DESTINATION GUIDES

12 Bucket List Adventures to Take in 2026

12 Bucket List Adventures to Take in 2026

As we move through 2026, the world has never felt more accessible or full of specialised wonders. From the long-awaited unveiling of massive cultural archives in Egypt to the rare astronomical peak of the Northern Lights, this year offers a unique alignment of events for the intentional traveller. Whether you are looking for the raw geological power of an active volcano in Japan or the silent, mirrored modernism of the Saudi desert, these twelve destinations represent the absolute pinnacle of global adventure for the current calendar year.

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PALM Hotel, Sri Lanka – Full Review
Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Luxury, Hotel Reviews Sophie Alexander-Osman Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Luxury, Hotel Reviews Sophie Alexander-Osman

PALM Hotel, Sri Lanka – Full Review

PALM Hotel opened in 2019 on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, by Londoners Miriam and Laurie. It sits on four acres of a former coconut plantation, surrounded by rice paddies and tropical greenery. The property is roughly ten minutes from Ahangama’s surf beaches and around two to two and a half hours from Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel’s layout spreads its accommodations across the site to give privacy while keeping a central hub for socialising, creating a modern take on coastal living in Sri Lanka.

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Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi – Ultimate Visitor Guide

Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi – Ultimate Visitor Guide

Zayed National Museum is the national museum of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most significant cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is dedicated to the life, values and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. It also tells the wider story of the country’s history, culture, environment and people, from the earliest human settlements to the modern nation.

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Ahangama, Sri Lanka: Where to Stay, Eat and Surf
Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Foodies, Adventure, Hotel Reviews, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Foodies, Adventure, Hotel Reviews, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman

Ahangama, Sri Lanka: Where to Stay, Eat and Surf

Ahangama sits on Sri Lanka’s south coast between Galle and Mirissa, a low key coastal town that has grown into one of the country’s most talked about surf destinations. What was once a stretch of railway tracks, roadside cafés and fishermen on stilts is now a compact hub of boutique hotels, design led cafés and consistent reef breaks. Ahangama feels purposeful rather than polished. Days revolve around the ocean, coffee stops and slow evenings, with enough places to eat and stay that it works for longer trips without losing its local rhythm. You come here for surf first, but you stay for the ease of it all, beaches within walking distance, creative spaces, and a town that still functions as a working Sri Lankan community.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sorrento, Italy
Italy, Sorrento, Europe, City Breaks, Foodies Sophie Alexander-Osman Italy, Sorrento, Europe, City Breaks, Foodies Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento sits on the edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula with views across the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the islands offshore. It has long been one of the most convenient bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast thanks to its transport links, central location and easy access to ferries, trains and buses. The town itself is known for its historic centre, lemon groves, waterfront marinas, and busy Corso Italia, which stays lively from morning to late evening. You get a mix of coastal scenery, good food and day trips without the steep prices or limited access you find in the smaller cliffside towns.

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Bussola Celebrates 20 Years in Dubai
Dubai, Foodies, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, Hotel Reviews, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubai, Foodies, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, Hotel Reviews, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman

Bussola Celebrates 20 Years in Dubai

Bussola marked its 20th anniversary last weekend, an impressive milestone for any Dubai restaurant, especially in a city that moves as fast as this one. When Bussola first opened, it stood alone on the beachfront long before the current marina skyline or the new Dubai Harbour existed. Today it sits within The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, yet it has kept the same consistency and familiarity that long-term residents will recognise instantly. If you have lived in Dubai for a while, you will know it is one of the few places that never disappoints, and it is somewhere people naturally return to.

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Iliana: Dubai’s Hottest New Restaurant, Pool Club & Rooftop at Marsa Al Arab

Iliana: Dubai’s Hottest New Restaurant, Pool Club & Rooftop at Marsa Al Arab

Dubai's luxury scene just got a significant upgrade with the arrival of Iliana, the glamorous new Greek-Mediterranean destination nestled within the breathtaking Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Inspired by the simple elegance and vibrant flavours of the Cycladic islands, Iliana first opened its doors earlier this year, quickly establishing itself as a sophisticated, three-part venue. From its chic restaurant offering authentic coastal cuisine and its luxurious pool club perfect for day-long relaxation, Iliana is already a must-visit. Yet, the final, and perhaps most anticipated, element of this concept has just been unveiled: the stunning Iliana rooftop.

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How to Spend a Day in Capri – Ferry Tips, Beaches, Kayaking & Where to Eat
Capri, Italy, Europe, Roadtrips, Wonders Of The World, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman Capri, Italy, Europe, Roadtrips, Wonders Of The World, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman

How to Spend a Day in Capri – Ferry Tips, Beaches, Kayaking & Where to Eat

Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea just off Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, Capri is a small island of cliffs, coves, and impossibly blue water. Though only 10 square kilometres, its steep terrain makes it feel much larger — from sea level to the top of Monte Solaro, the island climbs nearly 600 metres. Roads curve along terraces of lemon trees and whitewashed villas, leading to hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints over the Bay of Naples. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly glamorous yet still connected to nature, and perfect for a day trip from Sorrento when planned right.

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Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

Walking out onto the cobbled streets of Rome one September morning, it felt like everything was within reach. The river’s gentle hum, historic façades dripping with stories, and the promise of gelato round the corner set the scene perfectly. For the ideal base, I stayed at the citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina, part of the wider citizenM family now under Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel retains its distinctive for the people ethos while offering the reliability, reach, and loyalty benefits of one of the world’s largest hotel networks.

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Positano, Italy: Complete Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast’s Most Iconic Town
Italy, Amalfi Coast, Europe, City Breaks, Roadtrips, Positano, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman Italy, Amalfi Coast, Europe, City Breaks, Roadtrips, Positano, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman

Positano, Italy: Complete Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast’s Most Iconic Town

I have travelled to so many countries over the last few years, but when booking this trip to the Amalfi Coast it turned out to be the most confusing trip to plan and took far longer to understand the logistics than any other trip I have done. I visited Italy ten years ago and have explored many parts of the country, but this was my first time on the Amalfi Coast. I read so many articles warning me not to hire Vespas because they are dangerous, not to drive because the roads are too tight and there is nowhere to park, that buses are always delayed, and that ferries are the best option but sometimes do not run due to bad weather. I mean, talk about scaremongering.

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How to Spend 2 Days in Dubai: An Insider’s Itinerary
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, City Breaks, Foodies, Luxury Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, City Breaks, Foodies, Luxury Sophie Alexander-Osman

How to Spend 2 Days in Dubai: An Insider’s Itinerary

If you only have two days in Dubai, planning your time carefully is essential to make the most of your short stay. The city is packed with towering modern landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, traditional souks, world-class dining, and desert adventures, meaning it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. This insider’s itinerary is designed to highlight the experiences and attractions that can realistically fit into 48 hours, combining the city’s most iconic sights with local favourites that give a true sense of Dubai’s character.

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Top Things to See and Do in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, City Breaks, Middle East Sophie Alexander-Osman Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, City Breaks, Middle East Sophie Alexander-Osman

Top Things to See and Do in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits on an island along the Arabian Gulf and offers a different pace from the energy of Dubai. It is a modern city that has grown rapidly since the discovery of oil in the 20th century, transforming from a small fishing village into a hub of culture, business, and leisure. Despite its modern skyline, Abu Dhabi feels quieter, more relaxed, and family-oriented compared to Dubai’s buzz. Every time I visit, it feels like an escape from the city rush, with wide roads, green spaces, and calm beaches.

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Is This the Best Airbnb in Montenegro? Full Review
Montenegro, Hotel Reviews, Airbnb, Europe, Kotor, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Montenegro, Hotel Reviews, Airbnb, Europe, Kotor, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Is This the Best Airbnb in Montenegro? Full Review

If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and want a stay that combines modern comfort with incredible views, Olga’s Piece of Paradise in Dobrota is worth considering. Just 15 minutes from Kotor Old Town, this brand-new three-bedroom apartment spans 130 m² and accommodates up to six adults. It’s tastefully designed with modern colours, designer lighting and high-quality finishes, making it an ideal base for couples, families or friends who want both comfort and functionality on their Montenegro holiday.

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Review: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa
Oman, Middle East, Hotel Reviews, Roadtrips, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman Oman, Middle East, Hotel Reviews, Roadtrips, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on Oman’s Green Mountain, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is the ultimate summer escape from the desert heat. Often called the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, this rugged plateau offers a completely different world just a few hours from Dubai. We left 42-degree heat behind and arrived to crisp 28-degree temperatures in August, with refreshing rain showers and cool breezes we hadn’t felt in months. Being able to sit outdoors comfortably, surrounded by dramatic canyons and terraced villages, felt incredible. The hotel sits right on the edge of the mountain, offering uninterrupted views across deep gorges and rocky peaks that stretch for miles.

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Review: City Staycation at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai
Hotel Reviews, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Middle East, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Hotel Reviews, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Middle East, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: City Staycation at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai

The Renaissance Business Bay Hotel is a five star Marriott property set right on the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay. The hotel was rebranded in 2024 from the former Grand Millennium, bringing a refreshed design and updated facilities to the area. Its location is ideal for exploring the city, just a five-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, with the canal promenade running directly outside for walks or cycling.

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