Dubai & Bali

As magical destinations go, Bali is definitely up there. There are the awe-inspiring temples in the tens of thousands — literally — and near-daily ceremonies: vivid, multi-sensory and loud, accompanied by chanting and clanging gamelan. Add to that endless beaches trimmed in aquamarine surf, pulsing with relentlessly curling waves topped with dancing surfers. There are miles and miles of verdant rice paddies, terraced so immaculately they've become iconic. Plus saturated emerald jungles alive with monkeys and waterfalls. Dreamy, highly Instagrammable private villas and hotels are everywhere (often quite affordable), fulfilling major #goals. And don't forget canang sari, the prolific flower-laden offerings blessed and placed seemingly everywhere daily on the so-called "Island of Gods."

Bali has an energy about it that acts as a siren song to woo-woo wellness practitioners, design buffs and carousing Gen Z-ers in equal numbers, along with stoked surfers, spiritual pilgrims, yogis, beach lovers, plus plenty of celebrities and influencers to boot. The near-constant rush hour on streets swarming with locals on motorbikes and air-conditioned cars filled with travelers does nothing to dispel the magic.

Whereas the majority of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, the Balinese are deeply devoted to Hinduism. There is an innate reverence for nature that is impossible for travelers not to feel. Expect to spend more time outside and in fresh air than you thought was ever possible. Blue skies, sea breezes, and coconut palms dominate the environment, with plenty of color added by frangipani blooms and bougainvillea.

The most fulfilling and thrilling Bali holidays include a few locations, so don't stress about picking just one vibe or scene—it's best to combine a few, two if you're short on time. There's no sense in rushing through temple tours and tastes, yoga sessions, shopping, and Balinese massages. Enjoy island time and the locals who are overwhelmingly generous, sweet, and genuine. All factors considered, it's nearly impossible not to leave Bali feeling far better—happier, healthier, and definitely more tan — than when you landed.

Most people use Dubai as a stopover destination. They fly in, spend a night or two, then fly onward to their final destination. While Dubai is often seen as “Vegas in the desert,” there is a surprising amount of things to do here. There’s depth to the city that its popular image doesn’t accurately portray.

I found myself loving my visit here and even extending my stay.

Dubai is a city trapped between the old and the new. A place in a conservative culture with old-world customs while at the same time a Middle-Eastern Vegas where anything goes (so long as it’s behind closed doors). I was surprised at how much there was to do in this city — and how even in a week I was still left longing for more.