Juan Martinez is a Colombian who left his home country in 2009 at the age of 17 years old. Since then, he has been living in places like Germany, India and Singapore; something that inspired him to travel as many countries as possible with the idea of budget traveling and promoting Colombia as an amazing travel destination.

Colombia’s hippo dilemma – a global issue with no clear solution

Colombia hippos dilemma – a global issue with no clear solution
Colombia is the only country in South America where wild hippos roam freely – something unnatural despite its large biodiversity. Whether it’s good or bad depends on who you ask. When drug kingpin and mass murderer Pablo Escobar died in 1993, not many people thought about the environmental footprint his extravagances would generate decades later:
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Quebrada Las Gachas – Colombia’s bizarre natural pools are under threat

Las Gachas Colombia Santander - colorful pools
Often compared to the colorful Cano Cristales river, Las Gachas stream is a hidden gem in Colombia that is in danger due to increasing tourism. Located behind the bushes a reddish stone riverbed dotted with more than 250 natural wells from all sizes attracts thousands of visitors each month. It is one of the most
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Rappelling Colombia’s secret waterfalls

rappeling waterfalls Colombia Melgar
Hidden deep into the dense tropical forest of Melgar – Colombia, I found more than a dozen waterfalls completely unexplored. “How many waterfalls are there in total?”, that was the first question I asked a local guide while securing the anchors before rappelling a single drop 80 meter tall waterfall in my home country, Colombia.
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In search for Ethiopia’s atypical rock-hewn churches

Lalibela St George rock church Ethiopia
From the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela to the chapels in the Tigray region, visiting a church in Ethiopia is a travel experience you should not skip. Ethiopians relationship with God is visible everywhere you go while visiting Ethiopia. No matter if you are going for business in Addis or to an adventure expedition in Danakil,
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Marveling Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky

Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky
Abuna Yemata Guh is not like any other church in the world. This rock-hewn sanctuary stands 250 meters above ground and in order to reach it, you are required to climb up and face death. “There is no other place in the world where you can get closer to God”, these are the words most
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Somaliland unveiled – Inside Africa’s most complex country

Inside Somaliland - country in Horn of Africa - Girl from Somaliland
Completely unknown by some and unrecognized by the rest, Somaliland is the country that is not a country. It’s in a limbo of existence where visitors are welcomed with camel milk, qat and a smile. “If you travel there independently, there is a big chance you will never come back”. Those were the words I
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How to cross the border between Djibouti and Somaliland by land

cars at the somaliland border - crossing Djibouti Somaliland border
I crossed one of the most remote land borders in the world, the Djibouti – Somaliland border. It was easy and fast, but way less comfortable than I though. “It’s Somaliland, not Somalia!” This was the most common misconception I had to explain while I was talking about my journey around the Horn of Africa
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A travel guide for Djibouti City – East Africa’s melting pot

A travel guide to Djibouti City - European Quarter architecture
Undervalued, charming and enchanting, Djibouti City is a journey through Arab, East African and European influences. My drive from Djibouti’s international airport to the capital’s city center was calm and straightforward. No masses of people walking on the road, hundreds of cars beeping for no reason, or standstill traffic jams. Way differently – it was
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Lac Abbé & Lac Assal – Djibouti’s alien landscapes

sulphur lake Lac Abbe Djibouti
Desertic and inhospitable, but simultaneously bizarre and flabbergasting, Lac Abbé and Lac Assal in Djibouti are some of the world’s strangest landscapes. I will never forget the first time I glimpsed Lac Abbé’s surreal landscape at the horizon. The scenery looked so dystopian and desolated, that for a moment I thought I landed on planet
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The Liechtenstein Trail: Hiking across the world’s sixth-smallest nation

Liechtenstein Trail View of Vaduz
Crossing the whole country and connecting all of Liechtenstein’s municipalities, the Liechtenstein Trail is a hike through a nation’s heritage Receiving only an average of 80,000 visitors each year, the tiny country of Liechtenstein is the least visited country in Europe. But don’t be concerned about its minimal influx of tourists or its small size
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Liechtenstein – Getting lost in the micro-country of the Alps

Hiking Routes in Liechtenstein
Either hiking across the full country in just 3 days or exploring any of its 400km of trails, visiting Liechtenstein means experiencing the less known side of the Alps “Liechtenstein? What are you doing there for so long”. That was the usual reaction I was getting from my friends at home each time I mentioned
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Outdoor activities to do in the Dolomites

Outdoor activities to do in the Dolomites
Cycling, hiking and rock climbing in Summer, while skiing and alpine mountaineering in Winter. The Italian Dolomites are a paradise for outdoor explorers It’s obvious I’m in love with the region of the Dolomites. They are not only in my opinion the most beautiful mountain landscape in Europe, but also one of the most diverse
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Dolomites‘ most adventurous hike – The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking

Dolomites‘ most adventurous hike - The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking
Covering some of the best spots in the Dolomites, the Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking is the ultimate hiking trek for adventure seekers in Europe There is nothing more fascinating that waking up after the sun comes out and realize you just slept in a mountain hut above the clouds. This is how days start, when
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Hiking the most epic route in the Dolomites – the Alta Via 1

Alta Via 1 - Hiking Passo Giau - Dolomites
Named as one of the most extraordinary hikes in the world, the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is an adventure any hiking lover should experience at least once in a lifetime. After emerging from an extinct tropical sea around 70 million years ago, the sharp limestone peaks of the Dolomites are some of the
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How to plan a road trip in the Alps

Road Trip maps in the Alps
A road trip in the Alps is a once in lifetime experience and as any other multi-country road trip, the more you prepare for it, the better is it. When it comes to planning a road trip across the Alps, I was kind of disappointed with the information I found online. Most articles (from bloggers
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Road trip in the Alps: Driving through the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Grossglockner High Alpine Road
If you are planning a road trip in the Alps, the highest mountain pass road of Austria should be a must. This is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Surrounded by a stunning scenery of colorful flower meadows, snowy peaks, glaciers and serpentine roads at 2400 meters, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road makes you feel part
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Visiting an ice cave in Austria: Eisriesenwelt or Dachstein?

Visiting Eisriesenwelt and Dachstein - Ice cave austria
I visited the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave and Dachstein Ice Cave in Austria and explored a world of ice and frost When I think about Summer in the Alps, I can’t imagine visiting an ice cave in Austria. Hot and long Summer days are usually for me associated with outdoors activities and swims at the late,
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Types of Signs at the Hiking Routes of the Alps

Types of Signs at the hiking routes in the Alps
Do you know the different trail signs at the Alps? I recap all the signs and symbols for each country in the Alps and made a guide about it.   Stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers across eight Alpine countries (France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia), the Alps is one of the most impressive
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Places to visit around Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Tour Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
Although Salar de Uyuni is Bolivia’s largest attraction, travelers visiting only the salt flats are missing some of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth Multicolored lagoons, bubbling sulfur pools at almost 5000 meters and a salt flat as vast as the eye can see. I did a tour to Salar de Uyuni in 2019 for
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Chasing Tacos in Texas – Which are the best?

Following the Taco Route in Texas
If you have to eat only tacos for the rest of your life, Texas is the place to live. I went on a “Taco-journey”and found out why tacos are considered a cult. “You can’t pray if you haven’t heard from God yet”. That’s what my friend Steve from California said while we were tasting the
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Exploring Big Bend National Park in Texas

Hiking routes at Big Bend National Park -Road trip Texas
Remote, desertic, hot and adventurous. The Big Bend National Park is a jewel in Texas and the perfect place to disconnect from modern life Known as one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, the Big Bend National Park is too far to simply drive by, too isolated to live nearby and
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Discovering hiking routes outside Tokyo: Mt. Takao and Mitake

Hiking Mt. Takao and Mitake
Green and wild instead of grey and futuristic, Mt.Takao and Mt. Mitake are the best hiking routes near Tokyo and a great alternative to try something new. Hectic, chaotic and sometimes extremely crowded, Tokyo can be a little bit overwhelming for a first time visitor. But don’t worry, the scenic hiking routes at Mt. Takao
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A guide for exploring the Pyramids in Cairo

Guide for the pyramids in Giza
Either on an independent visit or with a private guide, that first sight of the Pyramids in Cairo will take your breath away No matter if this is one of these places you simply want to cross off your bucket list or a destination you always dreamt about to explore, the Pyramids in Egypt are
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Visiting the Black and White Desert in Egypt

Mushroom Sunset White Desert Egypt
The Black and White Desert in Egypt are two of the most beautiful hidden gems in the country. The best of it: They are located just several hours away from Cairo While most visitors traveling to Egypt have a long list of places to visit: The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Red Sea, the city
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Christoffel National Park – Discovering Curaçao’s wildest side

NationalParkChristoffel-Boka Grandi
Who could imagine that tucked away in the middle of this island paradise are some of the most beautiful hiking routes of the Caribbean? This is Curaçao’s Christoffel National Park. When I think Curaçao, the first images in my mind are perfect white sandy beaches, tropical cocktails in front of the ocean and a radiant
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The hiking routes of San Marino

sunrise mount tirano -hiking-san-marino
Although it is one of the smallest countries on earth, San Marino has some scenic hiking routes to get lost and explore Even thought the tiny country of San Marino (61 km²) is not even 1/10 of the size of Berlin (891 km²) and most travelers come by just for a daytrip, this country is
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Day Trip in San Marino – The micro-country in the heart of Italy

Mount Tirana daytrip San Marino
I went on a day trip to San Marino. Here I found out what makes it a gem in the middle of the mountains and the perfect getaway With just over 60 square kilometers and a population of the size of an Italian village (33.000 people), the micro-country of San Marino is seen by many
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Exploring Spreewald – The Venice of Germany

Spreewald Canals
Being the perfect getaway from Berlin, Spreewald offers an enchanting scenery, green dense forests and labyrinthic water canals. Either you are canoeing at one of the over 200 streams branching out from the Spree River during Summer or wandering through snow-covered villages and rivers during Winter, Spreewald is always a good choice if you want
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A Hiking Guide to Saxon Switzerland National Park

Hiking Guide to Saxon Switzerland National Park - Schrammsteine
I went on a road trip to Saxon Switzerland and did some hiking, camping and exploring. Where to go and what to do? This is what you are going to find out Either you get lost in the hundreds of labyrinthic gorges or marvel the vast valleys between the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Saxon Switzerland will
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Boofen, the wild way of cave camping in Saxon Switzerland

Wild camping Saxon Switzerland
Even though wild camping is prohibited in Germany, cave camping or boofen has an exception at the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Sleeping outdoors under a rock, waking up surrounded by towering sandstone columns and being in the heart of Germany’s most beautiful national park. It sounds like the daily morning of an extinct cro-magnon. Well,
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Road Trip to the Rakotzbrücke – Germany Devil’s Bridge

Road Trip to the Rakotzbrücke
Forming a perfect circle with its reflection, the Rakotzbrücke in Germany is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe. In the German state of Saxony, there is an arched bridge which was explicitly built to form a perfect circular shape when it is reflected in the waters of the lake beneath it. It
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Hiking Bohemian Switzerland – Czech Republic majestic national park

Bohemian Switzerland Hiking
Planning to hike in Bohemian Switzerland? This is all you need to know to make the most of it Located only a couple of hours from Prague and known as one of the most enchanting national parks in Europe, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in Czech Republic is the perfect hiking experience for those looking
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Europe’s most beautiful mountain landscapes

Most beautiful landscapes of Europe
From the breathtaking views of the Lofoten Archipelago to the vast panoramas of the Swiss Alps, these are some of Europe’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. Many see Europe as the continent where people go from city to city using an interrail pass. Well, Europe is more than that. Let’s not forget that this continent has
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Meet the man who solo kayaked the Atlantic Ocean – three times

Aleksander Doba solo kayaked the ocean
At the age of 70, Aleksander Doba became a legend with the kayak. He crossed the ocean three different times in one of these and spent several months completely alone  With a long grey beard, a big smile on the face and the looks of a pensioner on holiday, Aleksander Doba didn’t look like the
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A city without crowds – Berlin’s empty streets during the coronavirus outbreak

Berlin during the coronavirus
I went for a walk around Berlin empty city center and saw first-hand how deserted the German capital became The spring is coming, but Berlin is empty. For many, this is the time of the year to take out their BBQs, invite some friends and enjoy the nice weather. However, this year is completely different.
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How the coronavirus can shape the future of tourism

How the coronavirus can shape the future of tourism
With tourism completely shut down and millions of jobs at risk, the coronavirus will change the way we travel It is very difficult to know when tourism will go back to normal. According to The Guardian, approximately 20% of the world is living right now in lockdown conditions and it seems like each day it
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Dumb, wild and free – The setbacks of a millennial jet-setter during a pandemic

Dumb, wild and free – The setbacks of a millennial jet-setter during a pandemic
I can’t understand what the whole issue with the coronavirus is. I’m just a twenty-something wild soul, with a strong European passport and a desire for an easy life. Some months ago, I decided to embark on a journey around the world with only my wanderlust, a very limited budget and the full financial support
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Planning a winter road trip in Swedish Lapland

Road trip in Swedish Lapland
Renting a car, driving on snow and booking outdoor daytrips. Here is all you need to know before planning a winter road trip in Swedish Lapland During my last visit to Scandinavia I planned a winter road trip around the region of Swedish Lapland. Here, at the edge of the Arctic Circle, temperatures are low,
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Worst YELP reviews for U.S. National Parks (and a twist)

Worst YELP reviews for U.S. National Parks
Graphic illustrator Amber Share made travel posters for U.S. National Parks based on their worst YELP reviews When American graphic illustrator Amber Share found out that every single one of the 62 national parks in the United States have at least 1-star review on Yelp, she decided to illustrate these reviews and at the same
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The indigenous group where the reindeer is sacred

reindeer herding by sami at Swedish Lapland
While visiting Swedish Lapland I had the chance to spend some time with the Sami people: Sweden’s largest indigenous group and the masters of reindeer herding The temperature outside was -15°C and I was in the heart of Swedish Lapland.  Ann-Christin Blind, a Sami living in the area, was guiding me through the snow-covered forest
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Outdoor in the Artic – Making the most of Swedish Lapland during Winter

Ice breaker tour in Pitea
Traveling to Swedish Lapland during winter is a full adventure itself. From snowmobiling to taking a dip in the freezing waters of the artic – this is the place to get an unforgettable winter experience. Temperatures were so cold that I could barely feel my fingers. At the same time, the landscape surrounding us was
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How to plan a day trip using a Stopover Paid by Carrier (STPC)

STPC Stopover paid by carrier
Free hotel and sometimes even free tours in a city. This is how you make the most of a day trip using a Stopover Paid by Carrier (STPC) We all know the situation: booking a flight to the other side of the world and the only tickets available are those with long transfers at the
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Okavango Delta – Botswana’s most extraordinary natural wonder

Visit Okavango Delta in Botswana
Known as the biggest oasis on planet earth, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most delightful safari experiences in the world. Simple nights can turn into unbelievable experiences in the heart of Okavango Delta. It was 11 pm and I was already in bed. Like most of the guests staying at a
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Meeting the San Bushmen in Botswana and the ethics of doing ethnic tourism

San Bushmen Botswana
While staying with the San tribe in Botswana, I learned more about their culture and traditions – I also understood the good and bad of visiting indigenous tribes. The sun was setting down at the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana and members of an indigenous tribe arrived in our lodge in the middle of the savanna.
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Exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana – A different type of safari

meerkats at Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans are desolate, vast, and for us, almost inhospitable. Still, wildlife survives, and it can be observed like in any other place on earth. When I though about visiting the largest salt flat area in the world, I never thought I would be able to see thousands of zebras, wildebeest and even elephants.
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Road trip in Curaçao – Discovering a different side of the ABC islands

Road trip in Curacao - Tips renting a car in Curacao
Curaçao is way more than just day trip destination and renting a car is definitely the best way to explore its natural beauty. Located to the north of Venezuela, the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) are a popular stop for cruise lines in the Caribbean. I decided to explore one of the islands just
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Exploring a world of ice and snow at Harbin Ice Festival in China

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China
I traveled to the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China five years ago and from what I have heard, the sculptures are just getting bigger and better. The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in northern China is one of the biggest snow festivals in the world. It takes place in
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A year in photographs – 15 landscapes in 15 countries

15 landscapes in 15 countries Juan Martinez Photography - Travelers Buddy
From African savannas to futuristic cities. These are some of my best landscape photographs out of the 27 different countries I traveled to in 2019 2019 has gone so fast and after being on the road for an average of 20 days a month and having visited 27 countries in 5 different continents, I collected
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Palau’s Jellyfish Lake travel guide

Jellyfish Lake in Palau
Swimming with jellyfish is on many people’s bucket list. In this guide I tell you how to get to the Jellyfish Lake in Palau, how much it cost and some extra useful information about it. Probably the single most fascinating spot I went in 2019 was by far the Jellyfish Lake in Palau. This natural
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Understanding Nova Scotia’s love for lobster (and 5 places to eat it)

Lobster in Nova Scotia - Travelers Buddy
Lobster rolls, lobster poutine or a classic lobster with butter. Nova Scotia’s love for this delicious crustacean is visible everywhere you go. When Nova Scotian Pam Wamback told me that I would be able to find lobster every day while traveling around Nova Scotia, she was not joking. Nova Scotia is not only known for
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Road trip in Nova Scotia: Driving along the South Shore

White Point Road trip in Nova Scotia
Mild days, nature getaways and clear skies. We drove along the South Shore of Nova Scotia and this is what we found: A road trip in Nova Scotia is the best way to discover a region full of natural wonders, delicious cuisine and rich history. We went along the famous Lighthouse Route at the South
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Climate change is transforming the future of wine

Climate change is transforming the future of wine
With temperatures rising in the past years, climate change has been affecting the wine industry with positive and negative effects. I visited Nova Scotia and found out more about it. With evidence going back to 7000 BC, wine production is probably one of the oldest traditions in human history. Today, winemakers are fluctuating drastically due
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Eating at Le Palais – Taiwan‘s only three-Michelin-star restaurant

cheapest 3 michelin star restaurant in the world
Located in the heart of Taipei, Taiwan’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant is an outstanding treat for any food lover – especially when a tasting set menu can cost less than 100 Euros. Disclaimer: This article was not sponsored in any form by Le Palais restaurant in Taipei and all information provided was done based on my
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Road trip in Jamaica – Tropical forests and untouched beaches are calling

Views of Cockpit Country in the heart of Jamaica
Discovering Jamaica on a road trip means getting off the beaten path and explore its natural beauty – reggae, rum and jerk chicken are also included. Although Jamaica seems to be a country where you can do a round trip in four to six days, in order to do it, you will have to basically
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Stargazing in Jamaica: It’s more than just seeing the stars

Stargazing in Jamaica - View of the milky way in Jamaica
This country is a delight in the evenings and if you are in the right spot, stargazing in Jamaica could be the highlight of your trip. First, let’s get this out of the way. Jamaica is not a stargazing destination and if you are expecting to see galaxies and nebulas with a telescope, there are
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Jamaica, with license to relax

Jamaica, with license to relax
Jamaica has mastered the art of relaxing, and for those open to try it, a more personal and unforgettable travel experience awaits. Lisa Jondeau smiled as I grumbled about my dinner taking more than one hour to come. We were at PushCart restaurant, a modern version of a classic Jamaican “Jerk Centre” located at the
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Why do Finns love sauna so much?

Why do Finns love sauna? Vasta - Finnish Sauna
No matter in which region of Finland I went to, Sauna was always first on the itinerary. Imagine being inside a wooden cabin in the middle of the forest and sitting completely naked with your eyes closed and a group of people. Suddenly, someone stands up, takes a ladle of water and throws it over
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Road trip in Saimaa – Exploring the Finnish Lakeland

The region of Saimaa, located in eastern Finland, is considered a paradise for nature lovers due to its remarkable culture and majestic scenery. My friends and I decided to go on a road trip and explore the beauty around Lake Saimaa with a car. Planning a road trip in Saimaa is not as difficult as
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Snorkeling and sea kayaking in Palau’s rock islands

Snorkeling and sea kayaking in Palau’s rock islands
Although Palau is known worldwide for its diving spots and the jellyfish lake, there is way more to see if you try activities like kayaking or snorkeling at the rock islands in Palau. When we talk about Palau as an adventure and outdoor destination, most travelers think right away on diving at the Rock Islands
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The green pledge you have to sign in your passport upon arrival

The green pledge you have to sign in your passport upon arrival - Palau Pledge
While in most countries you get an entry stamp or a visa in your passport upon arrival, Visitors of the island of Palau visitors have to sign a pledge compromising in protecting the environment. I was on my way to Palau and the famous Jellyfish Lake. Minutes before landing, the airline crew screened an inflight
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Taking a dip at the Jellyfish Lake in Palau

Swimming at the jellyfish lake in Palau
On the remote island of Palau, a harmless type of golden jellyfish inhabits a completely isolated marine lake. Here, visitors from all over the world come to swim with millions of these unique species in one of the world’s strangest and magical environments. I would have never imagined I could be swimming around jellyfish, but
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Eating my way through Philadelphia’s cuisine

Eating my way through the modern and traditional cuisine of Philadelphia Reading Market
Going to Philadelphia for food tours means opening up to a whole new world. Once you start with a delicious cheesesteak, you will realize this was just the tip of the iceberg. I had so many food tours in Philadelphia, I went on a diet once I returned to Germany. This city is not only
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How Philadelphia sets an example as the “Mural Capital of the World”

Theatre of Life mural by Meg Saligman, photo by Bryan Lathrop for PHLCVB (2)
While in most cities around the world street art is considered an act of vandalism,at the Mural Capital of the World, Philadelphia, is used to change lives. The street art in Philadelphia is simply more than painting walls. It was my first afternoon in Philadelphia, I just arrived from Germany and decided to go for
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Exploring the volcano route of Nicaragua

Following the volcano route of Nicaragua - Masaya volcano in Guatemala
With 19 volcanoes along the west coast, Nicaragua is the best places to explore these giants. I visited Mombacho, Cerro Negro and Masaya and this is what I found Hiking up a volcano is something I had in my bucket list for a while. Well, in Nicaragua I was able to summit two or three
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Hiking Pacaya – Guatemala’s most active volcano

Hiking up Pacaya – Guatemala´s most active volcano
I visited Guatemala and climbed up its most active volcano. Read more about hiking Pacaya and which tours can you take in your next visit Hiking Pacaya is interesting. The route is short and simple but a little bit steep. Nevertheless, the rewards for this two-hour ascent are spectacular, as travelers can get views of
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Six places in six countries for travel photography lovers

While the most untouched landscapes are still inaccessible for most of us, we found the best six places in six countries for photography lovers. With flight tickets getting every year cheaper and cheaper, some of the most beautiful destinations in the world are becoming accessible for all of us. We decided to find out which
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Visiting Yaxha, an alternative to the Mayan City of Tikal

Visiting Yaxhá, an architectural beauty of the Mayan empire
Not as popular and big as the ancient city of Tikal, Yaxha is the perfect extend for those who want to explore more the Mayan culture and get an easy access to it. Guatemala is known for having thousands of archeological Mayan ruins and while the lost city of Tikal is known as the capital
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Iguacu Falls – the mighty waterfalls that go beyond imagination

Iguacu Falls - the mighty waterfalls between Brazil and Argentina
Are you visiting Iguazu from the Brazil side or Argentina? We went to both and found out all about it With 275 different cataracts over a total width of 2,7 kilometers, the Iguacu Falls amazes the most experienced travelers – no surprise why this is one of the seven wonders of nature. I traveled first
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Exploring exotic landscapes in the Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert Moon Valley Sunset Views
From the famous moon valley to the hidden lagoons of Baltinache. These are the best way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Atacama The driest desert in the world is not only known for its aridity – here in the Atacama Desert, volcanos, geysers, salt flats and blue lagoons coexist in one of the strangest
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Torres del Paine highlights the natural beauty of Chile

View from Base Torres del Paine highlights the natural beauty of Chile
In the middle of the Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine has been for years the hotspot for adventure and hiking lovers. I decided to visit this region and find out why. Stretching over 1800 km², Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most magnificent places in the world. It’s located in Southern Chile
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Road trip in Puglia – Discovering Matera, Alberobello and way more

Road trip in Puglia: renting a car south Italy
Planning a road trip in Puglia? While Matera and Alberobello are the two key destinations to visit, I also found a couple more adventure getaways to enjoy Matera and Alberobello are probably the two most unique villages in southern Italy and despite day trips departing every day from Bari, I think a road trip around
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The Thai Park: Thailand’s most delicious contribution in Berlin

Dozens of women cooking under colorful umbrellas while sitting on little plastic chairs, the smell of garlic in the air and signs offering Thailand´s most delicious street food bites. This is not a market in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, this is the Thai Park, a public park in west Berlin. Berlin is known as one
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Finland is doubtfully the happiest country in the world and here is why

Finland is doubtfully the happiest country in the world – here is why
With high antidepressant drug consumption and suicide rates, is Finland really the happiest country in the world. I checked into detail and found out why Finland has been selected as the happiest country in the world for a second time in a row by the World Happiness Report. However, not even some of their own
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A visit to Cricova and Mileștii Mici, Moldova’s underground cities of wine

Moldova´s underground cities of wine. Cricova or Milestii Mici?
I visited Cricova and Mileștii Mici. These are the two largest wine cellars in the world and are located in the eastern European country of Moldova In Moldova, where 25% of the population is involved in wine production and 5% of the country are covered in vineyards, the most interesting contribution to the wine industry does
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Why Germans drink so much sparkling water

Why Germans drink so much sparkling water
In Germany two things happen when you order water in a restaurant: First, there is a big chance it’s carbonated and second, it’s not complementary. One of my biggest surprises when I moved to Germany back in 2009 was the Germans’ love for sparkling water. It´s true that consumption of carbonated water has been rising
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Eating in Athens: Is there anything feta than that?

Meze greek food in athens
In the cradle of Western civilization eating nonstop is simply part of daily life. It´s impossible to spend time in Athens and not be completely stuffed at least once. Greeks love to eat, and visitors can feel the local hospitality as soon as they enter a Taverna. No matter where you come from or how
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Camera settings: How I photograph the milky way when traveling

Starry Night How to photograph the milky way Ethiopia
Photographing the dark sky always sounded very complicated. Here I will explain you the camera settings I use, so can photograph the milky way too. For anyone starting with a camera, photographing the milky way sounds like the final test before graduation. Well, once you know the camera settings you need for photographing the milky
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Exploring West Side National Park – The Bahamas’ unspoilt secret

West Side National Park landscapes
Even in an age where there are flights from everywhere to anywhere, reaching the West Side National Park in Andros is an adventure in itself – the price for those who make it: seeing one of the most majestic places on earth. Although it´s one of the largest in the Caribbean, there is no easy
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Andros is the Bahamas´ big yard of biodiversity

Andros blue holes from the air
Commonly known as the “big yard”, the island of Andros is the largest and least explored island of the Bahamas. It is a paradise for adventurers who want more than just another holiday. The sound of the waves lapping the shore and a refreshing tropical breeze flowing through the open door of my beach front
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Road trip in Azerbaijan – Driving from Baku to the heart of the Caucasus  

Road Trip in Azerbaijan five finger mountain
Mud volcanoes, imposing mountains and out of this world scenery – a road trip in Azerbaijan is uncharted territory for most tourists, but an experience that brings you closer to nature. Azerbaijan is not the country most people would first point out for a road trip adventure. Driving in Baku can be a nightmare, finding
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Khinaliq: Visiting Azerbaijan’s most isolated village

Khinalug, Khinalugh, Khinaliq or in some guidebooks even Xinaliq. Nobody is sure how to spell it and, in every book, map or blog it is written completely differently. This is just the first sign of how remote and untouched this community in Azerbaijan´s Greater Caucasus is. They even have their own language, traditions and culture.
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A road trip in Oman is backpackers´ best kept secret

Oman Juan Martinez Road Trip in Oman mountains
Crossing deserts, cruising mountains and sleeping on a completely empty beach afterwards. I think a road trip in Oman can be considered a lifetime experience. Oman was not the first country that came to my mind when I thought where to go for the perfect road trip. It was not even the first country when
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Tips for renting a car in Oman

Oman is best traveled by car. This is how you can make the most of it and rent the right vehicle. Oman has become one my favourite countries for a road trip: Roads are in perfect shape, routes are extremely beautiful and getting off the beaten path is big part of the adventure. However, finding
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How Qatar’s cultural diversity revives your senses

Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar
Known as the small country for a stopover, Qatar is more than that. These are my tips on how to travel to Qatar and discover its cultural and natural beauty Qatar is growing at an incredibly fast pace. Every day new skyscrapers are rising up and whole cities get transformed every month. It´s difficult to
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Mondrian Doha: Qatar’s most surreal masterpiece

Swimming pool mondrian doha
I visited the Mondrian Hotel in Doha to find out that this hotel definitely takes you out of routine. This is probably the most surreal hotel in the world If you have ever wondered what it feels like to be part of Alice’s Wonderland, the Mondrian Hotel in Doha which gives you the whole experience.
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Malta’s Autumn seems like the rest of Europe’s Summer

Nightlife Malta in Autumm
There is a place in Europe in which is Summer almost all year long The tiny island of Malta is a country which brings me incredible memories. I first visited the country in Summer 2016 and I was simply amazed by the rich history, charming cities and dazzling landscapes it has to offer. Not counting
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How to make the best of a day trip to Monaco

day trip to Monaco
“If you want to eat like a local, the Condamine market should be your first, second and third choice” Oh Monaco, country of the rich and famous! A city impossible to imagine without the glamour of luxury cars, elegant tuxedos and a glass of Martini. Well, I´m just picturing any 007 movie, but you get
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Finland: How Kuopio is transforming itself into a food capital

How Kuopio is transforming itself into a food capital
I´ve never visited any other place where food is treated as it is in Finland. It is a destination in which local ingredients and elements of nature are part of a single dish. Sauces made from berries will be accompanied by drinks made from their leaves; It seems like Finnish cuisine makes the most of
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Exploring Vítkovice: the industrial area of Ostrava

Ostrava Vikovice industrial area
I visited the industrial area of Vítkovice in the Czech city of Ostrava. Here I found out the cultural importance of places like these During my last visit to the Czech Republic, I went to the industrial area of Vítkovice. I never thought this trip would turned into a time travel back to the period
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Ethiopia: Wandering around colorful landscapes at the hottest place on earth

Danakil Ethiopia hottest place on earth
With some of the most impressive landscapes I have seen in my life, the Danakil depression in Ethiopia is one of these destinations, which adventure lovers have to visit at least once in a lifetime. From colorless landscapes at the Karum salt lake to the most colorful landscape on earth at Dallol, last month I
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Which are longest and most iconic train journeys in the world

longest and most iconic train rides in the world
From the Trans-siberian to the Canadian, these are known for being the longest and most iconic train journeys in the world Taking a train has always a special charm. It sounds classic, adventurous and somehow its never boring. How about long and iconic train rides, Would do dare to take one day the Trans-siberian Express
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Camping in Wadi Rum – Visiting Jordan’s most iconic desert

Visiting and camping in Wadi rum
Are you thinking what to do in Wadi Rum during your next trip to Jordan?. Camping in Wadi Rum is inexpensive, easy and breathtaking. Gigantic rocks surrounding the red sand and two camels walking in the middle of the desert. Images like these are very common in Wadi Rum, one of the most beautiful places
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Packing for a train journey across Europe

How to pack for a train trip around Europe
Feel comfortable, stay fresh and don’t have too much heavy luggage. Here’s how to pack for a train trip across Europe. Packing for a train trip around Europe doesn’t have to be a nightmare. While most people spend hours and hours choosing what to take and what to leave, I simply find it a waste
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I could enter Petra without paying entrance fee

Petra without entrance fee
We didn’t walk those four hours up to the Monastery and could enter Petra without paying entrance fee. Curiously, some locals were the ones taking us there. This was Petra’s back entrance When I read in an article the entrance fee in Petra is more expensive than Disneyworld, I wasn´t surprised at all. I mean,
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I do interrail alone in Europe – and I love it

Interrailing solo is a very popular activity all over Europe
Interrailing alone in Europe might sound scary and intimidating. Well, I think it’s rather a great chance to get to know you better and explore in a different way Traveling Europe by train is one of the most beautiful, scenic and cultural journeys you can do. Whether you are looking for direct trains between major European
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Road trip in Jordan – Driving around canyons, deserts and the Dead Sea

Road trip in Petra and renting a car in Jordan
There is an inexplicable charm to driving around a country and my road trip in Jordan was no exception. I had always wanted to do a road trip in a middle eastern country and a road trip in Jordan was the perfect opportunity to make that dream come true. I find it fascinating to drive
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Interrail tips – We interrailed Europe on a budget and you can do it too

Interrail tips in Europe
Traveling around Europe sounds expensive. Well, with interrail and good planning it doesn’t have to be Interrailing is probably one of the coolest things you can do while young. The freedom of hop in and off in trains while discovering one of the most beautiful regions in the world is an experience I can recommend
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Road trip in Andorra – From snowy peaks and long treks to the Orgues d´IIle-Sur-Tet

Les Orgues d´Ille-Sur-Tet and Cap de Creus in Roadtrip in Andorra Catalonia and southern France,
It has been less than four hours driving and we already passed snowy mountains, Mediterranean beaches and fairy tale towns. A road trip around Andorra might surprise you more than you might think. It´s 9 in the morning and we are ready to depart from Barcelona on a road trip to Andorra and back through
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Cap de Creus Natural Park – A paradise in Catalonia

Aerial view of Sunrise at Cap de Creus Natural Park
In a region of rich expats and luxury homes who would have imagined that one can find such a beautiful natural treasure. We visited Cap de Creus Natural Park and it was worth it. Located only 1 hour away from Girona, the small town Rosas at the coast of Catalonia, is practically invaded by German,
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Cyprus in Winter – Discovering a different side of the easternmost European country

Tochni village during a winter evening in Cyprus
Cyprus in winter is not like most European countries and with temperatures around 20 degrees, activities like trekking and cycling are just perfect for the adventurous traveler. It´s 7 am in Tochni, a small village located between Limassol and Larnaca. The sun shines and the sky is completely blue, the temperature is warm and comfortable.
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