Hayley Skirka

Hayley Skirka

Journalist
Hayley is deputy travel editor for The National. Originally from Scotland, where she graduated from Stirling University, Hayley has been living in the UAE for 12 years, joining The National in 2018. She has written about all things travel for a range of publications including in-flight titles, consumer magazines and guidebooks, and she was formerly editor of World Traveller magazine. Hayley is also the Dubai ‘local’ for Lonely Planet and a media member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Happiest when globetrotting, some of her best work has been penned hurtling through India on a train, swaying in a hammock in the Brazilian rainforest and from a snow-covered lodge in the Icelandic Highlands. Specialising in adventure travel and responsible tourism, she uses her time on the road to uncover unique story angles, explore new destinations, review hotels and gather real-world tips to share with The National’s readers.
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Articles

View of Atlantis The Royal. Photo: Dany Eid
Dubai's Atlantis The Royal ranks in top 10 of world's 50 best hotels

Four hotels from the Middle East were ranked in the top 50, including Dubai's The Lana and Morocco's La Mamounia

September 17, 2024, 10:36 PM
Bali could soon ban new hotels, villas and nightclubs to prevent overtourism. Raissa Lara Lutolf / Unsplash
Travel Unpacked: Etihad to fly A380s to Paris and Ajman thrives

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

September 16, 2024, 2:05 PM
Despite being a major city and the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston manages to retain small-town vibes. Photo: Kyle Klein / Meet Boston
Spilling the tea on Boston, where the spirit of America runs deep

As birthplace of the American Revolution, the capital of Massachusetts is an intoxicating fusion of past and present

September 12, 2024, 2:02 AM
Wizz Air is launching low-cost flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah. Photo: EPA
Saudi Arabia tourism set for take off as more airlines get on board

After Wizz Air, Virgin Atlantic and Air India launch new flights, the kingdom's airports are now some of the most connected in the world

September 11, 2024, 2:46 PM
A scenic hiking trail in Hawaii has been closed after several hikers contracted norovirus. Photo: State of Hawaii
Travel Unpacked: Perilous hiking in Hawaii and Etihad's new routes

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

September 09, 2024, 12:14 PM
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and models walk the runway during the Kim Shui show as part of New York Fashion Week. Getty Images
Beyond the runway at New York Fashion Week

Opening weekend of industry's flagship event has been about more than just clothes

September 08, 2024, 3:30 PM
Wizz Air's All You Can Fly scheme lets passengers fly to destinations such as the Maldives, Italy and the Middle East. Reuters
The true cost of Wizz Air’s all-you-can-fly subscription service

The budget airline's membership scheme promises a golden ticket to unlimited, year-round flights, but what's the catch?

September 04, 2024, 2:37 PM
An Emirates A380 superjumbo soars over Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. Photo: Emirates
Emirates adds daily A380 flights to Johannesburg

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

September 02, 2024, 2:07 PM
Autumn colours bloom in Japan's Kyoto. Atsuo Shimada / Unsplash
Ten of the best holiday destinations for October 2024

Red and golden foliage, Halloween fun and wildlife spectacles are among the options

September 02, 2024, 7:03 AM
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed captioned the image 'family grocery shopping'
UAE leaders enjoy a British summer holiday

Ruler of Dubai visits London outpost of a UAE restaurant and Crown Prince of Dubai shops with family at UK supermarket Tesco

August 26, 2024, 9:04 AM
The Heritage Village in Failaka Island, off the coast of Kuwait, in 2010. Gustavo Ferrari for The National
Travel Unpacked: Kuwait's Failaka Island Unesco bid

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

August 26, 2024, 7:22 AM
Tokyo Tower is visible from many rooms throughout Aman Resorts' first Janu hotel. Photo: Janu
Hotel Insider: Aman DNA meets unrivalled city views at Janu Tokyo

Dubai outpost will undoubtedly be a hit when it opens in 2027 if it's anything like the original of this new upscale urban brand

August 21, 2024, 10:06 AM
Enjoy a last-minute summer staycation in the UAE with hotel deals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Hatta. Photo: Hilton
Ten last-minute summer staycation deals in the UAE

Take advantage of seasonal offers and cool down with a visit to these hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah

August 20, 2024, 3:57 AM
Dubai's newest cruise liner will port in the city in November for six months. Photo: Resorts World Cruises
Travel Unpacked: Dubai's newest cruise, mpox travel advice and more

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

August 19, 2024, 2:06 PM
Etihad Airways will begin flying its double-decker A380 superjumbos to Singapore in February. AFP
Etihad Airways to fly A380 to Singapore

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

August 12, 2024, 2:03 PM