Somewhere on a small beach near Vieste in southern Italy, I feel a soft sea breeze while immersed in my book. I immediately put it down and close my eyes. Despite the sunglasses, I can totally feel how strong the sun is. Engulfed in this delicious warmth, I read the last sentence of Paulo Cognetti’s The Eight Mountains. In southern Italy, I feel a soft sea breeze...
Reset and relax on this amazing island in the Wadden Sea Terschelling is one of the five inhabited Wadden Islands in Friesland, a province located to the north in the Netherlands. It is so far removed from light pollution that it has received official recognition as one of the only two ‘Dark Sky Parks’ in the country. Visiting this unique, stunning island is...
In many ways, we remain herd animals to this day, especially when it comes to travel. We often journey to the same places. Take the same photos. Do the same activities. And then leave quickly. Why, though? With this kind of attitude, it’s pertinent to wonder about the repercussions of mass tourism — is it bound to make the world unlivable? This is a question...
Enjoy sensational views, the perfect night sky, and other delights on an island in the Wadden Sea The last time I was able to see countless stars and the Milky Way was over a year ago. For this to happen, I had to make my way to the middle of the South American Andes. Why? Well, as we all know, spotting such a detailed starry sky in Belgium is a rarity. This country...
How to avoid mass tourism in Greece Imagine waking up in a small paradise up in the mountains. You saunter to your terrace, from where you can see the beautiful blue sea and an old Venetian castle. Then, Vanessa, the manager, comes along and greets you with a hearty ‘kalimèra!’ (good morning), a big smile, and delicious breakfast. And now you know for sure – you’re...
When the national parks in Canada thaw around June, you have about four months to enjoy them. The Banff, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks attract thousands of visitors with their wild flowers, azure lakes and glaciers. Are you interested in discovering Canada on your own? Then read on and make a note of these lesser-known tips. Canada is the perfect...
Why you should give this region a chance during the summer Everybody knows East Tyrol (or Osttirol) for its famous ski areas such as Sölden, Kitzbühel or Ischgl. But when all the snow has melted during the summer and the cows return to their green meadows, a new paradise awakens. In the region of Defereggen you can hike, bike, eat and relax to your heart’s content...
Think about it. Did you eat in a McDonalds during your last trip? Or maybe had a coffee at a Starbucks? Well, I’m currently at a Starbucks in Sofia as I type this, but hear me out. Just to be clear, this is not a hate campaign against Starbucks or McDonalds specifically. In fact, you can substitute the brand name of any chain you want in their place. What this...
Aruba, a sun-drenched island in the Caribbean, is a part of the well-known ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). It’s an amazing place to visit, full of adventure and sunshine… but it’s also quite far away. So how can we get there in a more sustainable manner? This is a question I receive all too often, so read on to find out. Swimming to the...
My most unique travel memories can often be linked to the homestays I have experienced. Whether it was in Laos or in Cuba, homestays gave my trip an authenticity I could not have gained otherwise. Since homestays are also a component of sustainable travel, this blog will take a deeper look into them. Hopefully, by the end, you will want to give this wonderful...