Checking In | The National

One of my fondest travel memories is of a trip to Istanbul to celebrate my birthday, where I experienced a colder climate, explored new food and sights and enjoyed being around the city's famous street cats. That was in January 2020, a couple of months before the Covid-19 restrictions began, and I didn’t know it would be one of my last chances to travel before the world changed. I won’t be travelling for my birthday this year, but I hope to visit some different destinations later in 2025. Last year I sampled the blend of nature and city life in Vancouver and discover the charm of a crowd-free Cappadocia , including taking a hot-air balloon ride. I’ve been lucky enough to see many countries, but my explorations are nowhere near as impressive as those of Kach Umandap . She recently became the first Filipino passport holder to travel to all 195 countries in the world. This was achieved despite the Philippine passport being ranked 75th out of 106 on the Henley Passport Index , meaning she was only allowed to travel to 67 destinations visa-free. “I’ve learnt so much on this journey. Above all, I’ve discovered my own strength and resilience,” Ms Umandap told The National . It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply. I hope more people feel empowered through their travels and find belief in themselves along the way. If you’re unsure about where to go, perhaps my colleagues can inspire you with their recent trips. Our arts and culture writer Saeed Saeed visited Madagascar , a country often overlooked in favour of neighbouring holiday destinations such as the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius. Meanwhile, lifestyle writer One Carlo Diaz spent five days in Hong Kong , immersing himself in the vibrant, hyper-urbanised city. For those who want something more Zen, contributor Gemma White found relaxation at Kamalaya Koh Samui . Nestled in the hillsides of southern Koh Samui, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the wellness sanctuary was founded in 2005 around the Arjan cave, revered by Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. If you’re still undecided, we have compiled a guide to 12 places to visit this year that are slightly off the beaten track, from Nuuk in Greenland to Vilnius in Lithuania. Wherever your journey takes you this year, I hope it brings new perspectives, unforgettable memories and a sense of adventure. Until next week, wherever you're heading, stay safe, travel well and keep up to date with all the latest holiday news and stories <a href="https://are01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthenationalnews.us17.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D1ab095d6dadf74dab01e8d238%26id%3Decf8dad421%26e%3D5f2f8694eb&data=05%7C02%7CElau%40thenationalnews.com%7C439d1ecdb9224f867d7c08dd2030eef5%7Ce52b6fadc5234ad692ce73ed77e9b253%7C0%7C0%7C638702116744889998%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vq%2BVtzr%2F4qCqd6ZJShq8CEQ%2FrDqUaIPeuEvEwPGO6J0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">online . The UAE’s national airline has released its traffic statistics for December, which was its busiest month of the year. It welcomed 1.7 million passengers during the month, up 22 per cent from last year (1.4 million). Etihad carried more than 18 million guests in 2024. Chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said: “It represents an 80 per cent increase in our total passenger numbers for 2022, underlining our strong growth trajectory over the past two years. “In December, our network continued to grow as we resumed our service to Nairobi, Kenya, and we are looking forward to starting operations to the new destinations recently announced.” The airline last year introduced several new direct routes, among them Boston, Bali, Nairobi, Prague and Jaipur. With the world as a stage, 2025 is set to be a year of dazzling hotel debuts . From hidden escapes surrounded by ancient ruins to skyscraper urban buildings with inspiring city views, several hotels are set to open. They include the Red Sea Edition and Four Seasons Resort Amaala in Saudi Arabia and the Corinthia Gewan Island in Qatar. Check the full list here . In the UAE, we have a list of hotel openings in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai's Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and Earth Mangroves in Abu Dhabi are among the eagerly anticipated debuts. There are about 1,190 coral islands in the Maldives with more than 170 transformed into tourist destinations. It is a fiercely contested market for luxury hotels and resorts. As more resorts open, many are looking to reduce their environmental impact. A 45-minute seaplane ride from the capital Male, Alila Kothaifaru is a resort that's increasingly focusing on sustainable tourism. Nick Webster visited to explore how luxury travel and sustainability can coexist. TRAVEL NEWS THIS WEEK Top travel tip While most travellers usually go to markets or shops, supermarkets and pharmacies are great alternatives when it comes to discovering new things. They can offer a glimpse into local life and are great for finding unique snacks, beauty products and remedies at reasonable prices. They’re also perfect for affordable practical souvenirs, such as regional teas, spices, sweets or chocolates.