Traveler Stories — travel, impressions and photos

Alfred Donny Expert

Oman · October 29, 2026

Oman: Forts, Wadis and the Desert

Oman is often chosen for its calm atmosphere and varied nature. Here are three places that show its character. Forts and Old Fortresses Ancient forts of mud brick and stone are scattered across the country. Many are open to visitors, and from their walls you can see palm groves and mountains. Wadis: Canyons with Water Wadis are riverbeds among the rocks where you can find natural pools of turquoise water. After rain wadis can fill quickly, so it is worth checking the weather in advance. Desert and Dunes In the desert you find golden dunes and a silence broken only by the wind. Many choose to stay overnight in a camp to see the sunset and the starry sky. Trip Tips Dress modestly, especially in mosques and villages Do not enter wadis after rain and heed warnings Bring water and a hat, as the heat can be strong Do not photograph people without permission and respect local traditions Important: visa rules, tour conditions and dress requirements change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Oman opens up to those who travel without hurry. Respect traditions and nature, and the trip will be calm.

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Jimmy Smith Guide

Montenegro · October 29, 2026

Montenegro: The Bay of Kotor in One Day

The Bay of Kotor is considered one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic. Here are three stops that are easy to combine into one day. Kotor Old Town Kotor is surrounded by fortress walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside are narrow lanes, small squares and plenty of cats that feel like the owners of the place. The Serpentine Road to the Viewpoint A winding road climbs the mountain above the bay, and from the height you can see the bends of the gulf. It is better to drive carefully and stop only in safe places. Our Lady of the Rocks Island On a small island in the bay stands a church reached by boat. The place is linked to a local legend, and around it you can see gulls and quiet water. Trip Tips Wear comfortable shoes, as Kotor has a lot of stone and steps For climbing the walls and viewpoints, choose morning or evening, when the heat is weaker If you drive, remember the narrow roads and parking Bring water and a hat, as the sun is bright here Important: opening hours, ticket prices and entry rules change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line The Bay of Kotor is remembered for its views. Leave time for unhurried stops, and the day will be full.

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Alfred Donny Expert

Romania · October 29, 2026

Romania: Castles and Legends of Transylvania

Transylvania is famous for castles, medieval towns and legends. Here are three places where history and myth intertwine. Bran Castle Bran Castle on its rock is often called Dracula's castle, though the link to the literary character is more legend than fact. Inside you can explore the halls and learn more about the history of the local lands. Brasov: A Medieval Town Brasov is ringed by mountains, and its old square with coloured houses looks like a postcard. It is a handy base for trips to castles and the mountains. Mountain Roads and Villages Among the hills lie villages with churches and haystacks. You can see how locals live, but drive carefully on the narrow roads. Trip Tips A car or a tour is handy for castles and villages Dress for the weather, as the mountains are cooler than the city Do not take legends for historical fact, and ask the guides Check castle opening hours, as they depend on the season and day of the week Important: castle opening hours, ticket prices and entry rules change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Transylvania combines beautiful nature and interesting history. Do not chase myths, and it will open up more deeply.

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richword Ambassador

Denmark · October 29, 2026

Denmark: What Hygge Is and Where to Find It in Copenhagen

Hygge means cosiness and a warm atmosphere, and Danes see it as an important part of life. In Copenhagen you can find this mood in several places. Nyhavn: Coloured Houses by the Canal Nyhavn is known for bright houses along the canal. It is pleasant to sit in a cafe by the water and watch the old wooden boats. Cosy Cafes and Pastries Danish cafes often serve coffee with pastries, with candles burning inside. Many places are small, and that is exactly what creates a homely feel. Parks and Lakes In parks and around the city lakes people walk, jog and relax on the grass. You can often see ducks and swans nearby. Trip Tips Dress warmly and for the weather, as the wind can be biting Walking and cycling are handy for getting around the city Try local pastries in small cafes, not just in tourist spots Take care on bike lanes, as cyclists ride fast Important: cafe hours, entry rules and visiting conditions change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Hygge needs little: warmth, candles and unhurried time. Try to catch this mood in Copenhagen.

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richword Ambassador

Azerbaijan · October 29, 2026

Azerbaijan: Three Contrasts of Baku

Baku combines ancient walls, modern skyscrapers and a waterfront with a Caspian breeze. Here are three places that show these contrasts. Icheri Sheher: The Old Town Icheri Sheher is surrounded by fortress walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside are narrow lanes, mosques and the Maiden Tower, considered a symbol of the city. Flame Towers: Modern Baku The Flame Towers are visible from many parts of the city, and in the evening lighting plays across them. They are one of the capital's most recognisable modern landmarks. The Seaside Boulevard The boulevard runs along the Caspian Sea and suits long walks. Families stroll, cyclists ride, and the sea wind can be quite strong. Trip Tips Wear comfortable shoes for the old town, as lanes are narrow and sometimes steep Bring a light jacket for the evening, since it can be cool by the sea Check museum and mosque hours in advance, as they can change Dress modestly when entering religious sites Important: visa rules, opening hours and visiting conditions change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Baku surprises with the contrast of old and new. Walk slowly, and the city shows different sides.

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Okudava Expert

SOUTH AFRICA · October 29, 2026

South Africa: Cape Town and Its Surroundings

Cape Town sits between the ocean and mountains, and there is a lot to see around it. Here are three places often included in a route. Table Mountain Table Mountain rises above the city and is considered its symbol. You can climb to the top on foot or by cable car, and the weather up there changes fast, so warm clothes help. Boulders Beach and the Penguins A colony of African penguins lives at Boulders Beach. It is best to watch them from the walkways and at a distance, without touching or feeding the birds. Cape of Good Hope The Cape of Good Hope lies in a national park with views of the ocean and cliffs. It is windy, and baboons sometimes appear on roads and trails, so it is better not to approach them. Trip Tips Check the weather forecast before going up the mountain, as the cable car may not run Do not feed animals and keep food closed, especially near baboons Bring sunscreen and a windbreaker, as the weather changes quickly Ask locals which areas are safer for walking, and never leave belongings unattended Important: safety conditions, park opening hours and entry rules change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Cape Town combines mountains, ocean and wildlife. Plan the day with slack, look after your belongings, and the trip will be vivid.

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Okudava Expert

Philippines · October 29, 2026

The Philippines: How Island Hopping in Palawan Works

Island hopping, a boat trip around several islands in a day, is considered Palawan's calling card. Here is how such a day usually goes. Lagoons Among the Cliffs Boats often enter lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. The water there is calm and turquoise, and you can paddle between the rocks by kayak or simply by boat. Snorkelling at the Reefs At reef stops you can swim with a mask and look at fish and coral. It is better not to touch the coral or feed the fish, so as not to harm the ecosystem. Lunch on the Beach Usually in the middle of the day the boatmen stop on a sandy beach and serve local dishes. Nearby you can often see birds and lizards that keep their distance. Tour Tips Use reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection Bring a waterproof phone pouch and dry clothes Ask the guide how to avoid harming coral reefs Watch the weather, as boats may not go out in bad conditions Important: rules for visiting islands, fees and tour conditions change. Check current information on official websites and with the organiser before you go. Bottom Line Island hopping shows the sea at its best. Protect nature, and such a day will be remembered for long.

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Alfred Donny Expert

Mongolia · October 29, 2026

Mongolia: What a Night in a Yurt Is Like

Mongolia is known for steppes and nomadic culture, and many travellers want to spend a night in a yurt at least once. Here is what to expect from such a stop. The Steppe and Herds Around the yurts there is usually open steppe where horses, sheep and yaks graze. The horizon is very distant, and the silence is broken only by wind and animals. Inside the Yurt A yurt is simply arranged: a stove in the centre, beds along the walls and bright painted decor. It is usually warm inside, and guests are welcomed with tea and treats. The Starry Sky Far from cities the night sky is especially clear, and a great many stars are visible. Many step out of the yurt for a few minutes just to look up. Overnight Tips Bring warm clothes, as nights on the steppe are cold even in summer Accept the hospitality and respect local customs Ask about facilities in advance, as they are usually simple and outside Do not approach animals closely and do not leave litter Important: overnight conditions, entry rules and road conditions change. Check current information on official websites and with the trip organiser before you go. Bottom Line A night in a yurt lets you feel a different rhythm of life. Be respectful to your hosts, and the trip will be remembered for a long time.

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Okudava Expert

Malta · October 29, 2026

Malta: A Small Island with a Big History

Malta is small, yet it holds knightly history, old towns and bright sea. Here are three places that help you grasp its character. Valletta: The Fortress City Valletta was built by the order of knights and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its streets rise and fall along slopes, and house balconies are often painted in bright colours. Mdina: The Quiet Old Town Mdina is called the silent city for its narrow lanes and few cars. It is pleasant to stroll here without hurry and look at the old walls and courtyards. Blue Sea and Bays Around the island there are many bays with turquoise water where you can swim and take boat trips. The water is usually clear, but currents and waves are worth considering. Trip Tips Comfortable shoes are needed for walking the towns, as streets can be steep In summer bring a hat and water, since the sun is hot Buses are handy for getting around the island, but check the schedule Look at the flags and sea conditions before swimming Important: transport schedules, entry rules and visiting conditions change. Check current information on official websites before your trip. Bottom Line Malta is good because much is close by. Go slowly, alternate towns and sea, and the trip will feel varied.

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Jimmy Smith Guide

Hungary · October 28, 2026

Hungary: How a Visit to Budapest's Thermal Baths Works

Budapest is called the city of baths, and thermal baths are part of local life here. If it is your first time, it helps to know how things work. Big Open-Air Baths Many famous complexes have open-air pools with warm water. It is especially pleasant to sit in them on a cool day, when steam rises over the water. Steam Rooms and Saunas Inside there are usually several halls with different temperatures, from warm to very hot. It is better to start with the mild ones and not stay long in the hottest. Relaxing and Local Games Next to the pools, locals often sit and play chess right in the water. It is a slow atmosphere where nobody is in a hurry. Tips for a First Visit Bring a swimsuit, towel and slippers, as some places make you rent them Drink enough water and take breaks, since hot water tires you quickly Do not go if you feel unwell, and ask a doctor if you have health issues Watch your belongings and use the lockers Important: bath rules, opening hours and prices change. Check current information on official websites before your trip and consult a doctor if you have health issues. Bottom Line Budapest's thermal baths are wonderfully relaxing. Go without hurry, listen to yourself, and the visit will be pleasant.

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Traveler Stories — page 7

Oman: Forts, Wadis and the Desert

Montenegro: The Bay of Kotor in One Day

Romania: Castles and Legends of Transylvania

Denmark: What Hygge Is and Where to Find It in Copenhagen

Azerbaijan: Three Contrasts of Baku

South Africa: Cape Town and Its Surroundings

The Philippines: How Island Hopping in Palawan Works

Mongolia: What a Night in a Yurt Is Like

Malta: A Small Island with a Big History

Hungary: How a Visit to Budapest's Thermal Baths Works