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)

Albania

Berat, Albania - The Town of a Thousand Windows

Berat, Albania - The Town of a Thousand Windows

Berat in Albania is called "the town of a thousand windows". And that is so true. Looking at the beautiful houses "climbing" up the steep hill around the old town, you can't help but notice the seemingly endless number windows. Because Berat is beautifully situated in the mountains, it also offers amazing bird's eye views.
Both Berat and Gjirokaster (take a look at my post about Gjirokaster) are the most beautiful towns in Albania. Together with Mostar, Prizren and Ohrid, they form a district full of the distinctive Ottoman Empire architecture, unique for Europe. This region, although as rich in history and as attractive as the Spanish or Italian equivalents, receives hardly ever foreign tourists. But it's a good thing, you can explore what's best without annoying crowds and discover Europe's  best hidden gem freely.

Llogara Pass, Dhermi and Vlora - Albanian Riviera, Part 3

Llogara Pass, Dhermi and Vlora - Albanian Riviera, Part 3

Dhermi and Llogara Pass all the way to the town of Vlora were the last points on our itinerary along the Albanian riviera. Going North, we left behind Ksamil, Blue Eye Spring, Himare and my favorite, hidden beaches in Albania - Jala and Ghipe. We already knew Albania is a paradise for those who love unspoiled nature and we just wanted to relax for the last part of the journey. And once more, this little unknown country had another surprise for us - the unbelievable mountainous views all the way to the turquoise, tropical looking Ionian Sea.

The Best Beaches in Albania - Jala and Gjipe - Albanian Riviera, Part 2

The Best Beaches in Albania - Jala and Gjipe - Albanian Riviera, Part 2

Traveling along the wild Albanian coast, after visiting tropical looking, white sand beaches at Ksamil, old town Himare and the surrounding seaside, I thought it just couldn't get better. Then, we went to see the two beaches a few miles north from Himare - Jala and Gjipe, hidden in picturesque coves and surrounded by the spectacular canyon. The color of water was so unusually clear and the scenery so exotic that this spot could easily pass off as tropical heaven. Why is such a place still virtually unknown despite being right in the middle of Europe, is a mystery to me. But it's a good thing! You can feel as if it's your own, private paradise. And, if you want to still see it this way, hurry up, as unfortunately there has been some new development around - soon it may become as crowded as Albania's famous neighbors - Croatia, Italy and Greece.

Gjirokaster - Albania's Most Beautiful UNESCO Town

Gjirokaster - Albania's Most Beautiful UNESCO Town

Traveling along the southern coast of Albania literally made my jaw drop. I had not expected at all what I was going to see. Paradise, completely unspoiled beaches, clearest sea possible, superb food and accommodation at ridiculously low prices, friendliest locals I'd ever met... I thought nothing else was able to surprise me. Then, we reached Gjirokaster - a little Ottoman town which turned out to be breathtakingly unique not only in Albania but in the whole Europe. It could easily compete with the French or Italian equivalents - in Gjirokaster you'll see the most beautifully decorated houses covered with original stone roof tiles, authentic, perfectly well maintained old town with cobblestone, winding little streets and... literally zero tourists!

Tirana, Albania - A Visit In The Most Peculiar European Capital

Tirana, Albania - A Visit In The Most Peculiar European Capital

Tirana - the capital of Albania. Despite the nearby Adriatic coast and super popular countries like Italy, Croatia and Greece among which Albania is sandwiched, this little Balkan country receives very few foreign visitors. Those who end up in Tirana, usually claim that it is unattractive and give up any attempts to explore Albania further. What a mistake this is! Paradise beaches, unique, cozy little towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, crystar clear turquoise lakes and spectacular mountains are waiting for those who stray from the beaten path. I must agree, though, that Tirana indeed pales in comparison with those wonderful sites mentioned above. However, if you look closer and make a little effort to understand its history, the city's overall image changes in a positive way.

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.

Krujë (Kruja), Albania - Charming Medieval Village, Perfect For A Day Trip From Tirana

Krujë (Kruja), Albania - Charming Medieval Village, Perfect For A Day Trip From Tirana

Krujë (Kruja in English) in Albania is a charming medieval village, beautifully situated among mountainous peaks and the green valley stretching all the way down to the Adriatic coast. Kruja, once inhabited by the ancient tribe of Illyrians, besides its natural charm, boasts an enormous historical importance. As early as in the 12th century, it was the center of the first independent Albanian state. The town lies on the foot of the Mount Krujë and offers spectacular views over the entire area. Although it's a popular and very easy to reach destination for a day trip from Albanian capital - Tirana, it's still very authentic - with very few foreign visitors. Many people who come to Albania stay only in Tirana and complain that there is nothing much to see there. The capital city, although interesting is not particularly beautiful and is not a great example of what Albania has to offer.

Sarande, Ksamil and Butrint (UNESCO), Albania - A Piece Of Tropics In The Heart Of Europe

Sarande, Ksamil and Butrint (UNESCO), Albania - A Piece Of Tropics In The Heart Of Europe

The very south corner of Albania - the country which is still a black spot on the touristic map of Europe offers, in my opinion, the best beaches in the entire old continent: white sand, tropical color of the clearest possible seas, the exoticism of the area and most friendly locals. Most of the very few individual foreign tourists who get to the beach village of Ksamil arrive by ferry from the neighboring, overcrowded by tourists Greek island - Corfu. I followed the same route. And, I really thought that Corfu is amazing until I set foot in Albania's shore. My jaw literally dropped. I immediately felt as if I was transferred to one of the tropical, paradise-like postcard spots. It's a mystery to me how this exceptionally beautiful piece of land lacks any recognition among foreigners. But maybe it's better this way!

Syri i Kalter - The Blue Eye Spring in Albania

Syri i Kalter - The Blue Eye Spring in Albania

Syri i Kalter (The Blue Eye) is a fairy tale-like spring located in the south of Albania, Delvine district, near the town of Saranda. Not only the spring is the attraction but also the surrounding nature, the forest, and the clearest fresh waters I have seen in my life. Even clearer then in the becoming famous now Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. You might have the impression that this place is completely unreal, out of this world, as if specially prepared for a movie set. And, I would recommend that you visit it now, before hordes of tourists find out about it, especially that Albania (although unknown) it's in the heart of Europe and quite easy to reach.