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.
Overshadowed by political tensions and civil conflicts, Central America hides some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The very first time I visited Central America was while traveling by land from Texas to Panama back in 2018. I spent almost 3 months covering thousands of kilometers and basically rushing from hotspot to hotspot.
In the search for the most beautiful cascades in the world, the Pulhapanzak waterfalls in Honduras might come quite close to the top spot With a water drop of 43 meters and surrounded by an outstanding natural scenery in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, the Pulhapanzak waterfalls in Honduras are considered
Maximón is not like any other deity around the world. He is a saint who likes to drink rum and smoke cigars. Also, he is reincarnated in a wooden puppet. Hidden somewhere among the colorful alleys of Santiago Atitlan, a small town situated on Lake Atitlan southwest Guatemala, there is a modest family house hosting
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:
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
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.
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Located only a few hours away from Berlin, here is all you need to know for planning a trip to Spreewald in Germany 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
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,
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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,
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
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
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
Do you have a long layover at an airport? Wait. You might be eligible for a stopover paid by carrier 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 airport. It’s frustrating and it makes anyone reconsider
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
