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)

Asia

Dead Sea (The Lowest Point on Earth), Madaba and Biblical Mount Nebo, Jordan

Dead Sea (The Lowest Point on Earth), Madaba and Biblical Mount Nebo, Jordan

The Dead Sea (which in reality is actually a lake) not only breaks two world's records as the deepest highly saline inland body of water and, at 400 m (1400 ft.) below sea level - the lowest point on the planet, but also is set in a tremendously significant region since antiquity. It was here where the important biblical stories had taken place, where Moses had hit the rocks that opened and spouted a stream of fresh water for the Israelites and Kind David took refuge. It served as one of the earliest spas and a resort in which the rulers of the ancient world used to relax. 

Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia - How To Visit And Avoid Scams

Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia - How To Visit And Avoid Scams

Angkor Wat is one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes on Earth. It's also one of world's most famous historical sites - it's visited by literally millions of tourists every year. I prefer more, to be honest, the hidden and unpopular places skipped by everyone, like for example the regions of Caucasus and Central Asia which, although possess everything a perfect tourist destination should have: ancient civilization history, spectacular, diverse landscapes, oriental towns, beautiful seaside and friendly locals; are completely free of western visitors. But I also love historical and archaeological sites so I decided (persuaded by my friends into visiting South-East Asia), why not to see what Angkor Wat is really like. After all the excitement I'd had about Thailand was shattered by the endless scams (especially in Bangkok - read my story here), I was pretty skeptical about Cambodia. But even though I fell victim to a few dishonest people in Siem Reap, I enjoyed Angkor Wat more than any of Thai religious sites, although they were also exceptionally impressive. The sheer size, grandeur and sophistication of Cambodia's main landmark easily compares to the absolutely most magnificent places on our planet like Machu Picchu in Peru, Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy or Bagan in Myanmar.

One Day in Bangkok, Thailand - 7 Reasons Why It Is An Overrated Tourist Trap

One Day in Bangkok, Thailand - 7 Reasons Why It Is An Overrated Tourist Trap

I spent only one full day in Bangkok. I managed to see a lot, but to visit everything properly, at a slow pace, you'll definitely need more time. Although it was only one day, it was still very busy, hectic and stressful (not to say unpleasant). It turned out, that after having visited nearly 50 countries before arriving to Bangkok and comparing Bangkok with all those places - I came to the conclusion that indeed, it is totally overrated. To the point that I was happy to leave the next day which virtually never happens to me as I love to travel and explore. It still amazes me why crowds of Westerners fly to Bangkok, usually just because Thailand is "trendy" right now and never think of visiting such amazing and authentic cities as Tbilisi, Yerevan, Kathmandu or Mandalay.

Temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square And The Village Of Nagarkot - Visiting Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square And The Village Of Nagarkot - Visiting Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The town of Bhaktapur is located only 15 km (10 miles) east of Nepal's capital - Kathmandu. Great for a day or weekend trip, it boasts the most spectacular of Katmandu's royal plazas (called durbar) - Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The square is a living museum - with numerous ancient monuments, temples and buildings at every corner. What's more, if the weather is clear, you can admire the Himalayas from the nearby village of Nagarkot situated on one of the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. You can also have a chance to experience real Nepalese hospitality by staying over with a local family in a traditional house - that's far more exciting and authentic than sleeping in yet another, boring tourist hotel.

Door To Hell Crater - Darvaza, Turkmenistan - How to get there and is it worth a visit?

Door To Hell Crater - Darvaza, Turkmenistan - How to get there and is it worth a visit?

You might have seen photos of the gargantuan hole in the middle of the desert spewing out flames and a beam of light out of its core high up into the night sky while watching National Geographic or some documentary on the weirdest places on Earth. Although the Darvaza Crater has got quite large exposure in the media, it still remains very rarely visited by ordinary tourists. Central Asia is an extremely interesting place both naturally and historically. However, travelers almost always skip it choosing the popular beaches in Southeast Asia. Come to Darvaza and you'll feel as if you were teleported to Mars - it's a unique, outlandish and eerie experience that cannot be compared to anything else you've seen before.

Annapurna Range Loop Trek To Poon Hill, Nepal - Day 1 - Trek From Birethanti To Ulleri

Annapurna Range Loop Trek To Poon Hill, Nepal - Day 1 - Trek From Birethanti To Ulleri

If you love trekking and want to experience the most famous mountain range in the world - The Himalayas firsthand, the best way to begin your adventure is to hike the trails of Annapurna Range - located near the city of Pokhara (200 km/125 miles from Kathmandu). The loop trail to Poon Hill - the popular view point via lush green forests and little, cozy mountainous villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk offers absolutely breathtaking views of the Himalayan snowy peaks (if the weather permits of course). It's very easy to get to the start point from Pokhara and once you've started, you can give yourself as much time as you need - there are literally hundreds of guest houses along the way where you may stay overnight.

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.

Amman - What To See In The White Capital - Is it safe to visit Jordan?

Amman - What To See In The White Capital - Is it safe to visit Jordan?

Amman is a perfect gateway to the most famous treasures of Jordan - Petra (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), Dead Sea, Biblical Holy Land - Mount Nebo where Moses died and was buried, Jerash (the best preserved Ancient Roman City - forget Rome!) and Wadi Rum Desert. It is often treated only as a gateway - a place where you transfer to see something else. Underrated and a bit overlooked, Amman may be not the most charming city in the world but it boasts rich history, great architecture and ancient monuments that are still in use today. Although it's skipped by many visitors, it's interesting to see the capital of such a magnificent land as Jordan.

Ashgabat - Peculiar White Marble Capital of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat - Peculiar White Marble Capital of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat (or Ashkhabad) is usually the first point of entry for everyone visiting Turkmenistan - one of the most secluded, eerie and peculiar countries on Earth. And, believe me, there are not many who would choose it as a holiday destination. For me, however, traveling to Central Asia was always a dream. I love discovering all the unpopular and seemingly not attractive from a tourist's point of view places. And I love getting surprised that those places are in fact a lot better and exciting than some overrated spots in Western Europe! So why not start the Central Asian journey from the state reputed to be the most difficult to enter? In this article I will describe my expectations and reality, what is true and what is a myth about Ashgabat, from my own perspective.

Petra in Jordan - Part 1 - The Treasury, The Ancient Rock City and The High Place of Sacrifice Trail

Petra in Jordan - Part 1 - The Treasury, The Ancient Rock City and The High Place of Sacrifice Trail

Petra (located just off the town of Wadi Musa) is truly one of the most marvelous gems among all ancient sites. The rose-red city carved out of rocks was naturally protected by the walls of the gorge from one side and rocky mountains from the other. The ancient civilization of Nabataeans that settled in Petra was highly advanced, it managed to achieve something not common in the history of humanity - peaceful coexistence with foreign cultures that enabled to create trade routes and brought considerable wealth to the area.