As an anthropologist, I love to go into deep dives about places that I know and love - especially in the Middle East. However, I appreciate that not everyone has the time, or patience, to read long passionate travel posts. So for those who want to skim through the highlights, I have created a quick summary of my tips and tricks for your holiday in Dubai to be as awesome as possible!

A once sleepy port on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is now a world-famous holiday destination, not to mention, one of my all time favourite cities. There is such a variety of things to do here, but the many tourist traps ensure that it is not the easiest place to navigate (without some guidance). Despite being voted Tripadvisor's "Top Destination" for the third year in a row, I still meet people who tell me that they have only seen the inside of the malls and their resort. But don't worry! I'm here to save you from that limited experience. Especially because you've probably travelled quite far to get there. I grew up in the UAE as a child and I moved back there in my twenties, so I feel I know Dubai like the back of my hand. I love bringing people to this part of the Middle East and showing them that there is so much more than shopping, luxury hotels and private beaches. And even better, it's not really an expensive destination...! Below you'll find an introduction to this ever-evolving city as I walk you through the areas you are going to want to see and the activities you just cannot miss! Here is my honest guide to Dubai.

It's no secret, I am a huge fan of the food scene in Dubai. As a multi-cultural, cosmopolitain city, the variety of restaurants and cuisines is unmatched. And it’s not just Michelin stars and bottomless champagne brunches. There are so many surprises in this city, including delicious low-key eateries, that cater to the many different nationalities that make up the UAE's population. Whether you want to eat local Emirati food, try Yemeni or Ethiopian, or enjoy Indian food bursting with flavour, there is so much to discover. Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Korean cuisines in particular have been trendy in Dubai for years, ranging from the authentic to modern fusion. The restaurant scene is so competitive, it has started to attract creatives and celebrity chefs from all over the world who want to make their mark in the city. This being said, Dubai is also a minefield where you can find yourself in a soulless restaurant, that looks the part, but serves average food for haughty prices. To help you navigate the city, I’ve made a list of places that I would honestly recommend, sharing some of my personal favourites, my secret spots as well as classic Dubai institutions that HAVE to be mentioned. Below you'll find both cheap-eats and luxury catering and many options that are veggie and vegan friendly.

Bordeaux is the wine capital of France (and arguably the world) - so it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of wine bar options! Whether it's your first time or you're a connoisseur looking to deepen your experience, below is a local's honest guide to the most well-known and adored wine bars in Bordeaux. Wherever you choose to go, you'll not be disappointed by the quality of the wine, and there are less tourist traps than you would think. People in France take pride in their wine and local sellers expect that tourists may be experienced in tasting. As a little pro tip, it's good to remember that 2014, 2015 and 2022 were good years for wine production in the region. Get ready to enjoy your reds, whites or rosés as an aperitif or with dinner and remember to drink responsibly!

Nestled in the South West of France, the city of Bordeaux, has been named one of Europe's best destinations - and it's easy to see why! Bordeaux showcases the best that France has to offer: world renowned food and wine heritage, a growing art and design scene, a stunning historical centre and all just a short trip from the beautiful vineyards and countryside. The city centre is registered as the largest urban UNESCO world heritage site in the world. I have been lucky enough to call Bordeaux my home - on and off - for the last 10 years. Below are 7 things I love to do in my city that will guarantee you make the most of your time here. I walk you through the areas that you won't want to miss and share my favourite spots in the wine capital of France.