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)

Adventure in The Amazon, Brazil - Part 1 - The River

Adventure in The Amazon, Brazil - Part 1 - The River

If you are searching for a relaxing, quiet vacation with five start hotels, swimming pools and great comfort, then definitely don't go to the Amazon. Although it is possible to stay in a highly luxurious resort where even some celebrities stay for an astronomical amount of money, I believe that the Amazon is not about comfort. It's about experiencing the raw nature.

This trip was one of those that I enjoyed the most even if it was an organized tour by a travel agency. People who travel to the Amazon are usually very down to Earth and easy going, not afraid to "get dirty", I met some cool friends there. And, it was one of the best adventures of my life.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil - Where Desert and Sea Meet

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil - Where Desert and Sea Meet

Strictly speaking, Lencois Maranhenses is not an actual desert, however when you are there, walking among the smooth white dunes without any vegetation, you can't help it but feel like you are in some place like Sahara. Only the color of sand is a bit different. What is really strange is that this National Park is located in the tropical rain forest climate, surrounded by the sea from one side and by lush green woodlands from the other. Nevertheless, it's not this fact that attracts thousands of tourists to visit Lencois Maranhenses from Brazil and all over the world. During the rainy season, starting from February, the gaps between the dunes become filled with rainwater creating unusual, spotty landscape, especially amazing seen from an airplane.

Bray and Greystones - Coastal Ireland

Bray and Greystones - Coastal Ireland

As I mentioned in one of the previous articles, one of the greatest things about Dublin, the Irish capital is how close it is to the beautiful coastal areas where the mountains and rugged cliffs meet the sea. Within only around 30 minutes by train from Dublin you can reach either the northern or southern parts of the coast. Especially beautiful in the summer, it has this sub-tropical touch provided by a wide variety of Mediterranean and exotic for this latitude plants, like Cedar trees or even palm trees. So don't miss it when you are in Dublin, you will be nicely surprised!

Pripyat (near Chernobyl), Ukraine - Real-life ghost town

Pripyat (near Chernobyl), Ukraine - Real-life ghost town

While watching one of the Hollywood apocalyptic films or playing computer games - have you ever thought that a real ghost town is closer than you think? It is actually located in the center of Europe - in Ukraine. 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the country's capital - Kiev, very close to the border with Belarus. A visit to Pripyat is an extraordinary experience - something you most probably have never seen and will never see. It is completely different from the usual sight seeing tours. In this post I am presenting a gallery of photos of this ghost town literally abandoned overnight thirty years ago.

Visiting Taj Mahal, Agra and Mathura in India

Visiting Taj Mahal, Agra and Mathura in India

Taj Mahal is the most famous attraction of India, it goes without saying. I just couldn't miss it during my hectic stay in this country. After visiting the tropical south: Visakhapatnam, Kerala and the paradise Lakshadweep Islands, I arrived in New Delhi. Now I had to get to Agra, where the famous Taj Mahal is located, so quite a long ride in a pre-booked taxi was awaiting me. I traveled with an Indian family throughout this vast country and it was a really good chance to meet the culture, customs and habits from the inside. The taxi was a mini van, really comfortable and air conditioned (which helped to endure the heat).

Sevastopol and Chersonesus - Ukrainian Pompeii, Crimea, Ukraine

Sevastopol and Chersonesus - Ukrainian Pompeii, Crimea, Ukraine

When you think about the Ukraine, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the economic instability, political problems, bad roads, or... nothing at all. For most Westerners, even after Euro 2012 Championships, the Ukraine still remains a black spot on the map of Europe. A place completely unknown, so close and yet so far. Few people from the west choose it as a holiday destination. And if you are looking for a little adventure, it would be a perfect place for you.

7 reasons to visit Croatia

7 reasons to visit Croatia

Croatia, situated on the Adriatic Sea is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, rich in culture and history. It's unique location is the main reason to visit it and enjoy all its benefits. Blue, crystal clear waters, Mediterranean, warm climate, delicious food and wine, affordable accommodation, breathtaking national parks. If you still haven't seen Plitvice Lakes, you must come and visit... What could you want more? I really enjoyed visiting Croatia and here I am presenting a few reasons why you also should visit this awesome country.

Port Louis - What to see around the capital of Mauritius

Port Louis - What to see around the capital of Mauritius

Mauritius - the paradise Island situated right beside Madagascar has become a popular destination among those looking for some sun in the middle of the winter, especially from colder northern countries. Most tourist head straight to the resorts to spend time lying on the tropical beaches under coconut trees and swimming in the turquoise waters. However, it is worth to go out of the separated tourist zones and get away to visit the capital - port Louis - bustling city which can be described as the whole world concentrated into one little spot in the Indian Ocean.

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney - "Subtropical" coast of Ireland

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney - "Subtropical" coast of Ireland

If you think about Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is rain, drizzle, cold and wind. Although it is true, sometimes, during the summer months, the sun appears also in the Emerald Island (and in June and July it shines until 10 PM!)

When you are visiting Dublin in summer, it's great to get away from the grayish capital to the beautiful coastal areas, especially because they are so close and at the price of only 5 EUR (7 USD) for a return ticket, using public transport, you can admire the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. You will be surprised.

Weekend in Rome, Italy - What to see in 2 days - DAY 2

Weekend in Rome, Italy - What to see in 2 days - DAY 2

I spent my first day in Rome visiting the ancient ruins and monuments within the strict center of the ancient city. On Day 2, I decided to stroll down the streets admiring more 'modern' architecture and main Renaissance and Baroque sites. I visited multiple squares and had the original thin-base Italian pizza in one of the cozy restaurants in a quiet street with not many tourists. A must when you are in Italy! But be careful while choosing a restaurant because the menu may be highly overpriced (see the tourist traps and how to avoid them at the end of this post).