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)

The sea, The beach and The natural pools among coral reef - Porto de Galinhas, Brazil

The sea, The beach and The natural pools among coral reef - Porto de Galinhas, Brazil

Around 60 kilometers (37 miles) south from Recife, the capital of Pernambuco state in Brazil, lies the beach town of Porto de Galinhas. The beach nearby is believed to be one of the country's most beautiful - this is obviously because the numerous pools shaped naturally by sea waters among the stunning coral reefs that surrounds the coast.

Porto de Galinhas is very popular in terms of tourism, however mainly with Brazilians. When I was there, I didn't encounter any foreigners who usually, when traveling to Brazil go only to Rio de Janeiro. Also, very rarely people spoke English. This situation might change however after the 2014 FIFA world cup as Recife is one of the cities hosting the games.

Araku Valley and Borra Caves, India - Land of Great Adventure

Araku Valley and Borra Caves, India - Land of Great Adventure

Araku Valley - located around 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Vizag (Visakhapatnam) is not one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Here, you can really experience the local life among the beautiful rolling hills of the valley. It's like being teleported to a different world and time.

The rich soils abound with coffee and black pepper plantations and the area can boast some magnificent waterfalls, caves, cliffs and forests. Also, don't forget that you are in India and the mentality is quite different, more relaxed, not everything works properly and according to a timetable and as a result of that you are about to enter the land of great adventure and if you keep on reading, you will see for yourself why.

Essaouira - Moroccan Town with a Portuguese Touch

Essaouira - Moroccan Town with a Portuguese Touch

Essaouira is a beautiful coastal town in Eastern Morocco, very easily accessible from nearby cities, like Marrakesh or Casablanca. Surprisingly, its climate is much milder than in the rest of the country, so if you are looking for an escape from the scorching Moroccan heat, Essaouira is a great choice! Even in the summer, the high temperature averages are well below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). When I got there, early may, Essaouira was immersed in fog and it was only around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit), while in Marrakesh - 32 degrees Celsius. Also, the town has a different, colonial, old-European feel. Less chaotic and more relaxing than Marrakesh, with amazing architecture and many beautiful local shops with hand made craft items, should be visited for at least day or two during your stay in Marrakesh.

Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw Lakes, Tatra Mountains, Zakopane, Poland

Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw Lakes, Tatra Mountains, Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland and also one of the country's most popular resort towns in the summer (I've described it here). Due to proximity of Krakow, the ancient Polish capital, which, after Schengen Agreement suddenly became a popular tourist destination, Zakopane has also seen a considerable rise in foreign visitors for the last couple of years.

Most of people come to Zakopane for its charm, typical for the region wooden architecture with pointed roofs, Krupowki Street with many international stores, and, of course the Tatra Mountains. The best, and easiest way to enjoy the views is to get on the funicular that will take you to the top of the nearby hill, Gubalowka. There, you can enjoy some local, hand made craft items as well as delicious food while admiring the surrounding, snowy peaks. I will write a separate article about the town itself in the future, in this post I would like to focus on both: probably the most beautiful (and popular) place in the region: Morskie Oko lake, and the less visited, however, in my opinion, even greater Czarny Staw lake.

Ihlara Valley and The Gorge, Cappadocia, Turkey

Ihlara Valley and The Gorge, Cappadocia, Turkey

Ihlara Valley lies in one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey, Cappadocia, full of natural rock formations (fairy chimneys) taking the shape of chimneys, mushrooms and sculpture-like forms as if they were carved by man. Although Cappadocia is well known, mostly because of the famous air balloon flights (I've posted photos and described it in detail here), Ihlara Valley seems not as visited by travelers. When I was there, I didn't see any other tourists (which was great!). However, I would like you to encourage you, during your stay in Cappadocia, to see the valley and the gorge as it boasts both historical and natural significance and is somewhat different from the rest of the region.

Stavanger, Norway - Gateway to the famous Pulpit Rock

Stavanger, Norway - Gateway to the famous Pulpit Rock

The pulpit rock (Preikestolen) is one of the most popular attraction of Norway. A huge, flat cliff overlooking a breathtaking scenery of the Lysefjord attracts many visitors looking for an adventure in this Scandinavian country. To get there, before a long hike up to the cliff, you need to reach the nearby town of Stavanger.

Besides the famous cliff, the town itself is really worth exploring, its charming, wooden architecture is different from that of modern Oslo. It's Norway at its best. It's very clean and neat, surrounded by fjords, full of parks and cozy little streets. After (or before) climbing the pulpit rock, give yourself one or two days of free time to visit Stavanger.

Playing with fire - Performances in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil

Playing with fire - Performances in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil

When we travel we always have expectations about the place we want to see. Sometimes it surprises us, sometimes disappoints. However, very often we come across something completely unexpected, something unusual. It was the same for me when I traveled to Porto de Galinhas in Brazil. I was planning to visit the beautiful crystal clear beaches and swim in natural pools with the coral reef full of colorful fish.

And during one of the evenings, when I was walking down one of the town's streets, I noticed some street performers playing with fire. Luckily, I had a camera and a tripod with me and the following photos are the result:

Vardzia, Georgia - Cave Monastery Carved in Rock

Vardzia, Georgia - Cave Monastery Carved in Rock

Vardzia - the monastery dating back to the twelfth century AD, located on the banks of the river Mtkvari is one of the most important historical sites in Georgia. Similar to the cave towns that can be found in Goreme region, Turkey, however this one is even bigger, carved out of the entire wall of the cliff, with beautifully decorated church. The location, in the middle of a huge gorge, offers unforgettable views. Until this day, some monks still live in those caves.

Alupka and The Ai-Petri Mountain - Crimea, Ukraine

Alupka and The Ai-Petri Mountain - Crimea, Ukraine

Torn between the Ukraine and Russia, the Crimean Peninsula has been a center of tragic political events recently. Let's hope the situation stabilizes soon and the area will still become available for an ordinary traveler. I would like to put politics aside and present the Crimea here like it probably has never been presented in Western Media. I want to show you the natural beauty of the region in contrast to the grey photos you can encounter in the news.

Chasing The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland

Chasing The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland

The northern lights - Aurora Borealis - is one of the most famous natural phenomenon, appearing as mainly twisted greenish ribbons and streaks that light up the dark sky. Unfortunately, this display of the beauty of nature occurs only on very northern (and also southern - southern lights) latitudes and thus it is quite difficult to spot. Apart from getting to the remote places where Aurora Borealis can be found, one has to be really lucky not only with the solar activity but also with the weather.