5 Eye-Opening Revelations From This New Arabian Adventure Documentary
Here’s a new watch that’s sure to give you serious wanderlust. The Wanderer: Destinations Unknown, a Tripadvisor Series streaming on Prime Video, recently travelled east for its new release ‘Saudi: Arabia Is Calling’. In the film, Olympic athletes Laviai and Lina Nielsen and Marsha Dunkel embarked on an immersive trip through Saudi Arabia, blending cultural exploration with thrilling outdoor adventure.
In Partnership With Tripadvisor
Along their journey, they dive deep into the country’s rich cultural history, go snorkelling in stunning coral reefs, embark on a desert safari, experience the otherworldly AlUla, and attend the region’s biggest music festival. To celebrate the launch, The Handbook caught up with the globetrotting trio to learn all about their travels and get some behind-the-scenes insight into what viewers can expect from their new film.
What were your initial expectations before visiting, and how did the reality compare?
Lina Nielsen: When we arrived, I think what immediately struck all of us was how diverse the environment and landscape were. We trekked through a desert, swam in a coral reef that was so lush and so full of marine life it felt like you were in Bali or Mexico, and spent time in Riyadh and the Red Sea – each place was such a completely different experience.
I think what immediately struck all of us was how diverse the environment and landscape were
What was the highlight of the trip?
Laviai Nielsen: We visited some amazing places and had so many incredible experiences, but what really stuck with me was the hospitality. People are so excited to welcome you into their country and to show off their culture and customs. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with open arms, and getting to meet so many amazing local people was an absolute highlight.
Experiencing new cultures is one of the best things about travel, and they were just so proud of their history and heritage, and excited about being able to showcase their country.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned?
Laviai Nielsen: The big thing that Saudi Arabia taught us is the importance of tourism being done in a sustainable way. When it came to responsible tourism and conservation, they were so forward-thinking and protective. Considering they only opened to tourism more widely since 2019, they could have easily put the emphasis on quantity over quality, and allowed millions into their reefs, beaches and nature reserves.
Instead, they said, “We’re proud of our coral reefs, we’re going to educate tourists”, so that when they come, nature doesn’t suffer like it does in so many places in the world.
The make sure nature doesn’t suffer like it does in so many places in the world
What advice would you give to women who might feel hesitant to travel to places that might be outside their usual comfort zone?
Marsha Dunkel: Firstly, I would say just be curious – and then look at our film! But seriously, we felt safe the entire trip, and were constantly taken aback at how warm the hospitality was. Having the opportunity to see completely new places and experience totally new cultures should be at the very top of your bucket list. Don’t feel held back, go and see the world yourself and create your own picture.
What part are you most excited for people to see?
Marsha Dunkel: I have to say the Shebara Resort, just because it felt like stepping way into the future. Even when you’re there, it’s so unreal – you’re like, “Have I stepped into another dimension?”. I’ve never seen water so clear, or sand so white.
Lina Nielsen: On the same theme of out of this world, I’ll say AlUla because it felt like we literally stepped out onto Mars. That place is just magical. There are some rumours that it’s haunted, and it definitely feels like an out-of-this-world experience. I hope that they can some people can see that through the documentary, because it was honestly just an incredible place.
AlUla lliterally felt like we had stepped out onto Mars. That place is just magical.
Laviai Nielsen: I’m gonna say the MDLBEAST music festival, because that for me completely challenged the preconception I had of the country. It completely blew our minds – it was absolutely huge, the biggest event I’ve ever seen. I’m so excited to see people’s reactions to it.
How to watch
The four-part film is streaming now on Prime Video, and you can watch the first part now on YouTube below. Also, be sure to check out their own personalised guide to Saudi Arabia on Tripadvisor.
