Another holiday vlogger? Well, yes, but American-born Gabriel Morris, or Gabriel Traveler as he is known on YouTube, has a particular approach to holiday vlogging.

With longer-than-average videos spanning 15-30 minutes each, Gabriel does not stop at documenting specific sights. Rather, he explores the real questions travellers ask when visiting a destination, such as: Is Malta very touristy? Is it expensive? Which is the best beach? How about some travel tips?

Recorded in July and August 2019, Gabriel experienced Malta at the height of peak season. He paints a very real picture true to his experience and you feel like you could be out there exploring with him.

First impressions of Malta | Exploring Valletta

His first impressions, as you can imagine, are awe and wonder as he steps into the 450-year-old city of Valletta, city of the Knights of Malta. He looks at the highlights and gives some historic information but also heads off the beaten track, taking to the side roads and other areas of Valletta tourists usually miss. Along the way he comments on things like the cost of accommodation, and getting around.

One day in Malta | Tourist heaven or hell?

As Gabriel contemplates whether Malta is tourist heaven or hell, he visits Gozo and Comino, and concludes that some places are very touristy for a very good reason. Visiting some of the major attractions on the two islands he says they are “totally unique, beautiful and mind-blowing."

Exploring Malta | A fascinating Mediterranean island

In this video, Gabriel heads down south. As is typical for Gabriel, his footage shows ordinary things about the ‘real Malta’ that rarely make it to tourist vlogs, brochures or websites. Such as the Valletta bus station, a local pastizzi shop, residential areas seen from a bus and local food. In this video he also explores Malta's favourite fishing village, Marsaxolokk, and the charming St Peter's Pool swimming spot.

How expensive is Malta? A tour of the island

Gabriel discusses the prices of accommodation, meals, groceries, bus fares, car rental and the works. He does this while touring the island in a rented car. He goes from Birzebbuga to Mdina and Rabat, where he explores the catacombs. He also visits Mgarr, Ta Hagrat and Skorba Temples, and Golden Bay.

The island of Malta | This country is incredible

Gabriel Traveller is keen to explore as much as he can of the multitude of things to see and do on the tiny island of Malta. He begins at Gnejna, close to where he is staying in Mgarr, past the boat houses and along a teeny path to a secluded swimming spot. He skips to the Mosta Rotunda and then to Bugibba. He also contemplates the Maltese language. Next, he heads to Mellieha’s Red Tower and then Riviera Bay.

Malta travel tips & the best beach in Malta

Random explorations of Malta’s rocky coast - around Ras il-Qarraba and Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Bay) - are completed, while an overview of Malta’s history and travel tips is given. This information has been acquired from his week-long trip, and Gabriel marvels at the fact that there’s so much to see on the island. So much so, that it’s impossible to see everything in eight days, and that he definitely wants to return.

In addition, he proclaims Malta to be one of his favourite places in the world, which isn’t a small declaration when the man has visited 65 countries.

“With a wonderful mix of beaches, history, forts, architecture, towns, nice people, good food, and not too expensive, Malta is a great destination for at least a week, or easily more.”