Independent Travel, Thoughtfully Planned
Let’s be honest, most visitors to Barcelona come specifically to see the city’s most famous attractions. And there is nothing wrong with that. Barcelona is home to so many famous buildings and cultural spots that coming here and not seeing them would be regrettable. But in addition to its amazing landmarks, Barcelona also has quite …
Barcelona Hidden Gems Most Tourists Walk Right PastRead More
A first-timer’s 7-day Sicily itinerary that loops the island clockwise from Palermo to Catania. This itinerary covers roughly 600 km of cities, ancient ruins, and coastline and is best driven in late spring or early fall. If you are planning a trip to southern Italy, this Sicily Itinerary is one you won’t want to overlook. …
One Week in Sicily – Itinerary for the Island’s Best SightsRead More
If you want mountain scenery that feels almost unreal but do not want to spend your vacation gasping up steep switchbacks, the Italian Dolomites are perfect. This list of hikes in the Dolomites can still give you towering limestone walls, emerald lakes, wide alpine meadows, and even those classic rifugios. The routes I chose are …
Best Hikes in the Dolomites: Iconic Day Hikes & ViewpointsRead More
If there is one trek in the Dolomites that truly lives up to the hype, it’s the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. You get those postcard‑perfect peaks from every angle, a World War I battlefield under your feet, rifugi where you can stop for a break, and enough loose gravel and steep sections to remind …
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: A Complete Guide to the Big Loop in the DolomitesRead More
Cinque Torri loop is one of the best hikes you can do in the Italian Dolomites if you like the outdoors. Located in the Italian Alps, Cinque Torri (Five Towers) is a rock formation near Cortina d’Ampezzo, famous for its distinctive five towers and rich WWI history.
Cinque Torri Hike: Complete Guide to the Loop Trail in the DolomitesRead More
If you are headed to Lake Garda for a visit, the most important decision you’ll have to make is choosing a good town to explore the area. Lake Garda is the largest and arguably most beautiful lake in Italy, but it’s precisely because of its size that it’s important to choose the right place to …
Where to Stay in Lake Garda: Best Towns & Hotels for First Time VisitorsRead More
Not many people have heard about the Republic of San Marino, but believe me, this tiny state of only 61 km2 (23.5 square miles) is truly worth visiting! It is definitely one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, which is all the more reason to visit it. San Marino may be small and often overlooked by tourists, …
Best Things to Do in San Marino, Europe’s Oldest RepublicRead More
I have to confess that I was a little skeptical about Santorini before deciding to spend 3 days there. Given the popularity of this island and the hype that surrounds it, I was sure we’ll be faced with crowds and overtourism that will kill the joy of visiting it. But I was wrong. The island’s …
Mykonos and Santorini are two of the most popular Greek islands; both are easy to visit, close to each other and well connected to Athens, which explains why most people visit them together. But if you can see only one and need to decide between Mykonos vs Santorini, you’ll most likely face a difficult decision.
Mykonos vs Santorini: How to Decide Which One to ChooseRead More
