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Here I share my favorite travel spots and moments from the last years – some with affiliate links that support this space.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of those places I always love returning to. I’ve visited twice already and would happily go back again — this time with my two sons, who I’m sure would be fascinated by the hot air balloons.
The region’s fairy chimneys, dramatic valleys, beautiful viewpoints, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets create an incredible backdrop. We stayed in a cave hotel carved into the rock, and enjoyed exploring the landscape, discovering little cafés and watching the balloons rise over the valleys.
A place I would happily return to again and again.
The Maldives
The Maldives were our last big trip before becoming parents, which makes them especially memorable to me. I had never seen water so crystal clear or sand so soft and white. We stayed in a beautiful overwater bungalow, with only a small number of guests on the island, which gave us a wonderful sense of privacy and, at times, the feeling of having the island almost to ourselves.
We spent our days snorkeling with turtles, enjoying the water, and simply having nowhere else to be. Angaga Island was the perfect place to slow down, switch off, and enjoy the moment.
Sharjah
We visited Sharjah in summer and were a little worried that the heat might be too much, especially with the kids. But with plenty of time by the sea and lots of water activities, it turned out to be a wonderful destination for a family trip.
One of my highlights was visiting the beautiful Sharjah Grand Mosque, especially around midday when the light made the architecture even more impressive. And the food at our hotel was probably the best I’ve experienced at any hotel I’ve stayed in so far.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a way of slowing everything down. I rarely come back from a family holiday feeling so relaxed — here, even with the kids, life simply seemed to move at a different pace.
We stayed in a tiny, family-run hotel with only a handful of rooms, which made everything feel very personal and welcoming. The beaches were beautiful, with clear water and soft sand, but what I loved most was the simplicity of everyday life — watching the tides come and go, seeing the children play with sticks and whatever the ocean had brought ashore.
And the warmth of the people made the experience even more special.
Egypt
We love coming back to Egypt, partly because part of my husband’s family is Egyptian. The Red Sea is another big reason — the water is incredibly clear, snorkeling is fantastic, and there are plenty of great options at different price points.
We have two favorite hotels: one is a little more upscale and especially worth considering during the cooler months, while the other is a more affordable family resort with a great range of sports and activities. We’ve already stayed there twice and would happily return again.
Ireland
Ireland surprised me in the best possible way. I didn’t have many expectations before our trip, but what stood out most was how genuinely friendly and welcoming the people were. From the airport to the streets and pubs, we encountered so much kindness — even a group of partygoers turning down their music when they noticed we were travelling with a small child.
Beyond the people, Ireland is simply beautiful. We loved the dramatic landscapes, especially the Cliffs of Moher, and also really enjoyed the food and the cosy atmosphere of the country. We stayed in charming cottages in beautiful, peaceful surroundings, which made the whole experience feel even more special.
Bodrum
Bodrum was my first experience staying at a halal hotel, and I was genuinely impressed. The town itself is beautiful, built into the hills with wonderful views stretching out over the sea. Our hotel was also set on a hillside, and having breakfast on the terrace each morning with that view was one of my favorite parts of the stay.
The hotel had separate beach areas for women and families, which gave me a level of privacy at the beach that I had never experienced before. I really appreciated being able to relax by the sea in such a private and comfortable setting.
Bodrum was a beautiful combination of coastline, views and a very relaxing hotel experience.
Italy Road Trip
Our Italian road trip was our honeymoon, which makes it one of the trips I remember most fondly. We rented a car in Rome and drove all the way south to Tropea before slowly making our way north again.
Along the way, we explored Naples, Pompeii, Positano and Amalfi, Florence, Cinque Terre, Genoa and Venice. We also visited Lake Garda and the beautiful Lago di Braies in the Dolomites before eventually making our way back towards Rome.
Seeing so many different parts of Italy on one trip was an amazing experience. Having a car gave us the freedom to stop wherever we wanted and explore at our own pace, from the dramatic coastlines in the south to historic cities, charming towns and beautiful mountain landscapes further north.
Looking back, I think that is what I loved most about this trip: it wasn't just about the individual destinations, but about travelling through Italy together and discovering so much along the way. As our honeymoon, it will always have a very special place in my memories.