Traveler Stories — travel, impressions and photos

Alfred Donny Guide

Vietnam · October 16, 2026

Ha Long Bay - A Maze of Thousands of Islands

When I first saw photographs of Ha Long Bay, I thought they looked like scenes from a fantasy film. Hundreds and thousands of limestone islands rise straight from the water, forming a remarkable natural maze. Yet this is a real place in northeastern Vietnam, where the sea, cliffs and mist create a distinctive atmosphere. Cliffs Millions of Years in the Making Ha Long Bay is known for its tall karst islands, steep slopes and tropical vegetation. Their unusual shapes developed through long periods of erosion caused by water, wind and other natural forces. Small beaches, caves and quiet lagoons lie between the cliffs, and many can be reached by boat or kayak. The bay's name is commonly translated as “where the dragon descends into the sea.” According to local legend, a dragon helped protect the land by creating stone barriers against invaders. Today, the island silhouettes seem to give this old story a dramatic setting. A Journey Between the Islands One of the best ways to explore the bay is on a cruise aboard a traditional-style boat or a tourist vessel. Routes wind between limestone formations, past fishing communities and into sheltered coves. Depending on the itinerary, visitors may explore caves, swim in permitted areas or use a kayak to navigate narrow passages. Early morning is particularly atmospheric, when light mist sometimes settles around the island peaks. The landscape feels quiet and mysterious, while the water reflects the soft colours of the sky. When to Visit Plan around the rainy season, possible fog and changing weather in the Gulf of Tonkin. Visibility can be limited during cooler months, while summer may bring heavy rain and storms. Check the forecast and sailing conditions before booking a cruise. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is worth visiting not only for its scenery, but also for the experience of travelling among immense limestone formations shaped by nature over thousands of years.

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Alfred Donny Guide

Great Britain · October 16, 2026

A Rainy Day in Scotland: What to Do If the Weather Lets You Down

The weather in Scotland changes quickly, and rain is a common thing here. There is no need to be upset: Edinburgh and other cities have plenty to do indoors. Museums and Castles National Museum of Scotland - a large collection on history and science Edinburgh Castle - some halls and exhibitions are indoors Small museums on the Royal Mile in historic buildings Whisky and Pubs A tour of a distillery or a whisky center with a tasting Old pubs with Scottish food, for example haggis Live music in pubs in the evenings, which is often on offer there Cafes and Bookshops Cozy cafes with tea and pastries Second-hand bookshops and souvenir shops on Victoria Street Important: opening hours, tickets and schedules change. Check them on official websites before the trip and book popular places in advance. If the Rain Drags On Go to a neighboring city, such as Glasgow, which has many museums Have a day without tours and simply rest Watch the forecast and swap days in your plan What to Wear A waterproof jacket Clothes you can wear in layers Shoes that do not get soaked Bottom Line Rain in Scotland is not a reason to cancel plans but a chance to see the country from another side. Keep a backup option, and the trip will not fall apart.

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Okudava Discoverer

Mexico · October 16, 2026

Is the Yucatán Worth Visiting: Yes, If...

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula combines ancient Maya cities, natural wells and the Caribbean coast. Let us see who it suits and who should think twice. It is worth going if you want to see Maya ruins swim in a cenote combine tours with a rest by the sea try Mexican cuisine Think twice if you find heat and humidity hard to bear you are going in the rainy season or hurricane season you do not like long transfers between spots Chichén Itzá One of the best-known Maya cities, whose main symbol is the El Castillo pyramid. It is better to arrive early, before it gets hot. Cenotes Cenotes are natural limestone sinkholes with clear water where you can swim. There are many on the peninsula, and they differ greatly from one another. Tulum The Maya ruins stand on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the most picturesque places on the coast. Valladolid A small colonial town with colorful houses, convenient as a stop between Chichén Itzá and the coast. Important: weather, entry rules and visiting conditions change. Before the trip, check the forecast and current requirements on official websites. Useful Tips Bring sunscreen and a hat Allow time for transfers between spots Some cenotes ask visitors to use special creams, so check in advance Bottom Line The Yucatán suits those who love history, nature and a warm sea. Choose the season, plan the route and leave time to rest.

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Alfred Donny Guide

Cambodia · October 15, 2026

Angkor: A Short History and What to See

Angkor is a huge archaeological complex in Cambodia, left over from the capital of the Khmer Empire. We tell how it appeared and what is worth seeing. A Short History 9th century: Angkor becomes the center of the Khmer Empire 12th century: Angkor Wat, originally a Hindu temple, is built under Suryavarman II Late 12th - early 13th century: Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple are built under Jayavarman VII Late Middle Ages: the capital gradually moves away, and some buildings remain among the jungle 20th century: large-scale study and restoration work begins 1992: the complex is added to the UNESCO World Heritage list What to See Angkor Wat: the best-known temple of the complex, especially popular at sunrise Bayon: a temple with stone faces on its towers in Angkor Thom Ta Prohm: a temple wrapped in the roots of huge trees Important: tickets, opening hours and visiting rules change. Before the trip, check current information on official websites. How to Visit The city of Siem Reap usually serves as the base for the trip Clothing should cover the shoulders and knees Morning and evening are better for walks, as it can be hot during the day Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes Bottom Line Angkor is best seen unhurriedly, spreading the visit over several days. Choose the main temples, leave time to rest, and the impressions will be brighter.

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richword Expert

Spain · October 15, 2026

Spain for Different Travelers: Where to Go by Interest

Spain is very diverse: on one trip you can meet Gaudí's architecture, Basque cuisine and Mediterranean coves. Here are four options depending on what interests you more. Love architecture: Barcelona The city is known for the works of Antoni Gaudí, the most famous of which is the Sagrada Família basilica, still under construction. What to see: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló Tip: it is better to book popular places in advance Love food: San Sebastián A seaside city in the north of the country, known for Basque cuisine and pintxos bars, with small bites served on skewers or bread. What to see: the old town with its pintxos bars and the seafront Tip: visit several bars and try a couple of bites in each Want the sea: Mallorca An island in the Mediterranean with sandy beaches and rocky coves. What to see: coves along the coast and the old town of Palma Tip: in high season popular beaches can be crowded, so arrive earlier Interested in history: Granada A city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to the Alhambra palace complex from the era of the Moors. What to see: the Alhambra palaces and the Albaicín quarter Tip: it is better to book Alhambra tickets in advance Important: schedules, tickets and visiting rules change. Before the trip, check current information on official websites. How to Build a Route Pick one or two interests per trip Allow time for the road between cities Combine nearby cities so you do not spend days on transfers Do not try to cover the whole country at once Bottom Line Spain suits a wide variety of trips. Choose what is closer to you and leave time for unhurried walks.

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Alfred Donny Guide

Vietnam · October 15, 2026

Getting Around Vietnam: Train, Bus, Plane and Motorbikes

Vietnam stretches from north to south, so the distances between cities are large. The choice of transport depends on your time, budget and wish to look out of the window. Train The railway runs along the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It is an unhurried option for those who want to enjoy the views. Pros: it is convenient to travel overnight in a sleeper car and see the scenery Cons: the train is slower than a plane Tip: tickets for popular routes are better bought in advance Bus Buses connect almost all cities and often run at night with sleeper seats. This is the most flexible option in terms of routes. Pros: a wide choice of destinations and departure times Cons: mountain roads can be winding Tip: choose well-known carriers and check reviews Plane Domestic flights save time on long stretches, for example between the north and the south. Pros: fast and convenient over long distances Cons: airports can be far from the center Tip: check the airline's baggage rules in advance Taxis and motorbikes In cities, taxis, ride-hailing apps and motorbike taxis are popular. They suit short trips. Pros: convenient and quick within a city Cons: traffic can be dense, and crossing the road takes getting used to Tip: use an app or agree on the price in advance, and check the driving rules before renting a motorbike Important: schedules, prices and rules change. Before the trip, check current information with carriers and on official websites. How to Choose Short on time - a plane for long stretches Want to see the country - a train or a bus in parts In cities - a taxi or an app Do not plan too many transfers in a row Bottom Line Vietnam is easy to explore by combining transport. Allow time for the road and do not try to cover the whole country at once.

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richword Expert

Greece · October 15, 2026

Santorini or Crete: Which to Choose for a Trip to Greece

Greece is known for its islands, and the two most popular destinations are often compared with each other. Let us see how Santorini and Crete differ and who each one suits. Santorini A small volcanic island with white villages on the edge of a caldera. The best-known spot is the village of Oia, where many gather for the sunset. Pros: stunning views of the caldera and sunsets Pros: a compact island, easy to see in 2-4 days Pros: white houses and blue church domes Cons: many tourists in high season Cons: beaches with dark volcanic sand are not to everyone's taste Crete The largest Greek island, with mountains, beaches and ancient history. The Palace of Knossos is here, and old towns such as Chania are easy to explore on foot. Pros: varied landscapes and many beaches Pros: ancient history and museums Pros: mountain trails and gorges Cons: long distances, a car is often needed Cons: some hiking trails operate only in a certain season Important: ferry and flight schedules, entry rules and visiting conditions change. Before the trip, check them on official websites and with carriers. How to Choose Want beautiful views and a short break - choose Santorini Want beaches, history and hiking - choose Crete Going for 3-4 days - Santorini will do Going for a week or more - Crete is better Bottom Line Both islands are great, they are just about different things. Decide how much time you have and what kind of holiday you want, and the choice becomes easier.

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richword Expert

Indonesia · October 15, 2026

Bali: What to See in 3, 7 and 10 Days

Bali is small in size, but the roads can be busy, so it is better to build the route by areas. Below are three options depending on how much time you have. If You Have 3 Days Days 1-2: Ubud - rice terraces, the market and temples Day 3: the Uluwatu coast - cliffs and a sunset by the temple If You Have 7 Days Days 1-3: Ubud and its surroundings Days 4-5: Uluwatu and the beaches of the Bukit Peninsula Days 6-7: Seminyak or Canggu - beach and surfing If You Have 10 Days Days 1-3: Ubud Days 4-5: Nusa Penida island (by boat from Bali) Days 6-7: Uluwatu Days 8-10: Canggu - rest and surfing Important: entry conditions, fees and boat schedules change. Before the trip, check them on official websites and with carriers. Good to Know The weather depends on the season, so check the forecast in advance In temples you are usually asked to cover your shoulders and knees Leave a time margin on the roads Treat ceremonial offerings on the ground with respect and do not step on them Bottom Line Bali suits both a calm holiday and busy trips. Choose an area to match your pace and do not try to fit everything in at once.

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Jimmy Smith Photo Hunter

Czech · October 15, 2026

Prague in One Day: An Hour-by-Hour Plan

You can see Prague in one day if you pick the main things and move with a margin. Below is a rough plan: the times are approximate and can be shifted. Morning. Prague Castle and Lesser Town 9:00 - go up to Prague Castle and see St. Vitus Cathedral 10:30 - walk around the courtyards of the castle complex 11:30 - go down to Lesser Town and have a coffee in a quiet cafe Afternoon. Charles Bridge and Old Town Square 13:00 - lunch in the Lesser Town or Old Town area 14:00 - walk across Charles Bridge, taking a look at the statues 15:00 - Old Town Square and the Orloj astronomical clock 16:00 - optionally, climb the town hall tower for a view Evening. The Vltava and the Embankments 18:00 - a calm walk along the Vltava embankment 19:30 - dinner at a Czech pub or restaurant 21:00 - evening view of the bridges and the city lights Important: opening hours, tickets and sight schedules change. Check them on official websites before the trip. Tips Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are paved with stone and sometimes go uphill It is better to visit the Castle and the bridge in the morning, while there are fewer people Leave a time margin for cafes and rest Watch your belongings in tourist places Bottom Line In one day in Prague you can realistically see the main places, but it is better not to try to fit everything in. Pick a route, leave a time margin, and the city will be remembered as a calm walk.

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Jimmy Smith Photo Hunter

Egypt · October 15, 2026

Egypt's White Desert

I travelled deep into the Egyptian Sahara expecting endless sand and dunes. But the White Desert was nothing like the desert I had imagined. Huge white chalk formations rise from the pale sand, resembling mushrooms, towers and fantastical figures. It feels as though giant sculptures have been left in the middle of an empty plain. The White Desert lies in Egypt's Western Desert, near Farafra Oasis. It is one of the country's most unusual natural attractions, famous for its striking white formations shaped by wind and erosion. Stone figures sculpted by nature This unusual landscape formed from ancient marine deposits. Over thousands of years, wind carried sand across the surface, gradually wearing away softer rock and leaving behind strange shapes. The result is a collection of formations resembling broad-capped mushrooms, stone columns and abstract sculptures. Some formations stand alone, while others gather in clusters. Walking around them is especially rewarding because their outlines change with every viewpoint. One rock may resemble an animal from one side and a giant flower from another. Against the sand, the white shapes stand out dramatically. The landscape changes colour throughout the day. Under the midday sun, the rocks appear almost snow-white, while towards evening they take on cream and golden tones. Soft shadows reveal their contours and make an ordinary walk feel like a visit to a natural sculpture gallery. Sunset and a starry sky over the Sahara The White Desert is particularly impressive near sunset. The sun sinks towards the horizon, the sand takes on warmer colours and the pale rocks gradually turn pink and honey-gold. The surroundings become quiet, and the vastness of the landscape feels even more striking. Some travellers stay overnight at a desert camp. After dark, the rocks become silhouettes beneath a wide starry sky. When the weather is clear and dust levels are low, the distance from city lights makes it possible to see countless stars and the Milky Way. In the morning, the first rays of sunlight transform the shapes and colours once again. A visit to the White Desert is often combined with the Black Desert, where dark rocky hills replace the pale formations. The contrast between the two landscapes reveals the remarkable variety of Egypt's Sahara. Tips for travellers Excursions usually start from Bahariya Oasis, where local guides organise trips in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Allow a full day to explore the White Desert or choose an itinerary with an overnight stay. Before travelling, check the national park's current visiting rules and camping arrangements. Bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, sun protection and comfortable shoes. Protecting yourself from the sun is essential, and warm clothing is useful for an overnight stay because temperatures can drop noticeably after sunset. Avoid climbing fragile formations, leaving rubbish or taking stones as souvenirs. The White Desert is memorable for its unusual rock shapes, silence and sense of connection with nature. It reveals a different side of Egypt, far beyond pyramids, ancient temples and seaside resorts. Here, the Sahara itself becomes an open-air museum.

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Traveler Stories — page 4

Ha Long Bay - A Maze of Thousands of Islands

A Rainy Day in Scotland: What to Do If the Weather Lets You Down

Is the Yucatán Worth Visiting: Yes, If...

Angkor: A Short History and What to See

Spain for Different Travelers: Where to Go by Interest

Getting Around Vietnam: Train, Bus, Plane and Motorbikes

Santorini or Crete: Which to Choose for a Trip to Greece

Bali: What to See in 3, 7 and 10 Days

Prague in One Day: An Hour-by-Hour Plan

Egypt's White Desert