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)

Valletta - What To See in Malta's Golden Capital

Valletta - What To See in Malta's Golden Capital

Valletta is one of the smallest capitals in one of the tiniest countries in the world. Located on a dry, golden island of Malta, south of Sicily, Valletta will most probably be your gateway to the rest of the country. Although most of the tourists stay at the coast near the popular beaches (which, besides the Blue Lagoon, pretty much disappointed me), it's good to know the historical capital of Malta and see the unique, golden buildings, streets and architecture in Valletta. The city is also the main hub for all public buses - they are cheap and you can use them as an easy way to travel around Malta.

Göreme, Turkey - The Cave Town And The "Fairy Chimney" Valley In Cappadocia

Göreme, Turkey - The Cave Town And The "Fairy Chimney" Valley In Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most popular regions of Turkey. The famous all over the world, weird rock formations shaped like mushrooms, pillars and even animals are scattered across the area. Clear weather conditions, crisp even in the late months of fall/autumn allow not only to hike among the most extraordinary valleys but also to enjoy the famous hot air balloon flight, which, although quite expensive, is a one of a kind event that everyone should experience at least once. I visited Goreme in November and I think it was a perfect time. The town was cozy and sleepy, I felt as if I was somewhere at the end of the world and although it is so popular I barely saw any other tourists. Moreover, the leaves that had just turned bright yellow created an excellent contrast with the rock formations making it all look even more eerie and extraordinary.

Himarë, Porto Palermo Fortress and Spectacular Coast - Albanian Riviera, Part 1

Himarë, Porto Palermo Fortress and Spectacular Coast - Albanian Riviera, Part 1

After spending an amazing weekend in Ksamil and enjoying white sand beaches with crystal clear - tropical looking sea, it was time to head north along the Albanian coast and explore probably the least known riviera in Europe. Ksamil had surprised me so much with the color of water and white sand (much better than in popular Corfu) that I was sure the rest of the coast couldn't get better. During the season, the beaches at Ksamil might get busy - however, I was lucky to be there in June and it was absolutely perfect and pretty quiet. But what I was about to discover traveling north along Albanian riviera exceeded all my expectations! Cover photo: Borsh Beach.

Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland - Most Famous Naturally Formed Basalt Columns

Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland - Most Famous Naturally Formed Basalt Columns

Giant's Causeway is obviously the most exceptional landmark of Northern Ireland. Looking at the hexagonal basalt columns, of different height and size, with perfectly even sides, it's difficult to believe that they were formed only by natural processes. Their resemblance to ancient ruins may lead you to believe that some mystical beings created this phenomenon a long time ago. No wonder, in the course of the centuries, many legends and myths came into existence in relation to the origin of the eerie formations. Moreover, not far away from Giant's Causeway, you can walk over the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and admire the cliffs, crashing waves and rugged coastline

10 Unknown Breathtaking Natural Wonders

10 Unknown Breathtaking Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Sugar Loaf in Rio, Uluru Rock and Great Barrier Coral reef in Australia... Most of us know those exceptionally beautiful sights that make us wonder how lucky we are to live on this extraordinary planet. They are continuously shown on TV, in travel magazines like National Geographic and all over the mass media. What I want to do in this article, is to show (contrary to popular belief) how breathtaking are the places which you don't usually see on TV and which are not associated with being beautiful or worth visiting in general, public opinion. I often have to prove to my friends and people I meet that I am not out of my mind to have decided to visit Albania instead of Spain, Kazakhstan instead of France or Armenia instead of Thailand. So, let this list be the proof!

Prishtina, Kosovo - "Ugly" City With A Great Vibe

Prishtina, Kosovo - "Ugly" City With A Great Vibe

Prishtina (or Pristina) is the capital of one of the newest states on the planet - Kosovo. Although not recognized by all the nations, it's de facto an independent country with full government and organizations. Prishtina (with the exception of Minsk in Belarus) is probably the least visited capital in Europe. Having suffered tremendously turbulent events in recent history - it's not the most beautiful or charming city in the world. Many of the old parts were destroyed during the war and now Prishtina has an appearance of a newly built city - many districts still look like big construction sites. Nevertheless, Prishtina has that "something" and I really miss it - the relaxed and friendly locals, crazy architecture, superb food and the vibrant streets in summer evenings.

Things To See in Andorra - One of Europe's Smallest Countries

Things To See in Andorra - One of Europe's Smallest Countries

Andorra, one of the tiniest European sovereign countries (its area is three times smaller than the area of London!) is known best as a skiing or shopping destination. The country's duty free policy attracts many visitors from neighboring states - they can purchase many goods (especially tobacco and alcohol) at much cheaper prices than at home - under strict EU rules. Although few come to Andorra for sightseeing and tourism, this little country has something else to offer - original architecture of the capital - Andorra la Vella, cozy villages, beautiful mountains and multiple hiking trails. My visit to Andorra was a completely spontaneous decision and I'm presenting my impressions, pros and cons about visiting this micro-state.

One Day in Yangon - What To See In Myanmar's Largest City

One Day in Yangon - What To See In Myanmar's Largest City

Yangon (or Rangoon), Myanmar's former capital is still the largest city in the country and important economic as well as cultural center. Comparing to Bagan, Mandalay or the rest of Myanmar, Yangon seems to be a really modern, culturally diverse metropolis with over 5 million inhabitants. You'll find Burmese, British and Chinese influences at every corner. Colonial buildings, pagodas, churches and Chinese markets are strewn around the center. Although the city is huge, you'll be able to see a lot in just one day - the most impressive monuments and sights (like Shwedagon Pagoda or Sule Pagoda) are within walking distance from one another.

Vigeland Sculptures in Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway - Europe's Most Controversial Sculpture Installation

Vigeland Sculptures in Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway - Europe's Most Controversial Sculpture Installation

The Frogner Park in Oslo is a perfect place for those who seek for shelter from a busy, modern city. But it wouldn't be world famous if it were just an ordinary park with trees, alleys and lawns. Within its boundaries, the Frogner Park holds the controversial sculpture installation by Gustav Vigeland which boasts over 200 statues and is the largest in the world such installation created by a single artist. Easy to reach, the strange Vigeland's sculptures should be seen by everyone who is visiting the diverse Norwegian capital, so don't miss it!

Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia - Perfect Place For A Short Trip From The Famous Lake Bled

Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia - Perfect Place For A Short Trip From The Famous Lake Bled

Vintgar Gorge (also called Bled Gorge), carved out by the Radovna River is located just 4 km (2.5 miles) from Slovenia's most popular destination - lake Bled. It's a perfect hideaway from a hot, sunny day - the high walls of the gorge which rise up to 100 m (330 ft.) provide shade and the mountainous stream cools down the temperature around. Maybe Vintgar Gorge wouldn't even be that worth noticing if it weren't for the Radovna river which boasts an unbelievably turquoise-green color. It squeezes through rocks and cascades creating a few spectacular waterfalls and crystal clear pools along the way. The whole scenery looks as if it was copied from a fantasy film - so don't miss it while visiting the beautiful lake and village of Bled!