Inspired by movies, books, expats make travel plans

For many UAE residents, travel is no longer about sightseeing but diving deep into a destination to explore.

- SM Ayaz Zakir

These expats prefer experiential travel over traditional vacations, inspired by books, movies, and television shows that take them in journeys to vivid landscapes and fascinating cultures.

Whether it’s learning to cook their favourite dish in Rome, riding horses in Bali, or experiencing the magic of snow in the US, experiential travel is on the rise among residents.

Pooja Ganatra, an acoustic expert and senior consultant at Buro Happold, was inspired by books and movies about cooking. Her dream to visit Rome wasn’t just about seeing the city but also about savouring its flavours. She shared her transformative experience of visiting Rome, driven by her passion for culinary arts. “In Rome, I didn’t just visit — I immersed. Kneading pasta dough, layering tiramisu, and savouring every bite, I felt the city’s soul in its flavours,” said Ganatra.

“Travel, for me, isn’t just about seeing; it’s about tasting, touching, and becoming part of the story,” she said. “Here, every dish was a lesson, every moment a memory, and every bite a love letter to la dolce vita (the good life).”