The Bucket List Traveller

Who doesn't have Switzerland on their list, right? It has definitely been on mine for a while and after looking at a few things on social media around Grindelwald, reels of it started appearing all over the place, which I decided to take as a sign that it was time to go! I managed to find some time to squeeze in a 5-day adventure and convinced by friend to join me. We packed the itinerary and hit the road, hiring a car and travelling from Geneva to Zurich, ticking off lakes, waterfalls, alpine hikes, and just the right amount of chocolate.

Day 1 – Geneva: Fountains, Clocks & Lakeside Wandering
After a smooth car hire pick-up, we headed to check in to our hotel for the night: N’vY Manotel. It’s in the Paquis district, right by the lake and close to the city centre – which was perfect for our flying visit.

We had booked lunch at Bayview Restaurant, which would have been my first Michelin star restaurant experience, but we were ten minutes late getting there and they refused to let us in! We decided to just wander around the city and see what we could find and ended up with some great sushi, so all was not lost.

With only the afternoon to explore, we hit the main sightseeing spots. First stop was the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s famous fountain that shoots water 140 metres into the sky. It’s hard to miss and we could see it whenever we were in sight of the lake. From there, we wandered through Jardin Anglais to see the Flower Clock, however, we struggled to find it. Turns out, they have taken it down whilst getting ready for a new display related to the women's football, so did not quite get the site expected.

We then made our way into the Old Town, where we planned to climb to the top of St. Pierre Cathedral, however, it was closed so could not go in. A quick walk through Parc des Bastions brought us to the Reformation Wall, which is a monument carved into the stone, and we finished our mini tour with a drive-by stop at the Palais des Nations, snapping a shot of the huge “Broken Chair” sculpture just outside. Funny story with this, we were looking for it and couldn't find it - somehow, we had ended up walking straight past it!

We went for tea and knew we had to have traditional fondue! It was good - can never have enough cheese! To round the day off, we strolled the Lake Geneva promenade. I naively didn't realise how big it was, it's huge.

Generally, I was not overly impressed with Geneva. I feel nothing made it stand out as a city but to be fair it rained the whole day which definitely effected it.

Day 2 – Oeschinensee Hike & Arrival in Grindelwald
Day two did not go quite as planned. We got up pretty early to hit the road and head towards the Bernese Oberland area. The drive itself was stunning - as soon as the mountains came into view I felt better about Switzerland. I have learnt on my last few trips that I am definitely better suited to mountains than cities!

By 9am, we had reached the Kandersteg gondola station and were planning on making our way up the mountain to Oeschinensee. If the name Oeschinensee doesn't sound familiar to you, the views of the lake will be! It is pretty iconic and heavily associated with hiking in Switzerland, so likely to be one you have seen. This hike was essentially what I planned my whole trip on but, unfortunately, not one that happened! As soon as we got to the car park something felt off and, after looking around and trying to get tickets for the gondola, we found out that it was closed and we could not get up the mountain without making it a full day hike from bottom to top, instead of the 2-3 hour hike that we had planned in. It just wasn't reasonable to do this - we weren't fully prepared, we didn't have a route planned or enough food packed. It just wasn't able to happen! I am so gutted about this as it was probably the thing I was most looking forward to. I feel the Swiss are very laid back in their approach to making you aware when things are going to be closed and we had a few issues with it throughout our trip (online did not say it was closed!) but, essentially, my recommendation would be to not go there until May onwards if looking to do things like hikes and take gondolas. Most don't open until the first week of May!

With our plans out the window we grabbed breakfast in Kandersteg village, which was an absolutely gorgeous and super chilled place, then got back in the car and drove the rest of the way to Grindelwald. This place is another bucket-list destination and it was so good to see it in person!

We had booked the Alpinhotel Bort, which is above the village of Grindelwald and accessible at that time of year by gondola. We went up, checked in and dumped our stuff, then continued on up to Grindelwald First, which is a mountain station known for its adventure activities. First up was the viewpoint, followed by the Cliff Walk, which is a metal pathway that hugs the cliffside, complete with a glass-bottom viewing platform that’s not for the faint-hearted. The views from up there are breathtaking – endless peaks, valleys, and white all around. It was a little slippy so be prepared for that!

After exploring the mountain, we headed back down in the gondola to the hotel, where we had tea at the hotel restaurant, followed by a film in bed. It is worth noting that at this time of year (April) the gondola up to the first is only available until 4pm, then it shuts off. Worth noting if booking the Alpinhotel Bort, as you are pretty stuck up there. Another note, the gondolas are the most expensive things I paid for whilst in Switzerland! Essentially, you are looking at £20 per stop. To get from Grindelwald village, to our hotel, to the First and back again cost me £60, for a ten-minute journey!

Day 3 – Grindelwald & Gorges

Originally, I had booked to do the Grindelwald Canyon Swing but my friend has decided not to and then gave me doubts. Partly because we didn't have a lot of time on this time and she would have to wait around for me for half a day without the car, so it felt mean leaving her and partly because I was petrified! The morning of the Swing, it was snowing so I emailed them to ask if it would go ahead and they immediately refunded me, so they basically made the choice for me. Instead, we decided to walk down the mountain into the village (took us around an hour and was very steep), get the car and drove to Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) to visit the gorge there. It was a relatively small entrance fee (converts to around £10) and worth it, as it is such an interesting place. You can walk through a series of tunnels and platforms carved into a dramatic ravine, with glacial water crashing through below. Very cool (literally) and worth the hour(ish)-long wander.

After this, we drove to Brienz and has some food in a cafe overlooking the lake. The lake is pretty gorgeous, with super blue water. Walking along the edge of this was very peaceful.

To end the day, we decided to go to a supermarket and get some 'picky bits' for tea and, because we knew we would miss the last gondola up and as we were feeling energetic, decided to walk back up the mountain to the hotel instead. It was a stunning hike but wow, tough! One of the steepest walks I have done and lots of stops, but there are benches all along the way so being able to stop, take a minute and look at the mountains was amazing.

Day 4 – Waterfalls, Villages & Views in Lauterbrunnen
We left Grindelwald bright and early, driving just 20 minutes to Lauterbrunnen, a dreamy valley straight out of a storybook. First up was checking into hotel Staubbach, which was a very old fashioned and very Swiss hotel, but which gaves us great views of the waterfall from our room.

We then went on a walk around the village. It really is the most picturesque place! The sun had shown itself by then and it made it even more magical. We walked to see Staubbach Falls, a huge waterfall that plunges from the cliffs just behind the village. You can actually walk behind it in summer, but this was not something we were able to do. From here, we kept walking until we got to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacial waterfalls hidden inside the mountain. They are twisting torrents of water that you reach via tunnels and lifts. It’s pretty loud, quite dramatic, but quite unlike anything else. A great experience!

Day 5 – Zurich: Lakeside Walks & Sweet Endings
On our final day, we headed to Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city, and found somewhere to park the car for the day, then headed off to explore the city. We started in the Altstadt (Old Town), full of colourful buildings, narrow alleyways and tucked-away shops. Then wandered down Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s famous luxury shopping street.

The Lake Zurich Promenade was buzzing with life – paddle boarders on the water, couples walking their dogs, and plenty of locals soaking up the sun. There was a lot going on and it was very busy, but turns out it was the Sechselauten parade, a festival which signifies the end of winter and the beginning of summer. It was unexpected but fun to see.

To finish off the trip, we made a stop at the Lindt Chocolate Museum, which was part sweet treat, part souvenir haul. There’s plenty of tasting opportunities too, naturally, and was a really good visit for only £15.

Final Thoughts
Switzerland really is a dream destination – clean, calm, and with an ever-changing backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery. Whether you’re here for the lakes, the hikes, the waterfalls or the fondue (no judgement), you’ll find something that sticks with you. Every day felt like a highlight, and even though we packed loads in, it still somehow felt relaxed. For me, the mountains and villages were a league above the cities and if I ever go back, this is where I will spend my time. One day I hope to do the hike to the Oeschinensee lake!

In March, my friend Sarah and I decided to squeeze in a short but memorable weekend to Kraków, Poland’s second city and one of Europe’s best city breaks for history lovers, wanderers and foodies alike. We flew in Friday evening and flew out Sunday, but packed in plenty during our 48 hours. Here’s a run-through of what we did and what you might want to check out too.

Day 1 – Friday: Arrival, Check-in & Meal in the Old Town
We flew out mid-afternoon and landed in Kraków around 18:45. Airport transfers are quick, and we jumped in a taxi which took us just over 30 minutes into the city centre and our hotel. We stayed at Leone Aparthotel, which was old fashioned and outdated but clean, quiet and just a short walk from the Old Town. Nothing flashy, but a good base for a short break and the 8pm check-in gave us enough time to dump the bags and head out.

We had planned tea at MooMoo Steak and Burger Club, however, we booked the wrong date and were a day early with no space available for that night! Changing our plans to suit this, we kept the reservation for the following evening and instead headed towards the Old Town, opting to eat at one of the main square restaurants outside. It was not warm but not too cold to be outside and the atmosphere around the town was great. I decided to try Boletus soup, which is like a wild mushroom soup with pasta in it. I didn't know what to expect but wanted to try something Polish and really enjoyed it!

After eating, we explored the Old Town further and then went to try another Polish fav...chimney cake! Also known as kürtőskalács, it's a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry that’s baked on a spit, then rolled in sugar so it caramelises on the outside. You can get them plain or filled with extras like Nutella, cream or fruit – warm, sticky, and perfect for a little street-food treat while wandering. I opted for a nutella one and it was really good, but they were a lot bigger than I expected so really filling!

Day 2 – Saturday: History, Markets & Sunset Views
We had a very early start – picked up at 7am for a full-day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines. It’s a powerful and sobering way to begin your time in Kraków, but something I’d say is essential if you’re visiting.

The Auschwitz visit was incredibly moving whilst still handled with the respect and gravity it deserves. It was really impactful to see it firsthand and really brought to life all that had happened. It was truly harrowing and hard to explain, which is why I feel everyone should go and see it at some point! After that, the salt mines offered a total contrast: vast underground tunnels, chapels carved from salt, and some impressive architecture considering it's all below the surface. I actually couldn't believe what was underground, even a cathedral! A basic lunch was included, which kept us going.

Back in the city by mid-afternoon, we had planned to go to Kościuszko Mound, which would be about an hour’s walk from the centre and would offer panoramic views over Kraków and which we planned to climb for sunset. However, we were (luckily) told by our hotel receptionist that it was not open! Swiftly changing plans, we walked to the Wawel castle and just so happened to have a great view of the sunset, so it all worked out in the end.

We wanted to try pierogi, which are traditional Polish dumplings, so we stopped off for some. They were okay, but nowhere near as good as Asian ones! We then went for our reservation at Moo Moo. This restaurant is all over TikTok when you search for restaurants in Krakow, but I have to say it did not live up to the hype. The food was good but not amazing and the staff practically ignored us. It felt they were rushing to get you out to allow others to come in, so you were under pressure to eat as quickly as possible and they did not come to us to check the food was okay or for more drinks. Not somewhere I would recommend.

Day 3 – Sunday: Cafés, Castles & a Final Wander
We were up early again (worth it), and grabbed breakfast at Poranki. We had to queue for a while (in the rain) but it was a lovely spot and the food was great, so worth the wait I would say!

With just a few hours left, we had a couple of options and made the most of our time:
A gentle walk along the Vistula River for some fresh air and views
A stroll through Planty Park, which wraps around the Old Town and makes for a relaxing final walk
A wander through Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter, full of history, street art and interesting cafés

If you’ve got an hour or so spare and the weather’s decent, you can also book a Vistula river cruise. We didn’t fit it in this time but might be worth doing in summer.

By 5pm, it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Kraków – short and sweet, but full of memories.

Final Thoughts
Kraków’s one of those cities where you can pack loads into a weekend without it feeling rushed. It’s walkable, affordable, and packed with history – plus the food and drink scene is well worth exploring. Price wise, it is super reasonable too. Whether you’re into museums, scenic views or just a good wander, it’s a brilliant weekend destination and somewhere I would definitely want to return to.

My first trip of 2024 was a wintry four-day family break in Oslo – a city full of snow, sculptures, and Scandi calm. We had six days technically, but days 1 and 6 were for travelling, so it was really four full days exploring the Norwegian capital. Here's how it all played out.

Day 1: Tuesday – Arrival in Oslo
After a quick flight over, we landed in Oslo in the evening. We had not planned our transfer from the airport, reading that it was easy to do, but I admit this was a mistake. We got a quote for a taxi from the airport to our hotel in the city centre (a 40 minutes journey) and we were quoted £240! I knew Oslo was going to be expensive, but this threw me! Obviously we did not go for this option and instead scouted out the buses, ending up paying a much more reasonable £70 (one way, 4 people) and went online to book a return bus back (we used Tour Express) for the end of our trip. It took a lot longer but was worth it to save the money. Top tip - do NOT use taxis in Oslo! We headed straight to our base for the week, which was Bjorvika Apartments in Teaterplassen. Super central, clean, and spacious. It was late by the time we got in so no faffing about, we dropped the bags and got the kids straight to bed.

Day 2: Wednesday – Illusions, Street Food & Sculpture Trails
We kicked off the day with a pre-booked visit to the Paradox Museum (£50ish entry for 4 of us), just 20 mins’ walk from the apartment. It was well worth booking this in advance as we got to jump the line of those who had not, and ended up being the first in there and having most exhibitions to ourselves. It’s a trippy, interactive space full of optical illusions – great for photos, great for messing with your brain. This one was perfect for my boys, who really enjoyed each part of the museum.

Next, we visited Vigeland Sculpture Park, which was a tram ride away. I must say, the tram system in Oslo is great and the app, Ruter, is super easy to use and plan trips. We relied on this heavily throughout our time in Oslo, each journey averaging out to be around £2. The park itself was different. Bold, emotional, weird in the best way, with over 200 sculptures all by one artist, Gustav Vigeland. It was nice to walk around and see the different sculptures, but the ground was snowy and slushy, meaning it was quite wet and often slippy underfoot. We decided to eat at the cafe in the park, which was lovely but pricey! We had a few sandwiches between us and it cost nearly £50.

We made a quick stop at Haralds Vaffel for a classic Norwegian waffle, the thing the boys were most excited about (okay, and me too!) The waffles were really tasty. I opted for nutella, cream and had it topped with brunost (brown cheese) for the full local experience. Very tasty and the shop is small but super quirky, I would recommend it!

As the light started to fade around 5.30pm, we jumped on a tram to Ekebergparken, a sculpture park with forest paths and open-air art. It was quiet, atmospheric, and felt like a bit of a hidden gem when we stumbled across the viewpoints overlooking the city, lit up at night. The views were stunning and I was so glad we found them. When you walk into the forest here at night, there is a light installation hidden away. It is so cool! The boys loved running around it and it was gorgeous to see! I would highly recommend making the journey for this.

We finished the day at Barcode Street Food, which had a decent mix of options. It is a good good spot if you’re not sure what you fancy, with indoor market vibes and dishes from Korean to Greek. Casual, quick, and ideal for warming up. It felt the right sort of vibe to take two energetic boys who won't sit still and we could order bits from different places to try. I had the best fish tacos there!

Day 3: Thursday – Skiing in the Snow
This day was one that where we dedicated the whole day to skiing, a first for the boys. Oslo makes it surprisingly easy to get out to the slopes. The resort, Skiimore Oslo, was beginner-friendly and perfect for a casual day out. We rented gear on-site and also booked a lesson for the boys, meaning they were more receptive to giving it a go and which meant we were able to go off and 'hit the slopes'. I have not been skiing since I was in high school, so it took me a minute to get going, but I did not fall once and enjoyed the snowy views. It felt like a good mix of people on the slopes, so not being a pro did not make me feel out of place. We met up with the boys after their class and went with them for a bit and I now feel confident that we could do a full skiing trip with them in the future.

We headed back to Barcode Street Food for tea!

Day 4: Friday – Museums or More Slopes
We had a bit of a wildcard day: either more skiing or a slower-paced day, and the latter won. Mostly because of the cost and because the boys were still tired. The good thing about this was we got to have a day where we had zero plans, could just walk the streets of Oslo, find a park for the boys to play in and explore. We saw the presidential palace, Oslo's Tigren, went to chocolate shops and just generally explored.

We did this for the first half of the day and for the second half we grabbed food to make at the apartment and chilled out with a film. Although in one way it made me feel like we should have done a day less on this trip, on the flip side it was really nice to have a day away where we could just chill out and relax fully.

Day 5: Saturday – Boats on the Fjord
We booked a boat trip from Langkaia, near the Opera House, and set sail at 10am for a 90 minutes round trip to see the fjords. Honestly, it was a bit underwhelming. I’d expected dramatic fjord views, but it was more industrial coastline and low-key scenery. Nice to be out on the water, but it dragged a bit and didn’t quite live up to the hype.

We stopped by the Oslo Opera House, one of the city’s most striking buildings with its sleek, modern design. And something I did not know you could do beforehand - you can walk right up the sloping roof for free. It’s a gentle climb which doesn't take too long and gives you brilliant views over the harbour and surrounding city. Even on a grey day, it’s worth the visit just for the architecture and the sense of space.

We had planned to finish our trip with a meal at Seaport Restaurant (Sorenga Quay). It has an amazing location on the water and has a reputation for some of the best seafood in Oslo, however, we changed our minds on this and cancelled last minute! Opting instead for a takeaway at the apartment - cheaper and cosier!

Day 6: Sunday – Time to Head Home
We simply packed up early and made our way to the airport. A smooth end to a lovely little winter break.

Final Thoughts
Oslo’s not a budget destination, but it’s clean, calm, and surprisingly compact – easy to explore in a few days. It has a good mix of nature, art, and good food made and is a good city, but honestly, I was not blown away. Visually, it is quite a grey, drab city and not at all what I expected from Norway. We definitely spent too long here for a city break, even though it did allow us to factor in some chilled downtime, but I still feel like Norway is a country I need to explore further and get out of the city into the true nature of the country! I will be back, just not to Oslo.

Iceland has always been number one on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. It was my dream to visit for my 30th birthday, and everything was in discussion to happen, but then Covid-19 came along and forced me to put my plans on hold. It took a few extra years, but I finally made it, and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the wait!

One of the main things I wanted to see in Iceland is the Northern Lights. My eldest son, Jaxon, has picked up on this and he also put this at the top of his own bucket list so this became something we just had to do! I planned it all without letting the boys know and we told them on Christmas Day that we were going, and we were leaving the next day. To say they were excited was an understatement!

Day 1: Boxing Day – Travel Day & Exploring Reykjavik

Landing in Iceland was breathtaking. The views from the plane as we descended were incredible, unlike anything I have seen before. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight into Reykjavik’s city centre to grab some food and explore.

Our first stop was Pósthús Food Hall, a lively spot with plenty of food options. We then wandered to Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street, a vibrant and colourful road leading up to Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavik’s iconic landmark. We did want to go in (and you usually can) but there was a concert on so we weren't allowed in! Originally, we had planned to visit the Perlan Museum, but after a long day of travel, the boys were exhausted. We decided to call it an early night to rest up for the next day.

Day 2: Blue Lagoon & Whale Watching

We started the day with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, arriving at 9 AM. It was still dark, which made the experience surreal. It felt like we were floating in the warm water in the middle of the night! The contrast of the steaming lagoon with the freezing air (and falling snow) was something else, though the sulfur smell took a little getting used to.

After lunch, we headed to the harbour for a whale-watching tour. I kept my expectations low, but we were lucky. Within just 30 minutes, we spotted our first humpback whale! In total, we saw five whales and even a few seals, making for an unforgettable experience. To cap off the day, we had dinner at Public House Gastropub, which was amazing but super expensive. It was a small-plates-style restaurant, and while we had to cancel one dish due to it being out of stock, we didn’t mind—it saved us £20 off the bill!

Day 3: The Golden Circle

We left Reykjavik, slightly anxious about the road conditions with all the snow. Our first planned stop was Þingvellir National Park, but the roads were completely undriveable, forcing us to change plans. Thankfully, we stumbled upon Kerið Crater instead, and it turned out to be a fantastic detour! Jaxon and I walked all the way around the crater, though it was so slippery that we had to slide down on our bums at one point!

Next, we visited Gullfoss Waterfall, where the temperature hit a bone-chilling -13 °C. I took my glove off to take a photo at one point and instantly regretted it, my fingers went numb in seconds! The waterfall was stunning, but it was busy, and we didn’t stay too long. We then moved on to the Geysir geothermal area, where the boys had fun watching the geysers erupt.

That night, with clear skies, I was hopeful we might finally see the Northern Lights. I even set an alarm to wake up in the middle of the night, but no luck, just a starry sky.

Day 4: Waterfall Hopping & The Bubble Hotel

This was our waterfall day! Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss, a breathtaking waterfall you can actually walk behind (though we didn’t because of the ice). Nearby, we found a roadside café advertising street food, though it only served fish and chips or lasagne! We opted for fish and chips, and they were fantastic—coming from Wales, that’s saying something!

Next was Skógafoss, even more impressive but extremely windy. Cole was not a fan, so we didn’t stay too long. We then made our way to Vík, a gorgeous little town where I could easily have spent more time. The black sand beach was stunning but freezing!

That night, we checked into the Bubble Hotel, a clear, dome-shaped tent in the middle of the woods, designed for stargazing. Another perfectly clear night, but still no Northern Lights! However, we did see a sky full of stars and a couple of shooting stars from our bed, which was still a magical experience.

Day 5: A Snowstorm & The Scariest Drive of Our Lives

We woke up to an unexpected snowstorm, and because we were in the middle of nowhere, we had to leave quickly. Our plan was to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, but the storm threw everything into chaos. We debated whether to continue or turn back, and after checking the road conditions, we decided to push forward.

Big mistake. The roads were awful—the worst driving conditions we had ever experienced. It was stressful and exhausting, and it literally took us all day. We finally made it to our Airbnb, where we grabbed a takeaway, relaxed in the hot tub, and recovered from the day. Still, no Northern Lights!

Day 6: Jökulsárlón & Back to Reykjavik for New Year’s Eve

With much clearer skies and roads, we made our way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, and wow—what a sight! The lagoon was full of floating icebergs, and the beach was dotted with chunks of ice, making it look like something out of a dream. It was one of the highlights of my trip.

We then began the long drive back to Reykjavik for New Year's Eve. Most restaurants were closed, but we managed to find a spot for dinner. Fireworks were going off throughout the evening, and we made our way to Harpa Concert Hall for an incredible view of the city’s celebrations.

And then, finally—it happened. The Northern Lights appeared. On our last night, on New Year’s Eve, we saw them in the sky. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Iceland was everything I dreamed of and more. From waterfalls and glaciers to whale watching and the elusive Northern Lights, it was an adventure from start to finish. The trip may have been years in the making, but it was absolutely worth the wait.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

If you’re thinking of visiting Abu Dhabi, let me tell you—it’s a city that’s equal parts dazzling and laid-back. I spent 4 days there, staying on Reem Island, and it was an experience packed with incredible sights, bites, and visiting two of the most unreal buildings I have ever seen in real life.

First stop? The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Wow. This place is huge and beautiful beyond words. From the marble floors to the intricate tile work, it’s basically a Pinterest board come to life. Walking around, I felt like I was in another world. I have seen some great buildings in my life but this topped them all. I loved how modern it was and how white, you can definitely tell it is a relatively new build. Just a side note, if you are a woman visiting the mosque you do need to wear an abaya and head scarf. You can buy them there but they are expensive, so I would recommend getting one before. Men just have to wear long trousers. To get into the mosque costs just 45aed and you can pay upon arrival or get tickets in advance.

We went that evening for a meal at Raclette with our friends who live there. They were worried it would be too expensive but the offer that was on, which worked out at around £50, was for a 4-course meal and a drink with each course. Really nice meal and cheap compared to what we can get here! We did also go for a few drinks and this is not as cheap. Looking at around 45-50aed per drink (which is about £10/11).

The next day we started off with a wander around the Reem Island Harbour, taking in the skyline and enjoying the sun. It was really good to have an aimless walk around and take in the sights. One thing I was aware of (and which was apparent everywhere we went) was that there is so much building work going on around Abu Dhabi. I think if you went back in another 3/4/5 years time, it will be a different place!

We went to meet our friends for lunch at Marjouha restaurant, which is a Lebanese place on the waterfront. The food was gorgeous and we ordered loads of stuff to share, which gave me the chance to try some new things. I really liked the manoushe we had, which is a type of Lebanese flatbread.

The Presidential Palace was up next, and, again, it’s something else. This place screams luxury and history all at once. It is huge and grand and so worth the visit. It is a little pricier at 75aed for entry, but there are offers available (for example on Groupon!) so see what you can find in advance. We were lucky at the time we went as they had a band on who walked through the building and played in the grand hall - it was really cool, the sound in that huge room was amazing.

We had a fancy meal booked for that evening, at a restaurant called Bentley’s Kitchen. We all had the same thing, wagyu steak! It was a first time for me and it was melt-in-your-mouth good—definitely one for any foodies. After this we went to the top of the building and had cocktails on a roof top bar, which was a lovely way to end the day.

On the Saturday, we had brunch at the W Hotel on Yas Island booked. This is a 4-hour brunch with unlimited food and drinks, situated on the F1 racetrack, which is seriously cool. The food included within the buffet was so good and so varied, I could have spent a lot longer than 4-hours there! You have the option to stay on after at their club for an extra fee, which we did and partied the night away. We had gone with friends who drove us there and they used something called Zofeur, which basically means you drive to your destination in your own car and then drink, book someone from Zofeur who will come and pick up your car with you in it and drive you home. You wake up at home after drinks and do not have to go and get your car - it is a genius idea and one I would use all of the time if it was available here!

Our last day, we had planned to go paddleboarding around the mangroves but we were all so tired after cramming so much into the last few days that we ended up opting for a pool day, which was ideal and just what I needed! I managed to read a good chunk of my book and made the most of the sun before heading back to a wet and, it turns out, snowy Wales in November.

Abu Dhabi is more than just luxury and skyscrapers; it’s a mix of culture, cool hangouts, and some seriously good food. From the iconic Grand Mosque to beers at Craft, every moment had something special. If you ever get the chance, go explore—you won’t regret it!