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)

Poland

Best Trails in Polish Tatra Mountains - 4 (or 3) Day Itinerary

Best Trails in Polish Tatra Mountains - 4 (or 3) Day Itinerary

Hiking in Polish Tatras is getting more and more popular. During the summer, hundreds of tourists flock to the town of Zakopane in order to spend some time admiring the spectacular peaks and turquoise mountainous lakes. In this article, I have prepared a 4-day itinerary (or shorter - depending how fit you are and how much time you have) which will allow you to see the best of the Tatra Mountains: the three most picturesque valleys with lakes and Poland's highest peak - Rysy. If you're planning on hiking in Zakopane for a few days - follow this route and you'll get the best of it!

Trail to Rysy - The Highest Peak in Poland

Trail to Rysy - The Highest Peak in Poland

Although Rysy is the highest peak in Poland, it's relatively easy to climb it to the top. The hike is quite tiring and steep; nevertheless, it's nowhere near as difficult as some other trails in the Tatras - like, for example, the trail to Zawrat via Dolina Gasienicowa which is my favorite in the whole Tatars.

As an interesting fact, I can mention that the Rysy peak is also a border crossing point - you can easily go down to the other side which is in Slovakia. The Slovakian side of Rysy is easier but less spectacular. As both countries lie within the Schengen zone, of course, there are no guards or barricades; you won’t even notice you’re in a different country.

The Best Hike In Polish Tatra Mountains - Trail To Dolina Gasienicowa, Zawrat And Swinica Peak

The Best Hike In Polish Tatra Mountains - Trail To Dolina Gasienicowa, Zawrat And Swinica Peak

Many of the visitors coming to southern Poland and Krakow region end up in Zakopane - the little town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Some hike (or take a horse cart ride) up the easy and quite boring trail to the most famous landmark in Polish mountains - Morskie Oko lake which is undoubtedly picturesque and beautiful, but so overcrowded that it can get really irritating.

In this post, I'll try to encourage you to leave Morskie Oko behind and venture into the real, wild beauty of the area. As usual, the most attractive and stunning views are awaiting those who are brave enough to take a risk and explore something beyond the beaten path. I've already described the trek to Dolina Pieciu Stawow which is way nicer than the one to Morskie Oko and now it's time to write about my favorite trail in the Tatras - to Swinica peak via the less known Dolina Gasienicowa (Gasienicowa Valley) and Zawrat saddle. This trail features not one but several crystal clear lakes of different shapes and colors, spectacular views - incomparable with those on the way to Morskie Oko and it's perfect for those who love adventure and adrenaline rush!

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland - Lesson Never Learnt

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland - Lesson Never Learnt

This article will probably be a bit off topic but I felt a need to write it after a visit in one of the world's most infamous sites. Auschwitz Concentration Camp in southern Poland has recently become one of the most visited tourist attraction in the Krakow region. However, in my opinion, it should never be perceived as one. The site of incomparable genocide that was committed by the Nazis during the second world war should be seen only if you fully understand what really happened there and what consequences it entailed for those involved in those horrific events.

Zakopane - What To See in Poland's Winter Capital

Zakopane - What To See in Poland's Winter Capital

Zakopane, also called Poland's winter capital due to the abundance of ski resorts in the region is becoming a popular tourist destination among foreign visitors to the country. It's probably because it's so close to the most famous attraction in Poland - the medieval city of Krakow. Contrary to Zakopane's nickname - "winter capital", although it's perfect for ski lovers, the area is also worth visiting during all other seasons - when the snow melts, you can enjoy hiking spectacular mountainous trails dotted with beautiful, crystal clear postglacial lakes. In this post, however, I will focus on the town itself and highlight what to see around - there are plenty of articles online about Zakopane, basically describing Tatra National park, but few about the actual town.

What To See In Europe In March/April - Crocuses in Tatra Mountains, Poland

What To See In Europe In March/April - Crocuses in Tatra Mountains, Poland

Europe is a greatly diverse continent - most of it has the 4 distinct seasons and is visited by the travelers either in summer when the weather is great or in winter - for skiing. Autumn colors are also beautiful and attract those who like nature and hiking trails. But where to go in March or April? The winter snow is gone - leaving behind the grey, nearly black and white world, the weather isn't too great either and in the south it's still not hot enough to enjoy the beach. However, there is one place, hidden in Polish Tatra Mountains where the best time to visit is the early spring. For around 2 weeks, when the first, warmer sun rays after the winter months melt the snow lying on the slopes, hikers near Choholowska Valley might have the luck to experience a magnificent wonder of nature - when millions of purple crocuses appear turning the gloomy, post-winter meadows into a bright, colorful carpet.

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.

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.

What To See in Cracow, Poland - The City with Medieval Charm

What To See in Cracow, Poland - The City with Medieval Charm

Cracow (Kraków in Polish), due to its location, went through enormously difficult times in both ancient and recent history. Squeezed between the Europe's most powerful empires, it suffered invasions, raids and pillages from all directions. Miraculously, unlike Warsaw - the Polish capital, it survived the atrocities of the second world war almost intact, therefore, you can still sense its medieval charm strolling down the colorful cozy streets or having lunch in the largest medieval market square in Europe.

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.