4 reasons to visit Timişoara, Romania

visit Timisoara2021 Unirii Square architecture

Timişoara was European Capital of Culture in 2021 but it’s relatively undiscovered with plenty to offer visitors. Here’s why you should visit. Reason 1: Architecture in Timişoara is fabulous Its buildings may be less well recognised than those of its Romanian counterparts Sibiu, Sighişoara and Brasov; but Timişoara’s architecture is fabulous. Baroque and Austro-Hungarian influences are […]

Split or Dubrovnik? I know which one I’ll go back to …

Split or Dubrovnik?

I expected to love both these Croatian cities. But did I? Will it be Split or Dubrovnik that will have me scouring Skyscanner flights to return? Split or Dubrovnik? About Split I’m a big believer in “vibe” and Split immediately gave me a good one. The sea-front promenade of The Riva was full to the […]

Five reasons to visit Kotor, Montenegro

reasons to visit Kotor, Montenegro - the views

When an email from Lonely Planet arrived in my inbox announcing its “Best in Travel” destination lists for 2016, I eagerly started clicking. Countries. Cities. Regions. A few I’ve been to. Several which encouraged me to immediately check flight prices on Skyscanner. And there it was. The #1 city recommendation to visit: Kotor, Montenegro. A […]

Day trips from Split, Croatia: Krka National Park

waterfalls at Krka National Park, Croatia

Krka National Park, home of clear gushing waterfalls, makes a perfect day trip destination from the Dalmatian coastal city of Split, 80km south. Whilst Krka’s no stranger to tour groups; it’s also easy to plan your own day trip from Split, using public transport. What to expect in Krka National Park The main attraction of […]

Seven reasons I’m excited to be going back to the Balkans

Back to the Balkans - Zagreb, Croatia

From the time my train pulled into Zagreb station at 9pm on 29 September 2014, the Balkans had already made a good impression on me. And not just because I was ever-so-slightly drunk. My gut feel – despite my gut being full of sangria following an impromptu train party with three fellow passengers – was […]

How not to catch a bus from Albania to Greece

how not to get a bus from Albania to Greece

Getting the bus from Gjirokastra, Albania, to Kalambaka, Greece, the town nearest the dazzling rock formations of Meteora, was an adventure in itself. As we wound down around picturesque mountain bends from the town of Ioannina towards Kalambaka at the end of my long journey by bus from Albania to Greece, I held back my neighbour Kara’s […]

Art in Athens: images from past and present

street art in Athens

Famed for the Acropolis and with a history where culture is prized; a creative exuberance seeps from every pore of Athens’s being. From mafia-influenced graffiti, to the Islamic arts of the Ottoman era, art in Athens is apparent in every step you take. Street Art in Athens Street Art is encouraged in Athens. Murals are […]