A visit to Saint Petersburg of course requires a Russian visa; however, a visa is not required for a trip of less than 72 hours if you arrive in St. Petersburg by ferry or by cruise liner and you have a pre-arranged program of excursions by an approved local company.   

Saint Petersburg is a perfect destination for solo travellers as well as for couples who will likely find the canals and baroque buildings dotting the banks very romantic.

Below are just some of the reasons why I think you should visit this beautiful city:

You can see more pictures from my trip to Saint Petersburg on my Instagram account @gmr83.

1. The Hermitage Museum: If there is just one reason to ever visit Saint Petersburg, this is it. Never in my life and in all my travels have I seen such an amazing collection of art under one roof. I highly recommend getting a tour guide which despite being somewhat expensive, it would give you a wealth of information and tour guides can readily take you directly to the items you want to see, whether it is by Rembrandt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens or others.

2. The Bridges: Another must see in Saint Petersburg is the lowering and raising of the bridges. There are 9 low bridges in that are drawn during the night to allow for the passage of boat traffic. Therefore, if you don’t make it to the side of the river where you are staying before the bridges are drawn and there are no high bridges to cross, you will be stuck until the bridges are lowered. Seeing this operation at midnight was one of the highlights of my trip.

3. Metro Stations: While not as majestic like the ones in Moscow, Saint Petersburg has its share of gorgeous metro stations that are a traveller’s destination on their own. This is a list of my favorite ones.

4. Churches/Cathedrals: There is no shortage of churches and cathedrals in St. Petersburg, the most noteworthy of which are the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Issac’s Cathedral. The former, which resembles St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881, and its interior is meticulously decorated with over 6000sqm of mosaics. 

5. Opera/Ballet: Although I didn’t have time to see a show while there, this is another activity that the city is known for. The Mariinsky Theater is one of the most famous worldwide.  

6. The Canals: St. Petersburg is often nicknamed the Venice of the North and rightfully so with its wide canals that divide the city, making a canal boat tour one of the best ways to see the city. However, almost all tours are in Russian, so it might help to have walked around the city a bit more first in order to know what you are looking at.

7. Rooftop Tours: Feeling extra adventurous? Book a tour to explore some of the city’s rooftops! Beware, however, because many of these tours are unsafe and even illegal so it is probably best to ask your hotel concierge for tips.

8. Faberge Eggs: The Hermitage Museum is far from being the only museum in the city. If you have the slightest interest in art, you have definitely seen pictures or heard of the Faberge imperial eggs which are housed at the Faberge Museum. Only 50 imperial eggs were ever made, however, many of the eggs were unfortunately stolen or have disappeared after the 1918 Revolution.

9. The Peterhof Palace: A series of palaces and gardens known as the Peterhof Palace, laid out on the orders of Peter the Great, and sometimes called the “Russian Versailles”. The area was extensively damaged during World War II during occupation by Nazi Germany. Reconstruction efforts began almost immediately following the war, and they are still underway. Peterhof also hosts one of two campuses of Saint Petersburg State University.

For more pictures from gorgeous Saint Petersburg and my other travels, follow me on Instagram (@gmr83).

Since we all have friends and family who visit us all year round, attracted by the same glitz as any other visitor, I have put together a short list of ways you and them could see Dubai from the air, assuming you don’t have the stomach (read: guts) to skydive

Nothing rejuvenates your appreciation of the city you live in more than seeing it from a different perspective, I have been fortunate enough to experience 3 of the 4 different ways below. Luckily, all four options take off from different areas in Dubai so you can choose the area that you and your visitors would like to see the most.

You can follow me on Instagram (@gmr83) for more pictures of these trips.

I took two of these trips — the hot air balloon and the seaplane — with Desert Gate Dubai who are incredibly knowledgeable about the city and professional. They can also arrange for the helicopter rides.

Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Hot air balloon: I never thought I would say this but there is something magical about waking up before the crack of dawn and heading on to the desert to ride a hot air balloon that glides over Dubai’s mesmerizing sand dunes!

Takeoff: Dubai desert

Price: 1,100 AED which includes a falconry show and breakfast

2. Seaplane: Another great way to see the entire city starting from Jebel Ali to Dubai Creek or vice versa is with a seaplane. The takeoff and landing over water are particularly enjoyable

Takeoff: Jebel Ali or Dubai Creek

Price: 1095 AED for 25 minute ride

3. Helicopter: With the helipad conveniently located by the Atlantis, it is not hard to see why the fun starts as soon as you take off with this great perspective of this major landmark!

Takeoff: Atlantis Hotel

Price: 795 AED for 15 minutes

4. Gyrocopter: I don’t know if I will ever have the stomach to ride in this one but it sure is the most unique one on this list!

Takeoff: SkyDive Dubai

Price: Unknown

You can follow me on Instagram (@gmr83) for more pictures of my trips in Dubai and around the world.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is part of the Discovery loyalty program, which includes 34 independent luxury hotel brands in 76 countries. Read my previous post on why I highly recommend joining this program for free.

As is the case with previous reviews, I won’t bore you with factual details about the hotel which you can find on its website, but I will list some of the ways this hotel is unique and distinguished.

1. The Aspen Chalets:  Such a unique concept not just to Dubai but probably the world. How unique? Imagine having a view of the world’s largest indoor ski slope and the hotels’s swimming pool and Burj Al-Arab all from the same suite! And fear not, this is not a cliche — the Aspen Chalets do live up to their name, immediately immersing you in a mountain somewhere in the real Aspen. The rooms are just oozing with coziness and warmth that I would find it very difficult to leave the room if I ever get to stay there. Watch this short video for a glimpse into what awaits you.

2. Location: The hotel is connected to Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world and my personal favorite in Dubai. The mall also has drop off zones which allow you to drop off your shopping bags and they would be delivered to your hotel room! With respect to Dubai, the hotel is located almost halfway between Downtown Dubai/Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Marina, and almost parallel to Burj Al-Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, thus making it perfect for first time or even veteran visitors to Dubai. A metro station is also right at your doorstep.

3. GHA Local Experiences: If you read my post on reasons to join the GHA loyalty program, you would know that this program offers its members some of the most unique “Local Experiences” in every city in the world where they have hotels. For Dubai, perhaps the most unique “Local Experience” is a helicopter ride over Dubai which is exclusively and specifically dedicated for black membership holders who opt to stay at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates. How cool is that?!

4. Staff: We all know that the staff at any hotel can make or break your stay. Prior to checking in, I had a lengthy email exchange with Gerardo, the Chief Concierge, to arrange for my helicopter ride. Gerardo showed nothing but the highest level of professionalism to ensure I got the flight on the day and time of my choosing despite it being high tourist season in Dubai. Also special thanks to Allen (or Ellen!), the Butler at the Aspen Chalets, for the tour he gave me of the premises. If only I had half his enthusiasm and positivity, I would be a much better person

5. Room/bathroom size: Although I stayed in one of the basic rooms at the hotel, the room was huge, and the bathroom was simply a delight to walk into. Covered with marble, and with excellent water pressure, the extremely elegant shower provides an excellent respite from the walking all day at the Mall of the Emirates!

6. Breakfast: I usually never have breakfast in the hotel I am staying in but since the voucher for my stay included it, I decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did that! For starters, I don’t think I have ever seen a larger variety of pastries, as in EVER! The eggs benedict were the tastiest I had in a LONG time, and don’t get me started on how good the coffee was!

Last but not least and as a tip for UAE residents looking to staycation here, I would recommend splurging on the Aspen Chalets as this is not a typical stay in your room kind of hotel and not all rooms have a good view, or you could otherwise ask for one. Visitors to Dubai shouldn’t have a problem as they won’t be spending much time in the room.

For more information, you can visit the hotel’s website, Facebook, and Instagram.

You can follow Ayesha’s adventures on Instagram at @ajtravel.

“I recall many late nights as a child reading fairy tales of a land where the Vikings once roamed, where trolls and giants climbed jagged edged mountains and drank from the eternal waters off of a long and winding river. Little did I know that all these tales stemmed their inspiration from the beautiful landscapes that make up Norway.

As a landscape photographer, I am always in search for a new challenge and I wasn’t sure what my journey through the Norwegian landscapes would bring. Three trips later I could not get enough of the endless mountains, the majestic fjords and the glaciers that remarkably are distinct from any part of the world. Here are some reasons why I think you should visit Norway:

1. Land of the Midnight Sun: The thought of an endless summer where the sun never sets sounds something out of a Tolkien series, but in actuality this phenomena exists up in the northern parts of Norway known as “Midnight Sun”. During the summer months the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle, which means you can enjoy watching the sun set on the horizon and rise back up right in front of your eyes. The Norwegians take advantage of the long days and enjoy various activities including midnight kayaking or midnight whale watching. If your journey could not take you up to the Arctic Circle you can still enjoy late night sunsets like this shot I took at 11:45PM at the outskirts of Oslo.

2. Mystical winters: After the long summers, autumn and winter brings about long nights, but nights filled with stars and mystical green and pink lights that dance throughout the night. It comes as no surprise with the ample amount of Auroras shots flooding our Instagram feeds as many people have placed this beautiful phenomenon on their bucket list. From my various experiences in chasing Auroras, there is nowhere as beautiful as Norway to experience it. Starting September all the way through to April people flock to the island of Lofoten or the northern parts of Norway to enjoy some of the most beautiful backdrop with the Auroras.

For the wanderlusters who would like to tick the Auroras off their bucket list it would be best to watch the Auroras from northern parts of Norway. A connecting flight from Oslo could take you to Tromso, Navrik or the Lofoten Islands, all places that have ample amount of tours available for you to book during the Aurora season.

3. Endless Roadtrips: There are many places to explore around Norway so be prepared for the long journeys and do not be misled by what Google Maps defines as your route. Expect detours that will extend your trip from a typical 4 hour trip to perhaps 6 but it will all be worth it. So prepare your GoPro & camera and be ready to jump out at any point for an epic shot.

4. Natural Adrenaline Rush: Other than photographers, Norway’s Arctic Circle is a haven for adrenaline junkies. The Islands of Lofoten has now become an popular location for surfers, boulder climbers and divers. Can you blame them though? Some of the world’s wildest landscapes and toughest terrains can put the adrenaline junkie’s skills to test.

5. Waterfalls: If there is one thing Norway is not in shortage of it has to be waterfalls. Just to paint you a picture, according to the Norwegian tourism board, 10 out of the 30 tallest waterfalls in the world flow through Norway. Whether you like to enjoy a picnic by one during the summer time or climb frozen ones during the winter, both time of the years have so many different choices for you to enjoy. Ensure you put together your wishlist and sometimes you will still find some waterfalls which were never part of the list to begin with during your roadtrip.

6. The Friluftsliv Life: While people dream about staying in white stoned villas in Santorini or over water bungalows in the Maldives, you cannot leave Norway without staying in one of the many iconic Fishermen cottages, also known as a Rorbu during your trip. These are ideal places to disconnect from the outside world and focus on what the Norwegians call the “Friluftsliv” Life – which translated to returning back to nature. One of the most iconic fishing villages in Norway is Reine, part of the Lofoten Islands.

7. Wildlife: With wild landscapes and seas comes a variety of wildlife. Norway gives you an opportunity to be adventurous and have a close encounter with humpback whales and Orcas. Some travel far north to spot a polar bear during a boat right up in Svalbard. But for those who would like to venture in the central parts of Norway, keep your eyes peeled for reindeer, wolves. and moose.

8. Food: When it comes to Norwegian cuisine, it is no surprise to many to find their restaurants filled with a wide variety seafood and one of their biggest exports that we find in every supermarket we roam is their salmons but they have a wide variety to enjoy. However, it wasn’t just seafood that these mighty Vikings lived on. So be prepared to try some elk and reindeer meat! One of the greatest finds (perhaps why I have returned often) is the soft and smooth Brunost cheese which can only be found in Norway. This cheese is made with both whey and milk which I must admit, I have had more than one should have in a normal serving!

My Suggested Summer Itinerary:

Day one and two: Dubai to Oslo 

— Enjoy the beautiful capital on your own slow pace. Enjoy the quirky spots and coffee shops that make this city unique before you are set for the long road trip ahead.

Day three and four: Oslo – Eidfjord

— Let the road trip begin! As mentioned before, expect many stops along the way and one particular one is to Vorginfossen, one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway. This waterfall is a must before you make your way to your place at Eidfjord. 

— The next day, strap on your hiking boots and get ready to venture out to Troltunga, one of the locations that is on many bucket lists of the visitors of Norway.

Day four and five: Eidforjd – Bergen

— Although the trip may not take long but there are worthy stops along including Modabal Canyon, a waterfall you can walk through!  However I do recommend leaving some time to explore Bergen.

— Take the next day to explore the surroundings of Bergen such as Voss known to be a great spot for some water adventures and waterfall spotting.

Day six and seven: Bergen to Balestrand

— Leave the city behind to enjoy life back in the fjords of Balestrand, perhaps rent out one of the many fishermen cabins by the fjord take the next two days to switch off and enjoy some of the wild landscapes of Norway.

Day eight and nine: Balestrand to Geiranger

— Today your set for a long drive to Geiranger however the scenic route is filled with so much beautiful spots you are bound to make many pit stops including to the Jostedal Glacier, the biggest glacier in all of Europe.

— Take the day off from driving and get active and enjoy a bit of hiking or kayaking around the fjords. There are many opportunities around Geiranger to be active .

Day 10: Geiranger to Oslo

— While you have the option to travel to the city of Vodal (a two hour drive from Geiranger) and take an hour flight to Oslo  to return home, make another  stop in the small town of Lillehammer (making your trip 5 hours rather than 8) before you head back out to Oslo.

All these destinations are served by Flydubai in direct or almost direct flights (meaning a short taxi/bus ride after your flight to get to the destination).

You can also follow my travels on Instagram (@gmr83).

1. Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan: Looking at the picture below, one would think that this is Canada or Austria, but apparently this is how pretty Kolsai Lake is! The lake is an excellent place for camping and hiking although it is dwarfed by its neighbor, Issyk Lake. More Kazakh camping sites can be found in this guide. Flydubai flies to Almaty Airport, the closest airport to the lakes. Flight time: 4:05 hours

2. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: According to Wikitravel, Ashgabat “has been designed, at the cost of billions of dollars, to show the world about the glories and accomplishments of the Turkmen. The city looks like none other on Earth – a thoroughly artificial collection of white marble buildings across a long, dry valley. At sunrise or sunset, there’s a beauty to this uniform, outsized ambition, as if the set of a science-fiction film suddenly became an actual human settlement.” Sign me up! Flight time: 2:30 hours

3. Odessa, Ukraine: Also called the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and known for its beaches and beautiful 19th-century architecture, including the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater. Flight time: 5:30 hours (but you make it up on the way back due to time difference ☺)

4. Wadi Mujeeb, Jordan: Sure Petra and Wadi Rum are astonishing but why not venture a bit further and see this! Flydubai flies to Amman Airport. Flight time: 3:35 hours

5. Krasnodar, Russia: This is as off the beaten path as it can get! But Krasnodar is one the most important historical and cultural centers of Southern Russian and the Northern Caucasus region, which means lots of museums and beautiful architecture, which complements the beautiful nature. Flight time: 4:20 hours

6. Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti: One of the world’s prime spots for scuba diving and whale shark watching (and swimming – perfectly safe as they have a knack for seafood, not humans). It is also home to the world’s second lowest point – Lake Assal. Check out this CNN article so you can enjoy the whale shark experience responsibly. Flight time: 4:05 hours

7. Matara, Sri Lanka: One of my favorite places in Sri Lanka, which remains off the tourist radar of many people who visit the country! Read my Sri Lanka guide for more things to do in Sri Lanka if you have the time. Flight time: 4:30 hours (Note: Flydubai also flies to Mattala Airport which is closer to Matara than Colombo but flight time will be longer). 

8. Kazbegi, Georgia: My favorite place in Georgia, located up high in the mountains but with a relatively mild weather. Read my Georgia guide on what else you should see if you have more than a few days. Flight time: 3:30 hours

Bonus Destinations

9. Salalah, Oman: A magical place located to the south of Oman. In fact, it is so magical that you would be in disbelief that this place actually exists within such close proximity of the scorching desert dunes of the UAE. Read my guide here on things to do and see in Salalah. Flight time: 2:00 hours

10. Beirut, Lebanon: Doesn’t really need an introduction but for the uninitiated, Beirut was once known as the Paris of the Middle East, and while its Paris days are behind it, the city maintains a lot of charm, nature, nightlife, and FOOD! Flight time: 4:30 hours

11. Maldives: Needs no introduction really. A place like no other, and only a couple of hours from the UAE. Flight time: 4:30 hours

You can follow me on Instagram (@gmr83) for more pictures of my travels.

You can also follow me on Instagram (@gmr83) for more pictures of hotels in Dubai and around the world.

1. Jumeirah Al Naseem: This is one of the latest additions to Dubai’s hotel scene. Located almost right opposite to Burj Al-Arab, this is as close as you will get to the legendary landmark without being in it.

2. Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites: Hands down the best view of the Dubai Marina that you can get from a hotel room.

3. Nassima Royal Hotel: This hotel’s rooms have some of my favorite views of the Sheikh Zayed Road. For more information on the hotel, read my review.

4. Shangri-La: This was the first hotel I ever stayed at in Dubai and little did I know how gorgeous the views are from this place. You will get a full view of Burj Khalifa from the swimming pool as well.

5. Dusit Residence Dubai Marina: This is more of an apartment hotel but its Dubai Marina/JBR views are amazing all the same.

6. Fairmont The Palm:  Offering unobstructed views of the Dubai Marina over water, this gem is located on Palm Jumeirah.

7. W Hotel in Habtoor City: Up until a few weeks ago, the view from the W was a classic one overlooking a chunk of the Sheikh Zayed Road. Then the Dubai Water Canal opened, and now the view is this!

8. Wyndham Dubai Marina: Inconspicuously tucked away in a quiet part of the bustling Dubai Marina, this hotel also has great views of Dubai’s Yacht Club and the rest of the marina. You can read my review of the hotel here.

What is your favorite hotel view in Dubai?

After cancelling my initial plan of visiting Rome, Florence, and Bologna over the course of a few days, I decided to use Rome as a base to visit Florence and the Amalfi Coast on day trips, which proved to be a better choice than cramming three beautiful cities in one week which wouldn’t have done them justice.

For this post, I wanted to write a list of reasons why you should go to Rome but let us face it, you don’t NEED a reason to go to Rome because, well, it’s ROME! So instead, I will be listing reasons to visit Rome (and Italy) in the winter.

You can see more pictures of my Italy trip on my Instagram account @gmr83.

1. Less tourists: There will always be tourists in Rome but instead of wrestling to take a picture at the Trevi Fountain or a selfie at the Colosseum, you will have a lot more space to move in the winter. If you want an extra layer of exclusivity, book Walks of Italy’s Pristine Sistine tour, which takes you inside what is basically an empty Vatican so you could admire the majestic chapel in solitude, almost. An added bonus is being able to take pictures like this of the famous Vatican spiral staircase with no one on it!

2. The weather: This is honestly more about luck. When I was there, it rained just once and while it was cold on some days, we always had blue, clear skies. If you have been to Italy in the summer, you know it can get stifling hot, and not all hotels and places have air conditioners. So if you abhor hot weather as much as I do, plan your Italy trip for the winter, which is usually relatively mild in Rome. On the upside, rain makes for great puddlegrams

3. Better prices: Prices for hotel nights in Italy go up as the temperatures rise which makes it almost impossible to get a decent room in a good location for an ok price. In the winter, many hotels slash their prices and you would be more likely to get a better deal like the one I got on my hotel below, which directly overlooks the Trevi Fountain.

4. Winter comfort food: Every culture has its comfort food that it turns to when the weather gets cold, and Rome is no exception. Two Roman winter specialties are the pasta e ceci (pasta and chickpeas) and minestra (vegetable and pasta soup). Or how about some carciofi alla giudia (deep fried artichokes)?!

5. Shopping: Avid shoppers would be happy to know that many shops are on sale in the winter time and you are bound to get some great deals on known clothing brands around the city.

6. Explore: With less tourists and less crowded trains, winter is a great time to explore the rest of Italy. I took a great tour to the Amalfi Coast and Positano with Walks of Italy, and not only was the coast virtually void of tourists, we also got to try and buy some of the best lemons and citrus products that I have ever seen in my life! Another day trip idea is gorgeous Florence which is an hour and a half away from Rome, and if you plan properly, you can cover the main sites in a day.

The French Riviera is a beautiful place and depending on which months you go, could even feel like an unspoiled land with amazing beaches, great food, and lush nature. While using Nice as a base, I managed to not only explore many of the quaint little villages along the coastline, but also ventured across to Italy to explore some of the Italian Riviera as well. Without further ado, here are some reasons why I think travelers to France should visit Southern France as well.

As usual, you can see more of my pictures in Southern France and around the world on my Instagram @gmr83.

1. Colorful Architecture: If you are flying into Nice, you will start seeing the colors as the plane begins its descent. Whether it is the brick roofs, colored walls, and the vibrant flower market known as Marché aux Fleurs, Nice and the south of France in general are pretty colorful!

2. Mediterranean Life: Life in Nice and Southern France is influenced by the sea, which means the pace of life here is very different from the rest of France and the rest of Europe for that matter. People here seem to enjoy life more, thus taking things slowly and being a bit more festive than their northern compatriots.

3. Menton: As I mentioned above, I did some exploring around the area as I was based in Nice and one of my favorite stops is the colorful Menton, which was simply a joy to get lost into for a couple of hours. Make sure you buy some lemon products here whether it is soap, limoncello, or even chocolate — yes, lemon chocolate!

4. The Beaches: Southern France is synonymous with azure waters, after all, it is called the Cote D’Azur! The beaches are indeed beautiful here and even more blue in person than you see in the most saturated picture online. Here are 10 of the best beaches to try when you visit.

5. Monaco: For many of us, Monaco is the land we can see but not touch! However, there is more to Monaco than the Forumla One Grand Prix, the casino, and the really expensive apartments! Monaco has a rich history and a beautiful royal palace which overlooks the rest of the principality, so why not venture out here for at least a day trip even if you cannot afford to stay for the night.

6. The Food: the food in Southern France is a culinary experience like no other granted that you stay away of the tourist traps and places with English menus only. The Southern French cuisine is influenced by French, Mediterranean, Italian and even African cuisines making it a sight for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds. Here is a great list of places to try in Nice.

7. Proximity to Italy: If you are feeling extra adventurous, why not take a quick short trip to southern Italy where not only you can compare and contrast between the two Rivieras but also do some shopping on the side as the markets in Italy are cheaper than their French counterparts.

You can also follow my travels on Instagram at @gmr83.

1. Travelon Anti Theft Backpack: Travelon is a well known travel accessories brand and their anti-theft travel backpack is a simple but very effective option at a very reasonable price. This updated version includes RFID-blocking card and passport slots in the front business organizer pocket. This backpack has all of the other necessary security features too, like slash-proof chain-link construction hidden in the nylon shell, and locking closures for the main and front compartments. It is very versatile, as it can be used as a touring daypack or as a small carry on while flying. Get it here.

2. Scratch Maps: This a fun way of keeping track of your travels by, well, scratching them off the map. The scratched areas reveal information about the country or area you traveled to, and is fun to show to friends at a get together. Get it here.

3. Ollo Clip 4-in-1 Lens: This little gadget turns your iPhone’s built-in-camera into a Fisheye, Wide-Angle, or Macro lens (10x and 15x). Weighing in at less than 1 ounce, there’s no reason to ever leave home without it. Get it here.

4. Mophie power packs: This is probably for everyone not just for travelers who would appreciate more than others nevertheless. Since a power outlet can be a rare find while on the road, carrying an extra power pack for your phone or other device can be a lifesaver. There are also solar-powered chargers that don’t even require an outlet. Get it here.

5. GoDome: Ever wondered how these National Geographic-type photographers get these split shots of people under water and a boat above the water?  Wonder no more! Get it here.

6. Smart suitcase: There are suitcases, and then there are smart suitcases. This single piece of luggage is so smart, it all but packs itself. For instance, the Raden case eliminates the more annoying elements of travel — overweight luggage, dead cell phones, sad faces when baggage doesn’t turn up on the carousel. It comes in three sizes, carry-on, medium and large, with a built-in rechargeable battery that once fully juiced can charge one phone up to four times, or two phones two times since there are two USB ports. The case pairs with Raden’s mobile app and can determine weight ahead of check-in because the suitcase handle works like a scale. Get it here.

7. Lifestraw: I honestly knew about this just today! It is quite possibly the most portable water filter ever made, Lifestraw is not just compact and lightweight, it’s incredibly potent, removing 99.99999% of waterborne bacteria, taking out 99.8% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and reducing water turbidity by approximately 0.2 microns, meeting or exceeding all EPA standards for efficacy. It’s easy to use, too — just stick the contraption into a not-quite-sure-whether-clean water source (be it a lake, a puddle or a magical oasis in the desert) and start sipping through the straw, running water through the integrated tube straight to your mouth. Get it here.

8. GorillaPod: Probably one of the most useful gadgets that I have. Instead of carrying around a heavy tripod for your already heavy camera, why not get a small, super flexible tripod that you can basically fit in any backpack? Get it here.

9. Self-cleaning toothbrush: Mom, if you are planning to get me something for my birthday, please make it this one! The Violife travel-size toothbrush and sanitizer is contained in a case away from the germs in the carry-on, toiletries bag, or the hotel sink. It will also sanitize the brush to kill 99.9 per cent of germs including H1N1, E. coli, Staph, and Salmonella in six minutes by using a germicidal UV light technology. Get it here.

10. EyeFi SD Card: Although many cameras now have a built in WiFi feature to export pictures from your camera to your phone, many others don’t. Enter the EyeFi SD card, a memory card that allows just that. Get it here.

11. Wireless Range Extender: This baby is a life saver! Say you are traveling and your hotel has free WiFi, which is great, but for some reason your room gets one bar of signal unless you hang your laptop out the window and hold your tongue in just the right position! This incredibly small gadget plugs into your laptop and your WiFi woes are resolves. Get it here.

You can follow Darah’s travels on Instagram at @darahgram.

From the moment I arrived in Cartagena to the minute I left Medellin, my experience in Colombia was truly #MagicalRealism. Colombia can be anything — from a relaxing beach-side vacation to a haven for the foodies of the world. As one of my tour guides interestingly said while walking the colorful streets of Cartagena, “the only risk of visiting Colombia is that you’ll never want to leave”. And it’s true — I didn’t want to leave!

Unfortunately, due to the rise of Netflix and bad media reputation, Colombia is in a strange position on the traveler’s bucket list. Thrill seekers want to indulge in the Narcos-themed everything, while others think it’s a danger zone to be avoided. My recent trip to Colombia has proven that it’s an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer. It’s more than just a history of narco-culture (more on that later) and it is definitely safe for travelers.

In a nutshell, my experience was all-round fantastic so here are the 10 reasons why you should visit Colombia right now:

1. Play in Mud-Filled Volcanoes: Who would have known that Colombia has inactive volcanos full of mud for you to roll around in? Head to El Totumo, a volcano located in the northern coast of Colombia, where you can take a dip while locals scrub you. Its natural minerals and healing remedies, as well as the fantastic view of the landscape, make it a must-visit experience. Once you’re out of the mud locals wash you off with holy water in the nearby lake. El Totumo is also a source of economic prosperity for the local community who live off of the income from visitors. For those of you who looking for something really special, the El Totumo volcano is a truly unique experience.

2. Make Authentic Colombian Coffee: Historically, many of Medellin’s rural farms were dedicated to the manufacturing of narcos and illegal crops. Today, many of them have been converted to coffee farms that make some of the world’s most renowned coffee beans. These farms are the only source of income for some Colombian families, and you can go on a coffee-pricking tour to make your own cup of Joe from scratch! It’s such a beautiful experience, from picking the crop to roasting the beans. Delicious.

3. Frolic in Flower Fields: Did you know that Colombia is the one of largest exporters of flowers in the world? Colombian flower fields carry some of the most exotic flora in the continent and you can visit a local flower farm around Medellin to get a flower arranging lesson. These farms compete yearly in Medellin’s Feria de Las Flores (Festival of Flowers) and carry up to 100 kg of flowers on their backs in a traditional backpack called a “segunta”. I’ve never seen so many exotic colors in one place!

4. Capture Colorful Architecture: Colombia’s colorful architecture has to be one of its most enticing reasons to visit. Cartagena’s Centro Historico (Historic Centre) is a UNESCO world heritage site that has preserved much of its colorful colonial architecture. It’s been said that during the government’s push to revive Cartagena in the late 90s, a competition was put in place for the most beautifully decorated balcony — and until today Cartagena has some of the most colorful balconies in the world. Perfect for those of you who want that insane Instagram shot!

5. See the Street Art: Colombia’s difficult history has resulted in a cultural revolution that has made its major cities hubs for art and culture. Art fanatics will love visiting Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena as their walls are constantly painted and repainted with political and social messages. In the Gestemani neighborhood of Cartagena in particular, which is historically known for harboring artists and “outcasts”, has some of the most colorful and creative walls I’ve ever seen. In Medellin, you can go on a graffiti tour with a local artist in San Javier and paint on the walls too!

6. Visit the Lake Houses of Guatape: For those of you who are thrill seekers, you’ll definitely love the ride up to the lake houses of Guatape. Guatape is a town on the outskirts of Medellin that is known for its La Piedra (The Stone). La Piedra is a rock formation that is over 200 meters high and is visible from the surrounding rural area. Book yourself a stay at one of the local lake houses, and hitch a ride on top of a 4×4 to get there. The town of Guatape is also known for its colorful architecture which is worth a visit too!

7. Relax in the Caribbean Waters: Colombia is a country that encompasses four gems of the South American continent— the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Amazon, and the Andes. If you’re in the Caribbean department of Bolivar, you’ll be able to quickly transport yourself to a Caribbean holiday by visiting Islas Del Rosario. The Islas are only an hour boat ride away from Bolivar’s capital Cartagena where you can sip cocktails or paddle boat around the crystal clear blue water. It’s the perfect climate you’d imagine it to be.

8. Eat Your Way Into a Gluten-Free Food Coma: Colombia is a haven for gluten-free foodies. This is due to the fact that Colombia is an entirely self-sustaining nation that relies on natural local crops such as coconut and corn for their flour intake (i.e. wheat is virtually non-existent!). In cities like Cartagena, you will find food carts on every street corner selling Colombian goodies such as patacones, cheeses, fruits, fish, sausages and the like. Bigger cities like Medellin are food hubs, with innovative restaurants and trendy food concepts popping up in cultural neighborhoods such as El Poblado. Visit La Chagra restaurant in Medellin for an indigenous culinary adventure.

9. Dance Till You Drop: Colombians have a fun-loving approach to life. You’ll often find young people dancing in bars or on the streets to Champeta music, a genre of folk/hip-hop music with a heavy Afro-Caribbean flavor, well into the night. Another interesting part of Colombian culture is the Chiva bus, a vehicle previously used for transporting goods but now is a party bus that serves alcoholic drinks and provides live music while driving through the cities. You can hop on at 8 pm and get off as late as 2 am!

10. Make an Impact: What made my experience in Colombia all the more special was element of “Responsible Tourism”. Essentially, Responsible Tourism is an alternative travel experience that encourages travelers to make a positive social impact through tourism. I particularly enjoyed volunteering in La Boquilla for an afternoon of jewellery making and women empowerment. Colombia has an abundance of companies that provide alternative travel options and can offer numerous experiences with a social impact. My Responsible Tourism tour was made possible through El Camino Travel and 5 Bogota.

Last but not least, and for those of you interested in the TV show Narcos, there are plenty of tours available for you to take around Medellin, Pablo Escobar’s hometown and place of death. These tours range in price and length and are easy to book once inside the city. However, kindly note that Colombians can be easily offended by the mention of narco-culture, and interest in Escobar’s legacy can be a taboo among some circles.

Have you been to Colombia? What was your favorite experience?