On my first day in Dubai, after checking into the hotel and napping (I barely slept on the overnight flight), I got a taxi to Jumeriah Beach. However, I think the taxi man misheard us and dropped us off at Jumeriah street which is where the Le Mer area was. Although it wasn't exactly where we wanted to go, I really loved the place. Le Mer is a brand new place and kind of reminded me of a theme park. There was a small beach, plenty of activities for kids, and loads of quirky restaurants and juice stalls. It looked very animated but made for a lovely first place to absorb the 'new vibe in Dubai'.

After a few hours there, I returned to our hotel as I planned to meet my best friend Chloe (she just moved out there last year) for dinner. She picked me up and took me to this gorgeous restaurant, The Rosette which had beautiful night time views of the city and Jumeriah Beach. The food was amazing and since it was Ladies night, Chloe and I got free drinks. After dinner, we took a stroll down to Jumeirah Beach and it was everything I imagined and more. Under the night sky, the beach was lit up by the Ferris wheel and bright lights of the city - it looked beautiful. The beach area was surrounded by plenty of shop chains, markets and we soon became quite accustomed to this area and knew our way around. I finished the night with my first ever visit to the Cheesecake Factory and it was insane.

I adored the aquarium - there was everything from a variety of fish to parrots, sharks, crocodiles and hedgehogs. The animals were beautiful and it was really interesting reading about every creature. The aquarium was bigger than I thought, but I think my highlight had to be walking through the underwater zoo at the end. It was so cool seeing the sharks swim above you!

My next stop was the Burj Khalifa. As the entrance to the Burj was in the mall, I didn't have to travel too far to reach it from the aquarium. My slot was booked from half 2 onwards so I lined up (which took quite a while), and then got in the lift and zoomed up to the top. The lift itself was really cool as you could see how many floors you were going up. Once at the top, I stayed there for a few hours, taking in the views, getting those candid Instagram pictures and generally being wowed by the experience. It's certainly a must-see thing in Dubai! The view of the entire city will honestly blow your mind! I was able to see the entire city, the desert and the ocean that surrounds part of Dubai - it really is out of this world. If you have the chance, try and go to the Burj just before sunset, as then you'll have the experience of seeing the city turn from day to night.

Day 3 - City Walk and Desert safari tour

The third day, I had a desert safari tour booked at 3pm so I had a good chunk of the day to explore! I started off at CityWalk as I got recommended to head over that way. CityWalk was a modern and mini outdoor version of Dubai Mall but a hell of a lot quieter. The mall was home to many quaint coffee shops and designer stores, that you could easily spend a few hours browsing. I then went back to the mall as it was so close to our hotel for lunch before the excursion began.

The driver picked us up in a massive jeep car and I was the first to be collected. The ride wasn't too long to the desert, probably around 40 minutes. We first stopped in the entrance to the desert for photos and our tour guide took some pretty funny ones then, it was time for dune bashing into the main heart of the desert. At first, I really liked the dune bashing as it was a lot of fun, like a rollercoaster. However, after a while (it lasted for an hour), I got super car sick and didn't like it! We then continued to drive through the desert which was really cool, seeing the endless sands, which literally went on for days. We then arrived at the desert camp - where you could go sandboarding, get hennas done and given food on arrival. After mooching around the camp, it was time for the evening show. The evening show featured a few belly dancers and a fire show - it was amazing! The fire show was absolutely incredible - I was surprised by everything that they could do. Then I had a traditional Arabic feast - it was basically all you can eat, and absolutely delicious! I loved it! I made some friends and watched the rest of the show before getting the car home.

With my full stomach in tow, I made my way down to Jumeirah Public beach to let the food go down and relax. The beach was around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and I spent a while soaking up the views and sunshine. I then took a taxi down to the Atlantic at the Palm, just to see it all really. I didn't have much time there, however, the Palm is huge, and there is so much you're able to see or do there that you could spend a whole day! To finish off the most beautiful day, I went over to the main Jumeirah Beach area and watched the sunset. The beach was bustling with families and groups of friends, and the vibe was just so friendly. I really loved the Jumeirah area as the beach was gorgeous, it was surrounded by shops and had such a calm vibe. Despite the massive lunch, I still had room for dinner at a lovely Italian on the beach.

Day 5 and 6 - Kite Beach and Dubai Marina 

The last two days in Dubai were very chill! As I mentioned previously if you go for a longer stretch of time after you've seen the main sights, you'll have the extra time to lull about, see the beaches and just relax, and that's what we did. On Saturday after a morning at the pool, I headed over to Kite Beach, as it was one of the beaches I hadn't visited yet. The beach had powdered sands and the water was lovely! I chilled there for a while, went for dinner and later in the evening, headed over to Jumeirah Resort. My friend Chloe took me to the restaurant the Black Tap as they served the most delicious freak shakes there! I chose the brownie one and it was honestly so sickly. The Black Tap was a chain in Dubai, so you'll easily be able to find one on your trip.

The last day in Dubai, we got the metro over to Dubai Marina, as that was the only thing on my list I hadn't seen. The marina area was absolutely stunning filled with boats and surrounded by ever-growing skyscrapers. It made for a lovely calm stroll, and the chance to soak up our last few hours int he desert city. The Marina also has its own mall which made a lush spot for my final lunch there.

• The best way to travel around Dubai is either by the metro or taxi. The metro has two main routes that go either way on one side of the city, and on the other side, it's the same but to other areas. Taxis are fairly cheap in Dubai, and usually to get from one main site to the next, it'll take around 30 mins because of how the roads are made.
• When you're on the metro, look out for where you're standing! Some carriages say 'women and children only', and others can be for gold class ticket holders. 
• Before you plan a trip to Dubai, decide what you'd like out of it, and that can depend on where you'd like to stay. Our hotel was in Business Bay, very close to the mall and Burj Khalifa. However, if you want more of a beach holiday, a hotel near Jumeirah
•  or the Palm will suit you more.
• Like any big attraction, book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa in advance to avoid additional queuing and time wasting.
• If you are looking to drink alcohol out there, be mindful that it is a Muslim country and some restaurants and hotels will be dry and not serve booze. Before you go somewhere, ask if they serve alcohol or not.
• Dubai is a super friendly city and its workers will do anything for you - I'm talking packing your shopping, doing the payment for you etc.

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Singapore is a beautiful destination for city lovers, reminding me of London and Dubai. It's definitely different from many of the surrounding countries with its exquisite skyscrapers, modern cafes and activities.

It's one of those destinations with a luxury appeal, boasting things to do that are unique, expensive and more for a holiday rather than a budget trip. If you're new to Singapore, here is everything you need to know before visiting Singapore.

It's expensive

Singapore is no doubt one of the most expensive places I've visited with a similar price tag to Dubai and London. Ensure you have that in mind when you're travelling here as you can't really expect to get things for cheap like in other Asian countries. Accommodation, food and activities are expensive, and even though there are ways to reduce prices, it's still overall costly.

Public transportation is easy

I love a smooth public transportation location and that's Singapore. Its subway system is extremely efficient, clean and affordable and the best way to get around Singapore, and its further out attractions. It's easy to follow and navigate, especially if you get lost.

English is very common

Most Singaporeans speak good English meaning it's easy to talk to the locals, ask for directions or generally have a chat. Also, I found signs, maps and any information written in English, making it easily accessible for English-speaking tourists.

It's a walkable city

I always find walking around a city is the best way to see it and in Singapore, walking around is a beautiful experience. It's a great way to find the quaint streets, unique shops, cafes and gorgeous photo points. Plus, lots of the main attractions are located together, meaning you won't need to walk that far.

It's a safe place

I felt incredibly safe in Singapore because it felt very similar to Dubai with its clean and modern appeal. I didn't walk around feeling unsafe as it has that fantasy feel, like Disney World, is the best way to describe it. Plus, with all the laws in place there, the crime rate is pretty low.

You can drink the tap water

One of the most annoying things I find about travelling is not being able to drink tap water, so in Singapore, this is a game changer. It means as long as you have a water bottle, you can fill it up on the go, rather than keep buying plastic water bottles.

There are lots of free attractions in Singapore

Despite the hefty price tag, Singapore has plenty of free attractions to see and do throughout the day and night. For example, in the Gardens of the Bay, you can walk around for free and enjoy a light show at night. The Singapore Botanical Gardens is a great spot for a mooch and picnic. While the Marina is pretty in the day but comes alive at night with a light show.

Eat at the Hawker Centres

I'm obsessed with food markets and Singapore's Hawker Centres are the one for delicious and affordable food. They offer a variety of cuisines from Thai, Malaysian to Italian. Hawker Centres are scattered throughout the city and make a great alternative to restaurants, especially if you're on a budget whilst in the city.

Be aware of unusual laws

Singapore has many unusual laws that you could be fined for, such as chewing gum, smoking in public places, feeding pigeons, jaywalking and many more. Make sure you read the list before you head on your trip.

Book attractions to avoid queues

Like any destination, Singapore has high and low seasons in terms of tourists, however, it's also one of those places that always seems to be busy. Due to this, with main attractions, it's important to book tickets in advance as this can help you avoid queuing for ages to get tickets.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other pieces of advice do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travel is my biggest passion in life and something I've missed so incredibly much this year with everything going on. The best way for me to not miss travelling too much is to focus on where I am going to travel when it's possible again.

I've titled the post for the goals to be in 2021 as I really hope, things get a bit better next year and I'm able to go on a plane. However, if they aren't, these goals are something, I can do the next year or year after that.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and a gifted product.

I was inspired to write this post when Photowall got in touch about gifting me one of their prints as part of a collaboration. I jumped at the fact as I really wanted to have a large print that represented my love of travel and that of course was a world map. The map now gives me something visual to look at every day whilst I'm dreaming about where I can go next.

Photowall is a custom wallpaper and print company based in Sweden which offers a range of wall murals, posters, wallpapers, canvases, and the option to personalise your prints. I absolutely adore their website and was very impressed when my print turned up. I love the quality of the world map and how it blends in well with the colour scheme of my room - plus it adds the travel vibe to my bedroom space also.

Travel goals for 2021

Vietnam - I've dreamt of going back to Vietnam ever since I've landed returned to England after visiting there. I was only In Vietnam 10 days and visited Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi, and Halong Bay, and loved every single moment. When I left, it's as if a bit of my heart is still there, and I need to explore more. I'd love to go to Da Nang, roam around Hoi An and hike up the Sapa Valley. There are so many beautiful areas of the country I'm yet to see and I'd love the opportunity to go again as soon as I'm able to - and absorb the wonderfulness that is the Vietnamese culture.

Dubai - My best friend lives in Dubai and I've already visited her out there once and I'd love to be able to go again, and spend some quality time with her and see her favourite spots. I've done all the typical 'tourist' things in the city and it'll be great to go back and brunch in plenty of places, relax on the beaches, stay in luxury accommodation and experience the sweet sunshine. 

Sri Lanka - I've been dreaming about Sri Lanka for ages now. Every person I've spoken to who has been as saying it's their favourite place and makes me want to go more. Sri Lanka has so much to explore, plenty of hiking location and natural beauty, plus I'd love to learn more about its culture and history. I feel it's a country I don't really know much about which makes the idea of visiting it, even more mystical.

Italy - Ah Italy will forever have my heart and it feels weird not visiting the country this year. I love to go every year and see a new city. I've done Rome twice, Venice, Milan and Florence, and a few other towns in Tuscany - and I loved every minute of it. There's something about the food, culture and people which gives me a nostalgic and homely feel. I can't wait to go back and experience the 'at home' feel. I'd really like to visit Bologna next.

Bali, Indonesia - Indonesia has been on my travel list for a long time and I'd love the idea of backpacking around the whole country for a few weeks. However, I don't think a long trip there will be on my agenda for a few years but I'd love to still explore a small dose of the country and take a holiday to Bali over my birthday in June. It's a dream but I think it'll be pretty cool to turn 25 in Bali and stay in one of their treehouses on the beach.

I really hope I'm able to travel to a few of these places safely soon and that the world opens up once more. We'll see what happens in time but for now, I'm glad I've got an imagination and a matching world map to dream up my adventures. Thank you Photowall! You can use my discount code 'dellalovesnutella25' and receive 25% off on any product. The code is valid for a month.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your travel goals?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Singapore is a unique destination with incredible experiences, skyscrapers, a diverse range of food and a completely clean look. I loved my time in Singapore; it's one of those luxurious destinations where I felt completely safe and secure.

If you're new to Singapore or heading there on holiday, here is my 3-day guide to Singapore and what to see and do on a budget.

Day one - Get a taste of the city 

Walk around the Arab Quarter and Haji Lane

The Arab Quarter is a beautiful area in Singapore, packed with colourful shops, buildings, cute coffee shops, restaurants and more to browse around. It was probably my favourite area to mooch as I loved the bright colours and the stunning Sultan Mosque was a dream to look at. Haji Lane is nearby and probably my favourite street, covered in colourful street art, with charming shops and cafes to spend hours roaming around and pondering.

Visit the Hawker markets 

Singapore is expensive to eat, similar to London and Dubai, which is why if you're on a budget, stick to Hawker markets. I loved to find various types of traditional Singaporean foods and other cuisines - and the best part, it's affordable. There are plenty of markets dotted around Singapore such as Maxwell Food Centre and Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Whether you want to try the classic fried carrot cake or enjoy some Thai food, there is a great food market to get your foodie hit.

Visit the Cloud Forest

Cloud Forest is probably one of the most popular things to do in Singapore and a must-visit when you're visiting. I loved my time exploring Cloud Forest because it's a combination of a garden and an art exhibition all in one. I especially liked how during my visit, it was Chinese New Year and the year of the rabbit, meaning everything was decorated with rabbits. It's a fun attraction to see bright lights, waterfalls, gorgeous decor, plants and more.

See the Merlion statue

Along the Marina Bay, it's a gorgeous sight with stunning skyscrapers, the marina itself and plenty of shops and restaurants to see - there's never not anything to do. The Merlion statue is one of the most popular sights along the bay and a landmark you should tick off your list and get a snap,

Watch the light show at the Marina

As I said, the marina is a gorgeous destination to spend during the day and night. At night the whole area lights up with a light show which is free to everyone. It's a gorgeous spectacle and a lovely way to end the night with a drink or ice cream. The marina also has an amazing shopping meal next to it, which is lovely for an evening browse after the show.

Day two - See the top sights 

Visit China Town 

Singapore is a hub for all different types of cultures and that's why China Town is worth a visit. There's lots of colour, shops, restaurants and the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to take a look at. You can spend as long as you want roaming around here, grabbing a bite to eat and seeing the sights.

Roam around Little India

Little India is the same boasting a gorgeous sea of colourful buildings and ambiance. I wish I got to spend more time admiring this area but the rain washed part of the day out. There are plenty of restaurants, temples and markets to have a look at as you mooch around.

Go to Singapore Botanical Gardens

I adore a botanical garden as it always adds a bit of peace in a bustling city. These gardens are pristine with plenty of flower variations, floral decoration and waterfalls. It's lovely to have a mooch around and spend time with a picnic.

Visit the Gardens of the Bay light show

One of the other iconic sights in Singapore is the Gardens of the Bay. You can visit this in the daytime but it really comes alive at night with the light show and lighting up across the city. The best thing is the light show is free and a spectacle to witness. 

Day 3 - Venture further out from the tourist path

Enjoy the coffee shop scene 

After all the main sights in central Singapore have been seen, it's time to slow down and enjoy the residential vibe of the city, including its coffee shops. As it's got the busy vibe of London, coffee shops are in the bucket loads and you can easily find one to suit your taste and aesthetic. It's great for a moment to pause, journal and reflect on your travel time.

Spot the street art in Tiong Bahru

One of the things I loved in Singapore was the street art scene as it was everywhere, including one of the areas, Tiong Bahru. This area was out of the central part of Singapore and renowned for random pieces of street art around the residential homes. It's a quiet area with a few shops and the art is gorgeous to see.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What is your favourite thing to do in Singapore?

Thank you for reading <3