I've done countless of layovers in Dubai on long-haul flights between Europe and Asia, and have found the perfect way to spend 24 hours there. Here is my ultimate guide to exploring the best of the city — from skyscrapers to souks. Before my first trip to Dubai, I used to think of it as a monu[...]
Always dreamt of visiting Egypt? Plan an adventure of a lifetime with my 2-week Egypt itinerary, designed for first-time visitors. Egypt is the stuff of dreams: it’s home to the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, the Giza pyramids, the sprawling Valley of the Kings where over 63 ancie[...]
Is it safe to travel Egypt now? In this post, I discuss safety issues in Egypt, particularly for solo female travelers. Having recently returned from a second trip to Egypt, I've found that the country’s historical treasures are still as impressive as ever — but its tourism industry is[...]
Sailing in Turkey offers an appealing blend of ancient history, turquoise waters, and secluded coves. Here’s my guide to help you plan a sailing adventure.
Go deep into southern Egypt and get to know Nubian culture with this list of things to do in Aswan, Egypt.
Dive deep into the heart of Egypt and explore the historical center of the country with this 3-day Luxor itinerary. If Egypt is the historic center of the world, then Luxor would be the crown jewel. Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, but that comes nowhere near describ[...]
Traveling through Israel, Palestine, and Jordan can be a journey that focuses on historical sites, natural wonders, or modern attractions. But you can also make it a spiritual adventure. Religion is an integral part of life in the Middle East, and these countries are home to some of the most importa[...]
Once considered the center of the world, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Here's a power-packed list of things to do in Istanbul by my friend, Sean Lau from the Turkey Traveler. Spanning across two different continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul offers travelers a unique[...]
Rich in nature and traditions, Oman is my favorite country in the Middle East. Here's a complete Oman travel guide to show you how to visit Oman beneath the surface. Poised on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman shares borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen —[...]
This article has been updated to reflect the new changes in visa rules. Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman has never been easier. Beneath my feet, the craggy sandstone cliff drops off to reveal a dizzying height. And below that, the vast plain sprawls endlessly into the horizon. From thi[...]
Planning a trip to Dubai with kids soon? Here's my detailed family travel guide on how to travel Dubai with kids. For many of us, Dubai is massive, modern and artificial. It’s flashy, brash and not afraid to flaunt. It’s endless skyscrapers, amidst shopping malls and entertainment complexes.[...]
Iraqi Kurdistan is a different place from southern Iraq and is actually safe to visit. Here's my detailed Iraqi Kurdistan travel guide. When I mentioned I was going to Iraq, I received many looks of shock and horror. They were followed by questions and comments like, “Why would you want[...]
For those who are going to travel the Pearl of the Middle East, I’m sharing my one-week Lebanon itinerary to help you plan your own journey. Lebanon: a name that many still associate with war and the Hezbollah even after 20 years the civil war has ended. Lebanon used to be a tormented land[...]
We are running two Iraqi Kurdistan tours for 2020. Check out the details! When I launched my new tour to Iraqi Kurdistan, I received quite a few emails from people who were interested, but hesitant to come. Safety was their biggest concern and most people were worried about the security issues ther[...]
A collection of my best photos of Oman that will inspire you to travel there someday. Oman: a name so exotic and inviting, yet strangely unknown to many. At least I knew close to nothing about it before my recent trip there with my husband and our 2-year-old daughter. We spent most of Christmas an[...]
Here's a comprehensive, detailed Silk Road Travel Guide I wrote, based on my overland journey through Central Asia. The Silk Road is the greatest travel route of all time, spanning 8,000km across continents, weaving through deserts, mountains and grasslands and bringing traders from East to W[...]
I traveled Central Asia overland for two months and it turned out to be an epic once-in-a-lifetime journey. Here's all you need to know about overland travel in Central Asia. If you'd like to join me on the road, check out my new Tajikistan Pamir Mountains tour. Overland Travel in Central Asia T[...]
From my own personal experience traveling Iran, here are my tips on solo female travel in Iran, including how to dress and keep safe. As a curious traveler, I believe traveling is the best way to learn on-the-ground knowledge and to see a place beyond the headlines. My solo trip to Iran �[...]
Hiking the Jesus Trail in Israel is an excellent way to explore the backroads of the country and experience Israel's the natural beauty. A gravel path stretches before us, extending into the rolling hills and beyond into the dramatic Arbel Cliffs in the far distance. Green meadows sprinkled with re[...]
The Dead Sea got its name for a reason: it’s salty, deadly and it stands at the lowest point on earth (at 1,388 feet below sea level). This world famous salt lake has almost 33.7% salinity - so hypersaline that not a single species of animal can survive. But more importantly, it’s[...]