travelled

A seasoned globetrotter has visited more than 90 countries and has one ‘soulless spot’ he has no desire to revisit – and its not just the culture that has put him off

A well-travelled explorer who has visited more than 90 nations spanning six continents has revealed which region he considers his worst destination.

Gabriel Morris, a globe-trotting YouTube content creator, has spent over three decades travelling the world.

To be precise, Gabriel has visited “97 United Nations member states plus the three disputed countries of Kosovo, Northern Cyprus, and Taiwan which do not have UN member status.”

Yet, there’s one ‘soulless spot’ from his vast travels that he has pledged never to return to.

With 613,000 subscribers on YouTube, Gabriel’s travel content regularly garners substantial attention and engagement from fellow explorers and enthusiasts keen to learn about his adventures, reports the Express.

In his latest video titled ‘I’ve Been to 100 Countries – Which Place is the Worst?’, the YouTuber revealed that the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) ranks as the most disappointing location he’s experienced.

Speaking to his viewers, Gabriel explained: “I’ve seen a fair amount of the world and many of those countries I’ve been to over and over and travelled around a lot. I’ll just tell you at the beginning here, my least favourite part of the world is the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf).”

It’s worth noting Iran refers to it as the Persian Gulf, whilst the nations situated on the southern and western shores of the Gulf call it the Arabian Gulf.

So, why does Gabriel find the Persian Gulf region less appealing?

The content creator explains: “Now, I haven’t been to Iran, and Iran looks absolutely incredible. And so I’m not including Iran in this. I don’t know that along the Persian Gulf there is anything especially nice to see there.”

Gabriel has travelled to countless destinations around the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Jeddah, where he rented a vehicle for a day to explore beyond the urban limits, plus Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, encompassing Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Yet none of these destinations particularly enchanted him.

He said: “There’s a little bit more to see in the desert outside of the cities, but not very much. Mostly it’s just flat desert. Basically, I am thinking of the main cities on the Persian Gulf, and then including the cities of Saudi Arabia, which aren’t near the Persian Gulf but do border it. I just find these cities to be devoid of anything particularly interesting as a traveller. I find them to be very boring and stale.

“The streets are practically empty of people other than those in their cars. You don’t get the bustling, busy marketplace experience. All of those cities are built in a very similar style of massive skyscrapers. It makes for an impressive skyline, but then you get there on the ground and it’s big, wide streets that can be almost impossible to cross. There’s lots of traffic, massive distances, and not really anything that I want to do there. You can go in malls, you can go to some restaurants. Alcohol is banned for the most part, so that’s another drawback.”

Branding them as “soulless”, Gabriel added: “I just find them to be kind of soulless and not unique in any way. You could drop me in any one of those cities and not tell me which one it is, and unless you had a view of, say, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or some particular landmark, if you were in a typical neighbourhood you couldn’t distinguish it from any of the others. They’re all built exactly the same and just super boring. Now, they aren’t bad places to live necessarily or to raise a family. They are safe, they’re clean, and they’re hassle-free. There’s no hustling, scams, or anything really to worry about.”

Apart from Qatar and Dubai, which Gabriel ranks as his top two destinations respectively, Gabriel reckons that of all the places around the world, he has “no desire to go back to that part of the world”, though he admits the culture is “certainly fine”.

Nevertheless, Gabriel thinks there’s another problem at hand.

He explained: “Most of the people you’re going to interact with aren’t even the local Saudis, Emiratis, Qataris, Kuwaitis, or Bahrainis, because the local populations in all those countries are actually a minority. The majority of people you’ll encounter are workers from South Asia – Indians, Pakistanis, lots of Bangladeshis – who are working in restaurants, malls, hotels, and other service positions.

“The locals, as I understand it, receive paychecks from oil revenue and don’t really have to work, at least not in the typical service jobs. Maybe that’s not true in every country, but in general, if they are working, it’s more likely to be in business or professional roles, so you’re unlikely to interact with them as a visitor. That’s just one more thing that makes the experience feel kind of watered down – you don’t really get much of a local cultural experience. So, it’s nothing personal against the people,” Gabriel concludes. The digital creator had a rather unnerving encounter in Kuwait City when he was stopped and questioned for filming.

Recalling the incident, Gabriel shared: “I think it was in Kuwait City where I got questioned for filming. I was filming near one of the palaces – or something like that – and I had made a point of not filming one particular place that I thought could be a problem.

“But then I started filming something else, and a security guard waved me over. At that point, you definitely don’t want to run or try to avoid them, because that just makes things worse. So I walked over, and I believe he spoke English. He asked me what I was filming for, asked a few questions, and then let me go. But despite the relatively harmless outcome, it was still a very harrowing experience in the moment – being questioned by an authority figure without knowing how it’s going to play out.”

Reflecting on the potential outcomes of the encounter, Gabriel added: “They could easily say, “I want you to talk to my superior,” and then you’re being taken into some office where they’re suspicious of you and start asking more questions. It’s always a pretty traumatic experience, and it basically makes you want to leave. That’s exactly how I felt afterward-I just hoped I could get out of there without any more hassle. So that was one more drawback.”

There are hundreds of places to explore in Europe, from quaint seaside towns to medieval cities – but which is the safest to visit? A travel expert has ranked them and revealed their top 10

An avid traveller has revealed the safest places to visit in Europe – and it might not be where you’d expect.

When looking for the next getaway or city break, it can be hard to narrow down the ideal location, especially if you’re looking for somewhere new to visit. A key factor that many consider is how safe the location is – so they can wander around the foreign streets freely without the extra stress of looking over their shoulder.

In a bid to help others book their dream vacation, solo traveller and European expert, Luke Patrick Hoogmoed, curated a list of European capitals that were dubbed the safest, with the lowest level of crime. Sharing a video on his Instagram account, which boasts over 500K followers, he revealed the list, counting down from 10 to number 1. Here’s what the traveller expert said…

READ MORE: Popular city becoming ‘abandoned’ and ’emptied out’ as locals flee from singing touristsREAD MORE: British tourist visits Disney World and is shocked by what Americans really think of us

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark is a charming and modern city, known for its biking culture and brightly coloured buildings with Scandinavian designs. The expert said, “People trust each other and follow the rules. The streets are well-lit and easy to walk at night. Visit Nyhavn for colorful views by the water.”

9. Prague, Czech Republic

Often called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, the capital of the Czech Republic boasts cobbled streets, medieval bridges and fairy-tale-like churches with a vibrant yet welcoming feel. The traveller noted, “The city is full of life but feels calm. Police are present and public spaces are kept safe. Don’t miss Charles Bridge at sunrise.”

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

It may be small, but the capital of Slovakia is filled with character, with lively squares that go uncrowded and a relaxed vibe for an easy getaway. “It’s small and easy to get around. Most areas are quiet and crime is rare. Bratislava Castle has the best views of the city,” the expert revealed.

7. Warsaw, Poland

Blending history and modern energy, the capital of Poland has riverside parks, baroque churches, historic landmarks and an Old Town that was reconstructed. Luke shared: “The city is busy but well-organised. Public transport and streets are safe to use. The Old Town Market Square is a must-see.”

6. Helsinki, Finland

The capital of Finland has been described as modern yet serene, with maritime beauty and an urban blend. “People look out for one another. It’s clean, peaceful, and safe to walk anywhere. Visit Suomenlinna island for a nice getaway from the busy city centre,” the expert noted.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

The small capital of Estonia is a preserved medieval city where you can walk the streets filled with character and experience its contemporary edge. “The old town is well-lit and lively. Crime levels are low and people feel secure. Toompea Hill offers great city views,” Luke said.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

A small yet vibrant and picturesque city, with a lively cultural scene, surrounded by majestic mountains. The expert revealed: “Almost everyone knows each other. Violence and serious crime are very rare. I filmed the clip from the top of the Hallgrímskirkja Church.”

3. Zagreb, Croatia

With an Upper and Lower Town to be explored, the capital of Croatia has a charming feel with a warmth and elegance that runs through to its residents. “It’s relaxed and friendly. The police are active and keep the streets safe. The Upper Town is perfect for a peaceful walk,” the traveller said.

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Intimate and walkable, the capital of Slovenia is known for its modern architecture, outdoor living and fairytale-like backdrop. Luke noted, “The city is small and welcoming. It’s easy to walk around without worry. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the whole city.”

1. Bern, Switzerland

With medieval buildings, arcaded walkways and cobbled streets, the Swiss capital is filled with history and beauty around every corner. Ranked as the safest, the expert said: “Calm streets and orderly life. Safety is part of everyday living here. The Rose Garden has the best view of the old town.”

Chadden Hunter has spent the last 25 years travelling the world with the likes of Sir David Attenborough and has visited some of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet

A BBC film producer has revealed one of his favourite destinations is in the UK after travelling the globe alongside the legendary Sir David Attenborough.

Chadden Hunter has said that a country right on our doorstep ranks at the top of his favourite countries list.

Speaking to the Daily Express, the producer described Scotland as an underrated “gem” that consistently amazes him.

He elaborated: “On our doorstep in the UK, I think Scotland is under-appreciated. I mean, it blows my mind when you look at a population map of the British Isles, it always blows my mind how dense England is, and especially southern England, and how unbelievably empty Scotland is.

“And yet, up there, there’s stunning wildlife, you can go on boat tours, and see orcas and basking sharks. On some of the beaches, the water is as crystal clear as anything you get in the tropics.”

“And yet, up there, there’s stunning wildlife, you can go on boat tours, and see orcas and basking sharks. On some of the beaches, the water is as crystal clear as anything you get in the tropics.”

Explaining precisely what sets Scotland apart from the countless other locations he’s explored, he added: “It’s chilly to get in (the water), but it is beautiful, and then you’ve got in some areas, you’ve got nesting puffins, you’ve got otters, seal colonies.

“So I think it’s just one of those places that I think we often overlook to go further afield, but unless you’re going to get down to the plains of Southern Africa, of Eastern Africa, then Scotland’s a bit of gem on our doorstep.”

Originally undertaking his PhD on monkeys in Ethiopia, he encountered a BBC film crew during his time in the African nation.

Unknown to him at the time, the chance meeting would kickstart a lengthy relationship with the broadcasters.

In the more than 25 years since, he has collaborated with Sir David Attenborough as a producer on some of the channel’s most beloved nature programmes, including Planet Earth One and Two, Seven Worlds One Planet, and Frozen Planet.

Chadden isn’t the only avid traveller to reveal their top destination recently. A seasoned globetrotter who’s visited 90 countries claims the only one she’d revisit is a mere three hours from the UK.

That place is Iceland, and is somewhere that left such an impression on Jamie Davis Smith that she has made the trip back to the icy country time and again down years.

Anastasia, 23, was left with a big shock when she finally landed at her destination after travelling with Ryanair. She couldn’t get over the major travel blunder

A woman who flew with Ryanair has shared how she ended up “miles away” from her holiday destination due to a significant travel mishap. Anastasia, 23, took to social media to share her blunder in the hope that others won’t make the same mistake.

In a recent video, she revealed that she was travelling to Brussels with Ryanair when she made a startling discovery about her trip. Despite the journey being smooth, she got the shock of her life upon landing at her chosen destination, and the reason why might surprise you.

Despite her enthusiasm for travel, it seems she wasn’t as prepared as she thought, as she found herself miles away from the city. This oversight caused quite a bit of trouble, and it’s not the only travel saga to have been reported lately.

Sharing a clip of her journey, Anastasia wrote: “When Ryanair says you’re flying to Brussels without mentioning the airport is 60km away from the city.” This equates to just over 37 miles.

Although she confessed it was “her fault” for not checking, the error seemed to cause them some travel chaos. It serves as a reminder to thoroughly research before travelling.

The video has since been viewed over 11,000 times, and people were quick to comment. A variety of opinions were shared.

One person said: “Yeah, this one’s on you.” Another added: “Not to be that person, but did you check how you would get from the airport to your destination?”

A third replied: “I’m from Brussels and I think it’s badly indicated. Yes, it says Brussels Charleroi, but they write Brussels when they are two completely different cities?”

Meanwhile, a fourth could relate to the story, as they commented: “I have flashbacks of this happening to me and my friends on New Year’s in Antwerp waiting for the bus at 2am in the middle of nowhere.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “In your defence, they do market it as Brussels South Airport when, in fact, it’s very far away, and in a small town called Charleroi.”

If you weren’t aware, Brussels actually operates two primary airports. These comprise Brussels Airport (BRU), situated in Zaventem, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), positioned in Charleroi.

Brussels Airport is regarded as the principal international hub and sits nearer to the city centre, whilst Charleroi Airport lies further south and is frequently utilised by low-cost carriers.

The Ryanair website declares: “Brussels is a wonderful city break destination at any time of year, so the timing of your trip really depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing. The busiest season is summer, from the end of May until the beginning of September, and of course this comes with both pros and cons.

“If you like to see your cities bathed in sunshine, summer is undoubtedly the best time of year to book flights to Brussels, and Brussels’ gilded baroque buildings do look beautiful in the sunlight.

“But Brussels is busy at this time of year too, and you might prefer a little more space to yourself when you visit. If that’s the case, the shoulder seasons (April/May and September/October) are a really good idea. The kids are in school and students in college, so the streets are a little quieter but the weather is still hospitable – and cheap Brussels flights are easier to find off-peak season too.”

The airline has been approached for further comment.

Drew Binsky, who has visited all 195 countries in the world, has returned to a war-torn state widely regarded as the most dangerous place to visit – and says it’s “scary and unpredictable”

A fearless globe-trotter, who has explored all 195 nations across the world, has made a return journey to a conflict-ridden territory widely considered the planet’s most perilous destination.

YouTuber Drew Binsky ventured to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital in East Africa, where he claims there are “no rules” in the bustling metropolis, which is regularly monitored by heavily-armed militants.

Whilst filming a piece for his channel at Mogadishu’s scenic Lido Beach, he outlines how firearms are omnipresent: “There are so many AK-47s around me, I’m not joking you when I say this.

“There’s six guys on that side of the beach, there’s a pocket of six guys right there on the ground, there’s a dude walking towards me in a blue shirt. I feel like I’m just going to be stuck in crossfire.

“All eyes are on me right now and we should probably get the f*** out of here. The longer we stay here, the more attention we get.”

It’s a sensible measure, as in August 2024, the Al Qaeda-linked terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab executed a devastating assault on the beach that claimed 56 lives and wounded over 200 people.

In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends against all journeys to Somalia.

However, the locals Drew encounters on the beach maintain that the gravest threats are behind them, and that “everyone should come to Mogadishu.”

Dozens can be seen enjoying themselves, with young men playing football and many women in full traditional Islamic dress paddling in the crystal-clear waters while surrounded by AK-47-toting men.

The well-travelled Arizona teacher describes Mogadishu as “one of the most intense places I’ve ever been,” saying it’s “scary and unpredictable,” and quite possibly “the most dangerous city on Earth.”

Drew explained how, during his initial journey to Mogadishu, he was flanked by an enormous security detail.

“Every time I left my hotel,” he said, “I was accompanied by eight soldiers with AK-47s and I was hardly able to leave the car and explore.”

During his second visit, he travelled with a far more discreet protection squad, carrying handguns instead of assault rifles.

Yet Drew emphasises that the capital remains in a constant state of vigilance.

Checkpoints appear every few miles along each main thoroughfare, whilst the impact of more than three decades of conflict has reduced whole streets to little more than debris.

Five years following his initial visit, he notes that the security circumstances on the ground remain unchanged: “All the checkpoints, all the barricades, to enter buildings, the barbed wire fences. Just the hostility that you feel on the streets.”

Conservative estimates place the fatality count from Somalia’s numerous intersecting wars since 1991 at beyond 500,000.

The wounds of perpetual warfare are visible throughout Mogadishu, Drew observes: “Bombings, kidnappings, and street battles have turned everyday life into a battleground.

“To make matters worse, Mogadishu’s lawlessness extends offshore, where Somali pirates hijack ships along global trade routes.”

Despite the risks, Drew found his time in Somalia exhilarating: “Nothing gets my adrenaline rush going than being in a place like Mogadishu,” he says.

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wolters, who runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World, explained that he felt compelled to provide “honest” advice to travellers after seeing numerous “misleading” blogs and videos

A travel vlogger who’s visited over 80 countries has revealed his favourite destinations. Mark Wolters, the man behind the popular YouTube channel Wolters World, hails from Quincy, Illinois, USA and is on a mission to provide “honest” travel advice to his many followers.

He explained that he was driven to create his videos after noticing many “misleading” blogs and felt it “wasn’t right” for families to “waste their hard earned vacation time”. He previously shared the “least friendly” country he’s visited for tourists. But, in an exclusive interview, he had no hesitation in naming his five favourite countries by continent.

Brazil

Mark explained: “My favorite place to visit in South America is Brazil. I lived there and have family there and it is just such a wonderful place with the food, the nature, and the crazy fun times you can have there.”

Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the world’s biggest democracies. It boasts diverse landscapes including the Amazon, the world’s largest jungle, and is synonymous with world-class football, being the home of Pelé.

The nation boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, featuring a staggering 600 mammal species. Rio de Janeiro (pictured above) ranks among its most sought-after tourist hotspots.

France

Mark revealed: “In Europe, it is a toss up between France and Italy. They both have great food and if you speak a bit of the local language you can make so many friends there. So I can never pass up going to either of them.”

Famous for its cuisine and culture, France stands as a significant force globally and maintains membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). Located in Western Europe, it shares borders with Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Boasting legendary sites including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, France serves as a European cultural capital and an enormously popular holiday destination.

Italy

A major attraction for visitors and amongst Mark’s top picks, Italy represents another country celebrated for its gastronomy and heritage. Many of history’s most famous artistic figures originated from Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio.

This Southern European country also houses some of the globe’s most recognised monuments, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. Beyond the capital, Rome, holidaymakers flock to other remarkable destinations like the stunning cities of Venice and Florence.

Rwanda

Mark explained: “In Africa we love visiting Rwanda. It was such an incredible adventure when we visited the first time. We fell in love with it.”

Rwanda, a landlocked nation in East Africa, is known as the “land of a thousand hills”. It’s a small yet densely populated country that borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Home to the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, Rwanda boasts rainforests, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and even the endangered mountain gorilla.

China

Mark said: “In Asia, I think my wife would say Japan, but I loved teaching and traveling in China. So much history and so much food!

China, one of the world’s most populous nations and a leading industrial powerhouse, has a rich history spanning 4,000 years. The modern People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 following the Communist Revolution.

Tourists flock to see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Not to mention, it’s famously home to the Giant Panda.

POLICE have launched an urgent appeal to help trace a teen girl now missing for more than 24 hours.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for 14-year-old Chanel who was last seen yesterday.

The last confirmed sighting of Chanel was in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, at around 8pm last night but she vanished and has not been seen since.

Its feared that the youth may have travelled 150 miles away to Weston-Super-Mare.

Cops are now issuing a desperate plea for help in locating the teen, described as being around 5ft 7ins tall, of a medium build with long black hair.

Chanel was last seen wearing black leggings, a black t-shirt and a cream coat with a fur hood.

Anyone who spots the missing youth has been asked to contact cops immediately.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “We need your help to find missing girl, Chanel, from Newcastle-under-Lyme.

“Chanel, aged 14, was last seen in Kidsgrove at 8.50pm yesterday. We believe Chanel may have travelled to Weston-Super-Mare.

“Anyone who has seen Chanel or knows of her whereabouts, should contact us.”

Any sightings of Chanel should be reported to Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 902 of August 13.

1

Courtney Allan hitchhiked from Guangzhou in China to the Russia-Mongolia border – a journey which took 50 days – and has described her method as “such a great way to see the world for free”

A young woman has travelled 5,000 miles without spending a penny – by hitchhiking.

Courtney Allan grabbed lifts from strangers to get from Guangzhou in China to the Russia-Mongolia border, a journey which took 50 days. Courtney, 26, says she feels “incredibly blessed”, having seen some “beautiful countries” for free.

‘It’s (hitchhiking) becoming more common though, and it’s such a great way to see the world for free… I feel incredibly blessed. Hitchhiking was so not normal for so long, it didn’t even seem like an option,” Courtney said.

The Canadian native first experienced hitchhiking in the UK as, in late 2023, she found public transport too expensive to get around during a holiday here. During her three-week visit to the UK, Courtney was able to persuade a driver to give her a lift from Bath, Somerset into Wales.

And she since used this method during a trip to Africa – travelling from Morocco to Cape Town – a distance of more than 8,000 miles, and has now completed the 5,000-mile trip – for free – in Asia.

READ MORE: Two of most popular holiday hotspots ‘dangerous’ for UK tourists, experts warnREAD MORE: ‘I’m traveling thousands of miles to LA without catching a single flight — one moment was surreal’

Courtney, from Toronto, said she has “not yet felt in danger”. She continued: “When I think of who I am now, it’s an exponential growth from who I was when I first visited the UK two years ago.

“When you’re hitchhiking, you’re with the people who live in that country. You get a much more intimate experience. It’s such a good way to meet local people and get the best things to do in a place. This isn’t the stuff you see on TripAdvisor.”

Courtney, who documents her trips on her Instagram page @hitchhikercourtney, travelled through 16 countries to reach Cape Town on her African adventure. In that time, she said she spent less than $20 (£15) on transport, of which more than half was spent on a single ferry across the Congo River.

But she didn’t have to pay a penny on transport during her Asian journey, which saw her catch rides through China, north through Mongolia to the border of it and Russia. The journey started in May this year, ending this week. The social media influencer continued: “My budget would have gone up by thousands if I had been paying for transport.”

She added: “Women are often scared of going out into the world because of the risks. But there is a risk everywhere, every day, no matter what you’re doing. You can’t let them get the better of you. For me, the benefits of being able to explore the world outweigh those risks.”