It’s hard to believe 2025 is already coming to an end. With just a week left until the New Year, I’ve been reflecting on how fortunate I’ve been to be able to travel as much as I did over the past 12 months.
I returned to Beijing for the first time in nearly two decades, spent a whirlwind weekend in Rio de Janeiro, embarked on a luxurious escape in Bangkok and Koh Samui, and visited Mumbai and Udaipur in India for the first time. It was a trip that even ended with a surprise encounter with a Bollywood star.
I’m aware that part of that privilege comes from not only my profession, but also my passport. As an American, I’ve enjoyed relatively easy access to much of the world. But earlier this year, the US passport dropped out of the Henley Passport Index top 10 for the first time in two decades, and I definitely felt that shift.
Applying for a visa to China (and even an eVisa to Brazil) was a reminder of how much I’ve taken for granted over the years. I didn't realise the scope of paperwork and information that is sometimes required.
Given we don't know what the future holds, it’s pushed me to prioritise travel even more in the year ahead. And there has been no shortage of inspiration.
One colleague recently went on an incredible safari in South Africa with Jumeirah Thanda, while another explored Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital. Other dream-worthy trips include chasing waterfalls and pristine beaches in Bohol in the Philippines, experiencing nomadic life in western Mongolia and wandering through Milan’s historic and artistic Brera district.
Looking back, this year reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list; it shapes how I see the world and myself. Some trips were joyful and indulgent, others were tiring and even messy, but all of them were rewarding.
It also made me think more about how travel connects to purpose. Whether it’s learning something new, understanding a different culture more deeply or simply stepping outside routine, travel sparks curiosity and appreciation in a way that everyday life rarely does.
So as we head into a new year, I don’t just want to travel more; I want to travel more meaningfully by choosing places that inspire, challenge and comfort in equal measure. As we step into 2026, I hope, in some way, this inspires you too.
Until next time, safe travels.
Evelyn Lau
The National Travel desk
Twenty hotels opening in the Gulf in 2026
From a luxury retreat on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah to big hotel brands debuting in the Gulf for the first time, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for stays across the region.
While a few headline projects have had their dates pushed back, including Nobu Hotel Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah, Nammos Resort Abu Dhabi and Capella Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, there is plenty to look forward to as new resorts and refreshed favourites get set to open. Hayley Skirka has more here.
Checking into Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
On the 36th-floor lobby of the latest Mandarin Oriental property in Dubai, the city suddenly hushes. From here, the restless stream of cars on Sheikh Zayed Road look almost meditative, while Downtown Dubai stretches out in full cinematic panorama.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, which opened in November, is the Hong Kong luxury hotel brand's second property in the emirate, after Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. But the two properties couldn't be more different – while the former rises sculpturally along Dubai's busiest and most famous thoroughfare, the other sits on the Jumeirah shoreline as a breezy beach resort. Find out more here.
In the spotlight: Seoul, South Korea
In Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, one of the city’s most famous public spaces, stands a giant statue of King Sejong, the 15th-century monarch beloved as much for his governance as for giving his people a written language of their own.
Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, was created under his reign. King Sejong wanted the writing system designed so ordinary people could read, write and express themselves with ease. Centuries later, it is impossible to miss. Hangeul moves through the square in protest placards, cafe menus and metro signs, ingrained in the city’s daily rhythms rather than preserved as heritage. Read more here.
Travel news this week
Top travel tip
Get into the habit of taking a photograph or screenshot of anything important. Boarding passes, hotel confirmations, train tickets, QR codes, map routes and even your luggage and passport page are worth saving locally to your phone. It means you’re covered if Wi-Fi drops, an app refuses to load or battery-saving mode kicks in at the worst moment. It also makes checking in, security checks and unexpected situations less stressful. A few seconds of preparation can save panic later.
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