It is summertime and the weather is … Well, let us just say it is always a good time to travel. Whatever destination you have in mind, holidays are not always stress-free which is why we spoke to Kelsey Johnson — an Emirates cabin crew blogger and travel aficionado who runs the hugely popular @LipstickAndLuggage social media accounts — on her top travel tips to make your summer vacation a whole lot more blissful.
Not everyone enjoys air travel... do you have a top tip for making flying a little less stressful?
• Research the airline you are flying with. It is important that you are aware of their products and services to prevent any surprises in air. Crew often get many requests for things like baby food, diapers and extra meals — these are often items most airlines do not offer or cannot guarantee on board. If you want to be comfortable in the air, bring what you think you need for yourself, such as earplugs, blankets, snacks and magazines. Many passengers assume these things are provided, which is not necessarily the case everywhere.
• Check in ahead of the flight. Overbooking happens and to be guaranteed a seat it is important to check in online prior to going to the airport. This tends to open 24-48 hours prior to departure, depending on the airline, and some will even email you when it opens.
• Ensure your travel documents are in order! This includes having the right travel visas and ensuring your passport does not expire within six months of your travel date. These rules vary by country, but keep in mind the airline is not always held liable if you are unable to enter a country after leaving the aircraft.
• Arrive early at the airport. Not every airline will hold your flight until you make it to the gate. It can take time to go through security and if you want to do some duty-free shopping, keep in mind that most airlines require you to be at the gate at least 45 minutes prior to departure.
What is the most underrated travel item that most of us forget to pack?
• A universal charger! Sometimes I forget which type of electricity outlets are used in the countries I travel to, so a universal charger ensures that I am able to charge all of my devices.
• Being a flight attendant, my Tide To Go stain removal pen is also convenient. It is small and portable, so if I spill anything on my uniform or on a customer, I can easily remove the stain. Sometimes I do not have time to give my laundry to dry cleaning on a layover or I forget to pack an extra set. This item has me covered in this scenario.
How do you manage to find the hidden gems in a new destination? Does it involve extensive research?
• To be honest, I do not do a lot of research before I go to a destination, but if I do, I will check out some of the destination’s hashtags on Instagram to get an idea of where I could go, or the content I could produce for my social media channels. I follow a lot of crewmembers online and they often inspire where I should go next.
• I also enjoy talking to the locals and the concierge at the hotels I stay at. They can offer the best advice. For example, the concierge gave us a tip in Conakry, Guinea, when the tour we had originally wanted to book fell through because of the weather. He took us to a quiet waterfall outside the city that very few tourists knew about.
With so many options for hotels and home rentals, how can we make sure we make the best decision about where to stay?
• Word of mouth. Ask those around you for tips. No luck? Do some research online and read reviews, blogs, travel magazines and watch YouTube videos. Do not rely completely on deal-finder websites — firsthand accounts are often more reliable than advertisements.
• Crew use online travel forums to ask each other about certain destinations, deals and discounts. We also speak to crew directly from the country we are hoping to visit because they have a better idea of pricing and where to go.
Jet lag always seems to take us by surprise. What are your best tips for beating it?
• Monitor your sleep. Know when you need to rest and when you need to stay up to keep your body on track. This usually involves staying awake until an early local bedtime on arrival to your destination. There are also plenty of apps you can use that will help you to track your sleeping patterns and determine the amount of rest you should be getting.
• Natural sleep remedies also prove to be helpful when you need to rest and are finding it difficult. Crew tend to use herbal teas and different vitamin supplements to help with this.
• Rest in a comfortable environment. From my experience, a cool dark room helps put me to sleep. Other crew tend to use eyeshades and ear plugs to minimize disruptions. Some even meditate and do yoga to put them in the right state of mind before bed.
• If you travel a lot, it is important to engage in a healthy active lifestyle. The food you consume and your fitness regime can heavily impact your day-to-day wellbeing. Although I am not heavily into fitness, it is important for flight attendants to stay hydrated and consume plenty of electrolytes for energy, stamina and recovery.
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Holiday hacks for a stress-free summer
Holiday hacks for a stress-free summer
Saudi adventurer triumphant after crossing the Empty Quarter
- Badr Al-Shaibani wants to champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure meet
JEDDAH: Badr Al-Shaibani, a Saudi Arabia adventurer and entrepreneur, has successfully completed a 600 km solo crossing of the largest sand desert in the world.
Al-Shaibani departed from Umm Hadid on Dec. 15, the site of a famous meteorite impact, where he set up his first camp. He walked for over 14 days and completed the journey on Dec. 29 at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake — one of the Empty Quarter’s natural wonders.
Speaking to Arab News after completing his adventure, 45-year-old Al-Shaibani said: “Crossing the Empty Quarter on foot is one of the most thrilling adventures I have ever done. It is a really special experience.
“I am so proud to be the first Saudi to traverse such a vast distance on foot, and I hope this journey inspires young Saudis to explore the nature of our country and spotlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse potential as a truly unique global tourist destination.”
His journey began by heading toward Tawil Al-Khatam, a challenging 200 km stretch that he traversed in five days at an average pace of 40 km per day.
Later on, Al-Shaibani continued toward Umm Al-Qurun, covering 90 km, before completing another 45 km to Bayd Al-Laha.
Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life. It was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.
Badr Al-Shaibani, Saudi adventurer
The third and final leg led him to the Al-Qa’d region near the Sabkha salt flats through a 60 km route. His expedition concluded at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake after trekking an additional 160 km.
From battling the weather to navigating endless dunes, this adventure pushed Al-Shaibani to the limit both physically and mentally. “I discovered the beauty and harshness of the Empty Quarter’s untamed wilderness, where there is a constant challenge, but the rewards are incredible.”
Speaking of challenges he faced, he said: “The first two days, I faced strong storms and winds called savi, and after a while the sun was also strong. Other than that, I am used to walking on ice or climbing mountains, but walking and climbing the soft sand was a big challenge for me. I really faced difficulty climbing the sand because it takes a lot of effort.”
Being so far from civilization exposed him to new experiences. “During the day I could see with my eyes. During the night, the exploration changes,” he said.
“Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life, it was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.”
He was happy to complete the adventure not only to add it to his achievements but also to document and capture the majestic beauty of the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
“The Empty Quarter, with its distinctive natural heritage and captivating beauty, stands as one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable yet largely undiscovered treasures,” he said.
“This destination has the potential to become a major attraction for tourists from home and abroad, especially with initiatives that promote desert tourism and encourage the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique natural environment.”
Al-Shaibani told Arab News he wants to inspire young people and champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure converge.
Review: A visit to AlUla’s ancient kingdom ‘Wadi Al-Naam’
- Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location
The Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms is a thrilling treasure hunt and adventure experience in AlUla’s Wadi Al-Naam, also known as the Valley of the Ostriches.
Before the journey begins, participants are provided with helmets, gloves, and hiking sticks, and are treated to a short lesson about the valley by the tour guide.
During our visit, the guide did a wonderful job making the group feel comfortable and translating the lesson from Arabic to English.
Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location.
The buggy ride is a great chance to enjoy the iconic orange-hued rocks and mountains of AlUla.
At the first stop, participants can get a closer look at the fine details of inscriptions that tell the story of the Dadanites, the ancient residents of AlUla.
The 500-meter-long hike features various obstacles, like climbing up walls and steep steps, while offering breathtaking views of the unforgettable AlUla terrain.
Participants can choose between the Challenge Edition for adult adventurers or the Family Explorers version for a lighter experience. The treasure hunts are ideal for family or friend groups who want to get active during their trip to AlUla.
The quest concludes with a certificate of completion, refreshments, and a chance to interact with camels.
The best part of the experience is connecting with new individuals and putting your heads together to problem-solve as a team to win the quest.
Before going on this journey, please ensure you apply sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated as it will involve physical strength and energy to enjoy.
The Wadi Al-Naam Discovery tour costs SR200 ($53) per person and will be open until Feb. 27.
For more details, visit experiencealula.com.
UK, Omani princes launch journey across historic Arabian route
- Camel trek first taken by British diplomat Bertram Thomas in 1928 to be retrodden by team of six travellers
- Prince of Wales, crown prince of Oman sponsoring historic coastal journey
LONDON: A group of explorers, backed by royalty, is set to undertake a historic journey, retracing a route across the coast of Oman first trodden by a British diplomat almost a century ago.
The Jewel of Arabia expedition, supported by William, Prince of Wales and Omani Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham, will feature six travelers, led by Mark Evans, following in the footsteps of Bertram Thomas, who first made the journey over 42 days in 1928.
Thomas made the trek to document the area and local wildlife, and was congratulated on his achievement by King George V.
The new journey, featuring camels but also modern off-road vehicles, will “raise awareness among young people both in and outside of Oman of the value of Oman’s natural heritage and biodiversity as well as the environmental challenges the country and the wider world face,” The Telegraph reported.
It will also feature podcasts and radio interviews with local stations along the way, meetings with local children and an online tracker so people can view its progress in real time.
Prince William told the modern explorers at the Royal Geographical Society on Monday: “I wish I was able to join you, but will be following very closely.”
He added: “The expedition will walk in the footsteps of British explorer Bertram Thomas and take in the wonderful coastline of Oman.
“They will be able to take in the beauty of Oman, and also see the damage done by climate change.”
Prince William added: “The expedition will not only highlight Oman’s biodiversity and natural heritage, but also symbolize the enduring friendship between our two countries.”
The prince added to guests at the Royal Geographic Society that he would “try and make something happen” regarding a future visit to Oman, teasing: “We’re in the planning process.”
The trek will see daily starts around 5 a.m. local time, and will aim to cross 25-30 kilometers per day. The travelers will sleep under the night sky, surviving in the desert without tents.
Evans, 63, said: “The stars of the show will undoubtedly be the camels.”
He joked that the animals are now in a “camel boot camp” in Oman to prepare for the arduous trek.
Alongside Evans will be Nigel Harling, Ana-Maria Pavalache, Dhirka Al-Mawali, Ibrahim Al-Hasni and Amour Al-Wahibi, all of whom are experienced explorers.
Thomas’ original expedition came at a time when the region was considered one of the world’s most inhospitable, known as Rub Al-Khali, or the “empty quarter.”
He worked for the sultan of Oman, and became the first Westerner to make the journey along the coast, spending much of his spare time exploring the country, navigating harsh terrain and warring local tribes.
Upon completion, he received a congratulatory telegram from George V, and used the experience as the basis for a book, “Arabia Felix,” which contains a foreword by T.E. Lawrence.
Meanwhile, 2025 will also mark 225 years since the signing of a friendship treaty between Britain and Oman.
Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives
- There are activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation
AL-BAHA: People seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives are flocking to tourist farms in Al-Baha region.
The centers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural experiences and recreational activities, where visitors can spend their time picking fruit, helping with crop harvesting or learning about organic farming techniques.
There are also activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation, enabling guests to experience the beauty of the starry night skies.
The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, said agritourism was becoming increasingly important in the region as it created jobs, boosted the local economy and helped diversify the tourism sector.
Virtual, AI-powered Saudi travel companion impresses visitors at travel exhibition in London
- The new app, called SARA, offers users insights and advice about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions in a natural and seamless conversational style
RIYADH: The Saudi Tourism Authority unveiled the beta version of SARA, its new travel companion app for visitors to the Kingdom, at the World Travel Market exhibition in London this week.
It allows users to interact with a digital female guide, powered by AI, who is deeply knowledgeable about Saudi Arabia and offers insights and advice about the country’s tourist destinations, historical landmarks, archaeological sites, cultural diversity, international events, and anything else a visitor might be interested in.
SARA was on show in the Visit Saudi pavilion at the World Travel Market, which began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday. Officials said she interacted directly with attendees, who were captivated by her engaging stories about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions and experiences, and the extensive information she was able to provide.
The app reflects the nation’s progressive approach to smart tourism, they added, and leverages the latest developments in AI so that it can respond to questions, understand visitor needs, and offer personalized information and suggestions in a natural and seamless conversational style.
