My Travel Year in Review – 2024 Wrapped

After travelling obsessively for over two years (no doubt as a shock response to the pandemic!), I went for a slightly different approach in 2024. This meant fewer ad hoc trips and a more intentional selection. I prioritised some of my favourite destinations over going somewhere just for the sake of being away every month, […]

Hotel room; bed in the foreground, desk with TV set in the background; big windows in both walls

Old City Inn Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan (Review)

You might have heard that the Old City isn’t the best place to stay in Baku. But I found it just right! Although much quieter than the Fountains Square area (the actual centre and heart of Baku), it still has lots to do. And the rates are significantly lower! Old City Inn Hotel is in […]

Baku, Azerbaijan – Useful Info and Travel Advice

I spent nice few days in Baku earlier this year, and I also want you to give this underrated place a try! This is a quick post with tips, heads-ups and recommendations. Baku Main Information Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a transcontinental country in the Caucasus. Until 1991, Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet […]

Man in green jacket and with a black backpack standing at a white marble balcony, looking at a bay and the city below

First Time in Baku, Azerbaijan. My New Favourite City?

On my way to work, I used to walk past the Azerbaijan Visa Centre in London. “That’s an obscure place to visit. I wonder if many people go there”, I remember thinking. I wasn’t even quite sure where it is… And little did I know that a few years later, one of those people will […]

Green mountains in Albania, with a curving road in the bottom right corner; 'Ohrid to Tirana by bus' written in yellow and red letters at the top

Getting from Ohrid to Tirana by Bus

Taking a bus in the Balkans is the most efficient and economical way of getting around. Whatever your itinerary, there’s likely to be a suitable connection available. But when I went online before my trip from Lake Ohrid in Macedonia to Albania’s capital city of Tirana, I found scarce information and contradictory timetables. My journey […]

Neo-Baroque building, with columns and a dome, and huge yellow letters spelling BELFAST in front of it

2 Days in Belfast: Titanic, Murals and More

I don’t usually celebrate birthdays, but this year, I wanted to treat myself to a solo weekend trip. Belfast seemed like a good option, it being not far from London and small enough to explore in a weekend. And it’s been on my UK travel bucket list for quite some time! This is what I […]

Church tower and modern buildings above a busy road with cars, set against grey sky at dusk with a moon

Underrated Bratislava: 12 Things to See

The Slovakian capital was never much of a tourist destination. Internationally, it’s mostly known for the caricatural portrayal in films like EuroTrip and Hostel. Visitors to the region usually reduce it to a day trip from Vienna, or give it a miss altogether. But that’s a mistake! This unassuming city has so much to offer that a […]

People talking at a table in a café, with many plants in the window

6 Cafés to Visit in Bratislava, Slovakia

I had no expectations before my first visit to the Slovakian capital. Not least that it has a really cool café scene! There were only so many I had the time to try during my 2‑day trip. So, for now, here are 6 cafés I recommend in the centre of Bratislava. Urban House This was […]

Bus station platforms numbered from 6 to 9 against blue sky with white clouds

From Prizren to Skopje by Bus – Tips and Advice

Travelling by bus in former Yugoslavian countries is the most efficient way of getting around. But it comes with its quirks and can be challenging for inexperienced travellers. When planning your itinerary, you might find that online resources in English are quite scarce. So, this is a quick post about my journey from Prizren, Kosovo […]

Nuremberg, Germany: Things to Do …and Not to Do

I took to travelling around Germany quite late (first time just over a year ago), but I’m catching up quickly. I can now add Nuremberg (Nürnberg) as the fourth city on my list! It was pretty much the way I expected, but I didn’t get to sample any traditional local food. As a hardcore vegetarian, I knew […]

Homstel Log Inn in Skopje, Macedonia (Review)

It was my first time visiting Skopje and I wasn’t too sure where to stay. Eventually went for this ho(s)tel because of the location, affordable rates, and its character. Location Log Inn is conveniently located within 15 minutes’ walk from both the bus and train station, and the Old Bazaar in the other direction. Macedonia […]

Review of Hotel The Moon in Brussels, Belgium

This 2‑star hotel is a good compromise if you’re budget-minded, but want to stay somewhere central in the pricey Belgian capital. The Location The location couldn’t be more convenient: a stone’s throw from both the Grand Place and the city’s central station, and a short stroll from the Brussels Park. You can choose from affordably […]