Author: Ameena J Navab

Ameena J Navab is a journalist and author of fantasy novel "Daybreak" who is born and raised in Dubai. While she writes for major publications like "The South China Morning Post" and is always on the project for her next novel, Ameena has always been immensely fond of traveling and decided to share the wonder she sees in ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and nature and wildlife conservation areas with fellow travelers. Through her travel stories on her blog "At World's Origins", Ameena hopes to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of the world and work towards preserving it. She believes that by shining a spotlight on lesser-known destinations, she can help promote sustainable tourism and encourage travelers to seek out unique experiences that benefit both themselves and the local communities they visit and encourage travelers to help save the planet by showing them it's undeniable charm.
Historics, Kingdoms

Dolmabahçe Palace: The First Extravagant Western Style Palace during the Ottoman Era

Palaces like this can only be dreamed about in fantasies. A strait with blue waters and seagulls soaring above. A vast garden that blossoms roses, jasmines and marigolds. Dazzling architecture that looks like it came right out of a fairy tale. This is exactly what Dolmabahçe Palace is.  Cradled on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahçe Palace is a dazzling blend of imperial … Continue reading Dolmabahçe Palace: The First Extravagant Western Style Palace during the Ottoman Era

Ameena J Navab
Nature

7 Best Places to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

There are few places in the world where the trees erupt into vivid shades of crimson and gold in the fall season from October to December and none quite compare to the breathtaking beauty of autumn in Kyoto, Japan. The capital city of Japan gets painted with divine beauty where red maple trees and golden gingko leaves surround the temples, old walkways and modern streets … Continue reading 7 Best Places to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

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Archaeology

The Petra Main Trail: See the Rose City’s Most Important Monuments in a Day

The most walked by travelers and once walked by the Nabateans that built the Rose City – the Main Trail of Petra is how you will see the city’s most iconic sites and even the lesser-known ones in a single day. The Trail starts at the Petra Visitor Center before sloping down into the valley, into the grandiose Siq, and deeper to a world where … Continue reading The Petra Main Trail: See the Rose City’s Most Important Monuments in a Day

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Hotels

Petra Canyon Hotel – A 9.5 Rated Stay in The Heart of the Rose City

From the moment your driver rolls into the parking of the Petra Canyon Hotel, perched upon a tiny hill, you are greeted with warm smiles and that quiet attention to detail that sets the tone for your stay. As the doors open, you step into a softly lit lobby where elegance and luxury show in polished floors, extravagant decor and a greeting from the reception … Continue reading Petra Canyon Hotel – A 9.5 Rated Stay in The Heart of the Rose City

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Archaeology

Map of Petra – The Complete Petra Trails Guide of The Rose City

“A red-rose city, half as old as time”– John William In a world that’s unlike anything else, surrounded by pink stones and valleys unlike anywhere else, stands the ruins of a rock-cut city that still ignites wonder and awe in its visitors. Built by the Nabateans in the 3rd century, Petra, known as the Rose City, with its pink colored sands and equally rose-colored rocks … Continue reading Map of Petra – The Complete Petra Trails Guide of The Rose City

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Movie Locations

The Best Mission Impossible Filming Locations: From the Iconic Burj Khalifa to Pulpit Rock in Norway

The Mission Impossible franchise has always taken its audience on a whirlwind tour of the world, blending breathtaking stunts with some of the most stunning locations on the planet. From the dizzying heights of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to the historic streets of Rome, each setting has made us bite our nails and kept us at the edge of our seats. In a world of CGI … Continue reading The Best Mission Impossible Filming Locations: From the Iconic Burj Khalifa to Pulpit Rock in Norway

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Hotels

Goreme Reva Hotel Review: An Underrated Stay in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is filled with amazing stays. So much so that choosing a hotel becomes a confusing maze of figuring out which hotels to book. This is especially true in Goreme, where the city is located near the iconic Cappodocia fairy chimneys, the hot air balloon rides and the Goreme Open Air Museum. While there are plenty of hotels in Goreme ranging from budgets to luxury, … Continue reading Goreme Reva Hotel Review: An Underrated Stay in Cappadocia

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Historics, Towns and Cities

Yokohama Chinatown: What to See in One of the World’s Biggest Chinatown

In a country known for its samurais, temples, and old post towns, there exists a hidden world that goes under the radar by many travellers. The Yokohama Chinatown is a vibrant mix of colours and aesthetics that appear like 1950s shanghai with a culinary delight for all Asian food lovers. One of the biggest Chinatown in the world, the Yokohama Chukagai (local name for the … Continue reading Yokohama Chinatown: What to See in One of the World’s Biggest Chinatown

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Archaeology

Top Artifacts to See in Istanbul Archaeology Museum: Sarcophaguses, Greek Gods and Items from Troy

In a place like Istanbul where museums are abundant, Ottoman palaces that still stand in all its glory and underground water reserves that makes jaw drop, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum goes unvisited by many travelers. With its vast collection of artifacts, the museum invites visitors to explore the layers of history that shaped entire empires in Turkey with intricate sculptures of Roman Emperors and even … Continue reading Top Artifacts to See in Istanbul Archaeology Museum: Sarcophaguses, Greek Gods and Items from Troy

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The unique rock formations in Capapdocia Photo Credit: AWO staff
Historics, Towns and Cities

Top Unique Things in Cappadocia to Book in Advance: From Whirling Dervish Dances to Paragliding above the Valleys

Cappadocia is a truly unique place to be with its otherworldly rock formations and valleys that has captivated travelers worldwide. Most visitors come here to float above the valleys in hot air balloons or explore the underground cities. Which is why many of these beautiful activities and places often go unnoticed. For those seeking unique experiences, Cappadocia offers plenty of underrated things to do that … Continue reading Top Unique Things in Cappadocia to Book in Advance: From Whirling Dervish Dances to Paragliding above the Valleys

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