For someone who loves making lists far in advance of when it’s appropriate to, it’s kind of weird that I haven’t already made a mega-post of travel gift ideas yet.
That’s probably because I’m a bit of a self-admitted Grinch. The stress of Christmas gets me every year – I hate the obligation of buying presents and often wait until noon on the 24th to run out to the department stores, grab a few scarves, and call it a day.
But you’re probably a better person than I am, and maybe you’ve decided that you’re looking for some unique yet useful travel gifts that your intrepid traveling friend, daughter, or sister could use.
So, without more of my needless rambling, here are my top ideas for gifts for female travelers that they’ll actually use (written by a former carry-on only traveler – so I know how much usefulness and portability matters).
NOTE: This list was created by a female traveler with women & femme travelers in mind — but I’m sure men and nonbinary people will enjoy the majority of items on this list as well!
I’m a huge fan of LUSH solid shampoo and have tried a few different ones (Seanik wins out, though). I have fine hair that easily gets greasy: LUSH shampoos are not only great for travel, they’re just great period — I’d use them even if I wasn’t traveling all the time.
Plus, they’re packaging-free, and any reduction in plastic is a great thing in my book. Don’t forget to grab a reusable metal tin!
Note: I have to mention that if you buy this in-store at your nearest LUSH it’s almost half the price – this Amazon link is for convenience.
Whether it’s sore muscles from lugging around a backpack, mosquito bites from leaving the windows open on a muggy night without AC, a persistent cold, or a wicked headache from last night’s ill-advised drinks, tiger balm will always help out with aches and pains.
Guys. This sleep mask is seriously a game-changer. I’m actually on my third one because I keep leaving them behind but can’t imagine living without one anymore.
It’s contoured, meaning that the sleep mask doesn’t press down on your eyes while still shutting out all the light. It’s perfect for anyone who has trouble sleeping or is light sensitive. A good night’s sleep is one of the most useful travel gifts you can give!
Let’s talk realness: having a place to store your dirty laundry while you’re on the road, while not exactly sexy, is super important.
You don’t want your loved one to resort to doing the sniff test on everything, right? Uh, not that I ever do that. A cute laundry bag keeps dirty clothes separate and will be used basically every day on the road, which is what you’re aiming for when you’re picking out a practical travel gift!
An ultra-light down jacket is one of my top picks – I had one from Uniqlo that lasted me several years and I recommend that one as well (but it’s a bit steep at $70).
While I’m a fan of just your average U-shaped travel pillow that you’d find overpriced at any airport store, it doesn’t exactly make the most thoughtful travel gift. This adorable travel pillow, though, actually converts from a stuffed animal to a neck pillow! It’s unique while still being a useful travel present.
This is a great gift to give a first-time international traveler or even a frequent traveler. After all, we’ve all lost an adapter from time to time — it never hurts to have a spare, especially when they’re compact like this one.
This adapter will cover virtually every country. I especially love having multiple USBs so I can charge 3 devices simultaneously (#bloggerproblems).
I need three things from my power bank — lightweight, more than one USB port, and can hold several charges in a row because I’m horrible at remembering to charge my power bank.
Note: my friends Katie and Geoff over at Wandertooth created this, so I may be a bit biased!
If your traveling friend or relative is into adult coloring books, I can’t think of a better gift than this coloring book. Each page was hand-drawn from a photo they took along their travels, so this makes a great and unique present.
If your friend has a DSLR, mirrorless, or any kind of nice travel camera — you’ll want to grab them this cheap and super useful gift. Even if they already have one, it’s useful to have a spare so you can keep one in every bag.
I’ve seen firsthand how smudges and bits of dust can ruin otherwise beautiful travel photos and videos. A LensPen is a great way to keep that from happening.
Thinking of what to get an eco-conscious traveler or someone’s who traveling a bit off the beaten path?
There are now reusable filtered water bottles which get rid of nasties (bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals) in tap or standing water.
This lets you drink the water in places like Mexico, Thailand, etc. where you normally have to rely on bottled water. Multiple clinical trials guarantee this gets rid of over 99.99% of parasites and bacteria. It can be used 1,000 times before the filter needs to be replaced and can save a fortune on bottled water.
This is the perfect gift for a solo traveler or really any traveler who’s getting serious about their photography. Good for “selfies” or long-exposure photography.
This tripod is great because it’s extremely small and easy to fit in most bags while still being versatile enough to help you get the shots you need.
It’s rugged and great for taking photos on unsteady terrains (traditional tripods need flat ground), and you can set the JOBY to grip trees, railings, etc. if you want a different perspective.
If you’re looking for a good gift for a light or first-time traveler, one of the best gifts you can give is the gift of organization. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your clothes be a jumbled mess when you’re trying to pack or get dressed quickly.
keep everything sleek and organized and save a ton of space, plus they come in all sorts of different colors for personalization. Here’s a guide to some of the best packing cubes.
An external hard drive is essential for travelers, especially those who like to take lots of photos. But it’s not exactly the most thoughtful or sexy of gifts.
What I’d recommend is buying an external hard drive, then finding a few movies, albums, e-books, photos, etc. to stick on it so that there’s a sweet little surprise when they open it. Both thoughtful and super useful!
For the discerning coffee snob and travel fiend in your life, there’s probably no better gift than the Aeropress.
This isn’t just a “travel coffee maker” – the Aeropress was my primary coffee maker when I lived in my tiny NYC apartment, because the quality of the coffee it makes is first-rate.
It’s also super compact and easy to travel with, and I’ve brought it with me on many a trip.
It’s a fantastic gift for van life travelers who want an easy but delicious way to make a cup of coffee (that, most importantly, won’t take up a lot of space!)
is one of my favorite resources for looking up quirky, little-known gems even in the most well-traveled places.
While I usually surf online, there’s no denying that if I had a long-term home this would be one of my favorite coffee table books for browsing for new and undiscovered places.
For the country counter in your life who loves to document and track their travels, a scratch-off map is the perfect travel gift for them to decorate their home with.
Goodbye, ugly money belts that should have never been a thing.
This cute infinity scarf – created by a travel blogger, so you know its useful – will hold things like your keys, money, ID, and a few essentials near and dear to you where it’s almost impossible to lose. Great if you’re worried about pickpockets or theft, or if you just don’t want to carry a purse.
Okay, this present might be a bit personal for some, so it depends on the closeness of your relationship.
However, my little sister got me a Diva Cup for Christmas two years back and I’ve never looked back since. The Diva Cup is AMAZING for travelers (and pretty much everyone, in my opinion). It severely cuts back on waste, saves you money, and can come in handy when you’re trying to find tampons in places where they are hard to find, like Southeast Asia.
While a small backpack is one of the most convenient ways to carry around your daily essentials while you travel, the fact that you can’t keep your eye directly on it means that you are at an increased risk of theft.
After nearly getting pickpocketed (pick-backpacked?) in Hanoi — luckily my savvy friend noticed what the man was doing and slapped his hand away — I swore to not wear a daypack unless it had some theftproof features, like locking zippers. Mine is from Pacsafe but it’s out of stock. This backpack from Travelon has RFID blockers, locking zippers, and slash-resistant materials.
Useful Travel Gifts (Splurge)
Tinggly Gift Experiences
One of the best gifts you can give a picky travel-lover is the opportunity to treat themselves to any one of a variety of adventures on their next journey! From tasty food tours to cave kayaking, there’s a Tinggly gift experience for every type of traveler.
Their Superwoman package lets your favorite female traveler pick from one of 560+ experiences in over a hundred countries — and you don’t have to worry about it expiring, because your gift recipient has five whole years to redeem their experience. Check out experiences & buy your gift box here!
If you know someone who’s a huge reader, but hasn’t invested in a Kindle yet — this is a super useful travel gift.
I used to think that I’d never want an e-reader, that I loved books too much to help contribute to the death of print culture. Then I backpacked around Europe for 5 months and changed my mind entirely. No matter how much you like physical books, it can be hard to find a good variety of English-language options in other countries (plus, books are heavy). Load up the Kindle with one or two favorite travel-related (or not related) reads, or perhaps a PDF of a Lonely Planet to whereever they’re going on their next trip, to make the gift a little more personal.
If the thought of shelling out for a pair of Bose headphones makes you want to weep, these headphones are a great alternative.
They nearly saved my life on the bus ride from hell — the noise-cancelling factor is quite good, and they’re way more comfortable than your standard in-ear buds.
If you know a yoga-lover who’s also a frequent traveler, a portable yoga mat is a great idea. This one literally folds up to the size of a newspaper!
Of course, the YOGO mat won’t replace a perfectly squishy roll out mat, but it’s great for yoga on the go. I’ve used it personally and the mat is “sticky” like you want it to be, and is a big improvement over doing yoga without a mat – though it doesn’t provide the most cushioning.
I personally bought the DJI Spark and it’s a fantastic starter drone.
The Mavic is wayyy more powerful and to be honest, I’ll likely upgrade in the future. But if you’re looking for a powerful yet compact and affordable drone, nothing can beat the DJI Spark at this price point, or for a bit more, the Fly More combomore than doubles the range of the Spark.
Easily one of the most powerful cameras in this price range, the Sony A6000 is the only camera I personally use (though I’ve upgraded from the kit lens).
It takes super detail-rich photos and performs great in low light. It has all the power of a DSLR camera in a camera that weighs less than a pound. Plus, you can upgrade it as you go with different lenses, meaning it’s the kind of camera that can grow with you for years. I personally don’t like fixed-lens cameras — their usefulness is limited and I got rid of my Fujifilm X20 after less than a year.
Great for the video lovers in your life, the DJI Osmo Mobile is one of my favorite pieces of equipment.
It elevates standard iPhone footage to a professional quality — I’ve made some fantastic travel videos using just an iPhone and the Osmo.
Note: This post contains sponsored content from Tinggly,who reached out to me about their Tinggly gift experiences. I genuinely think it is an awesome gift for female travelers, which is why I included it, but I’m disclosing this for transparency.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I used to think that the Maldives were as expensively inaccessible as they were undeniably beautiful. In my mind, it was reserved for a honeymoon: something that made this marriage-skeptical commitment-phobe itch to think of.
After becoming a travel blogger, my eyes were opened to the expansive world of budget travel in the Maldives: local islands, public ferries, locally-owned guesthouses on Airbnb.
But what I never realized until I actually arrived in Maldives was that there was something in the middle: a way to enjoy a traditional resort experience without spending your entire life’s savings.
Something that couldn’t quite be classified as “budget” – but that you wouldn’t have to steal from your theoretical future child’s college education fund to afford.
That place, my friends, is Bandos Island Resort, a mere 10-minute speedboat from Malé Airport but with some of the bluest waters and whitest sands you can dream up.
While I was a guest at Bandos Island Resort thanks to the sponsorship of the World Travel Writers Conference in the Maldives, I was shocked to learn how affordable this resort is for the average middle-class traveler, especially if you travel off-peak.
Cost of Staying at Bandos Island Resort
Even in February, one of the busiest months, the cheapest double room is about $280 per night (with breakfast only included). But travel off-peak in a month like June or July, and you’ll be rewarded: that same double room is only $172 with breakfast ($337 full-board for two people).
** Note: I looked up these rates on booking.com while writing this article — prices will likely change, but were true at time of writing. Also note that these prices are not inclusive of the 22% tax that is mandatory on all stays and purchases in Maldives **
Now, I’m not trying to say that these prices are budget-friendly for everyone, but let’s put these numbers into perspective. I’ve seen average motels in Moab, Utah go for well over $200 a night. You’d be hard-pressed to find a decent hotel room in central NYC or London for under $300. Now, I love me a good city, but I’d take a week in Maldives over a week in gray London anyday!
Just look at those island blues.
Be aware: the rainy season in the Maldives is technically from May to October. I went in September, was there for two weeks, and never had more than 10 minutes of rain spread over a few different days.
However, I was told that right before my arrival, there had been several days of super stormy weather — so be prepared if you choose to travel in the off-season!
Bandos’ proximity to the Malé airport is part of what makes it so affordable. If you add in a seaplane, no matter how affordable the resort is, you’re looking at an extra $500 or so on top of your stay… Ouch. So if you want a budget-friendly trip to Maldives, make sure you look at hotels that are within a speedboat transfer’s distance of Malé and be sure to ask about the transfer cost before booking anything.
At the moment, Bandos charges $76 return for a speedboat transfer per adult, which is rather reasonable (in the alternate universe that is the Maldives!)
Cost of Activities at Bandos Island Resort
One of the other things that makes Bandos so affordable for a Maldives resort is the relatively low cost of activities. A half day snorkeling or island hopping trip will cost $45 plus tax.
A sunset dolphin cruise, like the one in the photo below, will cost about $40 (plus tax) for a several hour long boat ride.
They also have a fantastic dive center on Bandos – I went diving with them three times and saw so many amazing creatures in their house reef (you can also borrow a snorkel set and snorkel right from the beach, if that’s more your speed)
The boat dives were even better, though! We went to Aquarium, where you can see massive schools of brightly colored fish plus beautiful corals, anemones, and others. But one of the highlights was our second dive, where we went diving with enormous manta rays swirling above and below us. I was shocked when one went right above me and I could see through its gills to the water above it.
Dives cost $62 plus tax per dive with all the equipment included, plus a $18 supplement if you choose to do a boat dive. If you’re a diving fanatic, you can even buy a package of 10 dives for $500, making them $50 each — a good value if you can fit them all in!
Sustainability at Bandos Island Resort
You may think there’s no way a resort in the Maldives can be eco-friendly… but Bandos is doing its best with some innovative and sustainable initiatives.
The #1 thing Bandos is doing to combat waste is through their bottling plant, which is located on-island and was established in 2015. Reusable glass bottles are pressure-washed, sanitized, and rinsed before being filled with purified, filtered water. Since the average daily consumption of bottled water is 800 liters, the water bottling plant is able to save the disposal of over 288,000 plastic bottles per year.
Other initiatives to reduce waste include a Solarhart system to heat water, which reduces the energy needed to heat water by 80-90%. They’re also in the process of constructing an entirely on-island sewage treatment plant that produces clean reusable water with low energy outputs.
A hydroponic garden fed by recycled water reduces reliance on imported produce (a huge resource suck in an isolated island nation like Maldives).
They’ve also signed the Biosphere Reserve Pledge with UNESCO as of 2016, agreeing to reserve 800 square meters of the Bandos House Reef — which is one of the healthiest house reefs I’ve ever seen, remarkable given its proximity to Malé. They’ve initiated several coral gardening programs that naturally rehabilitate damaged but live coral.
So, if you think Maldives is out of your budget — think again. One week at a Maldives resort could actually end up costing you less than a week in Paris, London, or NYC.
Note: I was a guest of Bandos Island Resort while I attended the World Travel Writer’s Conferences sponsored by Maldives TV. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Also, this post contains affiliate links, which may make me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
When I got the email inviting me to come to the Maldives for a conference, I pinched myself, wondered wildly if it was all some prank from a disgruntled blogger I accidentally threw shade at, and refreshed my email again and again to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.
Then I promptly went out and bought the brightest bikini I could find, because retail therapy is for good things too, no?
I spent two weeks in the Maldives… and I still can’t even believe I just wrote that sentence. The Maldives has always seemed so inaccessible to little old me: too far, too expensive, too romantic. It was a place I always thought I’d save for later — a place I wasn’t yet ready for, that I’d go to when I was rich, successful, and in a fabulous relationship.
Well, one half out of 3 isn’t bad.
As I spent more and more time in the Maldives, I began to understand a bit more of what makes this island nation so unique and surprising.
While you may think of just perfectly manicured rows of bungalows, as always, there’s more to the story. Two weeks visiting just 5 islands in a chain of over 1200 isn’t much, but bit by bit I began to chip away at the postcard image of the Maldives to discover some surprising things about this ocean paradise.
1. The huge difference between local islands and resort islands
The islands of the Maldives can be split into two distinct categories: resort islands and local islands. When you think of Maldives, it’s far more likely that you’re imagining resort islands: overwater bungalows, fancy cocktails, and that brilliant aquamarine water — only the last of which you’ll find on the local islands.
I’ll readily admit I didn’t spend much time on the local islands — the idea of going weeks without alcohol is nearly enough to induce the shakes (oops did I actually admit that?! sorry, Mom and Dad and everyone you tell to read this blog) — but next time, I’m planning on exploring more of the local side of life, booze be damned.
I did a day trip to Huraa, a local island near Male, and found the waters to be super beautiful with colorful houses everywhere — it’s definitely tempting to come back and visit properly in the future, and since Airbnbs start around $40 per night for a guesthouse… it won’t break the budget, either.
The difference between local islands vs. resort islands is so noticeable because the Maldives is a strictly Muslim nation — except when it comes to privately owned islands, aka the resorts. On local islands and in the capital, there isn’t freedom of religion; pork products and alcohol are banned; women dress quite conservatively.
Meanwhile, in Maldives resorts, you’ll often find non-halal food, plenty of alcohol, and bikini bottoms so small they’ve nearly been absorbed by the person’s buttcrack (no disrespect, I wish I could rock that look).
If you’re traveling only to the resort islands, this won’t matter much. If you plan to spend any time on the local islands, it’s best to keep this in mind so you can respect the culture and not be caught off-guard.
2. The resorts aren’t just for honeymooners
I always kind of thought that the Maldives was a honeymoooners’ destination and not much else — that if you weren’t taking romantic jacuzzis or rocking the bed with your fellow newlywed, you’d be shit out of luck for things to do in the Maldives.
Well, this is so not the case — and thank god for my forever-single ass, because to think that I’d have to wait for Prince Charming to swim in those blue blue waters is low-key heartbreaking.
Sure, the people surrounding me were predominantly couples, but very few in-your-face newlyweds. More common were small families and groups of friends, meaning that I didn’t feel out of place during my time visiting different resorts in the Maldives.
3. The Maldives is doing its best to be sustainable, but it’s unclear if it’ll be enough
According to some estimates, the Maldives will either lose 77% to nearly all of their land by the end of the century. The Maldives is the flattest nation on Earth — its highest point is not even 3 meters above sea level — with 80% of its land lying a meter below sea level. As such, it’s especially susceptible to global warming and rising sea levels.
Despite this, Maldivians have their eyes locked on a hopeful future. New resorts are springing up; plans to expand the airport and encourage industry on these islands are in the works. For being the flattest nation in the world and 99% water, Maldivians don’t seem particularly worried about the rising sea levels — or if they are, they’re doing a good job faking it.
That said, many of the resorts are doing a lot to be sustainable. Two of the four resorts I stayed at (Bandos and Kanuhura) have water bottling or desalination plants right on island, drastically reducing their use of plastics by providing drinkable water in reusable glass bottles instead. Virtually all Maldives resorts have their own waste management and water treatment facilities on island.
As admirable as these steps are, though, these are small steps undertaken by a population of 400,000. No matter what Maldivians do to be more sustainable, the continued existence of the Maldives is contingent upon slowing the rising sea levels. That means their future is essentially in the hands of much more populous and wasteful nations such as the United States, India, and China, which is why we must continue to agitate for change, sustainability, and science in our home communities.
4. The Maldives has its own language and writing system
If you’ve ever had the dubious pleasure of talking to me for more than 10 minutes, I’ve probably managed to drop in a reference to the fact that I’ve learned more than one language. Yes, I know, I’m just that charming.
The Maldivians speak a language called Dhivehi, which is related most closely to Sinhalese, the language of Sri Lanka — which makes sense from a geographic perspective.
Dhivehi is written in a unique script found nowhere else on Earth. The script is called Thaana, and it’s written from right to left, similar to Arabic. Some of the letters derive from Arabic numerals; others from other numeral systems. Cool, right? Just me? All right, let’s move along here…
5. The water really is that blue
Honestly, a photographer never has an easier day than a sunny day in the Maldives. It’s almost criminal to post-process those photos.
Counter to everything you’ve been taught about photography, the trick to good photography in Maldives is simple. Shoot in daylight, best between 10 am and 2 pm. No need for golden hour here: the water looks its best with the sun directly above it. And for god’s sake, keep your hands off the saturation slider. There’s no need.
6. It isn’t exclusively for the rich
Maldives will never be a “budget destination” in the way that Thailand and Indonesia are. Dorm beds don’t exist, but guesthouses on the local islands start from as little as $30 or $40 a night for a double room. Meaning that if you travel with a friend, a shared room in paradise will only cost you about as much as a dorm bed in many parts of Western Europe. In fact, it can be done on a budget of about $60 per day. Crazy, right?
Ferries to the local islands cost from $2-3 from Malé, the capital. Once you’re on a local island, prices are fairly standard — think $1 for a coke or bottle of water, and anywhere from $5-10 for a meal.
Activities such as diving in the Maldives can cost a bit more, but are still fairly affordable. My friend Janet did a fantastic breakdown of Maldives trip costs on all kinds of budgets, so check her post out for further details.
7. Maldivian food is delicious
I didn’t know what to expect when it came to Maldivian food… oh, was I in for a treat.
Warning – if you’re not into seafood or spicy food, take a seat in the back. This one isn’t for you… so step aside so I can have unimpeded access to the buffet, thanks.
Maldivian food is influenced by Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine – as in, lots of curries and spices. The Indian flatbread roti is called roshi here, and it’s eaten with most meals, especially breakfast. Maashuni is another typical Maldivian breakfast food: flaked tuna with shredded coconut, onion, and chilis. Fish for breakfast? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.
If you’re not into spicy food or fish, most resorts will have some mild and Western options for you. But if you have an adventurous palate, you’ll fall in love with the flavors of the Maldives.
Note: My trip to the Maldives was sponsored by the World Travel Writers’ Conference and Maldives TV. All opinions are my own.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I traveled around Bosnia for two weeks in 2016, visiting Trebinje, Mostar, and Sarajevo. Each place left me floored with the natural beauty of the landscape, but as I began to write about Bosnia, I couldn’t shake my mind from what I had learned about the history from the locals, museums, and walking tours. My posts about Mostar were emotional; about Sarajevo, they were focused on the decay of modern day urban ruins.
But that’s a very one-sided view of Bosnia, and one that many Bosnians are trying to overcome. Understandably: the war was over 20 years ago, and Bosnia is in the middle of a well-deserved tourism boom. I was delighted when Robert of Leave Your Daily Hell reached out to me to ask if he could write a guest post on Bosnia, focusing on the beauty of this misunderstood Balkan country — and here’s his post below.
***
When you hear the word “Bosnia,” it’s easy for your mind to go to dark places, from the Srebrenica massacre, to the decades the country spent behind the Iron Curtain, to most of the young country’s entries in the Eurovision song contest—it’s no surprise why it’s never won. Today, however, is all about Bosnia’s beauty.
There’s a lot of it, more than you can probably imagine. So whether you’re into mystical waterfalls careening through fairytale forests, charming historical towns, fragrant foods, or perfect panoramas, Bosnia possesses bountiful beauty. Here’s where to find it.
Mostar
The term “tourist trap” is usually used as a pejorative, but not in the city of Mostar—you’ll actually want to stay trapped here! Indeed, Mostar is more accurately a tourist paradise, whether you look down onto the Neretva River from the minaret of one of its mosques, traipse along its ancient paths and over its old bridge, or take in Bosnian hospitality at a local guest house.
Mostar’s current state is even more delightful when you consider that it was badly bombed during the Balkan War—truly, a phoenix risen from the ashes.
Kravice
The bad news about Kravice, a magnificent waterfall about two hours from Mostar in the verdant mountains of southern Bosnia, is that it’s almost impossible to get there without a car. The good news is that if you partake in the aforementioned Bosnian hospitality, your guest house owner will help you find an affordable, reliable one—and quickly to boot! A day trip to Kravice is particularly refreshing during Bosnia’s impossibly hot summer.
Old Town Sarajevo
Mostar usually gets all the attention when it comes to Bosnia’s beauty contest, but Sarajevo’s Stari Grad (Old Town) is nothing to sneeze at. This picturesque district is full of mosques, shops, cobbled streets and delicious eateries like Pod Lipom, where you can try a “Sarajevo Sampler” full of Bosnia’s best local food (vegans beware!), before walking over to the infamous Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was shot.
Zuta Tabija – Yellow Fortress
Sarajevo is a huge city, but it’s difficult to realize that within the confines of the Old Town. To get a true sense of its scope, you need to walk or take a taxi to Zuta Tabija, the so-called “Yellow Fortress” that overlooks the city. This is a particularly enjoyable experience at sunset, when orange and yellow light reflects off mosque towers and Avaz Twist Tower (the tallest building in the country) alike, illuminating the mix of new and old that underscores Sarajevo’s beauty.
The Eternal Flame
It’s difficult not to mention tragedy when writing about Bosnia, even when talking about beauty—so many sad chapters in the country’s history have beautiful conclusions. To be sure, there are few more emotional sights than the Eternal Flame that burns in the center of Sarajevo, ironically just steps from the best Srebrenica museum outside of Srebrenica itself. It’s a reminder that irrespective of political or humanitarians challenges, the Bosnian spirit will endure forever.
And really, is there anything more beautiful than that?
Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer, and creator of Leave Your Daily Hell, one of the world’s most popular independent travel blogs. When he’s not on the road, he lives in Bangkok, where he’s currently attempting to master the Thai language and not get fat—street food and self-control aren’t good bedfellows! Read his blog or follow him on Instagram to keep up with his travels, which will take him to Iran at the end of this month.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
You could road trip America’s Route 66, Australia’s Great Ocean Road, or Iceland’s Ring Road — but how about a truly special and off the beaten path road trip that explores some of the world’s less commonly visited destinations?
I asked travel bloggers to contribute their favorite road trips around the world and they delivered some really far-flung gems spanning a whole bunch of continents. Check them out below.
New on the road tripping scene is Chile! This long and skinny country makes it hard for even the most directionally challenged person to get lost, making it the perfect place to enjoy this type of travel. Over 4000km in length, deserts in the north, glaciers in the south, Chile has something for everyone!
However, the infrastructure is not available as it is in other countries if you want to campervan Chile. However, this did not stop us taking on this adventure. Having the freedom to park up anywhere, within reason of course, and enjoy the natural beauty that is Chile made this trip one to remember. We were fortunate enough to experience the Atacama Desert in the north, while also venturing as far south as the Lakes District before returning to Santiago, allowing us to get a real feel of Chile over our 18-day adventure. Here are our top 5 stops while road tripping Chile.
Situated a hop skip and a jump outside of Chile’s famous San Pedro de Atacama is the incredible landscape that is Valley Of The Moon. Unlike anything I have seen before this is a must stop because its beauty will take your breath away.
San Pedro De Atacama – the town itself and the most tourist orientated place in Chile must be on your list even if you don’t like tourist hot spots. Just arriving into this small town is interesting as bitumen roads turn to dirt as you enter the centre. I feel you go back in time by enjoying the mud hut infrastructure and the dirt roads. Another stop that is like nothing I have seen before.
Termas Geometricas are by far the best hot springs I have ever visited. While expensive these hot springs are formed within the natural valley with beautiful red boardwalks allowing you to access over 17 pools with ranging temperatures. Indeed an afternoon I won’t forget.
We were lucky to stumble upon a beautiful road in the North Coast that winded itself through the mountains of the Atacama Desert to the coast of Chile between the towns of Antofagasta and Taltal in the north. With contrasting environments meeting, this is a perfect place to experience on your road trip.
Staying in Lake Panguipulli overnight on the bank of this beautiful lake within the Lakes District was another remarkable experience. We could not get enough of the picturesque views and the stark difference to the Atacama Desert in the north.
Other honorable mentions must go to the La Portada Arch just north of Antofagasta, camping on the beach at Taltal, Santiago and its great free walking tours, Volcano Villarrica and of course Valparaiso for the incredible street art.
What used to be part of the ancient Silk Road, which connected China with the Indian subcontinent, is now the Karakoram Highway. At 1,300km, it is the highest paved road in the world, over 4,600 meters high at Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistan-Chinese border. The Karakoram highway begins in Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan) and ends in Kashgar, Xinjiang province, China.
The Karakoram Highway is internationally famous for being one of the most scenic roads on Earth, as it literally goes through 7,000 & 8,000 meter peaks, which means that, even if you are not into hiking, you are able to enjoy some of the highest mountains in the world from the window of your car or hotel.
Both sections of the road (Pakistan and China) are incredibly beautiful but, if I had to choose one, I would definitely choose the Pakistani part. Why? Basically, because, on the Chinese part, there are an endless number of restrictions, as the road goes through a disputed territory and, in the best part of it, you can’t even get out of the car. On the other hand, in Pakistan, you can do whatever you want and, most importantly, the road goes through the safest part of the country.
In my opinion, these are the 5 best places to stop. First, check out Gilgit .The capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, located 500km from Islamabad, is the gate to the most striking mountainous area in Pakistan and the perfect base to explore all the surrounding valleys, including Astore, Naltar, Ghizer and trekking to the Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
Minapin, a small village composed of 300 houses. This is actually where the trail to the Rakaposhi Base Camp starts, a 2-3 days’ trek (Base Camp: 3,600m, Peak: 7,900m). Even if you are not into trekking, you can just spend a few days there, enjoying the mountains and collecting cherries from the multiple plantations.
After that, check out Karimabad. The most touristic town in Pakistan, Karimabad is home to a UNESCO World Heritage fort and the best views of both Rakaposhi (7,900m) and Diran (7,266m) peaks.
Next up is Passu. Surrounded by arid, steep and sharp mountains, Passu is also home to the most dangerous walking bridge in the world. A perfect place from where to do day treks and visit the Batura glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the world, outside the polar regions, Alaska and Canada.
Lastly, go to the Kunjerab Pass. Located at 4,600 meters, Khunjerab Pass is the highest border crossing in the world, to the extent that it has become a major tourist attraction, which you can visit even if you have no intention of entering China.
Mongol Rally
By Alice of Teacake Travels
If you’re a) crazy b) a daredevil and c) up for pretty much anything happening to you…then you need to do The Mongol Rally. Run every year by The Adventurists, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to drive from the UK to Mongolia. The thing is, there’s no support, no backup and no set route.
You can do it on a motorbike or in a car, but the engine must be 1.2L or less! Me and 4 other brave girls made our way to Mongolia via the southern route in a hardy Toyota Yaris and had a blast! It was incredibly challenging but we made it to the end; triumphant, exasperated and forever changed.
If you choose to go down rather than up, I highly recommend going through Montenegro, Macedonia, Turkey, Georgia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and finishing up in Russia after Mongolia.
A word of warning which needs to be taken seriously: there is a time limit set by The Adventurists for this trip, so if being in a car for very long hours to get to your next destination is not for you, don’t do it. We wished we could have stayed in some countries longer, but we just didn’t have time.
I want to go back and explore so much more of the stunning mosques in Uzbekistan. I want to go back to the mountains of Georgia and eat all their bread and cheese! Sleeping in a yurt in Mongolia and seeing millions of stars was priceless. Being gifted humungous melons by truck drivers in Kazakhstan is an experience very close to my heart.
And if you choose to drive back to the UK (we did!) then go back the Northern route and see Ukraine. It’s an incredibly friendly, creative and fascinating country. We spent almost 3 weeks there and want to go back there to hang!
Armenia may not be a popular destination when you’re considering road trips, but it has surely been one of our favorites so far! Although visiting the country can be a little challenging, a road trip across Armenia provides the intrepid traveler with the opportunity to discover a very different and unique country which is still under-explored.
Our trip started off on the border between Georgia and Armenia, which we crossed in our 4×4 vehicle. After getting through border formalities, we made our way on the pot-holed roads to the Debed Canyon, the only road to take you from the north of the border to other parts of the country. The canyon itself is perfect culture lovers. It is packed with tiny villages, old churches and monasteries which you can stop at and explore.
Our stop for the night was Dilijan, a resort town with a mild climate nestled in between the mountains and forests of North Armenia. The next day we made our way downwards towards Yerevan exploring the monasteries on the way. Indeed, we have never seen as many beautiful monasteries as we did in Armenia, many of them hidden away in remote locations on top of mountains or lost in vast canyons.
The road from Yerevan down to the south of Armenia towards Jermuk took us close to the border with Turkey and through the wine region of the country – Khor Virap Monastery and Noravank Monastery are the highlights here. The next day we drove further south across the Vorotan Pass and on to the town of Goris passing by Tatev Monastery and the mysterious archeological site of Zorats Karer (known as the Stonehenge of Armenia).
We used a different route to get back to the north of the country driving through the Vardenyats Pass where we stopped at the Orbelian’s Caravanserai, the best preserved caravanserai in the country, and then on to the beautiful Lake Sevan where we visited the Noratus Cemetary and feasted on delicious lake fish in one of the many fish restaurants lining the lake shores.
If you’re looking to drive in Armenia, be aware that livestock take priority over vehicles even on highways! A 4×4 vehicle is essential since the roads are in a bad state, but, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Armenia, we highly recommend exploring the country by car!
One of the most marketed tourist destinations in India, Rajasthan remains on the top of the list for tourists wanting to experience the best in Indian Hospitality. It helps that most of its destinations are well connected. However given the charm of the Rajasthan countryside, we would recommend a road trip as the best way to explore this Indian state. The ideal route would be to cover Jaipur – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Kumbalgarh – Udaipur & back.
The main advantage of taking this route is that the drives are long enough to enjoy them and short enough to not be fatigued. Also, all the destinations mentioned have a rich history of their own and afford short trips to nearby locations for a complete cultural immersion. India is a country of Gods and Goddesses and on a road trip it is hard to miss the numerous temples on the road thronged by thousands of people a day. There are interesting stories for each one of them and it is a fascinating experience to sit in a local roadside restaurant (called dhabas) talking to the locals about their folklore over a cup of tea or a plate of sweet dish.
There are also monuments erected in the memory of a local hero or saint ( pir baba) who transcends religion and community biases and has followers who come to pay obeisance to them. However the most interesting part about road trips is the ruins. The region was previously divided into many small fiefs and kingdoms and the site of numerous wars. The remnants of the period include many palaces and forts, which have managed to find themselves in a dire state either as a result of the pre independence wars or because of the lack of upkeep post independence. All in all a ride through one of the most colorful states of India can be an explosion of taste, sight and experiences, one not easily replicated.
Philippines
By Katherine of Tara Lets Anywhere
This road trip starts from the capital city of Manila to one of the best islands in the Visayas region down south.
The first pit stop is Albay, where you can see the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins and even go on a fun ATV ride along the gullies of the active volcano. Next stop is Sorsogon, an underrated sister province of Albay. Here you can go island hopping in Matnog and visit and swim on a marine sanctuary.
After Sorsogon, you need to cross your ride to the sea via a roro (roll on/roll off ferry) to reach Samar, where you can visit Biri Island. Biri Island has interesting rock formations and even natural lagoons. A few hours away from Samar is Kalanggaman Island, a recently discovered beach destination with a long sand bar. It’s one of the most photographed locations in the country. You can stay overnight in Kalanggaman Island to beach bum and snorkel.
If you have more time, you can proceed to Sambawan Island in Biliran, which is just about 3 hours away. Sambawan Island is currently a secret gem and is highly recommended for those looking for a scenic place to stay, with its sapphire beach and diving spots.
This road trip will take at least a week to finish.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’ve become a bit obsessed with South Africa after visiting last year. One of the top attractions is the Garden Route, a popular and scenic stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa that stretches from Mossel Bay (4 hours from Cape Town) in the Western Cape to Port Elizabeth.
It’s a great way to see everything South Africa has to offer: breath-taking vistas, sweeping beaches, lagoons and ocean views, lush forests, diverse vegetation, scenic hikes, and more adventure activities than you can imagine. The Mediterranean maritime climate means that you can visit any time of the year!
So hop in your rental car, set the GPS, roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and get ready to experience one of the best road trips in the world!
Mossel Bay, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route, the quickly growing cozy coastal destination is our first stop. It’s referred to as the “do stuff” destination because it offers a great mix of adventure and family activities, culture, and local cuisine. And if you want to knock shark cage diving off your bucket list, this is the place to do it!
Next, go on to Wilderness: renowned for its hospitality, tranquil sea and beaches that stretch on forever, and its natural beauty. It’s still got a rustic feel and is the perfect location for nature enthusiasts, water sport adventurers, and vista-seeking photographers. Wilderness is home to some of the best hikes on the Garden Route – the most popular is the Half-Collared and Brown Hooded Kingfisher trails.
After than, head on to Knysna. You can’t miss the Knysna Heads – two huge sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon – one of the most striking geological features along the entire South African coast! They’re also a great place to watch the sunset! Knysna is full of great up-and-coming restaurants… our favorite is Ille de Pain. Seafood lovers must try the world-renowned oysters… we recommend Sirocco.
Next up is Plettenberg Bay. Re-connect with nature here and visit nearby Tsitsikamma National Park, Monkeyland, or the Robben Nature Reserve. This is also where you’ll find the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world – another bucket list item – book yours today through Face Adrenaline.
One of the last stops along the Garden Route is Jeffreys’ Bay, home to the worlds perfect wave! This surfing town has become internationally renowned, with its never-ending summer, stunning beaches, picture-perfect shells, and laid-back lifestyle. The Billabong Surfing Festival takes place here every July. It goes without saying, but you need to take some surfing lessons while you’re here! For those that prefer land – it’s also known for its plentiful and beautiful seashells – collect some as souvenirs!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The mistake is often made — myself included — in thinking that Australia is a small island.
Really, it only looks that way because our Northern hemisphere-centric maps artificially squeeze Australia’s size. In fact, it’s about 80% of the size of the continental U.S., making it perfect for long extended Australia road trips.
While many people who plan a road trip in Australia stick to cities on the East and the Great Barrier Reef, venture off the beaten path a little to see the best Australian landmarks: wonders of the Outback, tropical rainforests, national parks, hidden waterfalls, and so much more you never knew Australia had.
So hop in your car, pack up your car, and take the Australia road trip of your dreams!
As far as I’m concerned, the absolute best way to travel is to road trip around Australia is by car. There’s so much to see that you would be missing out otherwise! Perhaps the best road trip in Australia is from Adelaide to Darwin. On this trip, you cut through the heart of the country, as you make your way to the tropical North.
Admittedly, it’s not an easy trip. At over 3,000 km (1,800 miles) it’s a beast of a drive! However, that just means there’s more places to see! Surprisingly, for a route that takes you through Australia’s outback, there’s a lot of them!
You can visit the underground town of Coober Pedy, which is the site of the world’s largest opal mine. The temperatures here are so hot that living underground is a necessity!
One of the best parts of the trip is going to the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. Here, you get to see one of the most iconic images of Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock). It’s an amazing sight and a must visit!
As well as Uluru, there’s also Kata-Tjuta and King’s Canyon that you can explore here as well. Both are great destinations in their own right and are somewhat overshadowed by Uluru. Make sure you walk through both Kata-Tjuta and King’s Canyon as the views are spectacular and you really get to appreciate the gigantic scale of the place!
From Uluru onwards there’s a few more interesting places to explore. Not far from Alice Springs are the Devil’s Marbles, which are freestanding boulders that look like they have carefully place in position. Yet, they are the result of thousands of years of erosion!
The Mataranka Thermal Pools are about halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin. They’re a great place to stop and relax for a few hours if you’re sick of being in your car.
Finally, before you reach Darwin, you can visit Nitmulik National Park which has some beautiful scenery and great hikes. Checking out Katherine Gorge here is an absolute must!
It’s a long trip that takes about a week, but it’s more than worth it! Seeing the landscape change from arid desert to tropical plants is incredible. You’ll see things you won’t see anywhere else in Australia. The East Coast is great, but get off the beaten track and road trip around Australia and you’ll be greatly rewarded!
Road tripping from Brisbane to Sydney is the perfect way to see a swath of Eastern Australia’s most picturesque coastline. Make it a loop by returning to Brisbane via the alternative inland road, and you’ll also experience some of the region’s best small towns and impressive interior landscapes on one long Australia road trip.
This route might not have the same reputation as the Great Ocean Road, but it’s a favorite among locals and a rite of passage for anyone who grew up in Queensland.
The 1,000 kilometres (620 mile) drive involves at least 10 hours on the road one-way, so you’ll want to pace yourself and spread the driving out over at least 5 days. It’s not difficult – there are plenty of pit stops to make along the way.
From Brisbane, head south via the Gold Coast Highway, crossing the border into New South Wales to visit charming Mullumbimby and iconic Byron Bay, known for its swimming beaches and cafe culture. Be sure to visit the Cape Byron lighthouse, Australia’s easternmost Point.
The small town of Ballina just south of Byron is a good place to rest for the night. If you’re wanting to tick some ‘giant objects’ off (pretty much essential on an Australia road trip), here is your first: Ballina’s Big Prawn.
Continuing south, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie are both worthwhile stops on your way to Newcastle, one of Australia’s most underrated cities, in on the Northern NSW road trip section.
Spend a few days here to visit the Ocean Baths and walk along the beaches and wharves, admiring the inner city’s heritage architecture, antique shops, and museums dedicated to its industrial past. The final leg of the drive takes you through the gorgeous Central Coast before arriving in Sydney.
Also worth visiting is Blue Mountains National Park, which you can incorporate into your itinerary either by taking a short detour on the way into Sydney, or visit on the way back if you’re returning to Brisbane. Katoomba and Blackheath are both beautiful little towns with quaint bed-and-breakfasts and access to the area’s best hiking and lookout points.
For a nice contrast to the coast, take the inland route back to Brisbane via Tamworth (Australia’s country music capital), Armidale and Stanthorpe, all lovely country towns.
A road trip through Australia’s red center is an epic journey. Across some 2000 km, you’ll experience the beauty of Australia’s outback, including spectacular landscapes, amazing wildlife encounters, and learn about Australian history including Aboriginal culture and how locals live in the harsh environment of the Australian outback.
Start in Darwin where you can spend a few days before starting the road trip. Head down to the lagoon on Darwin’s Waterfront for swim or a picnic. Close by you can visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Bombing of Darwin Museum at Stokes Hill. There are also some great restaurants around here too. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday or Thursday night don’t miss the Mindil Beach night markets.
Your first stop after leaving Darwin is the Top End’s Litchfield and KakaduNational Parks. Here you’ll see spectacular waterfalls, swim in freshwater rock pools and marvel at massive termite mounds. The area is best visited with a 4WD, but you’ll access plenty of wonderful sites with a standard vehicle. Also don’t miss a cruise on Yellow Water to see some amazing wildlife including some of the biggest crocodiles you’ve ever seen!
The next major stop is Katherine where you will see the beautiful Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. The gorge is stunning and as well as cruises in the gorge there are plenty of walking trails, hidden waterfalls, and aboriginal art to explore as well as swimming in the hot springs.
Alice Springs is another great town on this road trip. A visit to the school of air is well recommended where you can see how kids in outback Australia do their schoolwork. Other great attractions in town include the Reptile Centre and the Kangaroo Centre.
Of course, the most iconic sight on this road trip is Uluru – but also go a little further and don’t miss the mighty Kings Canyon. Make sure you bring some good walking shoes, because the best way to explore these stunning areas is on foot. Don’t miss a sunrise and a sunset here – the colors are spectacular.
With almost 2,000 km on this road trip, expect to have some long days driving. However, you will be surprised how fast it goes with so much to see along the way. Allow at least two weeks to do this trip.
Adelaide to Melbourne
By Holly of Globeblogging
While it may not be the most direct route, driving between Adelaide and Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road is one of the great Australian road trips.
While the 243 kilometers of the Great Ocean Road is a spectacular display of the Victorian coastline, much of the stretch of road between Adelaide and Melbourne follows the coastline if you choose to take it.
If you are taking your time on the drive then Victor Harbor is worth a stop after leaving Adelaide.
At the right time of year, it is known for its sightings of whales and is surrounded by National Park.
You can also take a horse-drawn tram out to Granite Island, in the middle of a marine park.
It offers a great launch point for a drive through the Coorong National Park which runs along the coast and offers some fabulous views.
Robe is a potential spot to stop for the night. Between Robe and Port Fairy, the road will divert inland for a time.
Call in at Mount Gambier to check out the spectacular Blue Lake.
Approximately 280 kilometers from Melbourne is the little fishing town named Port Fairy, home to the oldest licensed hotel in Victoria which puts out a good meal.
From here take a walk to check out Griffiths Island, which has a breeding colony for the Short-tailed Shearwater and a lighthouse that is picturesque even though it isn’t open to the public.
This stretch of coastline between Port Fairy and Cape Otway is known as the Shipwreck Coast, and is the watery grave of over 600 ships. As such the coastline is populated by a number of lighthouses.
The Split Head lighthouse, star of television and film at Airey’s Inlet is open to the public, offering views of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary wrapping around the point.
It is also worth a visit to Cape Otway to see the heritage-listed lighthouse which has the honor of being Australia’s oldest working lighthouse.
The National Park offers the opportunity to walk through rainforest and see a number of waterfalls.
One of the
most rugged and iconic experiences you can set out to do in Queensland is a
loop through the Outback. Get ready for
vast landscapes and wide, open spaces.
It’s important to be mindful that you will be entering a hot and dry part of the country, so picking the right time of year is crucial. The cooler months in the middle of the year are ideal (from May through to August).
The daytime temperatures will be warm and even hot as you head further west, but be prepared for very cold nights. Be sure to pack warm clothing for night time as well as a wide-brimmed hat, T-shirts, and sunscreen for during the day.
Heading off from Rockhampton, head west through Emerald and out to The Gemfields. Yep, you guessed it – the first stop is all about fossicking for Sapphires! As you turn off the highway, you’ll be entering a world like you’ve probably never seen before.
You will likely notice lots of signs pointing you in the direction of ‘fossicking parks,’ ‘tag-along-tours’ and ‘gem shops.’ The best way to tackle The Gemfields is to head to a Fossicking Park, where your Miner’s Licence and equipment is all included for you in your entry cost. The staff are more than willing to teach you how to find Sapphires and identify them for you as well.
Once you’ve had your gemstone fix, continue west to Longreach, the real gateway to Outback Queensland. Longreach is famous for a few things, but most notably the QANTAS Founders Museum. QANTAS is a huge commercial Australian Airline, which interestingly started at roots level in the middle of the Outback.
The Museum is huge, with many interactive attractions included. You can even walk out onto the wing of a Jet and stand in one of the massive engines (don’t forget to get your photo taken!). For the full Australian Outback experience, be sure to also do the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which is right across the road to the QANTAS Museum.
Making your way further west still, you will run into the town of Winton. Here you’ll find the biggest piece of Australia’s Dinosaur Trail – the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
Even today, they are still digging up ancient dinosaur fossils and bones out there as we speak. There are three other parts to the Dinosaur Trail, the second is about an hour south of Winton in Opalton.
After you’ve completed the first two parts of the dusty Dinosaur Trail, it’s time to continue west to Julia Creek for a well-earned Artesian Bath. The tiny little town, with a population of 500 has put itself on the map with its four recently built Artesian Bath Houses.
Located at the local Caravan Park, you can book yourself in for a 45-minute private session where you’ll get to sip on champagne while watching the sun set over the Outback plains. The claw foot baths are filled with steaming hot water straight from the Artesian Basin below.
Now it’s time to turn right and start making your way back towards the Queensland Coast. Along the way you will be able to complete the final two parts of the Dinosaur Trail in the towns of Hughenden and Richmond.
From there, if you take a slight detour north for 60km you can hike down into the gorgeous Porcupine Gorge. Although it’s only a 1km walk down into the gorge, do not be deceived – it’s a very steep climb to get back up, especially in the heat of the day! In fact, some people call it ‘Australia’s mini Grand Canyon.’
While that wraps up your Outback Queensland experience, there is still a 400km drive back to Townsville on the coast. So, take your time and make sure you’ve always got plenty of food, water, and fuel.
When most people think of visiting Australia, their thoughts drift to Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru. Most of which take forever to fly to from nearly anywhere in the world (and are separated by huge distances).
But there is one place in Australia that is closer to the rest of the world: the Top End. With flights from Bali or Singapore taking just a few hours (far less than from Sydney or Melbourne), it’s an ideal destination to head to for just a quick trip. And the best way to experience this fairly compact region? On a road trip around the Top End!
Darwin will be the first stop on your trip, as it’s the location of the international airport and all the hire car companies. More of a large country town than a city, it’s still worthwhile spending some time here to check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, World War II historic sites and the twice-weekly Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
But next it’s time to head out of town and grab a taste of the Outback. Top of your list should be Kakadu, the huge national park that’s only a couple of hours down the road from Darwin.
Home to a huge expanse of wetlands, the edge of the Arnhem Land sandstone plateau and thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, there’s so many must-visit sites. Don’t miss the wetland cruises at Yellow Water, the rock art at Ubirr Rock and Nourlangie, or exploring the gorgeous gorges and waterfalls at Gunlom, Maguk, Jim Jim or Twin Falls (4WD required).
For a more chilled out waterfall experience, head back to Darwin via the Litchfield National Park. Must-do waterfalls are Florence, Wangi and Buley Rockpool. All are easily accessed on sealed roads with a 2WD hire car. The last is my favorite – it’s like a natural outdoor spa, particularly if you visit midweek and manage to have it to yourself.
If you’ve got extra time on your trip, it’s only a few hours further south to Nitmiluk or Katherine Gorge. Take a boat ride up the series of gorges, or hire a canoe and take your time exploring the sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and Aboriginal rock art.
Oh, and of course I’ve got another waterfall recommendation for you: Edith Falls, not far north of the gorge, where you can camp right next to the waterhole in Outback style!
If you have driven along the Great Ocean Road or are heading west across Australia, make sure you explore the Limestone Coast between Mount Gambier and Adelaide in South Australia. You could drive the 550 kilometers it in a day, but don’t. There is so much to see it’s worth taking your time.
Mount Gambier is a picturesque town built around a volcanic landscape. Its centerpiece is the Blue Lake that sits in a dormant volcano. During summer, the water turns iridescent royal blue, it is a spectacular sight.
There are many other craters, caves, and sinkholes in the area. The best known are Piccaninnie and Ewens Ponds. They are both world-renowned dive sites. Ewens Ponds is also suitable for snorkeling. Underwater visibility can be as much as 80 meters and the underwater gardens are beautiful.
The Coonawarra is one of South Australia’s best-known wine regions. It is definitely worth visiting a few of the nearly 50 cellar doors to try the local product. Katnook Estate, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Leconfield Wines are amongst the most popular wineries.
The next stop is Naracoorte. The World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves not only have many ornate structures, they are also home to a significant fossil collection. Guided tours are available.
From Naracoorte, turn east towards the seaside town of Robe. It has beautiful white beaches, stunning coastline, lakes and bushland to explore. Get off the bitumen and onto the sand at Long Beach. With 17 kilometers of coastline you’re bound to find a little patch of sand to call your own.
Back on the road, on your way to Meningie you’ll drive alongside the Coorong National Park. It is a large system of lagoons and sand dunes. If you have camping gear it is an interesting place to spend a night. The birdlife is fantastic.
If you are not packing a tent, from Meningie you can access lookouts and walking trails through the Coorong. Meningie sits on the shore of Lake Albert and is a great spot to stop and have lunch. The local bakery is sensational.
The final stop before Adelaide are the Adelaide Hills. While only 30 minutes from Adelaide, it feels a world away. Dotted with historic villages, great wineries, and wonderful views, the Adelaide Hills are a great spot to explore year-round.
Visit Cleland Wildlife Park and feed kangaroos and emus and cuddle a koala. They really are as cute as they look! The Mount Lofty lookout, five minutes away, has fantastic sunset views across the city.
Your final destination, Adelaide, is a gem. It lacks the hustle and bustle of Sydney and Melbourne and his home to a thriving boutique bar and restaurant culture. Just 20 minutes from the CBD are a strip of beaches perfect for cooling off in summer. Adelaide is also the launching pad for two more iconic Australian road trips – the drive across the Nullarbor Plain or heading North to Darwin.
The stunning eastern coastline of Queensland stretches for an incredible 3000kms, and the drive from Brisbane to Cairns alone, just shy of 1,700kms.
The main highlight most visitors come to Queensland to experience is the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef that stretched along most of the Queensland coast; however, there are plenty of fabulous stops on dry land too.
Whilst conservatively you could cover the drive in 7-8 hour stints in 3 days, you’d be doing yourself a huge injustice not to allow yourself at least 2 weeks to take on this incredible coastal journey – plus time to be spent at either end in Brisbane and Cairns.
The first stop as you head north just 1.5 hours away is the Sunshine Coast, a string of beach suburbs that have now merged into one stretching from Caloundra to Noosa Heads. It is a hugely popular beachside escape for Australians so it can be quite crowded but there are still quieter spots to be found.
Head inland to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and dramatic Glass House Mountains. Base yourself a couple of nights in Noosa to explore the surrounding region.
You can continue up the Bruce Highway for much of your journey north, or those with access to a 4WD can take an even more scenic coastal route known as the Great Beach Drive, from Noosa North Shore all the way up to Fraser Island, an incredible journey for wildlife lovers – those camping equipped can make several stops along the way.
If you aren’t keen on self-driving, there are many companies that can help get you over to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island.
If you’re sticking to 2WD, 1770 (yes that’s a town!) and Agnes Water make stunning stops where you can catch reef cruises and enjoy the beautiful beaches, Yeppoon and a day trip out to great Keppel is another alternate to try further north. Don’t miss a stop at Bundaberg on your way north to try the infamous Bundaberg Rum distillery tour.
Our next mustn’t miss stop is Airlie Beach as a launching point to the incredible Whitsundays. You will not believe how white the sand is until you see it! This is tropical Queensland at its best – charter your own yacht and find your stretch of island paradise, or head with a commercial boat service to Daydream Island or Hamilton Island – very popular honeymooning destinations.
The next driving stretch is quite long, from Airlie Beach to Cairns so a stop in the regional city of Townsville is in order; Townsville is the gateway to Magnetic Island and further reef tours.
Take the final leg to Cairns through the more scenic Atherton Tablelands route to experience the lush and fertile lands, fresh produce, and incredible waterfalls.
It is truly one of the most spectacular and rewarding drives in the world for beach and nature lovers.
Your final stop is also a great destination: there are so many great things to do in Cairns that it could deserve an itinerary of its own!
In 2013, we flew to Australia, bought a campervan, and headed up Australia’s west coast. We also eventually drove all the way to Sydney, but no region of that huge, beautiful country was quite as wonderful as Western Australia. This is much more remote and far less touristed than other parts of Australia. But it is epically beautiful, and one of the best places to road trip around Australia.
The ideal WA road trip starts in the capital city of Perth. A few days spent there should be enough to see the main sites. Don’t miss Rottnest Island off the coast (home of the adorable Quokka) or the hip town of Fremantle.
Driving up the coast, you’ll want to stop next at the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park. These bizarre earth formations will fascinate you.
Next up, stop anywhere along the endless coastline. The beaches here are just lovely, and you can enjoy a stunning Indian Ocean sunset.
Many hours of driving (it’s a big state) will take you up to Kalbarri National Park, one of our favorite places on our whole trip to Australia. There are breathtaking coastal cliffs on the ocean as well as the inland national park, which is all desert, red rocks, and fantastic hikes. Take a few days to have adventures here.
Continue north and visit the idyllic area of Shark Bay and Monkey Mia. The water here is turquoise and stunning, and at Monkey Mia you can see a daily dolphin feeding.
Finally, your last stop will be Exmouth, WA. This is at the very tip of the northwest and is a fantastic place to go snorkeling and, for the brave, whale shark swimming. If you only have time to visit one region of Australia, we highly recommend WA!
Tasmania (Tassie) is the land of rugged landscapes, sparsely inhabited towns and huge swaths of parkland waiting to be explored. We spent 10 wonderful days exploring Tasmania and hitting all the major hot spots on the east coast.
Start in the capital Hobart, a city rich in history and culture. You don’t want to miss the Saturday Salamanca Markets, driving up to the top of nearby Mt Wellington and the wandering the heritage streets of Battery Park.
Next stop should be the Tasman Peninsula where the main attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur, the best preserved convict site in Australia. This open air museum is full of fascinating historical buildings and stories. The day we visited was a dreary rainy day, perfectly setting the tone for this place of horror and hardship. The Tasman Peninsula also offers up some incredible geological formations and Fortescue Bay in the Tasman National Park is a great wilderness spot to camp and hike.
Continue to head north along the eastern coast to one of the most photographed spots in Tasmania: Wineglass Bay at Freycinet National Park. This sandy wineglass shaped bay set within rugged pink and white boulders is just as pretty in person as it is in photographs. You can see fairy penguins at Bicheno as you cruise up the coastline.
It is worth the extra time to get to the breathtaking Bay of Fires where you will have the secluded boulder-strewn beaches mostly to yourself. The turquoise waters may be chilly, but they will beckon you in.
Next up is the second largest city in Tassie, Launceston where you will want to spend some time at the lovely Cataract Gorge. You can also explore the nearby wine region of the Tamar Valley, while also feasting on the fresh produce and foodie delicacies of the Cradle to Coast tasting trail.
Last stop should be the beautiful Cradle Mountain. As you ascend into the National Park the landscape changes into a misty, eerie brush land. Dove Lake is the best place to get your shot of the iconic Cradle Mountain. The early evening is a great time to spot wombats in the grasslands.
Enjoy the mountain air and wilderness before routing back to Hobart. Tassie makes for a great road trip in Australia. Be flexible and allow yourself to get off the beaten path, wander aimlessly and soak in the fresh island air.
I recently finished a road trip around Australia’s east coast from Melbourne to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. In a straight line, it is about 4000kms so you can expect to do some driving, but there are so many amazing sites and things to do that you never actually drive much more than a few hundred kilometres in a day. There are so many more, but these are a few of the must-see spots.
If cities are your thing then Melbourne is a must see. It is by far the most cultural city in Australia and also very beautiful. From museums to the botanical gardens it has almost everything you could want from any modern city. It is also just a short drive to the Great Ocean Road which is a must-see if you’re in the area.
After Melbourne head to Buderoo, which is a national park southwest of Wollongong. It starts about 30-45 minutes inland and continues for a few hours. It is scattered with amazing rainforest walks and several different waterfalls and swimming holes.
About 2 hours north of Sydney is Nelson Bay. It is home to a range of different beautiful beaches and mountains. There is a hiking trail to the top of Mt Tomaree where you can get an incredible sunset view over the beaches and mountains.
Next up is Byron Bay. This one is actually my hometown! It’s an incredibly beautiful town with some of the most amazing beaches in Australia. It is a perfect place to try surfing for the first time or if you have surfed before there are amazing beaches all around the area! The lighthouse walk to see the sunrise or sunset is highly recommended as you will either see the sun rise over the ocean or set over the mountains.
Noosa Heads is another small town a lot like Byron, it can be quite touristy but that is normally pretty easy to ignore once you step into the beautiful Noosa National Park and take the long walk around the points and beaches. With beautiful beaches and natural rock pools to swim in it is a really nice beach stop.
Next up is Wallaman Falls, north of Townsville. There’s an incredible 268 meter high waterfall that breaks into a large pool. The rocks can be slippery but it you are brave enough you can go for a dip. Although not recommended if you are not sure footed.
Finish up at Cairns/Port Douglas. This region is your access to the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, The Daintree Rainforest and a ton more amazing natural wonders in Australia. This is a must-see. It is a long way north but totally worth the drive!
Brisbane To Thredbo
By Matt of FittnessAU
A road trip from Brisbane (Queensland) to Thredbo (NSW) is a popular drive for those looking for the ultimate Aussie ski holiday. Or, if you’re planning to go during summer, Thredbo is popular for adventure activities like hiking and mountain biking.
The direct drive could be done in 15 hours (1,394 km / 866 mi) and takes you along a great deal of the beautiful east coast of Australia. Although it’s best to take at least 5 days for your trip so you can stop and enjoy the sites along the way.
Here’s a great route to take for this epic Australia road trip. As you leave Brisbane, make your first stop in Byron Bay. Just 2 hours south of Brisbane, this is a popular holiday spot with a beautiful main beach. Either walk along the beach up to the lighthouse, or stay overnight and head to the Beach Hotel for a drink and a party with live music most nights.
Next up on the road trip is Port Macquarie, just 4 hours south, a gorgeous beachside town worth a stop to relax, go for a swim, and enjoy a local meal at one of the local Surf Clubs overlooking the ocean.
After that, you’ll head to Newcastle – Australia’s second-largest regional center after the Gold Coast. Its rich mining history has been overtaken by its popularity as a coastal hotspot for Sydneysiders looking for a weekend getaway. Take in the beautiful beaches and coastal walkways before you hop back in the car.
Stop off in cosmopolitan Sydney to experience Australia’s most populated city. Visit the Opera House and perhaps even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for an adventure? A night or two in Sydney won’t disappoint with an almost unlimited amount of restaurants, bars, cultural activities and natural hotspots such as Bondi Beach.
Your last stop before reaching Thredbo is Canberra. The nation’s capital is the place to be to discover more about Australia’s history, whether of its war heroes, aboriginal culture, or political upheavals. You can even sit in on a Parliament meeting at Parliament House or take a guided tour.
The last stretch of driving from Canberra to Thredbo is exciting as you take in the natural surroundings of mountains and forests covered with crisp white snow.
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep so you can hit the slopes of Mt. Kosciuszko early!
Pin These Australia Road Trips for Future Inspiration!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I had always wanted to visit Guatemala. The coffee, the picturesque landscapes, the beautiful handwoven textiles, the ongoing Mayan culture… the list of fun things to do in Guatemala just goes on and on. And in 2017, I finally did.
I spent three weeks exploring this beautiful country, which is not nearly enough — you need at least 4 to 6 weeks to really see all the top places to visit in Guatemala.
Partly, this is because the not-great transportation situation means that you’ll be spending lots of long days on cramped shuttle buses in transit.
However, if you have a short amount of time, check out this 2-week itinerary for Guatemala to best help you maximize your time.
But it’s worth every moment in transit to see natural wonders like the emerald pools of Semuc Champey, the manmade wonders of Tikal, the ring of tiny towns circling the magical Lake Atitlan, and the beautiful colonial cities that dot the map of Guatemala.
Come see for yourself and you’ll understand just how much there is to do in Guatemala, and why it left such a profound mark on my memory.
The Absolute Best Things to Do in Guatemala
Visit the natural pools of Semuc Champey
If you’ve ever spent any time on Instagram or Pinterest, visiting Semuc Champey is undoubtedly one of your top things to do in Guatemala.
It’s popular for a reason: the bloggers aren’t lying. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in my lifetime, and for me, the #1 must do in Guatemala.
That said, getting there is quite a hassle and had me questioning if it was worth it many times over.
Even taking a direct tourist shuttle will take you upwards of 8 hours from Flores or Antigua, the two closest popular tourist destinations. Cobán is closer, but doesn’t offer much to tourists.
You essentially have to spend two full days on a cramped bus in order to get to Lanquín.
Once you’re there, all that transit-induced rage will float away as you behold the most beautiful turquoise pools you can imagine. No filter needed, y’all: this is truly the best of Guatemala.
Where NOT to Stay: DO NOT stay at Zephyr Lodge, even if it comes highly recommended by others on the road. I got horrible food poisoning there, and I wasn’t alone.
At least 10 other travelers I spoke to had food poisoning there, and at separate times than I did — meaning it’s likely an ongoing hygiene issue. I rarely ever get sick, so something was seriously amiss here.
Where to Stay Instead: I’ve heard great things about Hostal Vista Verde and it’s actually owned by locals instead of expats who just want to force you to eat and drink at their overpriced, unhygienic restaurant (no I’m not bitter). Check availability, ratings, and prices here.
Visit the Mayan market in Chichicastenango
Mayan culture is alive and well in Guatemala, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Chichicastenango’s twice weekly markets where you can buy all sorts of handcrafted souvenirs and things from Guatemala.
Chichicastenango (mercifully abbreviated to Chichi) is one of the most popular market towns, as it is only a 2 hour bus ride from Antigua.
It’s a frequent choice for day trips and for tourists interested in culture it’s one of the best things to do in Guatemala.
You can typically arrange for a roundtrip shuttle on Thursdays or Sundays, or you can take local transportation – a chicken bus – if you don’t value your life are brave and don’t mind being squished three to a seat while the driver swerves wildly around curves.
If you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the hassle of public transit, you can go with a guided tour from Antigua, which also includes time at Lake Atitlan. Book that guided tour here!
Seeing a Mayan market is one of the best ways to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that have been passed down from generation to generation. It’s also a great way to peek into the life of locals who eke out a living by farming, weaving, collecting honey, and more.
Try learning a little Spanish before you go — English is not widely spoken here, as often, Spanish is already the second language of the Mayans living here — and be sure to bargain (respectfully, that is). If you want an authentic cultural experience, this is one of the top places to go in Guatemala.
I spent one night in Chichicastenango and was glad I did versus just doing a day trip – it was great to get off the tourist trail a bit, as most people don’t stay overnight here.
We visited a small museum, Museo de Mascaras Ceremoniales, where we received a guided tour from the owner and taught about so many facets of Mayan life.
Later, we had a meal with our next door neighbors at our Airbnb who were opening up a hotel/restaurant — a great experience with locals who rarely get to interact with visitors outside the market!
Where to Stay: There aren’t many hotels in town, but the best-rated is by far Hotel Chalet, and the price is reasonable as well. You can also visit as a day trip from San Pedro, Panajachel, or Antigua (more recommendations to follow). Check out ratings, reviews, and availability of Hotel Chalet here.
Climb Acatanenango and witness a live volcano erupting
Thanks to Kate of Our Escape Clause for letting me use this photo!
NOTE: Yes, Fuego is the volcano that erupted in June 2018, killing many people who live in the villages on its slopes. No one climbing Acatanenago was hurt, as far as I’m aware. Antigua and the area excluding the immediate area around Fuego volcano are safe and prepared for tourists, so don’t let the volcano scare you away.
Climbing Acatenango is not for the faint of heart. To be honest, I didn’t attempt it because I’m extremely prone to altitude sickness and have failed to climb mountains of similar height.
Everyone I spoke to who did the Acatanenango hike said it was one of the most amazing sights they’ve ever seen — and also that it was supremely difficult and very cold sleeping overnight there at the top. Research your guide wisely, as they can make or break your trip.
Many of my friends took tours that didn’t equip them properly: not enough food, not enough layers, thin sleeping bags, and all sorts of other cut corners that made the trip a bit miserable.
As a result, I strongly recommend pre-booking a tour that has a solid reputation.
Doing the research, I found that this Acatanenango tour to be positively reviewed – when I cross-checked the GYG reviews with Trip Advisor, I saw over 350 5-star reviews with no mentions of the issues that many other volcano hikes have (lack of food, lack of warm layers, etc. like I mentioned above.)
Safety Note: It should go without saying, but I always recommend you use travel insurance, especially if you’re going to do be doing potentially dangerous things like volcano hiking!
That said, if you’re better at handling altitude than I am, Acatanenango is one of the can’t-miss things to do in Guatemala.
My friends over at Our Escape Clause did it and have a great guide about hiking Acatanenango if you’re curious for more information.
Where to Stay: For those on a budget, I recommend staying at Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel – fantastic design, chilled out vibe (I’m far beyond the age of party hostels), delicious breakfasts, friendly local staff… You truly can’t beat it in Antigua. The rooms are small but so well-designed I didn’t care at all. Check prices and availability here.
If you have a mid-range budget, I’d recommend Casa Elena(check prices, reviews, and availability here), which is a guest favorite for excellent breakfast and rooftop patio with a view of the volcanoes surrounding Antigua. For 5 star luxury at a surprisingly affordable price, Porta Hotel Antigua is one of the city’s highest rated hotels. In addition to the beautiful rooms, it has a gorgeous patio and pool area with an excellent, affordable in-house spa. Check prices, reviews, and availability of Porta Hotel Antigua here.
Take classes at a Spanish school
Guatemala is one of the cheapest places to learn Spanish. Prices vary wildly, so don’t be afraid to ask around and get a good idea of what’s on offer. Wondering where to go in Guatemala to learn Spanish?
Antigua is definitely one of the prettiest cities in Central America, making it a popular spot to settle down for a few weeks and take Spanish lessons. It has the most Western restaurants and amenities as well due to the large expat community, making it pricier but perhaps a little more comfortable.
If you want a more local experience while you learn Spanish, Xela is well-known for being a Spanish language hub, and supposedly it’s one of the cheapest and most interesting places in the country to learn the language. I didn’t have a chance to visit Xela during my 3 weeks in Guatemala.
San Pedro La Laguna is another popular destination for Spanish learners, and has a fun party scene and lake views to boot, truly giving you the best of Guatemala.
Where to Stay: If you really want the best language learning experience, I recommend doing a homestay — it’s usually quite affordable, provides total immersion, and connects you with locals.
My street in San Pedro La Laguna
Kayak in a volcanic crater in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is simply stunning, and there’s no better way to enjoy the serenity of the lake than by going for a kayak ride surrounded by water and volcanoes all around you.
The water tends to get really rough and choppy in the afternoons, and clouds and rain have a tendency of settling in after 3 PM.
Make the most of your morning and go for a morning kayak, then stop by for a 5 quetzal (less than $1) fresh juice afterward!
It’s absolutely worth splurging on one of these great eco resorts in Atitlan if you can afford it, because waking up for the sunrise over Lake Atitlan is a magical experience.
Where to Stay: I stayed at Casa Felipe for a week and enjoyed it just fine, although the beds are ridiculously hard. Better yet might be a cheap room at Playa Linda (check prices and availability here) or Cabaña del Arco (check prices and availability here) which are both quite affordable and have gorgeous lake views.
Climb the pyramids of Tikal
The ruins of Tikal are easily the most well-known of the Guatemala tourist attractions, and with good reason. Star Wars nerds will immediately recognize the lush jungle setting of Tikal.
Tikal is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the largest sets of ruins in the former Mayan empire, and it’s in remarkably good shape. Some of the pyramids you can climb; others, you can only gaze upon from afar due to the need to preserve them.
I recommend going on a guided tour to get the most information possible. This one departs from Flores and lasts 8 hours and includes lunch and an English-speaking guide.
Where to Stay: I recommend staying in Flores for the most transportation and tour options. For those looking for a hostel, Casa de Gretel is the best-reviewed option (I personally stayed at Amigos and was not a big fan — too loud and the rooms were super stuffy). Check prices and availability at Casa de Gretel here.
For mid-range options, check out the affordable but adorable Hotel Isla de Flores, which has a rooftop pool with views of Lake Peten. Check prices and availability here.
Woke up at 4:30, arrived by 6, and nearly no one there!
Stroll the colorful streets of Flores
Flores is a teeny tiny island in Lake Peten, and it’s been painted so colorfully that it’s hard to walk anywhere without stopping to take a ton of photos.
Of all the tourist places in Guatemala, Flores is probably the least authentic in terms of culture.
But it’s a great base for Guatemala points of interest like Tikal, and the lake is perfect for sunsets and quick dips in the water.
San Marcos is the hippie hub of Atitlan, and one of the more backpacker-filled places in Guatemala. People say that Lake Atitlan holds mystical powers, swearing that they have more intense dreams while they’re there.
While that may well be the altitude, the hippies are undeterred and have colonized the little town of San Marcos.
There are tons of yoga classes on offer with lake views, or you can sign up for a longer-term yoga or meditation retreat. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian food options here.
It’s not a place I’d stay for that long, personally, as I’m allergic to hippie nonsense.
That said, it’s definitely a nice place to relax when in Lake Atitlan, which in my opinion is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala.
Where to Stay: I didn’t stay overnight in San Marcos (went as a visit from San Pedro), but there are lots of retreat options if that’s something you’re interested in!
Party (or just relax) in San Pedro
If you’re a party person, San Pedro La Laguna is your spot on Atitlan. There’s one main “backpacker street” with plenty of restaurants, bars, and party hostels if that’s the vibe you’re after.
Hostal Fe is the big party hostel, with a lakeside lounge area just a stone’s throw from Bar Sublime, the late night spot in Atitlan.
I’m not a big party hostel person (read: party hostels are the bane of my socially anxious existence) so I stayed at a hostel called Casa Felipe, which is pretty low key.
Despite the party scene in San Pedro, there are also lots of opportunities to interact with locals. I went to the market on the top of the hill nearly every day, and stopped to buy tortillas from different vendors who worked out of their houses.
San Pedro really has a mix of both experiences, so it’s a nice place to base yourself when in Atitlan. Personally, I think San Pedro is one of the best places to go in Guatemala if you want to relax and unwind.
You can also do an overnight hike on the famous San Pedro volcano for epic sunrise and sunset views over Lake Atitlan.
Where to Stay: Like I said before, Casa Felipe is a good option if you want a hostel (just keep in mind the beds are like rocks). There are also some good mid-range options like Playa Linda or Cabaña del Arco with stunning Lake Atitlan views.
My lakeside “office” for a day in San Pedro La Laguna
Check out the smaller towns of Atitlan
The most popular touristic towns ringing Lake Atitlan are Panajachel, San Pedro, and San Marcos.
But make sure to take a day trip or even stay a few nights at one of the other less visited towns in Atitlan, like Santiago Atitlan, Santa Clara, or San Jose.
You’ll get a more complete picture of Mayan life in this special part of the world that truly offers the best of Guatemala.
If you’re only visiting Atitlan on a day trip from Antigua, check this tour to make the most of your day: it covers San Juan la Laguna, San Pedro, and Santiago Atitlan.
Where to Stay: Check out Airbnb for options in the smaller towns of Atitlan, or organize a homestay with a language school.
Wake up before sunrise to hike Indian Nose
Want to do a quick, rewarding hike in one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala?
Indian Nose is the non-politically correct name for a nearby mountain flanking Lake Atitlan, a short distance from San Pedro.
Tour companies will offer a transfer and guided tour for a reasonable 100 quetzales ($14).
I recommend going with a guide as I have heard stories of people being robbed walking independently to Indian Nose; this should not happen if you have a guide.
If you have a few days in San Pedro, this is one of the best things to do in Guatemala.
Where to Stay: Check out my suggestions above for San Pedro La Laguna.
Image credit Lawrence Murray, Creative Commons
Give back to the local community
There’s no denying that Guatemala is a developing country. The poverty rate hovers around 50%, with indigenous peoples typically far more impoverished than non-indigenous.
If you’re planning on spending a significant amount of time in Guatemala, volunteering in Guatemala is a great way to give back to a community that you’ve enjoyed traveling in.
Where to Stay: Varies, depending on what project you want to work on!
Roast marshmallows on an active volcano
Because s’mores always taste better when roasted over lava, am I right?
It’s one of the more blatantly touristy things to do in Guatemala, but how can you resist?
Pacaya Volcano is known for its easily accessible lava fields where you can easily roast s’mores from a safe distance.
There’s no better story than roasting marshmallows on an active volcano, as far as I can tell!
Marshmallows come included on most tours leaving Antigua to visit Pacaya, so join the fun!
This tour leaving from Antigua has nearly a perfect rating on Get Your Guide, which is my preferred platform for booking tours in Central America (where local agencies often overcharge you) since they have easy cancellation and a best price guarantee.
Where to Stay: Most trips for Pacaya depart from Antigua, so I’d recommend either Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel for budget travelers, Casa Elena for mid-range travelers, and Porta Hotel Antigua for those looking for a super luxurious stay.
Go caving by candlelight in Lanquín
Lanquín is one of the best places in Guatemala if you fancy a bit of adventure.
If you go on one of the popular tours of Semuc Champey, you’ll get a chance to visit Las Grutas de Lanquín, a series of caves which you navigate in the dark — while holding a lit candle in one hand!
There’s a rope you can use to keep yourself afloat – and your candle lit – as your guides bring you into the center of the cave where the brave can do a small cliff jump into a deep pool of water.
This is definitely not for the claustrophobic or the faint of heart. Being a bit of both, I managed, though climbing up a slippery ladder with candle wax dripping down my arm is not an experience I think I’ll repeat!
Where to Stay: Remember my caution against Zephyr Lodge – I’d choose Hostal Vista Verde instead. Money in local hands + no food poisoning = win.
Visit the colorful cemetery of Chichicastenango
If you think you’ve seen all the Guatemala tourist attractions, here’s one that’s a bit off the beaten path.
A short walk away from the hustle and bustle of the Chichi market, you can find one of the most colorful cemeteries on Earth.
When I stumbled across it, at first I was puzzled at what I was seeing. Closer inspection revealed that it was indeed a cemetery, painted in a swath of rainbow colors. According to Atlas Obscura,
Steeped in Mayan tradition, the vibrant rainbow of pigments celebrates the afterlife, and can symbolize different family roles, like a color-coded clue to the puzzle of the dead.
Where to Stay: Again, I’d recommend staying at the affordable Hotel Chalet – or come as a day trip from Antigua or Lake Atitlan
Experience Semana Santa in Antigua
Wondering where to go in Guatemala to celebrate Easter? Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the weeklong festivities in many Catholic countries in which they celebrate the life and death of Christ.
Nowhere do they take this more seriously than Antigua, Guatemala. Many roads are shut down for a week for alfombras (rugs), which are made of colored sawdust and placed on the ground in extravagant designs each night — only to be trampled upon by the parades the following day.
Self-flagellation (that’s the fancy term for whipping yourself until you bleed) is also on display, as are fits of open weeping, women carrying enormous floats while tottering down the streets in high heels, loud music, fireworks, the works.
Truly an experience like no other and a thing you must see in Guatemala around Eastertime.
Where to Stay: Easter in Antigua is a BIG DEAL and I can promise you that unless you book in advance you will have basically no options during Semana Santa. So book in advance if traveling during this week — it’s one of the top things to know about Guatemala travel.
I got shut out of Antigua for not booking in advance so be smart and book ahead and be prepared to pay a premium on prices during this week. As before, I recommended Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel for a hostel, Casa Elena for mid-range, and La Porta Antigua for luxury. Prices will fluctuate greatly during this time and increase as Semana Santa grows closer.
Explore the ruins of Old Antigua
Well, old Antigua is a bit redundant — as the word Antigua means old. But Antigua is short for Antigua Guatemala (whereas signs that just say Guatemala, in fact refer to Guatemala City), as Antigua Guatemala used to be the capital of Guatemala.
A major earthquake in 1773 reduced nearly the whole city to rubble, and aftershocks continued for nearly six months. Rather than rebuild in Antigua, they relocated the capital to what is now Guatemala City. It’s a bit eerie to explore what remains of the former capital, but in my opinion, it’s a Guatemala must see.
Where to Stay: See my recommendations above
Explore the cathedrals of Antigua
Wondering what to see in Guatemala’s former capital of Antigua? You’ve got to check out the ornate churches and cathedrals dotting this beautiful colonial city. Catholicism is deeply important to Guatemalans, and even many Mayans have incorporated aspects of Catholicism into their religious practices.
The churches in Guatemala are beautiful, just as ornate on the exterior as they are in the interior. Some of the country’s most stunning churches are located in Antigua, but you’ll find lovely ones in Xela as well.
Check out the Rio Dulce and Livingston region
I have to admit – I didn’t make it to Rio Dulce, not for lack of wanting but for lack of time.
As my flight back home quickly approached, I kicked myself for spending so much time relaxing in San Pedro and not making it all the way north to Rio Dulce which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala.
However, I know I’ll be back in the region to visit Honduras and El Salvador, and Rio Dulce is right on the way to Honduras and places like Roatan and Utila.
Rio Dulce is supposed to be incredibly lush and scenic and rather off the typical tourist trail. So if you’re tired of Antigua and want the real off the beaten path Guatemala — head to Rio Dulce or the beaches of Livingston for something truly different.
Where to Stay: I didn’t make it to this region, but Casa Escondida is a great mid-range option. Villa Caribe is the closest thing to a luxury option in Livingston.
Admire Antigua’s colonial grandeur
Once you arrive in Antigua, you’ll quickly see why this is one of the best places in Guatemala for photography. Antigua reminded me a lot of one of my other favorite cities in Central America, Granada. Only Antigua is a bit more understated in its colorfulness – but only by comparison to Granada.
The shopfronts are painted in all sorts of beautiful vibrant hues, making it the perfect spot for an impromptu photoshoot when you find a wall that matches your outfit perfectly. The cobblestoned streets do nothing but add to the charm!
There are no free walking tours of Antigua that I’m aware of, but there are cheap walking tours if you’d like to join one.
Important Safety Notes for Guatemala
I heard about more scams in Guatemala than elsewhere in my 4 months traveling Central America, so be extra wary. Most seem to happen in Flores, where most people enter from Belize. A common one is being told that there is no ATM in Flores (there is) and being directed by a man to take out money at an ATM they bring you to. This ATM is rigged and will scan your card. A couple I knew got their bank account drained. It’s also common to be sold fake bus tickets as you’re being told that they’re selling out, these are the only ones, etc. This is patently false. Buy your bus tickets from your hostel or from an agency, not from anyone on the street. Be aware, and don’t do anything that anyone is pushing you to do if it seems odd.
While Guatemala has a higher crime rate than most countries in Latin America, tourists are largely not the targets of violent crime. Still, be aware and alert, especially if you’re traveling solo. I traveled solo in the country as a woman for three weeks and had no issues.That said, this isn’t meant to dissuade you from visiting, especially solo women. In my experience, I had far fewer problems with catcalling and inappropriate male attention in Guatemala than I did in Belize, Cuba, or Nicaragua.
Roads are bad in Guatemala, worse than anywhere else in Central America, in my opinion. While I took chicken buses in Nicaragua and Belize constantly, I recommend private shuttles for Guatemala for your safety and comfort. Distances in Guatemala are extremely long between the major tourist destinations, anyway, so you’ll be grateful for the extra comfort even if it adds some dollars to your budget.
7 Things You Must Pack for Guatemala
I’ve written a Belize packing list that easily works for Guatemala as well (as well as this Nicaragua packing list) but if you just want the essentials, here’s what I think are the absolute best things to bring.
Mosquito repellent & after-care: Guatemala has a tropical climate with mosquitos year-round, particularly in the rainy season. Protect yourself from tropical diseases like dengue fever with mosquito repellent (as a back-up, I carry around a few mosquito repellent wipes with me in my purse in case I forget to apply spray before leaving or that I can apply after swimming). It’s also inevitable that you won’t leave without a few bites, so bring some after-bite relief too (this is hard to find in Guatemala).
Full-size travel towel:This travel towel is full-size so it’s big enough to use as a beach towel, thin enough to pack up super small for your luggage, and it dries super quickly in Guatemala’s humid climate.
A guidebook: I use travel blogs a lot when I’m on the road but I also love having a guidebook to give me more specific, thoroughly researched information. Lonely Planet is my go-to guidebook and Lonely Planet Guatemala is no exception. I usually buy the Kindle version, but paper versions are also great fun to peruse.
Filter water bottle or Steripen: Guatemala’s tap water is not drinkable anywhere in the country. I recommend traveling with a water bottle with a built-in filter that filters out nasty bacteria and viruses like this awesome LifeStraw bottle so you can reduce your plastic waste. Alternately, you can use a Steripen which sterilizes water using UV light. A great investment if you travel frequently and want to reduce your plastic bottle consumption!
GoPro: From stand up paddle boarding to caving to hiking volcanoes, you’re going to want a way to capture all of that action! A GoPro Hero 6 is currently the highest-quality option, but if you’re on a budget, the GoPro Session is also an excellent choice.
Backpack with locking zippers: To me, this is a non-negotiable for Guatemala, which has a fairly high risk of petty theft. My backpack’s locking zippers make it clear to a potential thief that I am not a target to be f#*&ed with. It’s visibly quite difficult to get into this backpack with its double-locking zipper (the zippers interlock, and then you can place them through a gold clasp that is not only super cute but also insanely secure). Plus, it’s slash-proof and since it’s worn on your back, it’s not as susceptible to the snatch-and-grab tactic. I swear by PacSafe for the combination of functionality and cute aesthetics, and I love their PacSafe Citysafe backpack. It’s actually cute in addition to having all the baller security features that make you feel pretty much impervious to theft (though of course, you should definitely be careful with your belongings everywhere!).
Finally, don’t forget travel insurance! Whether you’re caving, hiking volcanoes, or just relaxing in Antigua, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! It’ll protect you in case of accident, injury, lost luggage, theft, or any other disaster that could befall your trip. I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for two years and recommend them highly.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
When you’re your only travel companion, you can’t help but get a little introspective. Staring out of a bus window, half-listening to a podcast, contemplating my life and the many turns it’s taken to bring me here… That’s kind of been my default look the past year.
June 28th will make one year I’ve been on the road solo, with a few breaks and some travel with friends scattered in between. To celebrate making it through 12 months, here are 10 things I’ve learned about the wacky bitch who’s been keeping me company all of these days.
For an anxious person, I’m surprisingly unflappable
I know, it’s kind of an oxymoron, right? I’ve learned that my anxiety works on the macro scale. When I am unhappy with large aspects of my life – a job I’ve outgrown, a city I’ve grown tired of – I wake up in the mornings breathless and terrified. Those mornings I’d have to swallow a pill and breathe deeply to keep myself from escalating to full-on panic, just to go about my day.
But the little things that add up when you travel, I can take surprisingly in stride. Lost my luggage with precisely every item of clothing I own in it? Regroup, go to a diner for breakfast, and get tips on the best thrift stores in town. Stuck in a small village in Albania in the rain with no bus on the way? Guess I better start hitchhiking.
That said, hostel life often brings out the worst in me
I’m about to directly contradict myself — because above all, I’ve learned that I contradict myself regularly. To quote my boy Walt Whitman, Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself; (I am large, I contain multitudes.)
As much as I just congratulated myself for outrunning my anxiety… hostels really bring out the worst in me. Awkward social situations are one of my biggest anxiety triggers, and I’m a massive introvert who thrives off alone time. While I used to love staying in hostels, I’ve realized that I can only live such a public, shared life for so long before I start to go a little crazy when solo traveling.
Part of it is that I need to work from home a fair bit and hostels make crappy environments for that. But mostly, I get tired of having the same dull conversation time and again, and tired of making excuses not go out drinking profusely for the nth night in a row.
Also, I’ve gotten a little spoiled.
I’m no longer the youngest person in the room
Perhaps related to my blah, hostels stance is the fact that I’ve finally realized that I’m aging. Bear with me here:
I moved to New York and went to college when I was 17, the youngest person in my class by a good year or so. When I started my job in the Department of Education at 21, I was easily the youngest teacher there, and continued to be for the five years I worked there.
I got used to always being surrounded by people older than me. Frankly, it made me feel like I had time to figure out my life.
Now I feel like I’m always surrounded by young’uns who are just starting out their 20s, and I can’t help but be wrenched with envy. I find myself wondering about how if I hadn’t become a teacher and had gone into travel blogging earlier, if I’d be more successful. If I wouldn’t be alone if I had made better choices in romantic partners over the years. Basically, if I had the wisdom I have now without all the pesky business of, y’know, actually attaining it.
I actually like the beach
I never was much of a beach person – the result of many a third degree sunburn and hating the way I looked in a swimsuit.
After finally learning that I need to reapply sunscreen a jillion times and seek shade between noon and 2, I’ve finally developed a tan for the first time in my life and don’t burn quite so easily. I’ve also made peace with the size of my thighs and am finally wearing age-appropriate bathing suits instead of the grandma-inspired bottoms that even the Mormon church would approve of.
As much as I say I want to travel slower, I never do
I’m of the opinion that clinical FOMO should be added to the DSM, whenever they see fit to revise it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sworn that I’m going to choose a base and start establishing a healthy work-life-travel balance…. only to find myself staring at a ticket confirmation page to a brand new country just days later.
While I’ll never be one of those superhuman travel bloggers who are in a new country every couple of days, I haven’t been able to stay in one spot longer than two weeks (Little Corn Island, you tried to tame me).
There are so many countries I want to tick off my bucket list, cities I want to wander, mountains I want to climb. So to settle down and pick just one city — even if just for a few months — seems nigh impossible.
I’ve challenged myself to pick a city in Eastern Europe for one month to live in this August, when I’ll need to get out of Schengen so as not to overstay my visa. Sofia, Belgrade, and Bucharest are all vying for the honor.
I have a hard time with routines and self-care
This is probably related to my FOMO-induced restlessness, but even when I’m back at home, self-care is a struggle. A regular sleep schedule…. HAHAHA what’s that? Exercising regularly? Unless you consider digesting donuts exercise, which I do, go away. Sometimes even the simplest things like filling up my old lady pill box with my pills and vitamins for the week seems like a task plucked from the annals of Hercules.
And don’t get me started on my taxes (actually, no please do).
As much as I say I’m a cynic, I’m a big old softie at heart
For some reason, I’ve always thought of myself as a pessimistic person. I blame the Q train.
But getting to know myself better, I’m learning that while I may get irritated about indignities like manspreading, body odor, and showtime, I’m pretty optimistic about the world writ large. The people I’ve met on my travels have, with few exceptions, gone above and beyond to help me and welcome me everywhere I go. And I can only respond to that with love and gratitude.
But I still love animals more than people
I can’t count the number of times I stopped whatever I was doing to coo over the animal in front of me, whether it was a dog, cat, horse, donkey…. Even the mangiest-looking of dogs (I’m thinking of you, Taco, the ugliest dog in all of Guatemala) were not spared my effusive love.
Being around animals centers me and makes me calm, forcing me to press pause on whatever thoughts I have buzzing around my head to enjoy the peace of a quick, stolen snuggle.
I’ve learned to relinquish control
Part of why I think traveling has been good for my anxiety is that I’ve learned that I can’t control everything. I used to be such a micromanager, planning every future event to the letter. Now that it’s impossible to predict what any given day will be like, I have the latitude to let go a little.
While at first that made me a bit panicky and hard to travel with (many thanks to my dear friend Kristine for managing to put up with my high strung antics) I’ve started to master the subtle art of not giving a fuck.
Writing is what I’m meant to do
Not that I think I’m especially good at it… nor do I think I’m exceptionally bad. I just know that nothing fills me with more purpose than sitting down and finally putting everything that’s been churning around this little brain of mine on paper. Nothing fills me with more happiness than when a reader reaches out to say they’ve connected with my words.
Starting from when I annexed my aunt’s computer at the tender age of six to write a story about a car running out of gas in the middle of a desert, I knew I wanted to be a writer. In college I lived and breathed it, taking poetry and fiction workshops with some of the greats, even conquering my fear of public speaking to perform at poetry readings.
But once I started teaching, the daily emotional labor of the job beat the creativity out of me. I stopped writing for nearly five years. This blog, humble as it may be, has brought me back in touch with that. And that is perhaps what I’m most grateful for in this new crazy life I’ve created for myself.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
For too long, Albania has been ignored as a tourist destination. I get it. The country has had to bounce back from a lot. For years, Albania was under one of the most repressive communist totalitarian regimes in history – even North Korea has more trade partners and diplomacy than Albania did thirty years ago. I’m about to drop some serious Albania facts on you, so if you’re into history, get excited.
It emerged from the shackles of totalitarianism in 1991 with basically no GDP and virtually no economy. A countrywide pyramid scheme in which Albanians lost a total of 1.2 billion dollars (a fortune, considering how Albanians had only had six years of free market in order to actually obtain money to invest) in 1997 sent the country into chaos.
But things are way, way different now, and while the country still has far to come to catch up with its neighbors in Europe, it’s making great strides towards lasting progress. Albania is a country with an unfathomably long history, almost 5,000 years, with influence from Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
To sum up Albania as just what’s happened in the last century is myopic. Yes, Albania has suffered, but it’s bouncing back with incredible fortitude and rightfully emerging as a tourist destination.
Seeing as I’ve unofficially become an Albania travel guide, telling everyone who’ll listen about this beautiful place, I figured I’d put it in writing and save myself the trouble. Without further ado, here are 75 reasons why you should plan your holidays to Albania as soon as possible!
1. It’s off the beaten path. Can you imagine going to 2,000 year old Roman ruins and not having to wait for people to get out of your shot constantly? Well, visit Albania, and it’s not only possible – it’ll happen all the time.
2. It’s not just affordable – it’s cheap. Budget backpacking anywhere in Balkans, with the exception of Croatia, is inexpensive compared to Western Europe. But Albania is leaps and bounds cheaper than its neighbors, especially when it comes to transit and food costs. A six hour bus ride will set you back only $7 USD; a gyro, $1 USD; a 3-course meal with an espresso, $8 USD.
3. The beaches are the best in Europe. Sorry, Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Montenegro, I know you’ll disagree, but Albania has got the best beaches in all of Europe. The stony beaches make the water a gorgeous, crystal-clear turquoise that feels like your real life has been Photoshopped. Ksamil, Albania as well as the beaches of Himara and Dhermi are outstanding. The weather in Albania is comparable to the rest of Europe, so you’ll have hot sunny days all summer long.
Unlike their more famous Northern and Southern neighbors, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself when you go to the beach in Albania.
There are also tons of hidden beaches that you can have basically to yourself with a little creativity (or a little guts!). Himara is an excellent hub close to the best Albanian beaches in the Riviera. Plus, accommodations in the Albanian Riviera are incredibly cheap!
5. Albanian people are insanely generous. I’ve never been offered more things in my life – whether it was cake on the side of a road from someone I asked directions, half of someone’s lunch who we hitchhiked with, an espresso at a cafe, or rakia (so much rakia), then when traveling in Albania.
6. The sunsets along the coast are incredible. The whole time you travel Albania, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sunsets, just as beautiful as Greece’s or Croatia’s — at a fraction of the price.
7. You need to learn the love-hate relationship with rakia. Rakia is basically moonshine, distilled typically from grapes or plums, popular all throughout the Balkans, but especially loved in Albania. The best nights (and the worst mornings) usually are courtesy of rakia.
8. Besa, which is loosely translated as “faith” or “trust”, is extremely important to Albanians. For centuries, Albanians have abided by the code of “besa” which basically means it’s their duty to look after the people who visit Albania. That means that even if you’re traveling solo through Albania, you’ll never really be alone.
Besa means that my friend’s cousin – who I had never met before – took two days to show me around her hometown, beautiful Korca.
9. Albanians are keen to change their image. Albanians are aware that they’ve been associated with mobsters and gangsters, and more than a few Albanians bitterly remarked me that “we’re not all like Taken.” Which is true – I never once felt unsafe or unwelcome in my month spent traveling in Albania. Besides, as one local slyly remarked me to me, “All the Albanian mafia has left. Who would they make money off of here?”
10. Albanians are honest. I’m always on my guard for scams, having been ripped off and nearly pickpocketed within 12 hours in Hanoi. It turns out I didn’t have to worry at all when in Albania. In Pogradec, a man who changed money for a friend ran down the street to the bus station to find us, panicked that he hadn’t given us the right change (but he had). For Albania, tourism increasing holds huge potential to lift its citizens out of poverty, so Albanians will be sure you are well taken care of.
11. Albania is safe. While tourism in Albania is just beginning, traveling Albania is just as safe as going pretty much anywhere else in Europe. You’re less at risk for petty crime in Albania than you are in, say, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and violent crime is extremely rare.
Note: While Albania is very safe, that doesn’t mean you should go without travel insurance in case of an emergency or accident. I use World Nomads travel insurance on every trip as it’s easy to book online and offers extensive coverage at low prices. Get a free quote here.
Ok, this photo is of Albanians in Kosovo, but you get the idea. So threatening with their rainbow umbrella and bear phone. Definitely shouldn’t travel here.
12. Street harassment is extremely uncommon. As a woman who travels alone, I’m often subjected to street harassment, which makes me feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and irritated. In my entire time in Albania, not one man bothered me on the streets, even when I walked home alone late at night to my hostel in Tirana. It was such a breath of fresh air to be around such polite, respectful men.
13. Albanians give the best directions. Which is to say they’re either extremely detailed if they speak English, or oftentimes they’ll just walk with you to your destination because they’re afraid of you getting lost. After a flurry of hand gestures did nothing, I once had an old lady in a robe and house shoes pull me by the sweater tied around my waist, leading me up on a ledge, in order to show me how to get to the Berat Castle via the back way. You can’t say Albanian people don’t try!
14.There are countless fortresses and castles that you can explore. Most castles have limited infrastructure, such as informational plaques or warning signs, so you get to feel a bit like Indiana Jones as you explore castles totally on your own. If you’re more the tour kind of person, you’re in luck: lack of tourism in Albania has made tours insanely cheap.
15. Albanians love Americans. Okay, so this is maybe only exciting for me and my fellow countrymen, but we’re a bit of an unpopular lot in some parts of Europe. And I get it, I really do – I definitely cringe whenever I see the telltale shorts-and-fanny-pack of a clueless American tourist speaking loudly and slowly at someone who speaks perfect English like they’re an idiot.
But when traveling in Albania, I discovered that Americans are actually quite well-liked – so much so that they’ve even named a street after George W. Bush in Tirana (cool your jets, guys, even we don’t like him!). The town of Fushe Kruje which he visited even has a statue of him! You’ll also find a Hillary Clinton statue in Saranda, Albania, close to SR Backpackers, where I stayed while in Saranda. Fingers crossed we never need to find out if they’d erect a Trump statue. (edited to add: UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
16. But really, Albanians just love all foreigners. You’ll never feel more special as a tourist than when you visit Albania. I was traveling around with a lot of Australians and you should have seen the look on locals’ faces when they found out people from Australia were visiting their country. It was the most delightful mix of confusion, excitement, and pride.
17. Forget buses and planes – Albania is all about the furgon. Furgons are minibuses, which are often Mercedes vans converted to fit the most human life possible inside them. They’re democratic institutions – first come first served, they’ll pick you up and drop you off anywhere along the route, and they’ll charge you based on the distance you travel.
Sure, some of the seats aren’t that comfortable, especially the ones above the wheels, but I actually quite love the humble furgon. It’s the most authentic way to travel in Albania.
18. Honestly, the public transit is actually quite reliable – it’s just different. Furgons will get you basically everywhere you need to go, although you do sometimes have to make a transfer rather than going direct. Occasionally, on less popular routes, a minibus won’t run every day, and as the season winds down, minibuses are less frequent.
Still, I visited for the second time in mid-October as the summer season was done and gone, and even some less popular routes were still roaring. I traveled from Korça to Berat and Berat to Vlora no problems, perfectly on time – in fact, often early, so be sure to get there at least 15 minutes before your bus is due to leave.
19. Infrastructure is improving. I had heard that the roads in Albania were awful – I was happy to find that it really wasn’t the case. Of all the routes I took, I only really encountered one road that was pretty rough and tumble, and it was only because they were working on the main road and re-routed us another way.
If you travel Albania in the more rural parts, you’ll encounter some rough roads I’m sure, but the main roads connecting the coastal cities, Tirana, Shkodra, and some of the southern Albanian cities like Berat, Gjirokastra, and Korca were all fine. That said, there are still some flaws hampering this otherwise beautiful country.
There is no national recycling program and litter continues to be a major issue. Tirana and other Albanian cities have an admirable program to neuter and vaccinate the stray dogs in the cities, but it’s a slow process. Still, considering the country’s economy started from basically nothing in 1991, I think they’ve made tremendous strides.
20. You can even drink the tap water now in many parts of the country. I had heard that Albania’s tap water was totally undrinkable. This was far from true! I drank the tap water without incident in Saranda, Tirana, Shkodra, Berat, and Korca – always after asking a local first just to double check. I recommend bringing a Life Straw water bottle, which removes over 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, to cut back on your plastic use (there is no recycling program in Albania, sadly).
21. They make excellent Italian food. Albania is so close to Italy, and they’ve absorbed a lot of their culture. Pizza in Albania is top-notch, probably the next best thing to Italian pizza itself.
22. The coast has amazing seafood. You can eat delicious fresh prawns, mussels, fish, calamari… all for bargain prices and fresh as can be. Up north near Lake Shkodra, the lake trout is also incredibly delicious – so make sure you try that if you’re visiting Shkodra (which I highly recommend — stay at the Wanderers!) or other cities up north.
23. Local dishes are delightful. Traditional Albanian food like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and patëllxhanët mbushur (stuffed eggplant) are unique and delicious, always cooked with local ingredients and fresh produce.
24. A lot of the cuisine is vegetarian. Many of their dishes incorporate veggies in a way that other countries in the Balkans don’t. Their stuffed peppers and grape leaves are almost always vegetarian and filling, they offer a wide variety of salads, and grilled vegetables are available everywhere.
25. But they also make a mean grilled meatplate. Enough said.
Ahh, a well-balanced meal… look, there’s even lettuce!
26. They make excellent coffee. Albanians love their coffee, especially espresso, and you can get an espresso for as little as 50 lek – about 40 euro cents. I will say that sometimes their definition of a cappuccino would make Italians shudder, as they sometimes come topped with whipped cream, but there are worse things than free whipped cream, right?
27. The produce is fresh, delicious, and often organic. Of course, it won’t be labeled as such, but most produce in Albania comes from small, local farmers who frankly probably don’t have enough money to spend on pesticides. For that reason, the tomatoes and cucumbers are some of the best I’ve had in the world. Perfect for…
28. Albania has amazing Greek salads and gyros, thanks to its Greek minority population. Yup, in addition to rocking Italian food and traditional Albanian food, you can get delicious Greek food like grape leaves, tzatziki, gyros, and Greek salad. The two cuisines share a lot in common and the line between what’s Greek and what’s Albanian vary on where you are and who you ask (as many things do in the Balkans…)
29. The mountains are absolutely beautiful. My biggest regret about Albania is that I didn’t get to do the hike from Valbona to Thethi that I had planned on. Crazy storms were raging when I was in Shkodra, making the hike I was planning to do the next day impossible, so I rerouted to Kosovo and traveled through the rest of the Balkans.
By the time I returned to Albania, it was mid-October and reaching below freezing at night, so a hike didn’t feel like the best idea. But seeing the same mountain range in Montenegro and Kosovo, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in that part of Albania. But you don’t need to travel to Valbona to see mountains – they’re everywhere, even leading right down to the beaches in some cases.
30. The Albanian language is unlike any other. Albanian (called Shqip, which is pronounced “shchip”, which gives you a little preview of the beautiful chaos that is the Albanian language) is one of the oldest living languages. Some consider it a language isolate, some think it’s related to Illyrian or Armenian… let’s leave it to the linguists and just say it’s incredibly difficult – though beautiful to hear – and, to my totally untrained eyes and ears, reminds me of Dothraki on GoT. (nerd alert)
31. That being said, locals will love you if you try to speak Albanian. Albanians know how difficult their language is, and they really appreciate it when you take the time to learn a few words of Albanian. Mirëdita (meer-deeta) – good day, faleminderit (fah-le-min-DER-it) – thank you, diten e mirë (deet-en ay meer) – Have a good day, and of course, gëzuar (guh-zoo-ar) – cheers: master these four and people will be delighted.
32. The rural parts of the country are stunning. I haven’t seen many Albanian villages or rural life, which I’ve been told is where the real heart of the country is. But my method is to always leave a stone unturned, so I know I’ll come back. What I’ve seen of rural Albania from the furgons is incredible, and I’d love to discover it more deeply.
33. The Albanian flag is so dope. A double-headed eagle… god, could a flag get any cooler? Albanians are obsessed with their flag, and honestly, so am I. So epic.
34. On a similar note, Albanians are really patriotic. While sometimes this patriotism can border on nationalism (which is not unique to Albanians, of course), what this means in practical terms for the traveler is that Albanians will do anything to make sure you love their country just as much as they do. If you tell them you love their country, most will beam with pride.
35. Hitchhiking is incredibly easy and safe throughout Albania. The combination of a lack of a centralized public transit system, the Albanian hospitality and belief in besa, and an outsized love for their cars all merge to make it probably one of the easiest places to hitchhike in the world and definitely in Europe. It’s also quite safe, which you wouldn’t expect if you take your travel advice from Liam Neeson, but it’s true!
36. In fact, hitchhiking is an amazing experience there and I recommend it to all who travel Albania. During my hitching experience, I was picked up by a trucker who didn’t speak a word of English but was all smiles, two young college students who brought us all the way to Kosovo even though they weren’t planning on crossing the border, and more than a couple Mercedes Benzes.
37. Mercedes Benzes are the national car. OK, not really, but it’s kind of ironic that one of Europe’s poorest countries has more Mercedes Benzes than anywhere else I’ve been – including NYC and California. For a more detailed explanation, read on here.
38. It’s easy to travel to and from other countries in the region. There are frequent public buses from Montenegro via Ulcinj and Shkodra as well as direct buses run by hostel companies from hotspots like Kotor to Tirana. Going from Tirana to Prizren or Prishtina in Kosovo is also quite easy.
If you’re thinking of going onto Macedonia, there are Tirana to Skopje buses and in peak season direct buses between Ohrid as well, which can also be accessed via Berat, Elbasan, or Korca. Greece is close to Saranda and Korca, and you can take a ferry to Corfu in about thirty minutes.
Nearby Prizren, Kosovo – just a few hours away from Tirana by bus
39. Oh, and Italy is only a short boat ride away, too!
If you’re in Italy and want to make your way over to travel Albania, it’s actually really quick and affordable to catch a ferry to Albania. A bonus? The views are beautiful.
40. Tirana, Albania’s capital, is unlike any other capital city I’ve seen. It’s chaotic and exhilarating, unique and intriguing, improvised and improving. There’s a sense that it’s stuck in the past at the same time that it’s accelerating towards the future, and it’s fascinating to be right there with it. The best way to get a sense of Tirana is by walking or biking through it.
41. Tirana was more influenced by communism than other cities in Albania, making it ideal for history and Communist architecture geeks. There are some absolutely strange pieces of architecture in Tirana, in particular, Piramida, the abandoned memorial to deceased dictator Enver Hoxha that is now a TV station/slide/tourist oddity.
42. The nightlife in Tirana is really fun. I loved going out in the Blloku neighborhood, the old heart of the communist party loyalists. This has turned into a hipster/upscale neighborhood of sorts, where a draft beer goes for (*gasp*) 2 euros.
If you’re traveling solo and but want to experience the best of Albanian nightlife, you can do a cocktail and communism tour through trendy Blloku accompanied by a local!
Getting my hipster on at Radio in Blloku (I promise these glasses are medically necessary.)
43. The bunkers offer a fascinating, if unsightly, look into the past. I enjoyed visiting Bunkart in Tirana, which used to be the former dictator Enver Hoxha’s bunker in case of attack. It’s a fascinating insight into the psyche of a sick, paranoid man. An estimated 700,000 smaller bunkers dot the countryside, in places you’d never think would be at risk of attack.
If you’ve got bunker fever, you can even do a full-day bunkers and beaches tour! Only when you travel Albania, guys.
44. In fact, there’s no country quite comparable to 20th century Albania. Under Enver Hoxha, even Tito’s Yugoslavia, Mao’s China, and Khruschev’s USSR were all just too liberal and not purely communist enough. As a result, Albania had no external ties with other countries from 1978 until 1991.
When the dictatorship finally fell, things like bananas and blue jeans were totally brand-new phenomena. Even today’s North Korea has a more open economy than pre-1990s Albania. Luckily, Albania has been quite quick to take to modernization.
45. But there’s so much more than just the Communist past. I understand (and share!) the fascination with Albania’s insane communist past. But before that, Albania has almost 5,000 years of history, with influence from Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Ottomans. That all has shaped the country so much more than its Communist era, even though those have the most obvious visual influence.
Albania is home to some of the best-preserved Christian mosaics in the world, like Butrint
46. The 400-year occupation of the Ottoman Empire forever changed Albania in unique ways. As a result of the occupation, Albania became a majority Muslim country — approximately 60% — although most Albanians follow a very loose interpretation of Islam – if they follow anything at all.
Most Albanians, even if they’re of Muslim origin, eat pork and drink alcohol (in fact, I think your Albanian citizenship is revoked if you don’t drink rakia. I kid, I kid), and very few women wear headscarves, regardless of origin (although those who do don’t get any odd looks).
47. Yet for years, Albania was the only country in the world to have an outright ban on religion. That’s right. In 1967, the practice of religion was completely banned within the country of Albania. As a result, unfortunately, many churches and mosques throughout the country were destroyed. Albanians have been working hard to rebuild these places of worship throughout the country. Precious few remain of the pre-Communist era – only those that party leaders deemed worthy of cultural preservation, such Et’hem Bey mosque in Tirana, pictured above.
48. Albania is a true cultural mixing pot. Throughout time, Albania has had the influence of Greeks and Romans, Slavs and Italians, Muslims and Christians. These divisions don’t really seem to faze Albanians, and the unifying fact of language, tradition, and above all — patriotism — seem to be more important than ethnicity or religion.
49. Albanians are incredibly tolerant of other religions. Interfaith marriages are quite common in Albania, and friend groups are typically well-integrated and have little to do with religion. Religion appears to be more of a cultural or hereditary signifier than any deeply held convictions.
Unlike countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where ethnic strife was in large part exacerbated by religious differences, Albanians really don’t seem to care that much about religion. In fact, Albania is the only country in which the population of Jews increased during WWII, as average citizens took in thousands of Jewish refugees at great risk to themselves, despite having virtually no ties to Judaism.
The Orthodox cathedral in Korça was only built in 1992, replacing the church that communists had destroyed in the late 1960s.
50. In fact, for many, “the only religion of Albania is Albanianism.” This quote was co-opted by Enver Hoxha to justify his religious ban; however, it originally appeared in Shkodra’s beloved poet Pashko Vasa’s nationalist poem “O moj Shqiperi”. Basically, that is to say, Albanians are much more concerned with sharing an ethnic and cultural legacy based on the concept of being Albanian, rather than being concerned with any religious ties.
51. Albania is a UNESCO darling, with three major sites having UNESCO Status.
52. One of them, Butrint, is a 2,000 old set of Roman ruins. It has alternately been ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. It’s set on a beautiful lake near the border with Greece, and it’s almost always completely deserted, making it a beautiful place to wander, snap photos, and imagine a simpler world taking place exactly where you stood over two millennia ago. Definitely one of the best points of interest in Albania.
53. Gjirokastra is another UNESCO site, just as breathtaking as Butrint. It is an Ottoman-era “museum city” complete with a gorgeous ruined castle perched atop a massive hill surrounded by houses with layered flat stone roofs. (Note: I just did a day trip to Gjirokastra, but friends raved about Stone City Hostel, open seasonally)
54. In fact, Gjirokastra is also home to iso-polyphony folk music, which is a uniquely Albanian tradition honored by UNESCO’s intangible heritage designation. Every year, performances are held in the castle, keeping the tradition alive. To be honest, the music isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s incredible what they are able to do with their voices, creating unique, haunting sounds without the use of a single instrument.
55. Berat is twinned with Gjirokastra, though it’s worth visiting totally aside from Gjirokastra. It is the more famous twin, and equally gorgeous in my opinion, yet quite different. Berat is marked with only white paint and large square windows that look almost like eyes, giving it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Honestly, I think UNESCO made a mistake by twinning these cities together, which suggests that you can see one of the two and “get the idea.” They’re both incredibly unique places, and each warrants its own visit. It’s definitely worth visiting for a few days, but you can also visit Berat as a day trip from Tirana as well.
When in Berat, I can’t say I recommend staying at Berat Backpackers. Everyone there was incredibly kind and the rooms were clean and comfy… but the wifi was practically nonexistent, but the shower pressure was the worst I’ve ever experienced in 10 years of traveling. You can get a cheap hotel for as little as $10-15 a night, so treat yourself.
56. There are many other places on UNESCO’s tentative list that are also worth a visit. The Durrës Amphitheatre, Apollonia, and Ohrid, among others, are all on the list for consideration.
57. But historic cities aren’t all Albania has to offer – it has incredible lakes. Lake Komani is the gem of Albania, followed closely by Lake Shkodra (which it shares with Montenegro), Lake Ohrid (which it shares with Macedonia), and Lake Butrint. All so different, yet so beautiful. Check out the video below to get an idea.
58. Aside from its lakes, Albania has deep-flowing natural springs. These springs are called “Blue Eyes,” and while there is an incredibly famous one in the south (called Syri I Kalter in Albanian), there is an equally beautiful though lesser known one in Thethi as well.
59. It has gorgeous waterfalls as well that locals love to swim in. The waterfalls in Begova near Berat are a favorite of locals when the summers get hot — with rakia, of course! It’s too bad I was in Berat in mid-October so I didn’t go to these waterfalls.
60. It even has a wine region with surprisingly delicious wine. I did, however, sample the surprisingly excellent local wines in Berat, made by Cobo Wineries. Wine tasting tours are available as well!
61. It’s yet to be Westernized with American fast food chains… well, except the one. I love the fact that the country’s first international chain, KFC, is opening literally across the road from Enver Hoxha’s old mansion. I believe that’s what we call “throwing shade”, Albania. Nicely done.
62. You’ll meet a lot of like-minded travelers in Albania. I guess because not many people travel to Albania, the tourists who do go there are really interesting, easy-going, and open-minded. I never met more interesting and fun people than I did when traveling in Albania! The hostels in Albania are fabulous as well – I know it may sound scary to the uninitiated, but hotels are one of the best ways to travel Albania if you’re solo. Check out top-rated hostels here.
63. Sometimes, it seems as if parts of Albania are stuck in a time capsule. You’ll be driving along a surprisingly smooth highway when suddenly, hey! There are goats and cows wandering the roads.
64. Albania is squarely outside the Schengen zone, making it perfect if you’re staying in Europe for over 90 days. Many countries in the Balkans, including Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia are also outside Schengen, so it’s easy to plan a little detour to travel in Albania if you’re close to using up the 90 days out of the 180 days on your Schengen visa and need to spend time outside the zone to keep your visa valid.
65. It’s quite easy for foreigners to get visas.77 countries and territories, plus every EU country, can visit Albania visa-free for 90 days. But even if you’re not one of those countries, if you’ve had and used a valid UK, US, or EU visa, you get the same 90-day visa policy as all other qualifying countries.
66. Though hostels are new the country, they are surprisingly excellent. Every single hostel I stayed at in Albania was great (with the minor exception of Berat Backpackers), and far better and cheaper than a lot of hostels I’ve stayed at in Western Europe, including cities like Rome and Barcelona.
In fact, Trip’N Hostel in Tirana is probably the best hostel I’ve stayed at, period. They even brew their own beer! Be sure to book in advance if you go during the high season. I was so lucky as a walk-in to get the last bunk — everyone after me had to find another place.
The best hostel I’ve ever stayed at for $12 a night, with this delicious omelette and Albanian coffee included.
67. Albania is a delightful mix of discovered and undiscovered. You can really choose your own adventure here… whether you want to stick to the slightly-well-trodden path of Tirana and Saranda, or if you want to get a little more off the path and visit the quaint smaller cities of Shkodra and Korca, there are tons of options, all within furgon distance.
68. Albanian wedding parties are the best parties. I stumbled across one happening in the street next to the gyro restaurant in downtown Himara. It was just a giant circle dance that got bigger and bigger, more and more intricate throughout the night.
69. Albania will teach you patience. I will admit that travel in Albania is not the most straightforward, though I don’t think it necessarily makes it difficult. Sometimes, your bus will be late, or it will be unclear where you’re supposed to go. However, things always have a way of working out here. Give yourself some extra time and enjoy the ride.
But patience is easy when your surroundings are this gorgeous. Photo courtesy of Janet Newenham yet again
70. Albania will also teach you trust. Because Albania isn’t the easiest place to travel, especially since the public transportation system is run mostly by word of mouth and there’s no online timetable, you’ll have to learn to trust strangers. But that is actually a blessing in disguise, because it’ll show you just how kind and caring most people in the world are. And even moreso in this special little corner of the world.
71. English is actually fairly widely spoken – followed closely by Italian. The second language of Albanians tends to fall on strictly generational lines. Those who grew up under communism likely stole television and radio signals from Italy as the only way of having contact with the outside world; therefore, the older generation by and large speaks Italian to some extent. Younger people, and anyone who works in hospitality, has a fairly good understanding of English.
72. But what Albanians may lack in language skills, they’ll make up for in doggedness, body language, and effort. It’s not like an Albanian to shrug their shoulders and ignore you – they will do their damnedest to either answer your question through dramatic gesturing, dragging you down the street to finding someone who can help you, calling a friend on their phone and having you speak to them, or walking you right to your destination.
73. In short, Albanians are resilient and resourceful. They survived the most oppressive communist regime in history, saw the other end, and are now welcoming to outsiders from around the world. It’s astounding to me, a one-time New Yorker who hasn’t suffered anything more than the indignity of being trapped on a sweaty train car with five breakdancing teenage boys shouting “Showtime,” how people who have dealt with so much can be so welcoming, but they are.
74. Albania is changing… fast. With foreign investments coming in and the slow march of tourism coming down from the Croatian coast through Montenegro, it won’t be long until Albania changes. When cruise ships start regularly stopping at Albania… I must admit, I’ll be a little worried about what’ll happen to the precious beaches of Himara and Dhermi.
75. Albania is never boring. No matter where you go in the country, I can guarantee you, you’ll have never seen any place quite like it.
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Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer, and creator of 
