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)

Malta Off The Beaten Path - Trek around Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Il-Gnejna Bay

Malta Off The Beaten Path - Trek around Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Il-Gnejna Bay

Malta is one of the most popular European islands among all those who search for the sun, fun, beaches and sea. Especially during the summer time, the most popular places in Malta like the famous Blue Lagoon or Blue Grotto are so packed with tourists that sunbeds are placed on the nearby paths and unpaved roads. Not only you can't even see the beach from where you are seated, but also you'll have to pay for it! Nevertheless, thanks to my friends who live in Malta, I was able to discover a different, more quite and exciting part of the island. If you're planning to visit Malta, don't miss the west coast! Not too many people know about it and if you are bored with the 'plasticness' of the resorts, do the trek and let yourself surrender by wonderful, original, and eerie moon-like scenery.

From Yangon To Golden Rock Pagoda (Kyaiktiyo) In One Day - Crazy Adventure In Myanmar (Burma)

From Yangon To Golden Rock Pagoda (Kyaiktiyo) In One Day - Crazy Adventure In Myanmar (Burma)

One of the most important religious sites in Myanmar, seemingly defying the law of gravity - Golden Rock Temple (Kyaiktio or Kyaikhteeyoe Pagoda), although quite famous, is surprisingly not as touristy as the other destinations in the country - Bagan, Mandalay or Yangon. There are good and bad sides to it. The good thing is that the authenticity of the place is still preserved (unlike the temples in Thailand) and you'll see many more locals than foreigners around. The bad thing - to get there without an expensive, privately run tour or a taxi is pretty complicated, the bus schedules are not clear and the level of English among the Burmese is very low. And... to be honest, the site is one of those that look absolutely spectacular in the photos, a bit less so in real life. Having said that, the whole journey was a great adventure, definitely worth the effort and it left some priceless memories in my mind.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - A City At The Crossroad of Civilizations

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - A City At The Crossroad of Civilizations

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is probably one of the least known and visited European capitals. It's not big, populated by less than half a million people. However, the history of Sarajevo is so rich, complex and turbulent that even if the city had given half of its past away to some of the world's greatest metropolises, it would still be enormously interesting for a foreign visitor. Strolling down the streets of the old town, you'll get the impression that it was glued together from pieces that came from all parts of Europe and the Middle East: at one corner, you'll think you're in Prague admiring Christian churches and a street later when you notice oriental stalls, bazaars and Ottoman Mosques, you'll feel as if you were transported to Istanbul.

Wieliczka, Poland - World's Most Famous Salt Mine

Wieliczka, Poland - World's Most Famous Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just 15 km (9 miles) south of Krakow - the most visited ancient Polish city - is also one of the most popular attractions in the region. Founded in the 13th century, it was in operation until as late as 2007. Visitors can admire many absolutely stunning, carved out using only man power shafts, corridors and chambers that have been lavishly decorated by tremendously talented artists. All the sculptures, statues, reliefs, walls, floor tiles and even chandeliers are made of salt. A walk down the long underground passages of Wieliczka is a great history lesson in practice, not only in theory. Read on and I'll give you some tips on how to best enjoy the visit.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland - The Most Extraordinary Geothermal Spa in The World

Blue Lagoon in Iceland - The Most Extraordinary Geothermal Spa in The World

It might be a bit strange to see a post about a spa on a blog that describes mainly an active way of traveling and discovering some forgotten and unknown places where few even think of visiting. But Blue Lagoon in Iceland is different. It's an amazing proof how human engineering and nature can cooperate perfectly. It's not an ordinary, boring spa with swimming pools and massages. The Blue Lagoon is one of those experiences that, I think, everyone should try at least once in life. Especially after exploring some of the marvelous sites of Iceland - an outlandish island on the periphery of Europe.

Trip To Sahara, Morocco - Amazing Desert Adventure

Trip To Sahara, Morocco - Amazing Desert Adventure

The Sahara desert, although many might think so, is not the largest in the world. However, it's only beaten by the coldest places on Earth - The Antarctic and Arctic regions which are the greatest barren land areas on our planet. Having said that, the Saharan territory is shared among 11 countries and stretches over 9 million square kilometers (3,5 million square miles). Its magnificent, golden, perfectly smooth dunes attract many visitors from around the world and the easiest way to reach them is through Morocco - stopping by the fascinating Berber oases and villages on the way.

One Day In Florence, Italy - What to See in The City of Michelangelo

One Day In Florence, Italy - What to See in The City of Michelangelo

Florence is probably the second best known city in Italy after Rome. Sited in the heart of Tuscany, the famous, green region among rolling hills and vineyards, stands out as an enormously significant place in European history. Home to world's most famous thinkers and inventors: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Florence needs no introduction. The capital of Tuscany is visited by millions of tourists every year, it's the main attraction of northern Italy and a hub for onward travel to smaller but not less exciting destinations in the area, for example the villages of Cinque Terre, Pisa, Siena or virtually unknown, perched on a steep cliff among the lush green fields - Pitigliano.

Top 10 Best Countries To Visit in 2015

Top 10 Best Countries To Visit in 2015

2014 was one of the best years of my life. I had a chance to travel to so many extraordinary, uncommon and off the beaten path destinations I had always been dreaming of visitng. Now, 2015 has come and many of you probably have started planning your summer holidays. There are multiple lists about the best countries you should visit on the Internet, TV and in travel magazines. Most of them repeat the overrated and overrun by tourists places like London, Paris, etc. Some are trying to introduce some new destinations. I have prepared another list of exciting places that media don't show (most likely you didn't even know some of them existed) which, I believe, have great potential for those seeking adventure and wanting to explore something new and unknown.

Dolina Pieciu Stawów - Hiking The Trail To The Valley of Five Lakes in Tatra Mountains, Poland

Dolina Pieciu Stawów - Hiking The Trail To The Valley of Five Lakes in Tatra Mountains, Poland

The route to the most famous tourist attraction in the Tatra Mounatins region - Morskie Oko lake may be the most popular and the easiest (and also quite boring), but the most spectacular views and real alpine, mountainous scenery are available to those who decide to hike the trail to Dolina Pięciu Stawów (The Valley of Five Lakes) and onward. No crowds (comparing to city-like traffic on the path to Morskie Oko), unspoiled nature, amazing landscapes and freshest air. It is also possible to reach Morskie Oko valley itself through the Valley of Five Lakes. This route is both: so much better than the normal, paved, road trail to Morskie Oko and and also pretty easy to follow.

Lençóis - Charming town in the heart of Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Lençóis - Charming town in the heart of Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Lençóis is a little, charming town in the middle of a large Natural Reserve - Chapada Diamantina National Park in the northern part of Brazil. Usually not visited by western tourists (in contrast to Rio de Janeiro), Chapada Diamantina is a proof that Brazil has much more to offer than Copacabana Beach. To get there, it is easy to catch a bus from the beautiful city of Salvador in Bahia. And then, Lençóis is usually the first step to visiting the vast swathes of The National Park. This cozy, quiet town with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture is as enjoyable as the spectacular highlights of the area: Blue Caves, waterfalls and magnificent table mountains. Especially after dark, when you can sit down in one of the restaurants or bars when you're back from the adventurous trips in the area.