Dubai Travel Boom: Why Is It So Popular & Is It Worth Visiting?

Dubai has quickly (and mostly quietly) become one of the world’s most luxurious and sought-after travel destinations.

The Department on Economy and Tourism for Dubai reported around 17.15 million visitors passed through the desert city in 2023. For context, London welcomed around 38 million and Tokyo around 25 million.

So how did Dubai become such a global force in tourism?

It all started with an idea from the Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board back in 1998. The goal? To create a high-class city for the world’s elite to rub elbows and unwind.

Only fifteen years after plans were hatched, headlines around the world were raving that the shiny new city of Dubai had welcomed over 13 million visitors.

Since then, the city has achieved many feats, from completing the world’s tallest building (The Burj Khalifa) to nabbing attention from Hollywood studios (we won’t talk about Sex & the City 2).

Thanks to incremental and focused efforts, Dubai has taken its place among the world’s classiest destinations. But if you’re still a little baffled about how we got here and whether Dubai actually meets the hype, you aren’t alone.

Let’s take a closer look at the Dubai travel boom, covering what there is to do in the city and whether it’s worth visiting.

A closer look at Dubai’s travel boom

As mentioned above, much of Dubai was built with tourism in mind.

Specifically, high-class tourism.

Despite the fact that the city sits in a largely inhospitable desert, you can find things like full-sized ski slopes, scuba diving reefs, underwater theatrical shows, and similarly unfathomable spectacles.

But it’s not solely about the spectacle—it’s about an ultra-lush and modern spectacle. Not only did the UAE want to build a city that tourists would gush over, but they wanted to appeal to a certain echelon of tourists.

Specifically, those with deep pockets.

Yes—Dubai has a historic district where you can explore the city’s history and identity. But this is usually a pretty short day trip experience for tourists. The core focus for visitors is luxury shopping, not free tours.

What is there to do in Dubai?

Name-brand shopping abounds. The Dubai Mall is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world with a long list of luxury brands.

Think: Bulgari, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, and many more.

Keep in mind that many luxury brands represented in Dubai come from the Middle East and Asia. In other words, Dubai isn’t only interested in meeting the brand interests of Westerners, but rich and wealthy vacationers from all across the world.

Aside from luxury shopping, visitors can also spend big on things like glamorous hotels, spa treatments. yacht tours, helicopter tours, hot air balloon experiences, PGA-caliber golf courses (or, more appropriately, LIV-caliber courses), and an almost endless list of fine dining options. As of 2023, Dubai is home to 86 Michelin-star restaurants.

There’s also a lot of emphasis on nightlife. However, I’m a little unconvinced about the nightlife.

The city is home to many big-name clubs with sparkler-heavy bottle service and tiered VIP areas. That sounds like a hellscape to me—but if you’re into the traditional clubbing experience, it’s probably an unforgettable experience.

What do travelers think of Dubai?

Clearly, Dubai wants to attract wealthy travelers who will open their wallets to its many experiences. That means that shoestring budget travelers, like backpackers or hostel-happy wanderers, are pretty much immediately priced out.

But what do travelers with funds think of the city?

Many report that they’re offered a high-class experience that’s well worth the value. In other words, the prices aren’t too exorbitant, while the level of service, cleanliness, and convenience is unmatched.

For those who aren’t shy about spending, Dubai meets the hype.

In addition to next-level service, visitors also report feeling very safe and that they were treated politely by everyone they encountered, from taxi drivers to receptionists. Apparently, even the airport offers a fulfilling experience.

Oh, and people also seem to love the guaranteed sunshine. Based on the many reviews I’ve read, it almost seems like a top-tier resort experience spread across a whole city.

Is Dubai worth visiting?

Dubai is geared toward wealthy visitors who want access to world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife. But there’s a lot more than what meets the eye here.

While I’ve never personally considered heading to Dubai, there’s a reason it’s remained one of the world’s top tourist destinations for so long.

To be honest, that uncertainty is part of the appeal for me. I want to see whether my expectations are accurate, and whether it’s been fair to write off Dubai.

However, it’s not something I’d be willing to fork over thousands to find out.

So, here’s my verdict: go to Dubai if you have the money. It seems like a place where what you spend directly correlates to how much fun you have.

American Expats: Which Countries Have the Largest Number?

American expat communities dot the globe.

These wanderers leave home for different reasons. Some just want to stretch their legs and explore the world, possibly as a digital nomad. Others are on the hunt for a place to retire and a community to join.

In 2022, the group American Citizens Abroad estimated that around five million Americans were living abroad. Around 23% are retired, highlighting an influx of later-life expats.

Regardless, what defines an expat is their desire to return home, at least semi-permanently. (By contrast, those who live full-time in another country with plans to stay are immigrants—not expats.)

Regardless of what leads them abroad and whether or not they plan on returning home, American expats usually have a community ready to join.

But can you name the countries with the largest populations of Americans abroad?

I’ve done a bit of digging to research which countries have the largest number of expats and why that may be. Please keep in mind that the stats are skewed, as the line between expat and immigrant is often blurred.

Mexico

200,000-1,000,000

El Pais reports that since 2019, the number of Americans living in Mexico has surged by 70%. Around 200,000 US nationals call the country home according to the publication.

However, the Mexican Migration Policy Unit says there are around 30,000 Americans in Mexico City alone. Other sources place that number at a much, much higher one million.

The wide range in these estimates comes from the fact that many Americans who enter Mexico on a six-month tourist visa overstay. The majority of Americans set up new homes in Mexico City, which seems to represent a hot zone for younger expats.

Older expats, by contrast, are more likely to live in the Yucatan or Riviera Maya where they own property.

There’s also a significant number of American expats in Mexico who are ethnically Mexican. Their motivation in moving to Mexico is to spend time closer to their roots with family members who didn’t immigrate to the US.

Canada

270,000

Canada comes in second place for housing American expats. Oddly enough, one of the densest zones for American expats in Canada is in Montreal—a French-speaking city in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Similar to Mexico, one reason that many expats end up north of the border is thanks to a new romantic partner or family ties. This is a common reason that many people immigrate around the world.

However, Canada lacks the tropical appeal and warm weather of Mexico—which is a huge reason many American expats flock to the south over the north.

UK

170,000

Some reports over the last few years list the UK as the next up-and-coming American expat dream destination. In fact, in terms of 2023 numbers alone, the UK welcomed more expats than Mexico.

The metrics behind UK moves are varied.

On one hand, a move to the UK doesn’t involve any language barriers. Culturally, it’s also viewed as more accessible than other nations. Like Americans, Brits tend to like gathering together for a drink, watching sports, and debating on pop culture.

Work and education are also popular reasons for Americans to wander across the pond. In addition to better higher education opportunities, many Americans move for work opportunities, especially after graduating college.

Germany

150,000

Germany—for American expats? I was surprised to learn that so many American expats move to this country.

First, because the language barrier is hefty, along with the cultural shift. Germans, from my experience, are quite a bit colder and less chatty than Americans.

Behind the surprisingly high expat numbers are two factors.

First is Germany’s strong economy. For some businesspeople, Germany offers a gateway into European markets. Second, it’s also home to US military operations. Service members who spend time in the country are likely to return, either because they enjoyed German culture or because they left behind a loved one.

Australia

116,000

The same 2023 study that found the UK outshined Mexico in terms of American expats also found that Australia (and New Zealand) are high priorities for Americans.

Once more, the similarity in language and culture is attractive. Compared to other English-speaking nations like South Africa or the UK, Americans probably feel more at home with Australians.

They like getting out into nature and having a boisterously loud good time. Many sources also focus on Australia’s booming economy. Not only is the minimum wage high, but the economy is strong. (Don’t we all know someone who went to pick fruit in Australia and ended up staying for years?)

How to Avoid Scams in Europe

Unless you’re Jason Bourne, you’re a prime target for scammers in Europe.

As an American who has lived in Barcelona for five years, I’ve noticed a few unique things about scams, pickpockets, and petty crime, in general.

Here, robberies are quite common—but they’re very rarely violent. I’ve seen many Americans aghast by the prevalence of pickpockets and scams.

I’ll summarize the main differences from my perspective: America tends to be (really, really) hard on crime, which dissuades smaller issues like pickpocketing.

In Europe, most countries have a much more lax approach to non-violent crimes, meaning that pickpockets and scammers who don’t physically harm you aren’t likely to be charged.

I’ll let you decide which reality you’d prefer to live in.

I’m just here to help you avoid being scammed out of thousands like me. Here’s how you can avoid the most commonplace scams, including pickpockets, beggars, and more elaborate cons like the fake Airbnb that saw me flush around $2,000 down the toilet.

Pickpockets, beggars, & more

You’ve likely read plenty of advice about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe. They’re a risk anytime you wear loose bags or clothing in a busy touristy spot.

The best way to avoid losing track of your goods is to leave them behind—including passports, unneeded electronics, and cash.

But pickpockets are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also notice swindlers offering you things like bracelets, roses, and any other small items. They’ll say that they’re free—but as soon as the item is in your hand, it’s time to pay up. Never take anything from someone’s hands.

They’ll probably keep insisting, at which point in time it’s okay to give them a hard no. Ideally, a local will step in to help you out if things get heated. Many tourist hotspots also have information authorities nearby—you can alert them if you’re being hassled.

I’d also like to caution you about giving away money to beggars. The EU has many, many resources geared toward the public, from housing programs to free healthcare. Those who are sleeping on the streets have places they can go if needed.

I’m not cautioning you against being compassionate—all people deserve respect and dignity, especially those who are down on their luck. (One love, baby!) But I’d hate for anyone to lose sleep thinking that those who beg in Barcelona or Paris have no recourse.

Financial scams: wire transfers & ATMs

Here’s where we start to get into deeper water in terms of scams in Europe. Financial scams can happen in a variety of ways. As mentioned up top, my partner and I lost a lot of savings thanks to a very elaborate fake Airbnb website.

Here’s the easiest way to avoid a scam from a fake website offer, whether Airbnb or another major brand: go slow.

If someone is rushing you to transfer money and insists a wire is the easiest way to book lodging, a trip, or transportation, it’s likely a scam. Real offers aren’t rushed. (Seriously, things move slow in Europe.)

I also caution you against using ATMs in tourist hotspots. Scammers are able to reconfigure the keypads in order to glean financial information from your card when you take out money. The most secure way to take out money is via a currency exchange or inside a bank.

You might pay a higher ATM fee by using an official bank, but you’ll be better protected from these types of predatory ATM scams.

Electronic scams: public Wi-Fi and computers

You can find public Wi-Fi stations all across Europe. But, as with the United States (or anywhere in the world), these are the prime hunting grounds for hackers and electronic scammers.

If you struggle with network connectivity while abroad, then I’d suggest forking over a bit more for an international plan or simply going without Wi-Fi.

Similarly, you should avoid using public computers. This isn’t nearly as commonplace as it once was thanks to mobile technology, but it’s still worth mentioning. Scammers in Europe are equipped to find and leverage your personal and financial data in many ways.

Ask for identification: taxis, authorities, & more

Lastly, one of the most important ways to protect yourself from scams in Europe is to look for identification. Tourism in Europe is huge, which means many cities and governments have set up fixed prices so that swindlers can’t target tourists.

Avoid traveling with unregistered taxis or other forms of transportation. Even if you can avoid a long wait by going with an unmarked taxi, you’ll pay the price with an exorbitant fee later on.

A registered taxi will have its registration and fee information readily available, just like in the US.

The same is true for guided tour offers. These should come only from official tourist authorities, whether a hop-on, hop-off bus or a guided tour through a museum. Anytime you opt to go with an unofficial tour guide, you’re putting yourself at risk of a huge fee and, worse, a subpar tour experience.

How to Make Friends Abroad: A Traveler’s Guide

I left my home in Missouri when I was 18 years old.

Since then, I’ve lived in places like Costa Rica, Thailand, Taiwan, India, and Australia. Back in 2018, I immigrated to Barcelona and have been here ever since.

Aside from challenges like figuring out how to pay taxes, finding cheap flights, and understanding the intricacies of time zones and time changes, there are social challenges.

Namely, figuring out how to make lasting friends as a traveler.

The main challenge is communication, as there’s almost always a language barrier. Americans are pretty lucky in this regard; most people around the world speak a bit of basic English. We’re also unlucky in this regard; we lack exposure to other languages, which makes learning new ones even harder.

Second, cultural differences affect how people relate to one another. Even small things like showing up on time or arriving late can cause misunderstandings. Aside from that, cultural differences also dictate when and how we make friends.

These two factors—language and culture—make it hard to make long-term friends.

But not impossible.

I’ve got a few suggestions if you want to up your social butterfly game while on the road, whether living internationally full-time or simply passing through while on a solo trip. Here’s how you can make friends wherever you wander.

Join a coworking space

A significant and growing number of travelers today are digital nomads. These remote workers have one major resource at their disposal when it comes to making friends: coworking spaces.

Around the world, coworking spaces have opened up to provide flexible offices for remote workers. In counties like Portugal, where digital nomad visas are live, you can find these just about everywhere.

Best of all, many coworking groups organize social events. After all, the average digital nomad wants more than a desk and a quiet room. They’re probably also looking to network with like-minded professionals, expand their business, and even make friends.

Here’s a good resource for digital nomads looking for coworking spaces:

Coworker

If you’re not planning to work while abroad, then cross coworking spaces off your list.

By far, the most direct way to meet like-minded individuals while on the road is through social and dating apps. Depending on where you’re going, you might be able to use your favorite apps from back home.

However, you might also need to download a more local option. Luckily, there are more and more social apps that are geared toward travelers, which greatly simplifies finding the right social outing.

Just be wary of who you meet up with and where, just like at home.

Meetup (Two of my lifelong friends met on Meetup years ago!)

Backpackr

Travello

Tourlina

Join a language exchange

You can find a language exchange in almost every city in the world.

English speakers shouldn’t face any trouble finding a program that’s geared toward their mother tongue. However, it’s still worth pointing out that you might need to pay for a language exchange and dedicate a good amount of time and effort to each session.

In other words, it’s not just about casual fun.

Still, language exchanges are a fantastic way to expand your social circle—and also improve your language skills. With a language exchange, you’re also more likely to meet local people.

Like any traveler knows, meeting locals will literally and figuratively open doors to a community. If you’re moving to a new city permanently, then this should be a top focus in terms of how you make new friends.

*I recommend looking into language exchanges on a city-by-city basis rather than seeking out apps or official language exchange tours. These can be found in community centers, schools, and similar locations.

A final note: expat groups vs. local hubs

As outlined above, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life wandering the globe. Many cities I’ve visited have ex-pat communities. Some are integrated into the larger population, while others seem distinct.

Off the top of my head, I remember Chiang Mai, Thailand being a place where ex-pats and locals mingled. Many built families together, started businesses, and otherwise lived blended lives.

By contrast, I found Tangier, Morocco to be much different. There was a pretty clear-cut line between where ex-pats hang out and where locals live. I assume this harkens back to the French colonial history of the city. Regardless, I wasn’t a fan of the division.

If you’re going to spend time with an ex-pat group while traveling, you might close yourself off to other relationships.

I think it’s normal to seek out the comforts of home—but I would caution you against avoiding local hubs in lieu of ex-pat hotspots. After all, you can’t truly understand and appreciate a place unless you understand its people.

So, my final piece of advice about making friends abroad is this: try to notice where the locals hang out and start rubbing elbows there. You might get an invitation to join a football game, play some dominoes, or other mellow activity that lets you meet new people.

Modern Exploration: World Wonders & Virtual Tours

What if I told you that many of the world’s greatest wonders were within reach?

As in, all you have to do to experience places like Petra, Machu Picchu, and more is to set up a laptop or smartphone.

Welcome to the world of virtual tours, a rapidly expanding venture.

TravelAwaits first covered this growing trend when it kicked off in 2020 during the global lockdown. Google’s Arts & Culture department started setting up its cameras in some of the world’s most popular destinations. Using the latest in imaging and video technology, the department created ‘virtual’ tours for remote explorers that take you straight into the greatest museums, landmarks, and more.

The trend took off, and it hasn’t stopped yet.

Dozens of virtual tour groups have launched since then. Most are organized by the site’s managing body, such as museum curators, tourism authorities, and owners. As a researcher, I’ve gone on quite a few tours to understand the physicality and atmosphere of our world’s greatest wonders.

Not all tours are up-to-snuff; they can be buggy, unfocused, and unintuitive. But after four years of incremental improvements, many are absolutely worth your time.

Whether you’re looking to judge whether a location is worth visiting in person or simply want to spread your wings while at home, I suggest you check out these virtual tours. I’ve got options from almost every continent. (Sorry, Antarctica.)

Europe: Le Louvre

The Louvre needs no introduction.

Unsurprisingly, this prestigious museum has one of the world’s most seamless virtual tours. Not only do they offer up-close (and fully private) tours of the main museum, but each exhibition receives a similarly royal virtual tour treatment.

They also offer a ‘behind the glass’ look at the Mona Lisa, which is fully equipped for VR users.

Asia: Great Wall of China

I’ve never cared for boundary walls—but I was wrong to write off the Great Wall of China for two reasons.

First, because of its sheer size. It stretches over 13,100 miles in total. For context, the US is only 2,800 miles wide at its girthiest.

Second, its oldest portions were built back in 220 BC, while the modern areas were built closer to the 1600s. That means all that wall was built without modern technology.

I’m not over this. I’ll never be over this. Join me in not being over this by walking the wall with a virtual tour. While it’s not the cleanest tour on this list, you’ll quickly get a sense of the scale of this great feat.

Middle East: Petra

In case you’re unaware, Petra is located in Jordan amid its red-sand deserts. Around two millennia ago, a group called the Nabataens decided to carve their civilization into the desert’s red rocks.

These still exist today as mammoth glimpses into the ancient past.

If this intrigues you, then you’re in for a real treat. Petra was one of the first virtual tours that Google set up, giving you a seamless view into the stunning feats of Petra and a guided audio tour. Seriously, you won’t find a better virtual tour out there.

South America: Machu Picchu

We need to talk about Machu Picchu virtual tours.

Because Machu Picchu is only accessible via hiking through the towering Andes Mountains, it’s simply not accessible for tourists with health problems.

As such, many tourism groups have cobbled together subpar virtual experiences to package with their in-person tours. I’ve found that most of these are basic, buggy, and disorienting.

Uniquely, however, Yale’s Alumni Academy decided to create a 360-degree virtual tour. It’s a pretty good take on Machu Picchu. It also has options for those who have limited bandwidth, as most virtual tours require strong Wi-Fi connections.

Australia & Oceania: Great Barrier Reef

Whether or not you enjoy tropical fish and colorful reefs, this virtual tour of the Great Barrier Reef is worth your time. First, because it’s narrated by the one and only David Attenborough. Second, because it has a top-tier production that feels too good to be free. However, this tour isn’t a 360-degree visual tour. Instead, it’s a mixed-media project that shines a more academic and environmental light on the reefs. It’s an Attenborough project, after all.

Africa: Great Pyramid of Giza

Visiting the pyramids is high on the list for most adventurous and history-centric travelers.

Not only is it the site of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, but it’s brimming with archaeological wonders. There are quite a few projects out there that will take you closer to Giza and similar pyramids, including a fully digital tour from Harvard.

However, I’ve been really enjoying exploring a few tombs and pyramids using the Mused collection of tours. They offer a balance between archaeology, ruins, and museum exhibitions. You’ll learn a lot along the way.

North America: Yosemite

I’ve been dreaming of visiting Yosemite for years. But with the long waits for campsites at US National Parks and the mass tourism going on, I’d rather head to Yosemite when I’m sure I won’t be surrounded by hundreds.

The easiest way to do that is through a virtual tour. Virtual Yosemite is a decent virtual tour. Though the visuals aren’t great, it offers a fantastic and helpful bird’s eye view of the park, letting you focus on potential areas of interest.

Disneyland & Disney World Alternatives: Leading US Holiday Parks

Disneyland and Disney World were never cheap. But today, it seems like they’re even less affordable for the average family.

Along with Universal Studios, Disney theme park prices have skyrocketed.

On average, two adults will spend around $3,000 on a short trip, including lodging, tickets, meals, and all other expenses. But a family of four might pay upwards of $6,000 for a similar experience.

These climbing prices might not come as a shock considering inflation rates in 2024.

But these prices are a problem when you take a closer look at the overall experience. While Disney and Universal ticket prices have steadily risen, the quality of the visit has plummeted.

Hardcore and long-time fans have started to ask questions about these theme parks—largely focused on what sorts of families could possibly afford them.

I’ll let you decide whether Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal theme parks are worth your time, energy, and hard-earned dollars. After all, despite the rough feedback from visitors over the last few years, these are institutions that still have plenty of dedicated fans.

But just in case you’re on the fence about finalizing that trip to Orlando or Los Angeles, I’ve got a few other suggestions for you. Though these theme parks offer very different experiences, there’s something for everyone.

And as a former Six Flags Season Pass holder, I can tell you that the size of the theme park and its brand reach doesn’t matter when you’re soaring through the sky on a rollercoaster.

Here are my top selections.

Six Flags: For fans of fast rides

There are fifteen locations owned by Six Flags across North America, along with a slew of Six Flags water parks. (Where’s my Hurricane Harbor crowd at?!)

These parks are ideal for those who want to focus on roller coasters and similar high-octane adventures. Six Flags is home to state-of-the-art roller coasters that deliver speed, height, twists, turns, and flips.

In fact, the fastest roller coaster in the US is the Kinda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. It’s also the tallest roller coaster in the US.

Explore Six Flags experiences (make sure to navigate to the correct location at the top of the page)

Busch Gardens: For fans of zoos

Busch Gardens has two locations, one in Tampa Bay and another in Williamsburg, Virginia. Unlike other theme parks on this list, Busch Gardens offers two distinct experiences.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg includes cultural ‘hamlets’ that showcase different European cities and regions, from France to Bavaria. Though it includes a zoo, the focus is on more human themes like culture, food, and language.

The Tampa Bay location, on the other hand, has a much vaster animal attraction section with over 12,000 creatures, from tigers to sloths to flamingos. I’d recommend heading to Florida versus Virginia.

Explore Busch Gardens (Virginia)

Explore Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay)

Dollywood: For fans of country music

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is known for a few reasons, one of which is being the hometown of superstar and country music sweetheart, Dolly Parton.

Visitors are treated to more casual rollercoasters at this theme park, along with a small water park, and historical reenactments. Obviously, there’s also a large emphasis placed on country music and Dolly herself.

Though you might be surprised to hear, Dollywood has won international awards for its varied offers, including its Christmas show. In fact, it’s a huge attraction for international tourists.

To be frank, this theme park has never been on my bucket list—but that quickly changed as I researched this article. See you in Dollywood!

Check out Dollywood

Hersheypark: For those visiting Pennsylvania

Yes—this park takes its name from the famous brand of American chocolate. If you’re anything like me, this park has probably flown right under the radar.

Unlike others on this list, Hersheypark isn’t a chain. Like Dollywood, it’s a one-stop shop. You’ll find a series of rollercoasters, chocolate-centric attractions, a small (and rather sad) zoo, and a water park.

I haven’t been overly taken with the offers from Hersheypark, but I’d definitely consider stopping by if I was passing through Pennsylvania with a car full of children.

Explore what Hersheypark has to offer

Legoland: For younger families

(*Legoland is stylized as LEGOLAND, but I’m using under case to avoid screaming at my readers.)

Legoland theme parks dot the globe. At the moment, Americans can enjoy Legoland parks in California, Florida, and New York. If you’re traveling, keep a lookout for new locations opening up in Beijing, Shanghai, and Dubai.

Most reviews of Legoland focus on its appeal to younger visitors, especially those from 5-10 years old. Now, on to the pressing question—do you need to like Legos to enjoy this theme park?

Unsurprisingly, the park is overwhelmingly geared toward Lego fans and Lego experiences, so being a fan would help. However, the overall experience was created for children between 2-12. So long as that age range fits, their relationship to Legos won’t matter too much.

Learn more about Legoland locations and experiences