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)

Ukraine

Chernobyl, Ukraine - 30 Years After The Disaster

Chernobyl, Ukraine - 30 Years After The Disaster

Chernobyl in Eastern Ukraine is one of the most infamous places on Earth. It used to be a normal, ordinary town, no different from thousands of others in the Soviet Union. It was quiet, peaceful, had its own theater, cinema and amusement park. People lived their life according to a daily routine until the 26th of April, 1986. In the middle of the night, a disastrous explosion shook Chernobyl. Reactor number 4 failed and ejected radioactive particles high up into the atmosphere. With the clouds and wind, the fallout was subsequently spread all over Europe, reaching as far as Scandinavia. Chernobyl and the surrounding area were evacuated virtually overnight. Only recently more and more people have started to return to their old homes. Three decades after the disaster, I visited Chernobyl and in this post I'll show you the way it is now.

Yalta and The Fairytale Swallow's Nest Castle - Crimea, Ukraine (Russia)

Yalta and The Fairytale Swallow's Nest Castle - Crimea, Ukraine (Russia)

Crimea, together with Russia and Ukraine was completely absent from the attention of the media up until the recent conflict. Recently, it has appeared in western news but, unfortunately, only for the wrong reasons. It's always gloomy and grey with the post-communist, heavy architecture. However, the truth is that looking at the beautiful coast surrounded by golden cliffs and blue waters of the Black Sea, you might get the feeling that you're somewhere in the Mediterranean. For sure not how you would have imagined it! The beaches in Yalta are full of sun seekers, the town itself is so vibrant and colorful and the situation at the peninsula is stable and safe now. Not too mention its greatest attraction - the Swallow's Nest Castle.

Alupka and The Ai-Petri Mountain - Crimea, Ukraine

Alupka and The Ai-Petri Mountain - Crimea, Ukraine

Torn between the Ukraine and Russia, the Crimean Peninsula has been a center of tragic political events recently. Let's hope the situation stabilizes soon and the area will still become available for an ordinary traveler. I would like to put politics aside and present the Crimea here like it probably has never been presented in Western Media. I want to show you the natural beauty of the region in contrast to the grey photos you can encounter in the news.

Pripyat (near Chernobyl), Ukraine - Real-life ghost town

Pripyat (near Chernobyl), Ukraine - Real-life ghost town

While watching one of the Hollywood apocalyptic films or playing computer games - have you ever thought that a real ghost town is closer than you think? It is actually located in the center of Europe - in Ukraine. 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the country's capital - Kiev, very close to the border with Belarus. A visit to Pripyat is an extraordinary experience - something you most probably have never seen and will never see. It is completely different from the usual sight seeing tours. In this post I am presenting a gallery of photos of this ghost town literally abandoned overnight thirty years ago.

Sevastopol and Chersonesus - Ukrainian Pompeii, Crimea, Ukraine

Sevastopol and Chersonesus - Ukrainian Pompeii, Crimea, Ukraine

When you think about the Ukraine, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the economic instability, political problems, bad roads, or... nothing at all. For most Westerners, even after Euro 2012 Championships, the Ukraine still remains a black spot on the map of Europe. A place completely unknown, so close and yet so far. Few people from the west choose it as a holiday destination. And if you are looking for a little adventure, it would be a perfect place for you.