk or at Decathlon, Mirdif City Center, Dubai (04 283 9392).
More of the most durable and practical gear to take on your next holiday at Travel Essentials.
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If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights