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)

Oslo, Norway - Is it really that expensive?

Oslo, Norway - Is it really that expensive?

Oslo, the capital of Norway is a beautiful and surprising city. Surrounded by water, the old town contrasts with the super-modern center with very original architecture. Oslo is a very pleasant place to visit, especially in the summer time. It's also the gateway to other attractions in Norway which is becoming more and more popular among tourists from around the world (for example Fjords and the famous Pulpit Rock).

But anyway, if you are in Oslo, you will be surprised how diverse and beautiful the Norway's capital is and how many things you can actually visit. I was amazed ans astounded while walking down the streets of the city. I came to Norway mainly for the Pulpit Rock and, although I didn't intend to spend a lot of time in Oslo, it turned out to be a nice surprise (so were other towns in Norway and the countryside). While driving through the country, everything seemed so beautifully planned and arranged. All the houses, gardens, little streets and squares with fountains. No wonder it's one of the richest (and, unfortunately most expensive) countries in the world.

Old Dubai, Arabian Desert and Cruise to Oman

Old Dubai, Arabian Desert and Cruise to Oman

I've heard people say that there's nothing to do in Dubai besides shopping and strolling the endless labyrinths in one of the biggest malls in the world. I just hate shopping and try to avoid it whenever possible. Just being in a shopping mall is a torture for me. However, I must admit that I was enchanted by Dubai Mall right next to the world's tallest building. Probably because, apart from the stores, it also houses a really gargantuan aquarium filled with many exotic fish like manta rays or even sharks. It was nice to sit down in a restaurant where one of its walls was the huge glass sheet through which I could admire the sea life.

But, there's much more to Dubai than those extremely modern ideas, architecture, luxurious hotels and resorts. There's the Arabian Desert, Dubai Creek and also the old part of the city (although not that very old - it dates back to the seventeenth century) but really worth a visit for the contrast between new and old.

Herculaneum, Italy - Journey 2000 years back in time

Herculaneum, Italy - Journey 2000 years back in time

Herculaneum, also called "the second Pompeii" is one of the best preserved ancient Roman towns to this day. In many aspects, even better than Pompeii itself. The site is not as large as Pompeii but it has been estimated that only one third of Herculaneum has been excavated so far. What you can find here, in contrast to Pompeii, is for example entirely preserved two-story buildings together with original wooden logs, beds, doors and other furniture. In my opinion, the site of Herculaneum is more concentrated, it occupies less space but it's as great as its famous counterpart - Pompeii. If you visit the bay of Naples, although most of the tourist head straight for Pompeii (I have described it here), don't miss Herculaneum - you won't regret it.

Tbilisi, Georgia - The City of Great Charm

Tbilisi, Georgia - The City of Great Charm

I bet most of you don't know or have never heard about the country of Georgia (not to be confused with one of the states in the US), let alone its capital city - Tbilisi. Caucasus remains a rare destination for visitors from the west, except those more adventurous. However, if you do decide to visit the region, you will be surprised by its beauty and history.

Hiking the trails of Beskid Sadecki, Poland

Hiking the trails of Beskid Sadecki, Poland

Beskid Sadecki, in Malopolskie Province (or Voivodeship), is a remote mountain range with rolling hills covered with vast swathes of primeval forest. It stretches down south through Slovakian border which can be crossed while hiking. It's full of picturesque little towns and villages scattered along the streams in numerous valleys. It's also a home to many wild animals and plants, like foxes, wild boars, snakes (including vipers), lynxes, deer and even bears (although I have never heard about anyone encountering a bear).

New Delhi and Hyderabad, India

New Delhi and Hyderabad, India

New Delhi, the capital of India and the city of Hyderabad were last two places I visited in India. After traveling through south and east as well as Lakshadweep Islands, those cities seemed a bit more organized and less polluted (according to Indian standards) to me than the rest of the country. The climate is different than in the south, drier and a bit cooler in winter, there's no lush green patches of coconut forests covering the hills but bare dessert like plateaus (especially in Hyderabad). I spent two days in New Delhi, then I took a domestic flight to Hyderabad where I stayed one day and from there I flew back home.

Bird Park in Iguassu Falls (Parque Das Aves, Foz do Iguacu), Brazil

Bird Park in Iguassu Falls (Parque Das Aves, Foz do Iguacu), Brazil

The Bird Park (Parque Das Aves in Portugese), located in the town of Foz do Iguacu, near the famous Iguacu Falls right on the border between the three nations: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is a great attraction itself. It's set within the 16 hectares (40 acres) area of sub-tropical rain forest and provides shelter for around a thousand birds (150 species) as well as butterflies and reptiles from both all South America and other exotic places. The park is privately owned and very well maintained. It was opened in 1994.

Split in Croatia - Dalmatian City on The Adriatic Sea

Split in Croatia - Dalmatian City on The Adriatic Sea

Split, an ancient city in modern day Croatia, after experiencing some turbulent events of the past wars, now, when the peace has come, witnessed a rapid economic growth, mainly thanks to great improvements of tourist infrastructure. It's the second largest city in Croatia (after Zagreb), and the largest in Dalmatia. Since 2000s, when Croatia invested in tourism industry, Split has become one of the most popular cities to visit on the Adriatic Coast. It owes its charm to the ancient city center situated now where the Diocletian's Palace once stood. Strolling down the narrow streets paved with the white stone from nearby Brac Island can take you back in time almost two thousand years to the era of the Roman Empire.

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland - The Valley of Two Lakes and The Monastic City

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland - The Valley of Two Lakes and The Monastic City

The name "Glendalough" means "the glen of two lakes" in the Irish language. The valley is located only around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Irish capital city - Dublin. It's very easily accessible, only one hour drive and it's a perfect place for a weekend or even one-day escape from the city crowds. The ruins of the ancient monastic city, two magnificent lakes surrounded by cliffs and rocks, nearby forests as well as waterfalls create an unforgettable scenery. There are many trails available for visitors in the area. Hiking one of them is not too difficult, there are many observation points that offer a spectacular view over the whole valley, lakes and the monastic city.

Lakshadweep Islands - Hidden Paradise in the Indian Ocean

Lakshadweep Islands - Hidden Paradise in the Indian Ocean

Crystal clear blue waters, coral reef full of colorful fish, white sand beaches, coconut trees leaning towards the sea, a perfect recipe for paradise. This is what Lakshadweep Islands are like. Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, they are situated around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the west coast of India in the Laccadive Sea (above the well known hot tourist spot - Maldives). The archipelago consists of twelve atolls with around forty islands and islets, ten of which are inhabited. The name "Lakshadweep" means one hundred thousand islands in Sanskrit. The islands are governed by India.