Tom L
What it's like to fly during COVID-19 pandemic ...

Unfortunately, the year 2020 has been the worst of all for all those who loved or had to travel. Many airlines went bankrupt as well as other travel companies. It was the first year when we didn’t travel at all until now. Recently, some flights have resumed and some restrictions eased. However, we can never be sure if that doesn’t change in the near future. In this post I will describe what it’s like to fly during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. I also want to add that the flight I took was not for leisure or vacation.

What it's like to fly during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
Tom L
How to Visit National Parks in the US if You ...

Ever wanted to visit the magnificent National Parks of the western USA? That might be complicated if you can't drive or don't have too much time. However, there is one solution - we have visited 8 of the most important National Parks in 9 days - yes it was rushed and exhausting, but the experience was unreal. Here's how we did it with all the pros and cons.

It was always my dream to see the Grand Canyon and the other exceptionally magnificent National Parks and canyons in Utah and Arizona, such as: Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Arches and Monument Valley. Finally, having had visited nearly 70 countries, I planned a trip to the USA. We didn’t have too much time - only 9 days and we couldn’t drive. So, the only option was, as a last resort, an organized tour. Something we always try to avoid. How did it go? How much did it cost? Was it efficient? What were the downsides and upsides of such a journey?

How to Visit National Parks in the US if You Don't Drive and Don't Have Too Much Time
Tom L
Best Hike in Slovenian Alps - Triglav Lakes ...

Slovenia is mostly known for the amazing lake Bled. Few actually know what this tiny country hides one of the most spectacular Alpine valleys - the Triglav Lakes valley. The purest rivers and mountainous lakes surrounded by silver rocky peaks and karst formations can be found here. Don’t miss this incredible hiking trail - stay a few days more in Slovenia and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. Contrary to similar places of this sort in neighboring countries (Italy, Austria, Croatia), you won’t find crowds here - therefore the whole area seems even more enjoyable. In this post I’ll describe the trail and how we got here from lake Bled and continued onwards to the Soca River valley.

Best Hike in Slovenian Alps - Triglav Lakes Valley (part 1)
Tom L
What You Must Know Before Traveling to Egypt in ...

Are you wondering if it's safe to travel to Egypt? Besides the amazing ancient monuments and great fun, these are the not so great things you must be aware of before traveling to Egypt. It's better to be prepared rather than disappointed.

I traveled to nearly 70 countries before Egypt, therefore I’d had some expectations and thought I had prepared myself mentally before visiting the lands of pharaoh. Nevertheless, many things still managed to surprise me in Egypt. The following part is based on my subjective experiences and may differ from what others experienced. However, I would like to share what it was like to follow the trail of ancient Egyptians - from Cairo down to the Sudanese border. I haven’t been to the resorts, so I can’t comment on that.

What You Must Know Before Traveling to Egypt in 2020
Tom L
How to get to Uvac River Canyon, Serbia (if you ...

A couple of years back, we visited the Serbian capital - Belgrade. And to be honest, it wasn't my favorite city in the Balkans - you can read my post here. This year, we decided to go back and rediscover Serbia again. Not only did we give Balgrade another chance but also wanted to see some other places in this little Balkan country. One of them was the beautiful Uvac River Canyon - a place that can be tricky to get to and is virtually unknown among tourists outside of Serbia. In this article I'll focus mainly on how to reach the Uvac River Canyon by public transport (if you cannot drive). I will also show the exact points of the maps where to start the hike if you have your own car and where the best viewpoints are.

How to get to Uvac River Canyon, Serbia (if you don't drive)

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvicka Jezera) lies between the Croatian capital Zagreb and the Adriatic coast town - Zadar. This largest National Park of Croatia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful National Parks in Europe. The area consists of cascades of sixteen crystal clear turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests, canyons and gorges. It is a perfect place for hiking, enjoying the natural wonders and long exposure photography. The wooden trails along the way, which make walking easy, allow you to come really close to the waterfalls. The whole park is quite big and it takes at least five - six hours to see everything. The entry fee is 110 kuna (15 EUR or 19 USD). The bus to the start point of the trail and a ferry ride on one of the lakes are included in the price. More info on the prices and opening hours here.

The tallest building in the world - Burj Khalifa and modern Dubai

The tallest building in the world - Burj Khalifa and modern Dubai

Dubai - the oil-rich Emirate surrounded by golden dunes of the desert has become a symbol of everything that's largest, tallest and most luxurious. It's hard to believe that a few decades ago this place was just a small fishermen village. With a huge airport and famous Emirates Airlines it is easy to get there from basically any major European or Asian city. Many people seek shelter there from harsh continental winters, within just a few hour flight they can get back to the summer and sunbathe on the beaches. Dubai is a very cosmopolitan and relatively liberal city, although you have to obey some strange rules for westerners, like for example the ban on taking photos on the beach.

Wild Rhododendron Gardens in Howth, Ireland

Wild Rhododendron Gardens in Howth, Ireland

If you don't know where to go on a sunny day in Dublin, Howth Rhododendron Gardens can be a great alternative to the crowded city parks. In contrast to the very popular center of Howth village, which when the weather is good, attracts many people looking for an escape from the busy capital, Rhododendron Gardens are relatively a little known, peaceful and relaxing place, ideal for hiking, picnics, enjoying the beauty of nature as well as admiring spectacular views of the peninsula, and you can be sure you won't meet crowds of people there, even during the long summer days.

India, Visakhapatnam - Land of contrast

India, Visakhapatnam - Land of contrast

The beautiful park located on the hill near the city was the first place I visited in Visakhapatnam. The traffic was absolutely mad and I still couldn't believe my eyes that all this was real. But the park and the view from the hill were stunning. It was cleaner there than in the rest of the city, but still, to see a lot of rubbish thrown everywhere in such a beautiful place was an eyesore. The interesting thing is that my friends and I didn't encounter any western tourists there with the exception of two white people during our 3-day stay in Vishakapatnam. Therefore we noticed huge interest and curiosity of the locals. They kept looking at us all the time and quite often someone (especially children) asked where we were from and they wanted to know  something about our life and culture.

India - First impression and a bit of cultural shock

India - First impression and a bit of cultural shock

A couple of months after I received my visa, everything was booked and prepared I was ready to set up on a trip to India. After 2 flights that took about 10 hours I and my friends finally landed in Hyderabad. From there, we were going to take another (domestic) flight to Visakhapatnam - our first destination. When the door of the aircraft opened, I reminded myself about all the stories I had read on the Internet and was wondering what my first impression would be. And... to be honest, nothing exceptional, no big crowds, no thousands of people, no smell, just heat. It was very hot indeed.

How to prepare for a trip to India

How to prepare for a trip to India

Before I came up with the idea of traveling to India, I'd had a chance to meet  a few Indian people. It turned out that they are a very friendly nation. I quickly made a couple of friends and one of them invited me to visit him and his family in India. I couldn't say no, I was very excited because it was going to be my first journey to such a far away and different culturally land. I didn't know what to expect at all. I tried to prepare myself for what I might see there but it was hard to imagine how India could look like. I browsed through many websites and forums looking for information and experiences of people who had visited this vast country. Some of the articles scared me, saying that once you get off the plane your jaw is going to drop immediately because of what you see around. There were supposed to be crowds of people, bad smells everywhere and beggars that didn't want to move away from you no matter what. Other posts, however, filled me with even more excitement, I just couldn't wait to see for myself whether the reality is the way I'd read on the Internet.

Demanovska Cave of Liberty and Demanovska Ice Cave in Slovakia

Demanovska Cave of Liberty and Demanovska Ice Cave in Slovakia

Slovakia is a tiny country in the center of Europe, its top tourist attractions include the Tatra mountains, caves and medieval castles. It's probably best known from the horror movie 'Hostel'. But don't worry, chances that you will be kidnapped and tortured in Slovakia are as low as in any other European country. For such a small country, Slovakia has a lot to offer for all types of visitors. Those who search for silence and want to have a break from the hectic city life can relax in many spas located at the foot of Tatra Mountains in a beautiful scenery among forests and picturesque little villages. Those seeking adventure, will also find something for themselves, there are endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, skiing, cycling, horse riding, exploring caves and medieval castles.

Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi - Night photography

Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi - Night photography

Abu Dhabi, like Dubai is getting richer and is becoming a destination that offers luxurious and architecturally unusual, modern hotels, offices other constructions of all sorts. While driving through Abu Dhabi, you can notice how the forest of cranes, beside new skyscrapers being under construction, is taking up more and more of the desert area and turning it into lively city.

Seven Colored Earth in Mauritius

Seven Colored Earth in Mauritius

Mauritius, deservedly called "a paradise island", is full of beautiful natural wonders. Apart from the turquoise waters, coral reefs and white sandy beaches, there are many astonishing places to visit on this tiny island.  The most characteristic of them, probably, is the Seven Colored Earth located beside the village of Chamarel in south-western Mauritius. It is a relatively small area of land but how extraordinary. The soil is composed of different layers, each having one of the seven colors: (red, blue, green, brown, violet, yellow and purple).

Ben Bulben Mountain and Glencar Waterfall and Lake, County Sligo, Ireland

Ben Bulben Mountain and Glencar Waterfall and Lake, County Sligo, Ireland

Known by few, Benbulben Mountain (also spelled Benbulbin or Ben Bulben, from Irish "Binn Ghulbain") can be a great alternative weekend destination from the Irish capital, Dublin. Not crowded with many tourists and not difficult to climb from the south side, offers amazing views from the top over the Sligo town, the coast and the sea. Ben Bulben, at the elevation of 526 meters (1727 ft.) above sea level, is in fact a part of the Dartry range and its distinctive, table mountain-like shape was formed by moving glaciers during the Ice Age.