DESTINATION GUIDES
Best Beaches in Dubai
Dubai is known for being the perfect holiday destination with the beaches being the number one attraction. The city boasts a beautiful coastline with white sand, turquoise waters and calm waves. Swimming in the sea is ideal in the months of April, May, October and November. December to March are the cooler months of the year which is when the sea temperature is also colder. However, there aren’t many days of the year where I wouldn’t go to the beach!
Review: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa sits in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Originally opened in 2004, the resort underwent a full renovation and reopened in 2023 with a fresh new look and upgraded facilities. The redesign kept the resort’s desert‑fort aesthetic while adding new restaurants, updated rooms and villas, and refreshed facilities. There are 115 rooms and suites in total, three swimming pools, and seven dining and lounge venues. The resort is surrounded only by sand dunes and wildlife like oryx and gazelles, which makes it feel far removed from the city despite the short drive. After nearly seven years of living in the UAE, this is still, without a doubt, my favourite resort in the country.
A Guide to Visiting Seychelles
Seychelles is famous for its beautiful beaches, iconic boulders, scuba diving spots, mountainous hikes, and plus the native Seychellois people are incredible cooks! The country is made up of 115 islands, located off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. Just think of The Maldives - but way more fun!
52 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Iceland
Iceland, Iceland, Iceland. Where do I even begin? It was an absolute thrill to experience many of the wonders that this incredible country has to offer, and an even bigger dream of mine to capture the endless beauty and dramatic landscapes, that I had thought about for so long. It’s a place where every photo taken, is worthy. In my opinion it’s pretty difficult to take a bad picture here. From the geysers to the glaciers, and from Seljalandsfoss to Skógafoss. Every corner of this magical country is picture perfect.
12 Best Places to Visit in Iceland
After what feels like a lifetime of wanting to travel to Iceland… I finally did it! And it was everything I could have imagined, AND MORE. Seriously though, there is no other place like it on the planet. Truly one of a kind. Waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes and of course cute Icelandic ponies. They don’t call it ‘the land of fire and ice’ for nothing.
Scuba Diving with Mirage Divers in Dahab, Egypt
I never thought in a million years I would ever scuba dive, let alone think my first experience would be in Egypt. We dived with Mirage Divers in Dahab, which are known for being one of the best diving companies in the country. Dahab is a small, laid-back, beach town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula and only an hours drive from Sharm el-Sheikh. It’s the perfect place to relax for a few days and to ‘get happy’.
10 Things I Didn’t Know Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of those trips which you can’t explain to anybody. Your own individual experience and journey will not be the same as anyone else’s. The feelings, emotions and the physical and mental torture that you have to put yourself through to get to the summit, will change the perspective of your entire life.
26 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Alexandria, Egypt
One of the oldest cities in the world and Egypt’s second largest after the capital, Cairo. Located in the north of the country, on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great - hence the name. The population of the city is only 5.3 million, compared to London’s 10 million. It may have half the number of people, but it certainly feels like WAY more.
A Guide to Interrail Italy in 10 days
If you're looking to explore a new country, in a limited amount of time and on a budget, then this is the trip for you! For years, Italy was at the top of my bucket list but I couldn't decide which part I wanted to go to first. Then I discovered Interrail which enabled me to travel to Milan, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples and Sorrento all within ten days.
How to Get Your PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification
There are many reasons why I call myself a water baby. I learned to swim at age 4 and stayed with the same company until I was swimming competitively for them at aged 16. I then became a lifeguard where I actively worked in the position for 9 years, including countless jobs that took me all over the world, from Japan, China and the USA. In 2014 I then qualified to be a swim coach which is the main reason why I’m now based in the United Arab Emirates.
A Packing Guide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
A packing guide that will save your life - quite literally.
After six months of planning, researching, training and spending all my mula on equipment and hiking gear, I felt ready to take on the roof of Africa. I remember my mum dragging me around all the typical sports and outdoor shops. ‘Soph, you’ll need a warm jacket, walking boots, gloves, backpack…’ - the list felt endless. To be fair, I was taking on my first, solo hiking challenge and I had to be ready.
10 Best Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Dubrovnik is one of my favourite places on the planet. The combination of the dramatic coastline, turquoise waters, orange-roofed buildings, the mountainous backdrop and the European summer feels, are the best. Dubrovnik has become quite the hotspot in recent years due to the accessibility of surrounding countries and, of course, Game of Thrones fans. Walking around the Old Town, swimming in the Adriatic sea and the view from Mount Srd are all my highlights.
Kayaking Day Trip to The World Islands, Dubai
Ever heard of The World Islands? I hadn’t either until moving to Dubai. The World Islands is an archipelago of small artificial islands in the Arabian Gulf. Dubai is famous for its man-made islands and land reclamation. The most famous examples of this are the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, which are land extensions of the city connected to the mainland. This is where The World Islands are different. They’re located 4km off the coast of Dubai and the only way to get to them is by boat, helicopter or jet ski if you wish.
Staying in a Bubble Tent in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Have you ever wondered where the movies Martian, Transformers and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed? Wadi Rum is the answer - a Mars-like valley in southern Jordan. The whole landscape makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. The red sand, giant rocks and the crisp starry skies are the stuff of dreams. To get the full experience of Wadi Rum, you can stay at glamping sites tucked away in the extensive desert - managed by Bedouins.
A Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This was a totally spontaneous trip that turned into one of my all-time favourites. My sister and I were enjoying an all-inclusive holiday in Croatia when we decided we wanted more than just the beach, pool and cocktails. We had already discussed a day trip to the Krka National Park and knew we needed a car to get there. So, we arranged a hire car from the hotel, for two days and thought why not travel to another country? As you do. This is when Europe has its perks.