In a world of perfectly staged vacation photos and fast-paced social media, it’s rare to find a voice that brings authenticity, heart, and real human connection to travel content. Enter Kaunain Fatima, the face behind the popular travel platform *CruisingCravings on Instagram, who’s making waves with her deeply personal approach to travel storytelling. Based in Dubai, Kaunain’s journey began with a desire to capture more than just scenic vistas and enviable getaways — she wanted to share the joy of simple moments and create meaningful experiences for her audience.
Growing up in the vibrant metropolis of Dubai, Kaunain has always held a deep appreciation for life’s small pleasures — the smell of fresh rain, the warmth of sunshine on a crisp afternoon, or the sight of lush mountains. These experiences, often overlooked in the busy hum of urban life, became her inspiration. “Everyone in the UAE craves the simple joys of life,” she explains. “When I’m the reason for someone’s ‘weekend done right’ or ‘much-needed holiday,’ it fills my heart with joy.” Kaunain’s goal is simple: to help her fellow expats plan affordable trips that don’t break the bank, making the most of travel opportunities through visa-free destinations or places with simple e-visa processes.
Her Instagram account *CruisingCravings* is a blend of wanderlust and practicality. But how does she manage to differentiate her content across platforms like Threads, TikTok, and YouTube? For Kaunain, it’s all about knowing your audience. “Every platform has its own audience, and not utilizing that potential can harm your reach,” she says. While Instagram remains her mainstay, Threads has become a space for more intimate updates, TikTok offers candid content for a younger audience, and YouTube allows her to fully explore storytelling. However, she advises creators to start with one platform and grow from there rather than trying to dominate all channels at once.
While many travel influencers focus solely on luxury, Kaunain has found her niche in accessible adventures, creating itineraries that are as practical as they are inspiring. A trek to Kedarnath in India, for example, was a defining moment in her travel journey. Expecting an easy 7km hike, Kaunain found herself battling freezing temperatures, exhaustion, and a complete lack of modern comforts. But the hardship led to an epiphany when she gazed up at a sky full of stars after one of the longest, coldest nights of her life. “I realized everything was worth it,” she says. “We’re so spoiled by luxuries, but the world is full of simple beauty, and it’s waiting to be appreciated.”
Kaunain’s content isn’t just about destinations, though. It’s about the stories, the culture, and, most importantly, the people. She immerses herself in new places by engaging locals and diving into the history and culture before she even sets foot in a new country. By resisting cookie-cutter itineraries from tour companies, she finds hidden gems through authentic experiences with residents. “Locals are the best source of authentic stories,” she notes, sharing how she pours over articles and images to get a feel for a place before she arrives, blending well-known tourist spots with lesser-explored corners that only a local would know.
Among her favorite destinations is Socotra, often described as “the most alien place on Earth.” Despite warnings that visiting the island could lead to visa complications in other countries, Kaunain’s adventurous spirit led her to explore its unique landscapes. “I saw the most incredible beaches and trees that only exist on this island,” she says, proudly recounting the journey. Her content from Socotra is an invitation to witness the extraordinary and the rare, with her Instagram and YouTube accounts showcasing breathtaking moments that inspire wanderlust and curiosity in her followers.
Kaunain’s authenticity sets her apart in a digital landscape full of curated perfection. For her, staying true to her unique voice is the secret to success. “I’m very confident in the experiences I share and the purpose of my page,” she explains. This self-assurance helps her stay focused, avoiding the pressures to conform to trends or replicate the success of others. Instead, she builds her content around relatability and connection, making sure her audience feels seen and heard. “The best way to stay relatable is to always remember where you came from. Your niche will help you grow, and it’s the same people who will help you go further because they see themselves in you.”
One of her most profound experiences was a spiritual journey to Iraq, a trip she hesitated to share given the sensitive nature of the country. But the overwhelming response from her audience showed her the power of vulnerability. Hundreds of followers sent her personal messages, asking her to pray for them in a mosque known for answering prayers. Touched by their trust, Kaunain spent hours praying not just for herself but for her extended “family” of Instagram followers. This moment solidified her belief in the importance of connection and community, a cornerstone of her brand.
With a packed travel schedule and a thriving online presence, how does Kaunain manage to stay organized and still fully enjoy her experiences? The secret, she says, lies in planning and preparation. Her travel essentials include a 2TB hard drive and extensive iCloud storage, ensuring she never misses a moment. But more than just capturing content, the act of photographing and filming her travels is part of how she experiences the world. “It’s part of my experience,” she says, embracing her role as a documentarian of her adventures.
For aspiring travel creators looking to follow in her footsteps, Kaunain’s advice is simple but profound: know your why. “Choose why you are traveling — for yourself, to create an impact, or for aesthetics. Stick to it, and be true to yourself.” She emphasizes the importance of passion and consistency, encouraging creators to find their niche and pour their energy into research, skill development, and content creation. In a crowded field, authenticity and dedication are the keys to standing out.
Frequent travel comes with its challenges, but Kaunain has learned to adapt. From navigating different cultures to maintaining her health on the road, she’s honed a few strategies that help her thrive. The key to cultural immersion, she says, is an open mind. “Accept that their ways are normal, and your ways… maybe not?” she says with a laugh. Politeness, respect, and sensitivity are essential, especially when representing her own culture abroad. And when it comes to food? “You can never go wrong with fruits and bread,” she jokes, sharing her go-to strategy when faced with unfamiliar cuisines.
Kaunain Fatima is more than a travel influencer — she’s a storyteller, a connector, and a guide to the authentic. Her adventures, shared through *CruisingCravings*, are a testament to the power of meaningful travel and the beauty of seeing the world through open, curious eyes. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a far-flung expedition, Kaunain’s approach reminds us all to pause, breathe, and truly experience the wonders around us. After all, as she says, “It’s not just about witnessing beautiful things, but for your soul to really come alive.”
