Well hello to you my reader chums! Long-haul flights are very much controversial, you either love them or hate them. And whether you have lots of experience or this is your first every long-haul flight, it's important to be prepared. Here are a few of my favourite tips on how to prepare for a long-haul flight.

Wear comfortable clothes

If you're going to be sitting in the same position for hours on end then you need to wear something you feel fully comfortable in, whether that's a tracksuit, loose trousers or even your pyjamas - it's your call. It's not about looking stylish, it's about feeling comfortable in what you're wearing.

Stay hydrated

When you're up in the air for a long period of time, naturally you will feel dehydrated physically and your skin also. This is why it's incredibly important to stay hydrated, and that means making use of all the complimentary drinks and bringing a water bottle on board. The same goes with your skin; throughout the flight, you can do a hydrating facemask and, moisturise once or twice so your face won't feel as dry when you land.

Bring an eye mask - and get some rest

Long-haul flights are undoubtedly, long. And with that, you should use a chunk of that time to get some shut-eye. Whether it's a 6 hour or a 14-hour flight, sleep is incredibly important that you don't feel as lethargic when you land, especially if it's an overnight flight. If you struggle with sleeping when flying, then bring an eye mask with you. It'll shut out any light (if it's a day flight), and help limit visual distraction.

Keep occupied 

Despite the wide variety of entertainment on long-haul flights including movies, television, and music, it's important to try and keep occupied and not look at the time - otherwise, you'll really be counting down the minutes. Keep yourself occupied in more ways than one from using the inflight entertainment, reading to proactively doing things and moving around.

Pack your hand luggage correctly

When you're packing your hand luggage bag, you want to do it in the easiest way to make things accessible. During the course of the flight, you're not going to want to have your handbag where your foot area is, as you'll want as much legroom as possible. This means, to easily access what you think you need, put all your essentials in a makeup bag, and then you can easily pull it out without rifling through your things.

Walk around every now and then

Long-haul flights are very tiring for the body, even though you're sitting around the entire time. Because of this, you'll want to walk around every now and then to keep your blood pumping around the body and your energy levels up.

Bring your own headphones

To feel a bit more at home on the flight, bring your own headphones for the in-flight entertainment. This will mean you won't have to use the ones given to you.

Layer up 

When you're tired or as it goes long into the flight, you'll start to get a bit chilly or want to feel cosier. Usually, the airline will provide blankets and pillows for your comfort but to be extra comfortable and warm, pack yourself a cosy jumper.

Try and relax

You're up in the air for a long period of time so the best thing to really do is try and relax. This can be by channeling into the movies, listening to a calming app, doing a facemask or blocking everyone out with earplugs and going to sleep.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you been on a long-haul flight before?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Cambodia was one of those countries I wanted to see and never really thought I'd have the opportunity, but it happened and I still can't believe I've ticked it off my list. Cambodia is a beautiful country and somewhere I wish I spent a lot longer than 7 days. It's packed with a lot of history, some of the world's most incredible temples, friendly locals and delicious cuisine.

If you're planning to visit Cambodia for a week and unsure where to begin, here is what I got up to for 7 days in Cambodia.

2-3 days in Phnom Penh

It's always worth visiting a capital city, as even if they are louder and busier, they're the heart of each country, and Phnom Penh was no different. I was rather surprised when I first landed in Phnom Penh, my first impressions weren't what I expected. It was crazily busy, a bit dirty, and a lot more touristy than expected. Aside from the initial shock, as I explored more, I liked the hustle and bustle of the city.

Phnom Penh is packed with plenty of must-see sights, museums, temples and cool bars. It had a lot more of a party vibe then I expected in the night time, but during the day, despite the busy city atmosphere, there was a cool and addictive vibe to the place. Here are all the things you should get up to in Phnom Penh.

National Museum of Cambodia - If you love history and learning everything about new places, then the first stop should be the National Museum of Cambodia. This museum is a hub for all Cambodia's artifacts and really gives you an insight into the country. I found it really interesting to walk around - and the outside had a beautiful courtyard. After wandering around, you can sit in the gardens and take a moment at peace. The museum cost around $8 each to get in.

The Royal Palace - The Royal Palace was my favourite part of the city, as I can't get over its beauty or the surrounding temples in the complex. The Royal Palace complex had the main building which is the Royal Palace, several temples including the Silver Pagoda and a couple of statues with manicured lawns. If you're going straight from the National Museum, it's a really short walk so it's best to do them on the same day.

Wat Ounalom - Another incredible temple located near the Royal Palace is the Wat Ounalom. It's lovely to walk around and has a huge gold Buddha at the front. This temple is also near the river so after visiting, you could have a lovely stroll along the river and visit the riverside restaurants - which are some lovely places to eat.

Wat Phnom - Wat Phnom is located in the heart of a park where the public and locals alike spend the cooler part of the days strolling around. The temple is sectioned off in the park as you need to pay a small entrance fee before you get in.

Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes - Something I didn't know about Cambodia its history, especially the tragic period of the Khmer Rouge takeover, and what they did to their own people. The Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crime will open your eyes to the pure horror which happened in Cambodia during the 1970s/80s. The $10 entry fee includes an audio guide that explains everything about the history as you walk around the prison, memorial, and museum. It's honestly a heartbreaking and eye-opening experience.

Killing Fields of Choeng Ek - After you've been to the Tuol Sleng Museum, you have to also make a visit to the Killing Fields. They're located several miles away and you will need to take a tuk-tuk there or book a tour, however, the distance is worth it. As you walk around the fields with your tour guide, you'll be shocked by the unbelievable horrors that occurred.

Night food market - Asia is renowned for its night markets and pretty much every city will have one. Phnom Penh was no different and had a very intimate market. The food stalls were pretty much all the same and offer some of Cambodia's most authentic food.

Where to stay

In Phnom Penh, it's great to be in the main part of the city as that way you're pretty much in walking distance from all the sights and don't have to spend too much on transport. I stayed at Rachana Hostel, which was a lovely place in the centre of town, close by to lots of the attractions I've listed and had easy access to restaurants, bars, and the airport.

3-4 days in Siem Reap

I only had the opportunity to see two areas of Cambodia and Siem Reap was my favourite out of the two.  It had a much calmer appeal, the city centre was much prettier, the temples were out of this world and I just loved exploring it even more so every day. Siem Reap is easily accessible from Phom Penh, you can either get a bus which will take around 5 hours or fly there, which is a lot quicker. Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat and has many other things you need to see, and will love.

Angkor Archeological Park - The main draw to Siem Reap for most people is the Angkor Archeological Park, and I can see why as it was my highlight of Cambodia. The park is absolutely huge with the main temple, the Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat alone is an incredible experience and you can walk around it for an hour or two. For the park, I would say you should take two days trying to see it all, one day doing the first route with half of the temples, and the second day seeing the others. I'd also highly recommend waking up and seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat as it's an experience like no other. You'll be blown away by the temple's history and beauty. Tickets for a 1-day pass is $37, 3-day pass is $62 and a 7-day pass is $72. For more information, check out my full detailed guide to the Angkor Archeological Park.

Browse around the night market - The night market in Siem Reap was one of my favourites in all of South East Asia. It had a unique appeal compared to other markets I've been to with vendors selling unusual handmade items, beauty products and array of different food stalls. It's worth a visit and can make for a lovely browse even if you don't buy anything.

Check out pub street - Pub Street is the equivalent to a pub crawl in Europe and the place to be for a drink or two. It doesn't necessarily have to be a place to get drunk as it's also full of restaurants, street vendors and close by to a hub of other restaurants, shops and massage places. At night, it literally lights up with pretty lanterns and makes for an exciting place to be.

'The Lanes' of Siem Reap - You've heard of the Brighton Lanes, well I've nicknamed a cute little area I came across as 'The Lanes' of Siem Reap. Right near Pub Street, is an area called 'The Alley' and it really reminded me of the Brighton Lanes. They're full of quaint family run restaurants, cute boutique style shops and Instagram worthy places to eat. It leads off through a few roads where you'll just think 'this place is lovely'. It makes for a nice stroll and if you fancy it, a bite to eat.

Royal Gardens - To escape the main hub of Siem Reap, walk over to the Royal Gardens. It's a pretty stretch of green that you can soak up the sunshine and experience a bit of serenity. The Gardens are about a half hour walk from the main part of town, and nearby is mall where you can stop off for a bite to eat.

Where to stay

I stayed at a bit more of a luxurious place in Siem Reap, the Ring Boutique Hotel. It was stunning, and our rooms really did symbolise a ring - as the bed was in a ring shape. All the rooms were lined up next to each other along the pool area, and ours was literally a step from the pool. Our hotel was in a key location, as we were only a 10-minute walk into the main town. 

Where to eat

Chamkur - In 'The Lane' section my boyfriend and I came across the cutest vegetarian restaurant called Chamkur. We both weren't that hungry but shared the Cambodian curry of secrets and it was honestly delicious -and one of the best curries I've tried in Asia.

Aura Greek Kitchen - Even though I was in Asia, I couldn't resist the appeal of Greek food, as it's one of my favourites. The Aura Greek Restaurant didn't let me down and it tasted of traditional Greek food, and I loved it.

Temple Restaurant - The Temple chain was a thing in Siem Reap as there were a restaurant, bar, and supermarket with the same branding. I'd recommend this place if you'd like a big breakfast, brunch or classic English meal.

I hope you enjoyed this guide. Have you visited Cambodia before?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Backpacking around Asia for 2 months was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had, and I'd love to relive it again. In preparation for my trip, I never had been backpacking before or travelled for that extend of time so I didn't really know what to expect. If you're going to backpack Asia, here are 5 things that you should know before you go on your trip.

You don't need to pack lots of clothes

When it came to packing for Asia, I wanted to bring lots and lots of clothes as they were supposed to last me for 2 months. However, I soon found, I really didn't need to bring too many clothes with me because as much as I wanted to look cute on my Instagram feed, more clothes meant more weight to carry and I could just rewash everything I brought. Also, going to Asia, you're no short of a clothes market where you can buy the cutest of clothes for only a couple of pounds. That means if you bring a couple of versatile clothing pieces, you can then buy a few items along the way too - and a lot of the stuff you buy will be lightweight.

Asia isn't so different

Asia has a complete cultural difference and has unique sights compared to the UK, but what I mean by it isn't so different is the fact that it's not like Mars. You'll still be able to have fresh water, good food, wifi and see plenty of normal chains like Mcdonalds. Before I went, I thought countries like Cambodia would be quite off the grid, however, a lot of the places are westernised and do speak quite good English. When you go off the beaten path, that's when fewer people will speak English and you won't see many 'western' things.

Always remember, safety first 

In any new country, you go to, you're bound to have your guard up a little and feel unsafe. However, as I travelled through Asia, I felt incredibly safe and at home the entire time. I don't know if it was because of the calm nature of the locals or the lack of dangerous things I witnessed that made me feel that way, but I did. Even at night time, as I walked the streets with my boyfriend, I never felt alarmed or frightened like I have back in the UK.

Although I did feel safe, it was important to still look after my things and always ensure I had my valuables close to me and made use of safes in hotels to lock away my money/passport. It's also important to be wary of scams as you're travelling and people conning you out of your money. Healthwise you want to keep safe by wearing mosquito repellent, taking digestion tablets and wearing lots of suncream.

Street food isn't scary

When I initially arrived in Thailand and saw my first street food market, I was very worried about buying any and eating it. However, street food is some of the best food I've tried across Asia, it's incredibly authentic and made with fresh ingredients. If you're worried about having a bad belly or getting food poisoning, on the lead up to your trip, take probiotics and digestion support pills as it'll help your gut get used to the bacteria.

Everything is super cheap

If you've read any travel blog or heard about someone's experience in Asia then you'd know literally everything is super cheap. You can buy dinner for the equivalent of a pound, alcohol is ridiculously dirt cheap and you can get a top-notch hotel for nothing compared to what you pay in Europe. The main cost of Asia is literally getting there. Once you've arrived, public transport is so affordable as are activities, food and having fun. Even though things are cheap, I would recommend setting a budget for each day just so you can work within your means and have leftover cash for emergencies - as trust me you may run into a few of them.

I hope you enjoyed this tip style post. When are you planning to go backpacking?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! If you're a regular reader then you'll know in February, I went on my first backpacking adventure to South East Asia with my boyfriend. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I loved every single minute - and really wish I could go back.

If you're in the situation where you're considering backpacking or you're about to start gathering all your belongings, you've come to the right place. When I was planning what to bring, I read loads of packing guides and tips as I had no clue on what beauty essentials to bring. Here are a couple of things that will come in handy on your trip.

Shampoo and conditioning bars

When it comes to a backpack, the most important thing you'll want to keep in mind is weight. As unlike a suitcase, you'll be carrying it on your back so any weight you can limit is a blessing (trust me). One way to do this is to buy converting to shampoo and conditioner bars, rather than pack usual shampoo bottles. Shampoo and conditioner bars are super lightweight, last a lot longer than normal shampoo bottles and are eco-friendly. A usual shampoo bar can last for up to 60 washes which means if you're travelling for two months, you'll only need to bring one.

Tweezers 

Whilst you're travelling, something that you'll want at hand, or in your makeup bag is tweezers. These are perfect to fix your eyebrows on the road, any loose hairs, and can also come in handy in the weirdest situations.

Makeup cloths

If you're bringing makeup along on your trip then you're going to want to take it off every evening. You can easily bring cotton pads and a makeup remover along, however, to save space and be a little more eco-friendly, a makeup cloth will come in handy. Cloths like the Magnitone wipeout cloth are the perfect solution. They wipe makeup off with just water and after a few uses, you can pop it in the washing machine and use it again.

Suncream/facial suncream

If you're planning to go somewhere hot, suncream is a vital thing. If it's Asia for instance that you're going to then suncream is super expensive whilst you're travelling - and you should buy a few bottles before you fly out. However, with other areas of the world, you can buy it as and when on your trip. For hotter countries, it's really important to also invest in face suncream as you want to protect that skin as well as the skin on the rest of your body.

A good moisturiser

When you're travelling, staying in new hotels and going on lots of public transport, it can really have an effect on your skin. This is why it's important to ensure you moisturise and pack a good moisturiser with you.

Tangle Teezer 

Tangle Teezers are one of those items that everyone needs in their life. No hairbrush has ever matched to a Tangle Teezer, which brushes my hair with ease. The good thing about Tangle Teezers is that you can buy mini versions of them and take them wherever you go.

Multi-use makeup products 

You'll want to minimise how much makeup you bring when packing your backpack. The best way to do this is to pack multi-use products. For instance, a palette that has both a bronzer and highlight or use bronzer as an eye shadow.

Minis or travel bottles

When you're travelling, the best way to transport all your beloved toiletries is by decanting them into travel bottles or buying minis. That way you won't bulk up your toiletry bags with big bottles. And, once they run out, you can easily buy more along the way.

A makeup bag organiser

When you're travelling with a backpack, organisation is key - I cannot stress that enough. Packing cubes became a lifesaver for my clothes and the same goes with beauty bits. I organised it by separating my wash stuff in one bag (like shampoo, razors, makeup remover, etc) and then in the other bag, my makeup and brushes.

I hope you enjoyed this packing guide. Where are you going backpacking?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cambodia, and for many reasons, as they're beautiful - and a once in a lifetime thing to see. Till this day, I'm still in awe of the Angkor Wat and how massive the entire Angkor Archaeological park actually was. Every temple had so much history to it and I feel privileged to have seen the ancient monuments.

When my boyfriend and I made out trip to the park, I was taken aback of how much I didn't know about it, how to get there, how massive it was and how pricey. If you're heading to Cambodia and going to visit these temples, here are some things you should know.

The Angkor Archaeological Park is huge

The main Angkor Wat is the prime temple everyone will go to visit as it's the first on the temple route, the largest and most renowned. However, if you want to see beyond the Angkor Wat and the plenty of other temples, be wary of how big it actually is. The temples are actually located miles apart - which I didn't realise on my trip. I assumed, they were all in walking distance and literally next to each other.

The best way to see everything is to do it across a few days, I'd recommend two as after that you'll be templed' out. As it's so big, you'll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver who will be able to take you to the ticket office (it's located out of the temples), and along the different routes. Usually, most tuk-tuk drivers will have a little insight into the temples as well and tell you where you're going and why each temple is important. You'll be amazed at how different each temple is, and how much beauty they hold. Angkor Wat is the biggest and most impressive but the others have a unique look and interest to them. My favourites were the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Ta Som, and Pre Rup. I think whilst you're there, you should make the most of seeing them all.

Visit in the morning time

Cambodia can get incredibly hot, especially around lunchtime and in the afternoon, that it's best to see the temples when they first open in the morning. The majority of temples open between 6-7am, and the Angkor Wat is open from 4.30/5am as a lot of people go and watch the sunrise there. Going in the morning really is heavenly as you'll miss out on the unbearable heat, and sometimes on the crowds too, depending on what route you do.

Watch the Angkor Wat at sunrise

Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat was one of the most beautiful moments in Cambodia and makes the 4am rise completely worthwhile. I would highly recommend it to any visitor going. However, do be aware that every tourist will have the same idea as you and the temple will be packed really early in the morning. It's probably the one time I've seen so many people up and awake at 5am. That's the only downside to it, but once you see the sunrise, you'll forget about the bustling crowds.

It's an expensive excursion

I was pretty shocked about how much the whole experience cost us in total. For a three day pass, we paid $62 each. They offer packages for one day ($37), the three days and the seven days ($72) which must be used on consecutive days. Two days was the perfect amount of time to see the temples so I don't understand why there isn't a two-day option, as it would be incredibly popular. It's not just the tickets that are costly, you have to pay to get around the temples as they're so widespread. Both days we went it cost $15 each to hire a tuk-tuk. With that in mind, if you do want to experience it, set that money aside out of your budget or just go for the one day option. You can try and ram it all in one day but it will be tiring in the heat.

Cover up

Like with any temple, out of respect, you need to cover up. Not every single temple will tell you to cover your shoulders or knees but it's important to be aware and carry a cardigan with you. I wore a jumpsuit there which covered my knees and brought a cardigan so I could put it on when entering temples - and take it off when it wasn't necessary.

Drink lots of water

Visiting the temples can be a really long day out, as the heat, walking, and climbing can tire you out a lot. It's important in that situation to keep hydrated and fed as you trek around the different temples. Some temples will have shops nearby with food and drink you can buy. And if you're lucky like we were, your tuk-tuk driver may carry a tub of water bottles for you to drink at every stop.

Keep hold of that ticket

When you get issued a ticket for the temples, it will have your face on which you need to have with you at all times when entering new temples. Don't lose it otherwise you'll be paying a large sum to get a new one.

Hire a tuk-tuk driver instead of a tour operator

Unless you want to extend your spending, even more, going with a tuk-tuk driver is a far less cheap option than hiring a tour operator, and it's more authentic. Usually, tuk-tuk drivers will have a good knowledge of the temples anyway and it can just be you and whoever you're travelling with rather than a huge group of people. This means you can work on your time and with your agenda. It's also worth noting that a lot of tuk-tuk drivers will be keen to drive you around for multiple days so there will be no need to find someone new.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you visited Cambodia before?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Laos is Thailand's quiet and less touristy neighbouring country that has so much to offer beyond the tourist sights. It has beautiful temples, friendly locals, cool markets, and generally, a whole relaxed vibe to explore. 

Vientiane is Laos' national capital and sits at the south of the country. Despite it being the capital, it isn't as popular as you may think nor is there a lot to do whilst you're there. The city is quite big but it's probably one of the quietest I've visited, and it's one of those places you don't need to spend a lot of time - but I still wouldn't take it completely off the agenda. Vientiane is a lovely city with friendly folk and a few great sights you should see. If you're there for a day or two, here's how to spend 24 hours in the city.

Visit the Wat Si Saket 

As the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, visiting the Wat Si Saket is a must on your stay. It's not the biggest temple in the world, however, it's incredibly interesting. You'll see a crazy amount of Buddhas as you walk around and it'll really give you an insight into the history of the Buddha religion. The detailing on the temple is gorgeous, as well as the colouring. And the massive doors always make a good Instagram shot so you can't go wrong really. The fee to get in is 10,000 kip which works out around £1 - which means you're seeing a beautiful and historic site for basically nothing.

Head over to the Patuxai and its gardens

As you travel through Laos, you'll notice a lot of French-inspired things from the food to monuments like the Patuxai. The inspired lifestyle is due to the French colonial period in the late 19th century - so don't be surprised if you find baguettes and croissants in every single bakery. This monument is incredibly similar to the Arc de Triomphe, if not, exactly the same. It even has the same circular road surrounding it and walk-through a path which is incredibly interesting.

The monument is around a 15-20 minute walk from the temple, and if the day is cooler, then it's easy to get to in no time. There is no entry fee unless you want to climb to the top to see the overall view of the city, which is very inexpensive. The monument is attached to a small amount of greenery/mini-gardens which is ideal to cool down and relax after a long walk.

Make the journey to Pha That Luang

The Pha That Luang is probably the main icon for Laos' capital and a gold vision of heaven. It's essentially a glorious gold temple with a few other mini temples and a large sleeping gold Buddha within the grounds. It's one of those places where you'll be in awe of the architecture and the sheer beauty really. As it's a temple grounds, it's also incredibly peaceful and quiet - and there weren't many tourists at all during our visit.

The temple is the other side of the city compared to the Patuxai and would take around 30 minutes to walk it from there. Or alternatively, you can get a tuk-tuk/taxi. Entry is around 5,000 kip which is literally pennies, and the experience is so worthwhile.

Dine at Namphou Park 

If you're looking for a small hub of restaurants and bars for the evening then Namphou Park is a good shout. The centre features a pretty fountain and surrounding that are a selection of places to eat and drink - with the roads around it offering the same.

Go shopping

In Laos, the weather can get extremely hot that escaping to an air-conditioned shopping centre is honestly a dream! There are two main ones near the attractions, the Vientiane Center and Talat Sao Shopping Mall.

Browse the city 

Like any city, by taking a walk around you'll discover some hidden gems, cool restaurants and quaint little roads which sway away from the main centre. Having a browse will also give you a little insight into the flow of Laos city life - and probably fall in love with the vibe. You won't be able to get over how calm everything is.

Where to stay

The main sights in the city are easily accessible by foot, but if you do want to see them all, then try and stay in a central location which is easy to navigate. My boyfriend and I stayed in the S Park Design Hotel which was honestly incredible and I would highly recommend it. The staff was super lovely, and let us use the amenities after we'd checked out as we were waiting for our bus - and the hotel has the loveliest pool ( with a waiter dining service). Plus, the decor is really modern and has a strong car theme - and they have an epic bar/nightclub downstairs. 

You really can't go wrong! If you want a bit of luxury for a one-night stay, it's perfect. Can you tell I really loved this hotel?

I hope you enjoyed this 24-hour guide! Have you visited Laos before?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Dubai, the city of skyscrapers, desert and beaches, is a place everyone should visit once in their lifetime. It's perfect for romance, a gals trip and suits families too. Dubai is a place where I've made some of the best memories and would happily return to again and again for a holiday. If it's your first time visiting, I've got a couple of tips to share with you.

Dubai is a huge city

I didn't realise how big Dubai would be until I arrived! You can't really walk anywhere unless you're in a certain area if that makes sense. For instance, if you're in the area of Jumeirah Beach, the attractions around there are reachable, but you couldn't walk to the Burj Khalifa or mall from there. The best way to get around is by metro or taxi. The metro is very simple to figure out, and attractions are usually in walking distance from the stops - and it's super cheap. Taxis are also relatively affordable, and because of how Dubai roads are designed (so many motorways), it'll generally take around 20 minutes to get everywhere.

Be wary where you stand on the tube

Something that did shock me in Dubai was that some underground tubes had a 'woman and child' carriage where of course only women and children can stand. If you're a man, be aware and make sure you're standing in the right place. Also, they have a gold ticket holder carriage, I suppose kind of like a first class area on an English train. Avoid standing in this carriage unless you have a gold ticket or you can be fined.

Book attractions in advance

Like every city destination, for bigger attractions, book your tickets in advance. The Burj Khalifa is always busy and there are constant queues that if you arrive without a ticket, you'll be lining up for a while. The same goes for the Burj Al Arab brunch. Friday brunch is a traditional thing in Dubai, and if you want to dine it in 7-star style, book it in advance to get a good spot.

Be mindful of values

As a Muslim country, there are certain rules that apply in Dubai that aren't the same as back in the UK. For example, not every hotel or restaurant will serve alcohol. You're likely to come across a few 'dry' hotels, however, don't be alarmed, a lot of places will still serve up yummy cocktails and have an alcohol license. If you're unsure where to go, ask at your hotel which places serve alcohol and which don't. Pork is something that is forbidden in Muslin culture so it's quite hard to find in Dubai and often won't be on the menu in most restaurants. Other meats such as chicken, beef and seafood etc will be accessible, however.

Also, it's important to dress modestly in public spaces. Although the fashion police won't be after you, it's best not to show too much skin and respect the local culture. It's also worth noting that inside malls are heavily air conditioned so a cardigan will come in handy.

The call to prayer

In Dubai, the call to prayer can be heard wherever you are in the city. All the mosques are wired up to public speakers and the call of prayer can be 5 times a day. Don't be alarmed if it wakes you up!

Dubai can get very hot

I visited Dubai in February so the temperature was perfect summer weather, warm enough to tan but not be overly hot. However, in the summer months, weather can be very humid and hot that if you're visiting at that time, bring a lot of sun cream! If the heat isn't for you, visit between November and March for the comfortable heat.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning to visit Dubai?

Thank you for reading <3