Posts tagged #travel

Christmas on a volcanic island in the Atlantic - Madeira delivered exactly the dramatic scenery I was hoping for. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, sitting 520 km off the coast of Morocco. With a population of around 250,000, most concentrated in the capital Funchal, the island is essentially a giant volcanic mountain rising from the ocean. The terrain is incredibly steep, with deep ravines and cliffs dropping hundreds of meters to the sea. Fun fact: the island's highest point, Pico

North Macedonia! If you want to name one country that renamed itself in the past years, that's North Macedonia. After the visit I continued my journey to Greece's Macedonia - the reason for the name change. Both Greece and North Macedonia wanted to claim the name "Macedonia" - and in February 2019 it was renamed to "North". The country it

Visiting Serbia was part of my ongoing journey to visit every country in Europe — after this trip, only North Macedonia and Kosovo remain on my list. My time in Belgrade was short, but it left a strong impression. The city itself is quite compact compared to other European capitals; you can easily walk across the center in under an hour. During my stay, I noticed groups of people regularly crossing one of the

Who in Europe even thinks of Barbados as a destination? Barbados was a result of the spontaneous decision to go somewhere "very far" from Poland. Indeed, it was over 14 hours of flights and 3 layovers! The island was nice with great nature. Having monkeys just at your villa is so wonderful. Some nature sights and beaches are also worth it all. Two things I didn't like about Barbados is food and the stylishness of places on it. Food (especially

My second visit to Vatican City, and this time I came prepared. Unlike my first rushed trip in 2020, I actually took my time to appreciate the Sistine Chapel properly - Michelangelo's ceiling is one of those things that photos simply cannot capture. Standing there, neck craned upward, I finally understood what all the fuss was about. Vatican City remains t

Andorra became my 68th country, and what a unique one it is. This tiny principality tucked between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains is technically a co-principality - ruled jointly by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. With just 77,000 residents and 468 square kilometers, it's one of Europe's microstates that somehow maintains its independence since the 13th century. What I Experience

Slovenia turned out to be one of those countries that exceeded every expectation. We drove across the entire country over three days, and I genuinely loved everything about it - the alpine scenery, the pristine lakes, the efficient infrastructure, and the surprisingly affordable prices. With just 2 million people and a territory slightly smaller than New Jersey, Slovenia packs an incredible variety of landscapes. In one day you can drive from Medite

San Marino is one of those places that makes you realize how arbitrary country borders can be. This microstate of just 34,000 people sits entirely on a mountain surrounded by Italy, claiming to be the world's oldest surviving republic - founded in 301 AD by a stonecutter fleeing religious persecution. The entire country is essentially one mountain, Monte Titano, with the historic center perched at the

My second time in Malta, and this time I had a whole week to explore - plus a wonderful excuse: my friend's wedding! Having already seen the highlights during my 2020 visit, I could now dig deeper into what makes this archipelago so special. Malta is a fascinating mix of influences - Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, Knights of St. John, British, and finally independent since 1964. With just 500,000 people crammed into 316 square kilometers, it's one of

Half a day in Maastricht was enough to make me fall in love with the Netherlands for one thing I already love: cycling. The biking infrastructure here is legendary, and seeing it in person finally made me understand why the Dutch are considered the world leaders in urban cycling. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, with 17 million people in a territory half the size

Luxembourg City was gray and overcast on the day of my visit, but even the weather couldn't diminish the impression. This tiny country has created one of the wealthiest economies per capita in the world, and the capital city reflects that prosperity while somehow avoiding feeling soulless. Luxembourg is a genuine oddity - a Grand Duchy of 65

Short weekend-style trips are my favorites when it comes to Europe, and Belgium is perfect for exactly this kind of visit. Brussels made an immediate impression - a city living its full life, buzzing with activity, somehow managing to be both a major EU capital and a genuinely livable place. Belgium is a fascinating country precisely because it's barely a country at all. With 11.5 million people split between

My second visit to Albania, this time in the off-season. We came specifically to explore the mountains around Krujë, a historic town perched on the slopes of Mount Sarisalltik. Having seen the coast during my 2021 trip, I wanted to experience a different side of this underrated country. Albania has transformed dramatically since the fall of communism in 1991. With 2.8 million people and a turbulent 20th-century history (it was the most isolated country in Europe under Enver Hoxha's dictator

Ireland became my 67th country, and we packed a lot into just four days. A road trip with friends through the Irish countryside in early December - dramatic weather, empty roads, and some of the most stunning coastal scenery I've seen anywhere. Ireland is a country of contrasts: 5 million people on an island roughly the size of South Carolina, split between the Republic and Northern Ireland. It has transformed from one of Europe's poorest co

One of the most wanted destinations is done! That was a huge experience. Iceland is a country of dramatic contrasts - with just 380,000 people spread across an island the size of Kentucky, it's one of Europe's most sparsely populated nations. Sitting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge, the landscape is shaped by volcanic activity, glaciers, and geothermal forces found nowhere else on Earth. What I Experienced We enjoyed a night with Northern Lights while we didn't exp

Norway became my 64th country, thanks to a day-long layover in Oslo. I packed as much as possible into those hours - and discovered why Scandinavians consistently top the happiness rankings. Norway is one of the world's wealthiest countries per capita, largely thanks to its massive oil fund (worth over $1.4 trillion - that's roughly $250,000 per citizen). With just 5.4 million people spread across a territory larger than Germany, it's also one of Europe's least densely populated nations. Oslo,

Jordan was a great destination for our 4-day trip. Route: Start at Amman. Next day, full-day visit to Petra, including Petra by Night show. Then move to Wadi Rum sands and spend a night there in a cave :) Then dive at Aqaba. In the evening, watch the sunset at the \[Dead Sea]\(https://

Another layover in Vienna - my second time visiting Austria's capital. There's something comforting about returning to a city you know. The imperial grandeur, the coffee houses, the efficient public transport - Vienna delivers exactly what you expect, every time. Vienna consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, and walking through its streets you understand why. With 1.9 million people, it's a major European capital that somehow feels man

Latvia became my 59th country, and Riga turned out to be a neat, compact city - even when viewed mostly through rain. The weather stayed gray throughout my visit, so I embraced it and focused on night photography instead. Turns out Riga is actually quite attractive after dark! Latvia is the middle child of the Baltic states, sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania. With just 1.9 million people (down from 2.7 million

Estonia became my 58th country, and my first impression landing in Tallinn was unexpected: this looks like Prague! The medieval old town with its red-roofed buildings, cobblestone streets, and Gothic spires gave me serious déjà vu. But Estonia has a very different story to tell. Estonia is the northernmost of the Baltic states and arguably the most digitally advanced country in the world. With just 1.3 million pe

Finland became my 57th country, but honestly, Helsinki was more of a stopover than a destination this time. My main goal was to experience a cruise for the first time in my life - the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn takes just 2.5 hours, but I opted for an overnight cabin to make it an adventure. Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world, and Helsinki - home to about 1.5 million people in it

Lithuania became my 56th country, kicking off a trip through all four Baltic-area nations before winter set in. I chose Kaunas over the capital Vilnius - wanted to see a more everyday Lithuanian city rather than the tourist-heavy center. Lithuania is the largest and southernmost of the Baltic states, with 2.8 million people. It was the first Soviet republic to declare ind

My second time in Georgia, and this time I spent over two weeks exploring properly. Tbilisi and Batumi - the capital and the Black Sea resort town - two very different sides of the same fascinating country. Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with 3.7 million people in a territory roughly the size of West V

Cambodia became my 55th country, and the main draw was obvious: Angkor Wat, the world's most famous temple complex. But spending a week here revealed a country with far more depth than just its ancient ruins. Cambodia is still recovering from one of the 20th century's worst tragedies - the Khmer Rouge regime killed an estimated 2 million people (about a quarter of

My second visit to Thailand, and this time I spent over two weeks exclusively in Phuket. After months of hopping between countries during my extended trip, it was nice to slow down in one place - even if that place happened to Thailand's largest island and most famous beach destination. Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. With 70 million people and

Australia became my 54th country, and after three weeks there I can confirm: it's big, it's really cool, and it's really expensive. One of the top countries I've visited, and definitely one of the greatest places to live in if you can afford it. Australia is a country of extremes. The 6th largest country in the world by land area, yet with only 26 million people - most concentrated in a few coastal cities. The interior is largely empty outback. The ec

Singapore became my 53rd country, though it was an accidental discovery. We'd planned to continue to Indonesia, but discovered during our Singapore layover that we needed a visa. Change of plans - we decided to properly explore Singapore for a couple of days, then head back to Malaysia to finish what we'd started there. Singapore is a city-state of 5.5 million people packed into just 730 square kilometers - roughly the size of a medium US city. It's g

Malaysia became my 52nd country, and Kuala Lumpur quickly became my favorite discovery of the entire extended trip. We ended up staying almost two months (across multiple visits), and I'm convinced this is one of the best quality-of-life-to-price cities in the world. Malaysia has 33 million people spread across the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo. It's a multi-ethnic nation - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and

My second visit to India, and this time the mission was clear: see the Taj Mahal. I'd missed it during my 2016 visit, and it had been on my mind ever since. A quick weekend trip from Nepal was just enough to tick that box - though I was in such a hurry I only managed a single panorama of Delhi! India is overwhelming by any measure. 1.4 billion people, 22 official languages, thousands of years of history, and a pace of change that's reshaping the global economy. Every visit reveals just how lit

Nepal became my 50th country - a nice milestone for a destination that absolutely lived up to its reputation. Three weeks here, and I can confidently say it's one of the most lovely countries I've visited. The combination of dramatic landscapes, warm people, and spiritual atmosphere is genuinely unique. Nepal is a landlocked country of 30 million people wedged between China and India, containing eight of the world's ten highest peaks including \[Everest]\(h

Saudi Arabia became my 49th country, and it was a work trip rather than tourism - though I got to experience plenty of both. I came on behalf of InterSystems to conduct database technology courses for local medical groups, a unique opportunity to see a country that only recently opened to tourists. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation that's hard to overstate. \[Vision 2030]\(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi\_Vis

That's the second time I came to Colombia, now in a group of 8 IT specialists. Returning to a country always feels different - you're no longer a tourist discovering everything for the first time, but someone reconnecting with a place you've grown to appreciate. Fun fact: Colombia has two major cellphone carriers (Claro and Movistar). This time I purchased a different carrier from what I had a year ago. It turned out that I just wasted my money because

Panama became my 48th country during an overnight layover en route from Peru. Even just one night was enough to sense that Panama City is a unique, fast-paced place - and surprisingly expensive for Central America. Panama is best known for its canal, but it's evolved into much more - a regional hub for banking, logistics, and business. With 4.4 million people and a dollarized economy (US Dollar is the officia

Uruguay became my 46th country, a quick side trip from Argentina. The weather was cloudy, but even a brief visit revealed why this small nation is considered one of the most progressive and livable countries in South America. Uruguay is South America's second-smallest country by population (3.5 million) and territory. Sandwiched between giant neighbors Brazil and Argentina, it's carved out a distinctive identity: secular, liberal, and remarkably stable.

Paraguay became my 44th country, though I only had one day to explore - specifically in Ciudad del Este, the country's notorious shopping capital on the Brazilian border. Not exactly a typical introduction to a country, but memorable nonetheless. Paraguay is South America's most overlooked nation. A landlocked country of 7 million people, it rarely makes international news and draws few tourists. Yet it

Hungary became my 42nd country - a quick trip with my younger brother just before the holidays. Budapest had been on my list for years, and even a short visit confirmed its reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Hungary is a landlocked nation of 10 million people in the heart of Central Europe. Once half of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire, it

Croatia became my 37th country, though I only had two days - essentially a side trip during the Montenegro exploration. Even a brief visit showed why Croatia has become one of Europe's most popular destinations. Croatia has 4 million people spread along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean. Since the 1990s war and EU accession in 2013, it's transformed from a recovering post-conflict nation into a major tourist destination. Game of

Seychelles had been on my bucket list for years, and spending a week in this Indian Ocean paradise exceeded all expectations. The combination of pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and that distinctive granite boulder landscape makes it unlike anywhere else on Earth. Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands with a population of just 100,000 - one of Africa's smallest nations. It was uninhabited until the 18th century, which is why it feels so pristine. Fun fact: the Seychelles is home to the

Georgia quickly became one of my favorite countries. This small Caucasian nation packs an incredible density of experiences - ancient monasteries, dramatic mountain landscapes, world-class wine, and some of the most generous hospitality I've encountered anywhere. Georgia has 3.7 million people and claims to be the birthplace of wine - archaeological evidence suggests winemaking here dates back 8,000 years. The country sits at the crossroads of

Tanzania was my first African safari destination, and what an introduction to the continent. Eleven days exploring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar gave me some of the most memorable wildlife encounters of my life. Tanzania has 62 million people and contains some of Africa's most iconic landscapes - \[Mount Kilimanjaro]\(https://en.wikip

My first trip to Colombia - spending Christmas and New Year in South America! With a population of around 50 million, Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation from its troubled past to become one of Latin America's most exciting destinations. Fun fact: Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the \[Caribbean Sea]\(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribb

A month in Mexico over the holidays was exactly what I needed in late 2020. From the Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula to the beaches of the Pacific coast, Mexico proved to be far more diverse and fascinating than I expected. Mexico has 130 million people, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. It's home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient civilizations predating the Spanish by millennia, and one of t

My first visit to Vatican City came on a rainy autumn day, which turned out to be perfect timing. St. Peter's Square, largely empty of the usual crowds, offered beautiful reflections on the wet cobblestones - excellent conditions for photography. Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, covering just 0.44 square kilometers with a population of around 800. It's the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and home to some of humanity's

Portugal stole my heart on this week-long adventure. With a population of around 10 million, this Atlantic-facing nation packs incredible diversity into a relatively small territory - from the historic streets of Lisbon to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve coast. Fun fact: Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe, with borders largely unchanged since 1297! What I

A day trip to Monaco during my French Riviera exploration gave me a glimpse into one of the world's most exclusive enclaves. The concentration of wealth per square meter here is unlike anywhere else I've visited. Monaco is the world's second-smallest country (after Vatican City) at just 2.02 square kilometers, with a population of around 40,000. It has no income tax for residents, which explains the Ferraris and superyachts. Fun fact: Monaco's \[Monte Car

A week exploring the French Riviera and Provence was a highlight of autumn 2020. The combination of Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages, and that famous light made for excellent photography and memorable experiences. France has 67 million people and is the most visited country in the world - for good reason. From Paris to the Alps to the Mediterranean, the div

Over two weeks exploring Italy gave me a proper introduction to a country I'd wanted to visit for years. From Rome's ancient ruins to the Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffs, Italy delivered on every expectation and created many more. Italy has 59 million people and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (59) than any other country in the world. Its influence on art, architecture, cu

Two weeks exploring Turkey during a unique moment in history - summer 2020, when travel was just reopening. With a population of over 85 million spanning two continents, Turkey offers an incredible mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Fun fact: Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents - Europe and Asia - connected by bridges over the Bosphorus strait. What I

My first visit to Malta came just before the world shut down in early 2020. This tiny Mediterranean archipelago packed an incredible amount of history and beauty into three short days. Malta has just 520,000 people spread across three inhabited islands - Malta, Gozo, and tiny Comino. Its strategic position made it prized by every Mediterranean power from the Phoenicians to the B

A day trip to Liechtenstein during my Swiss adventure added another microstate to the list. This tiny Alpine principality squeezed between Switzerland and Austria is easy to overlook, but has its own distinct charm. Liechtenstein has just 39,000 people making it the sixth smallest country in the world and one of only two doubly landlocked countries (the other being Uzbekistan). It's also the world's largest producer of false teeth and has more reg

A winter week in Switzerland delivered exactly the Alpine experience I was looking for. Snow-capped peaks, precision trains, and landscapes that look too perfect to be real - Switzerland lives up to its postcards. Switzerland has 8.7 million people and manages to be neutral, prosperous, and stunningly beautiful simultaneously. Four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh) reflect its cultural diversity. Fun fact: Switzerland has enough

A winter escape to Slovakia, focusing on the stunning High Tatras! With a population of around 5.4 million, Slovakia is one of Europe's most underrated destinations - offering dramatic mountain scenery without the crowds of the Alps. Fun fact: The High Tatras are the smallest alpine mountain range in the world, yet they pack in dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and over 600 km of hiking trails. What I Exper

Ten days island-hopping through the Canary Islands! This Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa offers year-round sunshine and remarkably diverse landscapes. With around 2 million residents across seven main islands, the Canaries are a world apart from mainland Spain. Fun fact: The Canary Islands were named after dogs (canis in Latin), not canaries - though the birds were later named after the islands! What I Experienced I explored both

A day trip from Copenhagen crossing the Øresund Bridge gave me my first taste of Sweden. Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city, makes for a perfect complement to Copenhagen - different country, different vibe, just 35 minutes away by train. Sweden has 10.5 million people and consistently ranks among the world's most livable countries. Malmö itself has transforme

Four days in Copenhagen gave me a proper introduction to Danish hygge and Scandinavian design culture. This is a city that takes quality of life seriously - from the cycling infrastructure to the food scene to the perfectly preserved harbor front. Denmark has 5.9 million people and consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. Copenhagen itself is a sh

Three weeks in the UAE during peak summer was an exercise in extremes. The heat was intense, but so was the ambition on display - from the world's tallest building to artificial islands to indoor ski slopes in the desert. The UAE has 10 million people spread across seven emirates, though Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate. The country didn't exist as a unified nation until 1971, and oil wealth has transformed it from a fishing and pearling econom

A train trip from Kyiv, Ukraine to Minsk, Belarus. Also visited a castle nearby. Clean, nice city. First impression: all roads are so smooth! Compared to Kyiv, by sitting in the taxi I was thinking something is wrong - then I realized it's the smooth road with no holes! A funny thing happened on the return - I was late for the train and literally jumped on it the same second i

Visited Sharm El-Sheikh with a 1-day trip to Cairo. The Cairo trip was tiring - we were stuck on border control for countless hours due to anti-terrorist measures. Egypt at that time felt like a "tourist processing factory": everything made for tourists. Around our 4-star hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh there was literally emptiness. All the shops on the local bazaar worked j

A single day in Vienna is barely a taste of what this imperial capital offers. But even a brief visit reveals why Vienna consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities - the architecture, the coffee culture, the sense of faded grandeur mixed with contemporary vitality. Austria has 9 million people, with nearly a quarter living in Vienna. The city served as the center of the Habsburg Empire for

A brief layover at Minsk airport gave me my first glimpse of Belarus. While I didn't leave the airport, it still counts as setting foot in this lesser-known Eastern European nation. Belarus has 9.3 million people and is often called "Europe's last dictatorship" due to its authoritarian government under Alexander Lukashenko since 1994. The country was part of the

When I was just 2 or 3 years old, my parents took me to Bulgaria. It was my first time traveling abroad. I still remember the place and the sky I saw from the plane… It felt magical and unforgettable in that moment. I asked my mom to find at least one photo as proof of this trip, but she couldn’t find any. So until I revisit this country, this memory will just stay here as a record :) A few things I remember from childhood which really excited and sca