Everything you need to know about Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, Slovenia has been high on my bucket list as a photography destination for a long time now! After Bratislava, I took a series of trains (six, actually) through Austria and down to Slovenia. It was quite the logistical adventure, but totally worth it!

HOW TO GET TO LAKE BLED

If you’re coming via public transportation, you can take the train to Lesce Bled and there’s a bus right across from the train station that takes you straight to the lake every hour. Make sure you have Euros on you, they only accept cash.

WHERE TO STAY

Most hotels are located on the eastern side of Lake Bled, but the whole lake is easily walkable. It took me about thirty minutes to walk from one side to the other, and there are beautiful paths that make it so lovely to explore. The west side of the lake is closest to the famous island with the church.

RENTING A PLETNA BOAT

These pletna boats are the local rowboats you’ll see on the lake. A lot of shops have shut down due to covid, but I was able to rent one for an hour for 20 Euros from Lake Bled Boat Rental. This is also the only way to visit the church on the island; there’s a strange rule that says you can only visit using vehicles of natural elements, meaning you cannot go via SUP board.

BEST RESTAURANTS

I explored Europe for a total of forty days, and hands-down my favorite meal was here in Lake Bled at Restaurant Sova Bled. Everything was so unique, and it was great to try Slovenian food with a modern twist!

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Lisbon, Portugal

PORTUGAL

Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, is a captivating country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its distinct architecture, colorful tiles, and charming coastal towns, Portugal offers a truly unique experience to its visitors. The country boasts a diverse range of attractions, from the vibrant city life of Lisbon to the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley. Enjoy wandering through cobblestone streets, indulging in delicious pastries, or basking in the sun on its stunning beaches. Portugal is a destination that effortlessly combines old-world charm with modern flair, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a memorable adventure.

There’s so much to explore in Portugal, but sometimes all we have available is a weekend trip. Here’s my guide for the best itinerary and suggestions for the perfect weekend getaway in Lisbon, Portugal!

Getting There

It’s not necessary to rent a car, but it definitely helps if you want to give yourself more options to explore. We rented the cheapest car available, and it turned out to be a convertible Fiat; one of my favorite memories of Portugal was driving down the coast at sunset with the top-down.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, captivates visitors with its unique charm and rich heritage. This city effortlessly blends old-world traditions and modernity, creating an enchanting mix of narrow cobbled streets, majestic plazas, and contemporary architecture. The colorful facades of buildings, adorned with intricate tiles known as azulejos, lend a picturesque backdrop to the bustling neighborhoods. Lisbon's character is defined by its hilly terrain, which offers panoramic views from its many miradouros (viewpoints). Exploring Lisbon means indulging in delicious pastéis de nata, meandering through the historic Alfama district, and soaking in the lively energy of Bairro Alto's vibrant nightlife. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and an abundance of cultural experiences, Lisbon is an unforgettable destination that captures the hearts of all who wander its beguiling streets.

• Ascensor Da Bica: If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal, make sure to take a ride on the Ascensor da Bica. This picturesque funicular is not just a means of transportation, but a cultural experience that takes you on a journey through the city's historic heart.

• Time Out Market Lisbon: A Culinary Delight in Portugal's Capital
  If you find yourself in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, make sure to carve out some time to visit the renowned Time Out Market. Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Mercado da Ribeira, this food lover's paradise is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  The concept of Time Out Market Lisbon is simple yet brilliant. Bringing together the best of Lisbon's culinary scene under one roof, it offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a wide array of local flavors and dishes. With its convenient location, just a stone's throw away from the Tagus River and surrounded by other exciting attractions, it's no wonder that Time Out Market Lisbon has become a staple for all food enthusiasts exploring the city.

Sintra

Sintra, a picturesque town nestled in the hills of Portugal, is a treasure trove of enchantment. Its magical ambiance and rich historical surroundings make it a destination like no other. At the heart of Sintra lies the stunning Pena Palace, an architectural marvel that leaves visitors in awe. With its vibrant colors and intricate detailing, the palace stands out against the lush greenery that surrounds it. Stepping through its grand gates is like stepping into a fairy tale. As you explore its elegant rooms and expansive gardens, you can almost imagine the royalty and nobility who once walked the same halls. Sintra and Pena Palace are the epitome of beauty, captivating travelers from all over the world with their undeniable charm, and is the perfect day trip from Lisbon being only thirty minutes away.

Praia da Ursa

Praia da Ursa, located on the magnificent coastline of Sintra, Portugal, is an enchanting gem tucked away between towering cliffs and mesmerizing turquoise waters. As its name translates to "Bear Beach," visitors are met with a natural wonder resembling the shape of a bear, created by the colossal rocks that pepper the landscape. This pristine and secluded paradise offers a perfect retreat for beachgoers seeking tranquility and stunning panoramic views. If you’re looking to visit Portugal’s stunning coast but don’t have time to go to Algarve, Praia da Ursa's rugged charm and unspoiled beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurous souls eager to immerse themselves in the raw splendor of Portugal's coast.

South Africa Road Trip | Ultimate Itinerary and Route

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is an incredible country with much to do and see; it also borders two tiny countries that I’ve been wanting to visit, Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Unfortunately I didn’t get to visit Cape Town on this trip, but I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you have the time! With this new era of travel with PCRs and covid, I’ll go over the best route and logistics!

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa

After picking up your rental car, head to Ampath Labs to get a PCR done! Even if you just arrived, it’s beneficial to get one done right away if you’re heading straight to Lesotho. In Lesotho, you’re able to use the same PCR if it’s within 72 hours so you want to maximize your time as much as possible. There’s many labs in Johannesburg, but Ampath had the quickest turnaround time; if you take it by 4 PM you’ll have it by the next morning. After the PCR, start your drive towards Ladybrand, South Africa for the night!

LESOTHO

Day 2: Crossing the Lesotho border

There’s not much to do in Ladybrand, so once you wake up and receive your PCR test via email head towards the Maseru Bridge border. My friend and I tried to cross and were turned away since Lesotho was technically under lockdown, even though we didn’t see any restrictions online and we had our PCR tests, which was the only requirement listed. I was going to be working with a hotel as a photographer, and since we didn’t have any cell service on the Lesotho side I wasn’t able to call to see if they could write us a letter of invitation. We tried walking back towards the South Africa side to see if we could get some signal, but luckily a customs officer was able to hotspot us to make a call and receive the letter. Then we finally were able to cross!

We didn’t think it could get any worse, but it did. Mind you, we didn’t have service besides the downloaded Google maps, our spare tire was flat from hitting a pothole the day before, and we didn’t have any local currency. But, it did get worse. We got another flat and we were in the middle of nowhere. A car happened to roll by as we were walking down the highway, and a man from the health department spoke English and was willing to help us. I waited by the car while the man took my friend to different repair shops to fix our two tires. Since we didn’t have any service, I had no idea what was happening or when they would be back. I laid on a bench nearby thinking to myself how long I should give before I walking down the highway to contact someone, but after three hours they returned. New tires were slapped on the car and we continued to the town of Semonkong.

Day 3: Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho

We had the honor of staying at Semonkong Lodge, which is the only hotel near Maletsunyane Falls, a 192 meter waterfall, the highest waterfall in the country. It was about a 30 minute hike to the falls, so it was the perfect location. Most of the grass was brown and dead, and when we got there close to sunset there was quite a large shadow, so I recommend visiting during the spring or summer months during midday. I also really enjoyed wandering among the local villages; the people are so unique covered in warm blankets.

SOUTH AFRICA

Day 4: Crossing back into South Africa

We crossed back into South Africa at the same Maseru Bridge border without any issues. It was a little confusing because we had to go to a health window to get our PCRs verified first before going to formal customs. After we were cleared into South Africa, we headed towards the town of Bethlehem for our next PCR to enter Eswatini! This Ampath Lab sends their results to Bloemfontein since it’s a larger city, so it would take up to 48 hours. We decided to take our time and slowly make our way towards the Eswatini border.

Day 5: Waiting for PCR results

There wasn’t much to do or see on the way to Eswatini; we would have taken the route through Durban if we could cross through the pass, but since it was winter we were advised not to do so if we didn’t have 4×4 or a car that could handle the snow. We spent the night in a city called Newcastle and found some good wifi to do some work before crossing the border.

ESWATINI

Day 6: Crossing the border to Eswatini

We finally received our PCR results and crossed the border to Eswatini! Everything was really straightforward so we didn’t have any issues like we had in Lesotho. We checked out Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Center, then grabbed a drink at Malandela’s Restaurant before heading to the next hotel I was working with.

Day 7: Mantenga Lodge, Eswatini

My friend really wanted to go to Kruger National Park in South Africa, but I convinced him that we should stay one more night in Eswatini so I could have more time to craft content and we could relax a little bit. Mantenga Lodge has a stunning view of the mountains nearby and had some of the best Swazi food!

SOUTH AFRICA

Day 8: Crossing back into South Africa

There’s a new rule regarding PCRs between South Africa and Eswatini and that they’re valid for 14 days, so you don’t have to worry about how much time you spend! After crossing back into South Africa, we headed towards Kruger National Park. I was a little wary about going to this park since it’s extremely expensive, but you can definitely do it on a budget! One way is to drive to the town of Skukuza and you can stay in a little bungalow and take game drives whenever you please. It’s a little bit like a resort town with lots of gift shops and restaurants, but it was perfect for budget travelers!

Day 9: Heading back to Johannesburg

Take one last PCR test at Ampath Labs before grabbing your flight to your next destination! There’s not much to see in Johannesburg so you don’t have to worry about setting aside extra time to explore. Thanks for following along!

Best 5 Day Itinerary for Jordan

JORDAN

Welcome to the majestic country of Jordan, where ancient wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes await you at every turn. Over the course of five days, prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you breathless and mesmerized by the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Looking for the best way to make the most out of your time in Jordan but don’t have a lot of time to spend? Here’s the perfect itinerary for 5 full days in Jordan!

Day 1: Amman, the Heart of Jordan

Arrive to Amman, rent a car, and drive 2 hours to Petra. Renting a car is the best way to see the country; I was surprised because the roads were absolutely fantastic and we didn’t have any problems with crazy drivers! We spent the night at Petra Aretas Hotel, which was walking distance to the ruins! The hotel prepared a box lunch for us so we could take it to-go at sunrise and walk down to avoid paying for parking.

Day 2: The Ancient City of Petra

If you’re looking for the best photos, make sure you arrive right when the park opens. You want to make sure you get your shots before the light starts to stream into the canyon (and avoid the crowds of people)! There’s a lookout right above the Treasury that you can access near the ruins, and you can pay a local guide to take you up. Again, don’t wait until the light streams into the canyon as the lighting becomes too harsh. Work quickly if you want the best photos!

You can also hike up to the Monastery, which is grueling in the heat if you don’t walk up early enough. Afterwards I recommend checking out the other lookout above the Treasury, which is also pretty awful in the heat, but well-worth the trek! A lot of people spend two days here, but since we were the only tourists due to covid, one day was enough to see everything.

Day 3: The Desert Beauty of Wadi Rum

We left really early to drive towards Wadi Rum and stayed at the Zeina Desert Lodge, and they arranged a desert safari for us all day. I really liked their vehicles because they had a covering for the back, unlike most people I saw baking in the sun. They also had a fantastic dinner and shisha.

Day 4: Floating in the Dead Sea

We drove through Aqaba and along the coast to Wadi Mujib to check out the canyon. We didn’t know you had to pay to take a tour (online it just looked like you could walk through this canyon with water), so we politely declined and went on our way. We stayed at a hotel along the Dead Sea and hung out the rest of the afternoon until sunset, when we went to find the perfect spot for photos.

Day 5: BACK TO AMMAN

We headed back to Amman and took a PCR test first thing; there are drive-thru stations where you can just roll down your window, get swabbed, then get the PDF sent to you via whatsapp. We stayed at the Arab Tower Hotel / Burj al Arab, which was really convenient to walk to all the sights, but a little confusing to deal with parking. Luckily the owner showed us a place we could park for $2. We walked around the Roman Amphitheater, King Abdullah I Mosque, and spent the sunset at the Citadel. Make sure you bring your Jordan Pass so you don’t have to pay entry fees at these locations!