Whenever friends or family visit me in Abu Dhabi, there are certain places I know they want to see. It usually includes a trip to Dubai, where we admire Burj Khalifa, grab food at Dubai Mall and, if we can, catch a show at <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/things-to-do/2025/02/06/dubai-fountain-closure-renovation/" target="_blank">Dubai Fountain</a>. The fountain is one of those attractions that millions of people travel specifically to see. But from May, the popular spectacle will be on pause for five months due to renovations. That got me thinking: which other tourist attractions around the world are truly worth the trip? For me, Japan is a must-visit. One of my favourite travel memories is taking the JR Shinkansen (also known as the bullet train), one of the fastest trains in the world, from Tokyo to Osaka. The experience was incredible: smooth and efficient, with stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way. Once in Osaka, I wandered through the vibrant streets of Dotonbori district, sampled amazing street food and explored Osaka Castle, which felt like stepping into a different era. France will always have a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first countries where I travelled solo. In <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2024/07/18/offbeat-paris-summer-olympic-games/" target="_blank">Paris</a>, I visited Notre Dame, zipped up the Eiffel Tower and took the obligatory photo in front of the Arc de Triomphe. What stood out most, though, was wandering through the city’s neighbourhoods, stopping in cafes with warm croissants, and people-watching along the Seine. Paris has a certain magic and I’d love to go back one day. Even though I grew up in the US, there are still places I’m discovering. One of the most sought-after destinations is <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/destinations/2022/09/22/exploring-new-york-city-a-bite-sized-stay-in-the-big-apple/" target="_blank">New York City</a>, with Times Square being a major draw. But beyond the bright lights, I’ve enjoyed visiting the New York Public Library, which is an impressive architectural marvel. Walking the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railway track, also gave me a unique perspective on the bustling city. What about you? What are some of your favourite tourist attractions to visit? Are there places you’d go back to again and again? My travel bucket list is still long. I would like to experience the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, watch the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2024/02/06/northern-lights-best-time-2024/" target="_blank">northern lights</a> in Finland and explore <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2024/11/26/fcc-angkor-avani-hotel-wat-review-siem-reap-cambodia/" target="_blank">Angkor Wat in Cambodia</a>, a place known for its history and architecture. Travel is always evolving, and so is my list of dream destinations. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for your next trip. 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</a>. Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian hospitality group Arsenale have revealed the final designs for the Dream of the Desert rail project, which aims to be the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East. It consists of 14 carriages that house 34 suites and one restaurant, with a menu that will be curated by local and international chefs. Departing from <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/riyadh/" target="_blank">Riyadh</a>, the train will cross the Northern Railway network, allowing travellers to explore some of the kingdom’s heritage and natural sites. Reservations have not opened but the first journey is slated for the third quarter of 2026. Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors are sandy coloured, with golds, beiges and darker tones, coupled with intricate decorative details. Architectural elements and motifs from Saudi landmarks – including <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/al-ula/" target="_blank">AlUla</a>, Hegra and Hail – are also elegantly incorporated into the train’s design. Passenger traffic across Abu Dhabi's five airports hit a record 29.4 million travellers in 2024, up 28 per cent year-on-year, driven by growth at Zayed International Airport, which is home to Gulf major <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2024/11/25/etihad-new-flights-atlanta-hong-kong-tunisia/" target="_blank">Etihad Airways</a>. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2024/02/09/abu-dhabi-international-airport-changes-name-to-zayed-international-airport/" target="_blank">Zayed International Airport</a> handled 28.8 million passengers last year, up from 22.4 million in 2023, as the emirate's main hub added airlines and expanded its network, state-owned operator Abu Dhabi Airports said on Wednesday. Zayed International connected travellers to more than 125 destinations with 29 routes launched in 2024. The airport, which opened Terminal A in November 2023, added eight airlines last year: British Airways, Air Astana, Aegean Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Akasa Air, Hainan Airlines, Flynas and Turkmenistan Airlines. “2024 was a highly successful year for Abu Dhabi Airports, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic, significant cargo growth and the successful completion of key infrastructure projects,” said Elena Sorlini, managing director and chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports. “Whenever I mention that I lived in Tokyo, people say: ‘I’d love to visit one day.’ For many, Japan sits on a distant pedestal: beautiful, but seen as too expensive or too foreign, something that requires effort, time, or even one’s life savings to visit,” writes Leen Al Zaben, who has shared her thoughts on <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2025/02/06/uae-japan-flights-travel-visa-osaka-tokyo/" target="_blank">travelling to Japan</a>, and explains why its wonderfully accessible if approached with the right attitude. <b>TRAVEL NEWS THIS WEEK</b> <b>Top travel tip</b> Hanging clothes in the bathroom while showering is a simple yet effective way to remove wrinkles without an iron when they get creased in your case. The steam from a hot shower helps relax the fabric, making creases less noticeable by the time you’re ready to wear the clothes. This trick works especially well for lightweight fabrics. But make sure you don't hang your outfit in the water’s path.