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)

Zanjice Beach and Blue Cave, Montenegro

Zanjice Beach and Blue Cave, Montenegro

A "Blue Cave" is a popular attraction in many countries - I visited one in Greece, in Malta or Brazil (click on the links to see my posts). Montenegro is less known in the West and not as famous as other popular destinations but it's good to know that this tiny Balkan country also has its own, beautiful Blue Cave. Although the most visited attractions of Montenegro are the spectacular Kotor Bay and the peculiar (and extremely expensive) St. Stephan's Island, the Blue Cave is also a cool place to see, especially when combined with the charming town of Herceg Novi (take a look at my post about it) and the nearby Zanjice beach.

Graffiti and street art in Costa Rica

Graffiti and street art in Costa Rica

Tropical nature - this is what attracts. Costa Rica, unfortunately, lacks the old, colorful colonial towns like those in Nicaragua, Mexico or Brazil. Therefore, its capital - San Jose, although being the only metropolitan area in the country, is the least visited spot on Costa Rica's tourist map. San Jose is also a jungle, but in a different sense of the word. It's a concrete jungle - and not too pleasant for visitors who are used to beautiful architecture, pristine European old towns or other colonial, vibrant villages.

San Jose is also dirty, and I mean, really dirty. The rubbish rot in between the streets, the plastic bags fly grabbed by the wind - pollution is obvious everywhere, even in the very city center. So why on Earth would anyone want to visit this city? Is there really nothing that it can offer?

Is Cape Town Safe? Visiting South Africa's Most Popular City

Is Cape Town Safe? Visiting South Africa's Most Popular City

Cape Town, South Africa's most famous city is extremely popular among visitors flocking to this beautiful country - especially that it's surrounded by nice beaches from one side, and from the other - spectacular (although not too high) mountains offering some amazing hike opportunities.

However, what I've noticed is that many of the Westerners tend to see mostly the "posh" places around the city, such as the lavish waterfront, luxurious coastline or the most recognizable landmark - the table mountain. These spots are amazing indeed, but what about the very center of Cape Town? What's it like there? Why is it often omitted? How do the ordinary locals get by with their lives? And - the most important thing - is it safe to visit?

What to See in Mandalay, Myanmar - New City with Old Atmosphere

What to See in Mandalay, Myanmar - New City with Old Atmosphere

Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon) in Myanmar. Similarly to Yangon,  it also used to be the country's capital and has retained the royal splendor until this day. Surprisingly, although Mandalay feels way older than Yangon, it was established as late as the 19th century. Nevertheless, even though the most popular pagoda in Myanmar (the Shwedagon Pagoda) is located in Yangon, I preferred the authentic feeling and the overall Burmese atmosphere of Mandalay. Less modern high-rise blocks, more spectacular temples, palaces and piece-of-art wooden buildings. Less organized, more messy, chaotic and hectic - but in the positive sense of the word.

Qadisha Valley, Lebanon - Rock Monasteries and Churches

Qadisha Valley, Lebanon - Rock Monasteries and Churches

At first, Qadisha Valley wasn't in our itinerary of places to see in Lebanon. Apart from the obvious sites of this fascinatingly diverse country, like Beirut, Byblos or the ancient Roman ruins at Baalbek, we wanted to see the Lebanese cedar forests in their natural environment as well as the spectacular Baatara sinkhole waterfall which is one of the most unique natural phenomenons I've seen.

However, after we organized a trip to Baatara/Cedar Forest Natural Reserve, our guides recommended we also see the magnificent yet way less known Qadisha Valley. And it was such a great piece of advice! Although the other two natural wonders are spectacular, it takes only a very short tome to visit them. Qadisha Valley, in turn, proved to be an amazing journey into the past where history of hermits and monks who had lived in the cave dwellings intertwines with the breathtaking views of the gorges and high mountainous peaks covered with white blanket of snow.

Feeling Jittery on The First Day of Teaching Abroad? First day jitters

Feeling Jittery on The First Day of Teaching Abroad? First day jitters

Visualize your first day entering into your classroom. Desks are neatly arranged, it’s quiet, and then the bell rings. Your new students begin to pile into your classroom and things change drastically.

Your students are chatting loudly, tossing paper balls back and forth, and glued to their phones. To you it looks like chaos and you have no idea how you’re going to get them focused on the task at hand.

I’ll show you how to avoid feeling overwhelmed on your first day by making good preparation, role-playing with other teachers, and taking in some meditative practices to calm your nerves.

Is Bratislava in Slovakia Worth a Visit and Is It a Good Alternative to Prague?

Is Bratislava in Slovakia Worth a Visit and Is It a Good Alternative to Prague?

Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, is rarely on the itinerary of the visitors traveling through Europe. Comparing to its famous neighbor - Prague, Bratislava is virtually non-existent in the eyes of a typical western tourist.

But because we love to go against the grain and discover the places which are less popular, during the long weekend in Prague, we jumped on the night bus and decided to spend a day in the capital of Slovakia. What did Bratislava turn out to be like? Was it worth visiting? Is it a good alternative to overrun by tourists, often overrated and expensive famous capitals?

Top 5 Natural Wonders of Jamaica

Top 5 Natural Wonders of Jamaica

Jamaica - the home of Bob Marley and the third largest island of the Greater Antilles. Located south of Cuba, among turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is a well known beach destination where everyone can find something to their liking. You love the sea? - Jamaica boasts beautiful coast. You prefer nature or hiking? - you can admire tropical forests and unique, terraced waterfalls. Take a look at the list of 5 amazing natural wonders on this paradise island and get enchanted!

How to Get to Skellig Islands - "Irish Machu Picchu"

How to Get to Skellig Islands - "Irish Machu Picchu"

Although Skellig Islands may be the most impressive attraction in Ireland, only few know about their existence. While places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry are known world-wide, Skellig islands remain in the shadow of the most popular sites in Ireland. For me, Skellig is probably the best of all I've seen in Ireland. This tiny speck of land combines all you need for a perfect tourist destination into one: spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife with multiple sea birds and historical, unique, beehive-like monastery. So why is this magnificent site virtually unknown and less popular than, say, the Cliffs of Moher?

USA vs Canada - Which is Best for an Adventure Holiday?

USA vs Canada - Which is Best for an Adventure Holiday?

Any traveller planning a trip to North America might ask themselves which is the best destination for a holiday – USA or Canada? Both countries are known for their diversity - you could just as easily visit a stunning national park as you could a cosmopolitan city in either.

So, which country should you choose for your next adventure holiday? Let’s compare the two different destinations to help you make your decision.