Travel Stories with Moush

The Maldives is not what you think - Meerah Ketait

Welcome back to Travel Stories with Moush and what a way to kick off Season 7! For our very first episode, I am joined by Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail & Leisure at dnata Travel and one of the most influential voices in the travel industry in this part of the world. With years of experience curating extraordinary journeys for all kinds of travelers, Meerah doesn't just know travel, she lives it. From family getaways to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, she brings it all to the table in this conversation. Episode Highlights & Destination Gems: 1. The Maldives - Not just a Honeymoon Destination. Meerah says that the Maldives is for everyone - families, couples, solo travellers and groups.   • Beach villas offering covered, private access - ideal for families seeking privacy • Kids clubs catering to all age groups, from toddlers to teens • Options for every budget - from Hard Rock Maldives to Ritz Carlton and Patina • Just a 4-hour flight from Dubai - perfect for long weekends and short Eid breaks 2. Japan – A Once-In-a-Lifetime Destination. Over 37 million tourists visited in 2025, with forward bookings already being made 1-2 years in advance • Cherry blossom season in March is peak time, book ASAP or risk missing it entirely • Classic itinerary: Tokyo (world-class shopping) → Kyoto (bamboo gardens, temples) → Osaka → bullet train experience • Rich in culture, history, culinary depth and cutting-edge innovation 3. Aurora Lights / Northern Lights — THIS(2026) Is the Year! The solar cycle peaks in 2026, meaning Aurora frequency is at its absolute maximum RIGHT NOW. • The next peak won't be until the 2030s, so if it's on your bucket list, the time is now • Book as early as possible for winter departures coz availability is filling up fast 4. Uganda & Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking A physically demanding but life-changing experience, hiking through rainforests to spot gorillas in their natural habitat. • Suitable for ages 15 and above • Not your typical holiday but one that will shift your perspective on the world entirely 5. Kenya – The Great Migration Witnessing millions of animals migrate across the wild is a truly once-in-a-lifetime natural experience. • A bucket list moment for wildlife enthusiasts. 6. Gulf Cruises - The Perfect Introduction to Cruising Top recommendation for first-time cruisers - start with a Gulf cruise. • Ports include Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain — close to home, familiar, and a great way to experience life on a moving hotel • Ideal for families, groups and couples alike 7. South Africa - Underrated & On the Rise One of dnata's top-selling international summer destinations in 2025. • Incredible value for money. Cape Town has an amazing coastline, world-class safaris and game drives • A destination for every budget, with outstanding food   8. Morocco - Quiet Luxury Meets Vibrant Culture Bustling souks in Marrakech to ultra-luxe resorts like Royal Mansour. • The Atlas Mountains, stunning beaches and rich cultural flavours • A destination that is deeply underrated and deserves far more attention 9. Thailand — The Ultimate Culinary Destination • From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run street food stalls • Night markets, food markets and dining-led itineraries make this a foodie's paradise 10. Italy - The Soul of Slow Food Rome and Florence both deliver equally on culinary richness • dnata curates dedicated culinary itineraries like pasta-making classes, dough-rolling sessions and cooking with local Italian grandmothers 2026 is the UAE Year of Family and the team at dnata Travel are making it their mission to help families make the most of it.   Connect with dnata Travel: www.dnatatravel.com https://www.instagram.com/dnatatravel/ https://www.facebook.com/dnatatravel https://www.linkedin.com/company/dnatatravelgroup/ https://www.youtube.com/@dnatatravel Thank you for tuning in to the Season 7 premiere of Travel Stories with Moush. If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating or review - it truly helps us reach more travelers like you.   Drop a comment and tell us which destination from today's episode is going straight to your bucket list? Stay connected with me on https://www.instagram.com/moushtravels/ to find out who's joining me next week.   Explore all past episodes and destinations here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/travel-stories-with-moush/id1691525895 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pAUXiXuRLv1E9WFznWm7T?si=qA_E3Cf8RqKT97pUJcINxQ https://www.youtube.com/@travelstorieswithmoush Until next time…safe travels and keep adventuring.   "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chasing pizza in Italy - Chef Himanshu Saini

In the season finale of the Culinary Journeys series, Chef Himanshu Saini, the chef behind the world’s first and only Indian restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, Trèsind Studio, shares the travel experiences that have shaped his cooking. From Italy’s slow food culture to Mexican street food, this episode explores how travel influences the way chefs think about food. Destination Highlights & Culinary Insights: 1. Italy - A culinary road trip. For Himanshu, Italy is where food, landscape and culture come together effortlessly. It’s a place best explored slowly and through long drives, local restaurants and unforgettable dishes. • Road trip from Milan to the Dolomites. https://www.instagram.com/ristorantelido84/ • Exploring the vineyards of Franciacorta. https://www.instagram.com/franciacorta/ • Exploring the lively lake town of Desenzano del Garda. • Discovering the charm of Lecce in South Italy. • A pilgrimage to Naples to eat the best pizza in the world in Chef Franco Pepe’s restaurant. https://www.instagram.com/francopepeingrani/ 2. Mexico - Street food and cultural crossroads. Mexico’s street food culture is vibrant, regional and deeply rooted in history. • Why Mexican street food is one of the most exciting food cultures in the world. • Discovering the Lebanese influence in Mexico City. 3. India - The world’s greatest street food culture. 4. France – The world’s greatest destination for the culinary techniques. This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards. Connect with Himanshu at: https://www.instagram.com/chefhimanshusaini/ Thank you all for tuning in today! If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review - it truly makes a difference. Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes. Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.   "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The smart foodie's guide to Japan - Chef Neha Mishra

In this episode of the Special Culinary Series, I’m joined by Chef Neha Mishra - the visionary behind Kinoya in Dubai and the woman many first knew as the “Ramen Girl” hosting intimate supper clubs before building one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. On this episode, Neha takes us across continents through flavor, philosophy and deeply personal food memories - from Tokyo’s ramen counters to the Himalayas at 16,000 feet. Destination Highlights & Culinary Insights: 1. Japan - The art of perfection.   Japan, for Neha, represents devotion - to craft, to ingredients and to doing one thing exceptionally well. • Ramen culture and why simplicity equals mastery. • How to explore Japan on a budget - eating where locals eat. • Traditional Japanese breakfasts and bento spreads. • Public transport in Japan makes exploration seamless. • “Memory Lane” (Omoide Yokocho-style alleyways) for affordable eats.           https://en.shinjuku-omoide.com/ 2. India – Where food is a ‘love language’. Neha talks about the diversity of India and how every region there is its own eco system with distinct culinary identities. A trip to India is a reminder that food isn’t about complexity, it’s about connection. • The architecture and soul of South Bombay(South Mumbai). • South Indian cuisine as one of the most underrated global food cultures. • A transformative trip to Spiti Valley near Ladakh and mindful meals at 16,000 feet in the Himalayas. • Single-ingredient cooking. 3. Italy – Slow living and Sacred tables. • Produce-driven cooking: olives, olive oil, tomatoes. • Landscape and longevity and how environment shapes cuisine. 4. Georgia – Unexpected beauty. Beyond the food, it is the landscape and culture that linger. This is a destination where hospitality and history intertwine and is definitely a place that deserves far more global attention than it receives. 5. Vietnam, Thailand and Southeast Asia - The street food masters. Southeast Asia is where street food becomes storytelling. 6. Brazil – Best street food. • Sunday markets and neighborhood food culture. • Street discoveries that rival fine dining. 7. Mexico – Culinary immersion. This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards. Connect with Neha at: https://www.instagram.com/astoryoffood/ Thank you all for tuning in today! If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review - it truly makes a difference. Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes. Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.       "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China is a world of flavors - Chef Kelvin Cheung

In this second episode of the Culinary Travel series, we go around the world through some very exotic flavors with Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s in Dubai. Kelvin has eaten his way across the globe, traveling through continents and cities exploring cultures, cuisines, heritage and so much more. On this episode Kelvin gives us a glimpse of his journeys and takes us on a super delicious ride. Destination Highlights and Culinary Insights: 1. Thailand - Fireworks of flavor. Kelvin calls Thailand one of the most dynamic food destinations in the world. • Exploring small towns and villages beyond Bangkok. • Best street food in the world. https://www.instagram.com/cheftonn/?hl=en – All of Chef Ton’s restaurants come highly recommended. https://www.instagram.com/restaurant.potong/?hl=en – Highly recommended. 2. China - A Culinary awakening. • Regional diversity across South, East and Northwest China. • Border cuisines blending Chinese, Thai, and Lao influences 3. Japan - The benchmark of excellence. 4. Singapore - Nostalgia on a plate 5. Jordan - A delicious surprise. https://www.instagram.com/qaismalhas/?hl=en – highly recommended. 6. Vietnam - The ingredient revelation - a ‘rice paddy herb’. 7. India – A culinary renaissance. Highly recommended - https://www.instagram.com/veronicasbombay/?hl=en                                     https://www.instagram.com/masquerestaurant/?hl=en                                     https://www.instagram.com/restaurantnaar/?hl=en This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards. Connect with Kelvin at: https://www.instagram.com/chefkelvincheung/ Thank you all for tuning in today! If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review - it truly makes a difference. Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes. Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.         "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mexico is a dream for foodies - Claudia de Britto

Welcome to the special Culinary Series of Travel Stories with Moush, where we explore the world through food. For the very first episode of this series, I am joined by Claudia de Britto, one of the most influential voices in global gastronomy. As the Gulf Academic Chair of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and Middle East Vice Academic Chair of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Claudia quite literally travels the world for food - experiencing cultures, landscapes and communities one plate at a time. Destination Highlights & Culinary Insights: 1. Mexico - A Country of Endless Cuisines.  Claudia explains how tortillas, moles, salsas and ingredients change dramatically from north to south. * Ensenada (Baja California): Birthplace of baja-style seafood tacos. * Mexico City: One of the world’s greatest food capitals. * Yucatán Peninsula: Immersion into Mayan food culture. Underground cooking,           ritual meals, slow cooking and nature-led techniques. * Durango - Mezcal & Terroir.         2. Singapore - The ultimate food melting pot.         3. Lima, Peru - A life-changing food city.  Despite an unassuming first impression of the city, Lima can be one of the most surprising and emotionally powerful food destinations in the world. https://maido.pe/ [https://maido.pe/] https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/ [https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/]         4. Bangkok – Best street food.         5. Japan - The global benchmark for food.         6. Hong Kong – https://wingrestaurant.hk/ [https://wingrestaurant.hk/] comes highly recommended, especially to try out the sea cucumber there.         7. San Francisco - https://www.instagram.com/swan.oyster.official/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/swan.oyster.official/?hl=en] is a great hidden gem.         8. New Zealand - https://amisfield.co.nz/ [https://amisfield.co.nz/] - a bucket list food experience. This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards. Connect with Claudia at: https://www.instagram.com/claudebrito/ Thank you all for tuning in today! If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review - it truly makes a difference. Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes. Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.   "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.