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)

Dublin

Powerscourt Waterfall in Enniskerry - The Highest and Most Impressive Waterfall in Ireland

Powerscourt Waterfall in Enniskerry - The Highest and Most Impressive Waterfall in Ireland

Powerscourt Waterfall may not be the largest or the highest waterfall in the world, but together with the breathtaking natural surroundings and Wicklow Mountains in the background, it creates one of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. Located near the picturesque village of Enniskerry and the famous Powerscourt Gardens, it attracts many visitors, especially during summer weekends. However, if you wish to venture into the wild, there is a beautiful trail in the mountains that will even allow you to see the waterfall itself from a bird's eye view.

Howth - The Harbour, Peninsula and Cliffs, county Dublin, Ireland

Howth - The Harbour, Peninsula and Cliffs, county Dublin, Ireland

The Howth Peninsula - located north from Dublin Bay is yet another place (besides the southern towns of Bray, Greystones, Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey) on the beautiful Dublin coast to visit while staying in the Irish capital. As I mentioned in the previous posts, the nature around Dublin is striking and also very easily accessible by public transport. Within minutes you can travel from a busy, crowded and somehow grey city to the mountainous seaside full of coastal trails running along magnificent rocky cliffs.

Bray and Greystones - Coastal Ireland

Bray and Greystones - Coastal Ireland

As I mentioned in one of the previous articles, one of the greatest things about Dublin, the Irish capital is how close it is to the beautiful coastal areas where the mountains and rugged cliffs meet the sea. Within only around 30 minutes by train from Dublin you can reach either the northern or southern parts of the coast. Especially beautiful in the summer, it has this sub-tropical touch provided by a wide variety of Mediterranean and exotic for this latitude plants, like Cedar trees or even palm trees. So don't miss it when you are in Dublin, you will be nicely surprised!

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney - "Subtropical" coast of Ireland

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney - "Subtropical" coast of Ireland

If you think about Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is rain, drizzle, cold and wind. Although it is true, sometimes, during the summer months, the sun appears also in the Emerald Island (and in June and July it shines until 10 PM!)

When you are visiting Dublin in summer, it's great to get away from the grayish capital to the beautiful coastal areas, especially because they are so close and at the price of only 5 EUR (7 USD) for a return ticket, using public transport, you can admire the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. You will be surprised.

Powerscourt Gardens, Enniskerry, Ireland

Powerscourt Gardens, Enniskerry, Ireland

Powescourt Estate with the impressive castle that dates as far back as the thirteenth century and the 19 hectare gardens are one of the greatest tourist attractions of Dublin area. The estate is located among beautiful Wicklow Mountains scenery and offers breathtaking views of the distinctive Sugar Loaf peak. Very close to Dublin city, around 45 minutes drive from the center, it's a perfect place to enjoy a weekend, especially in the summer time when all the trees are lush green and all flowers in blossom.

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland - The Valley of Two Lakes and The Monastic City

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland - The Valley of Two Lakes and The Monastic City

The name "Glendalough" means "the glen of two lakes" in the Irish language. The valley is located only around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Irish capital city - Dublin. It's very easily accessible, only one hour drive and it's a perfect place for a weekend or even one-day escape from the city crowds. The ruins of the ancient monastic city, two magnificent lakes surrounded by cliffs and rocks, nearby forests as well as waterfalls create an unforgettable scenery. There are many trails available for visitors in the area. Hiking one of them is not too difficult, there are many observation points that offer a spectacular view over the whole valley, lakes and the monastic city.

Wild Rhododendron Gardens in Howth, Ireland

Wild Rhododendron Gardens in Howth, Ireland

If you don't know where to go on a sunny day in Dublin, Howth Rhododendron Gardens can be a great alternative to the crowded city parks. In contrast to the very popular center of Howth village, which when the weather is good, attracts many people looking for an escape from the busy capital, Rhododendron Gardens are relatively a little known, peaceful and relaxing place, ideal for hiking, picnics, enjoying the beauty of nature as well as admiring spectacular views of the peninsula, and you can be sure you won't meet crowds of people there, even during the long summer days.