Top Things to do in Prizren, Kosovo

Unfortunately I didn’t have to to explore both Pristina and Prizren on this trip, but I was fortunate to be able to explore Prizren on a day trip!

NOTE: Because of the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, you either need to enter from a Serbian - Kosovo border and leave that way, or enter and exit from a non-Serbian border. If you enter from the Albania - Kosovo border and leave through a Kosovo - Serbia border for example, you may have issues.

Entering Kosovo

Besides my passport, vaccination card, and car registration, the only other item needed to cross the border to Kosovo was special Kosovo car insurance. This car insurance is completely free, and you pick it up at a building directly after the passport booth.

The Stone Bridge

The bridge is an iconic piece of the city, and spans the Prizren Bistrica River.

Wander the Old Town

It’s an interesting vibe wandering the city; I grabbed a kebab from a local shop and explored the old town streets.

Sinan Pasha Mosque

Another iconic building of Prizren, the town seemingly revolves around this mosque.

Exiting Kosovo

Since I entered from Albania, I also left through the North Macedonian border; note that I didn’t leave through a Serbian border! I didn’t receive a stamp from either Kosovo side, but I did receive a stamp entering North Macedonia.

Albania on a Shoestring

Unfortunately I didn’t get to spend as much time as I had hoped in Albania due to time restrictions and there’s just so much to see! The first time I went through I drove from Budva, Montenegro through Shkoder, Albania and over to Kosovo. Then when I came back through I was driving from Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia to Tirana and back up to Montenegro.

NOTE: If driving from Montenegro to Albania, there are no customs on the Albanian side. I freaked out the first time because I thought I missed getting my passport stamped and I’d be in trouble once I got to the Kosovo border. But there weren’t any Albanian customs at the Kosovo border either. The only time I encountered Albanian customs was the North Macedonia - Albania border, and even then they didn’t stamp my passport.

Shkoder, Albania

The north is known for its mountains and natural beauty, so if you have time I definitely recommend spending some time hiking out there! If I had more time I would have explored the town of Theth.

Tirana, Albania

I was surprised how modern and beautiful Tirana was! If you get the chance and like museums, I recommend Bunk Art, which talks about the history of Albania in depth but does it in a fun, interactive way. If I had more time to explore Albania, I’d definitely go back and explore the beaches in the south. The coastline down there I hear is stunning!

Top Things to do in Budva, Montenegro

On my solo road trip around the Balkans, one of the towns I wanted to stop at along the Adriatic Coast was Budva in Montenegro, known for its nightlife and city walls. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Budva!

Wander the Old Town

Nothing beats spending the early morning wandering the tiny nooks and crannies of medieval European towns, and Budva is no different! Grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery and walk around and take photos before the crowds arrive. Wandering in the evenings are amazing as well! There’s little pizza windows where you can grab a bite as you explore.

Relax on the Budva Riviera

The shoreline is similar to the French Riviera, and is a great place to sit in the sand and enjoy the water and sun. Unfortunately it does get very crowded in the summer; when I visited in early October it was the perfect time; there weren’t too many people and you could still wear shorts and a tank top.

Sventi Stefan

A small islet that’s home to Montenegro’s most famous and exclusive hotel. You don’t have to stay there, but there’s a great view from above that’s picture-worthy!

Top Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

CROATIA

After visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia, my goal was to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia. I took a bus from Lake Bled to the train station in Lesce Bled, a train to the capital city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, then a bus to Zagreb, Croatia. Buses are a great way to get around Europe, check out Flixbus! I was planning on taking buses all the way down to Dubrovnik, but it was about a 24-hour trip, whereas I could take 1-hour flight for $100. Long-story short, I made it to Dubrovnik before embarking on my Balkans Road Trip! Here are my top things to do in Dubrovnik Croatia!

DUBROVNIK’S CITY WALLS

This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Dubrovnik, but personally I couldn’t bring myself to pay 30 Euros to do it. If you do decide to go, check it out early in the morning right when it opens to avoid the crowds.

STARI GRAD

Check out the unique Old Town area for some historical context of Dubrovnik!

MOUNT SRD

You can either hike to the top or take a cable car ride up! Highly recommended for a gorgeous sunset view.

TAKE A DIP IN HIDDEN POOLS ALONG THE COAST

One of my favorite pools is located at Hotel Excelsior! It’s open to the public and free of charge.

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!

Must-See Things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia

I’m going to be honest, Bratislava wasn’t that exciting of a city for me but I definitely think it’s beautiful! If you’ve seen the movie EuroTrip, Bratislava is nothing like it. Here are the must-see things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia!

OLD TOWN

This was personally my favorite part of Bratislava; the alleyways are all so picturesque, fun to wander, and have that typical European city feel.

BRATISLAVA CASTLE

The castle is probably the #1 thing to do in Bratislava! There’s also a nice view of the city from here.

BLUE CHURCH

St. Elizabeth’s church was built in an art nouveau style and is very distinct! It’s a little difficult to get a photo of it since it sits in a random part of Bratislava, but still beautiful to check out.

The Best Viewpoints in Gdansk, Poland

After visiting Portugal, I wanted to check out some new countries in Europe that I haven’t been to yet! One of which was POLAND; Poland is a huge country, and I had plans to visit Krakow and Warsaw but my flight was cancelled. Luckily I found a $20 flight via Wizz Air to Gdansk and decided to go for it!

Gdansk is such a cute little city and is easily doable for a weekend trip. It’s known for its tall and narrow colorful Old Town, which has a similar style to what you’d see in Amsterdam. That’s because of its historical ties to the Netherlands and Belgium. Anyways, here’s a guide to the best viewpoints, photo spots, and things to do in Gdansk, Poland!

MAIN TOWN HALL

The second tallest building in Gdansk, if you climb up to the tower you can find a great view of the Royal Route and historic part of the city!

ST. MARY’S CHURCH TOWER

The lookout is right above the bell tower, another impressive view of the Royal Route, but also the Town Hall and the iconic houses!

ST. CATHERINE’S CHURCH BELL TOWER

Check out for a great panoramic view of both the Old Town and Main Town!

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.

Mozambique Travel Guide | Everything You Need to Know

M O Z A M B I Q U E

“But why Mozambique?” I shrugged my shoulders and smiled, “I heard so much about the pristine beaches and diving here, I had to see for myself!”

A country on the coast of East Africa, Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. I spent nearly two weeks in-country, from the capital of Maputo to the beaches of Tofo and islands off Vilanculos. Here’s everything you need to know about visas, transportation, traveling overland, and the best places to see in Mozambique!

Arriving to Mozambique

Chances are, if you’re coming from the US or Europe you’re going to need a visa to enter Mozambique. Luckily you can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Maputo! It costs $50 and you need to make sure you have a letter from your accommodation along with a printed return ticket. They’re really strict about it so make sure you come prepared!

Next comes the nitty gritty before heading into the city: sim card and money. Picking up a sim card is easy in the arrivals terminal; there’s a booth near the exit that you can stop at. Regarding money, I usually just pull out cash from ATMs instead of exchanging since rates are always poor at airports, but I would make an exception for Mozambique. I had difficulty being able to take out more than $50 worth at a time from the ATM in the airport (actually, any ATM for that matter) so I would highly recommend exchanging in this case. Since most places only accept cash, it’s important to assume credit cards aren’t accepted and make sure you prepare at the start of your trip.

Maputo

The goal was to get to Tofo Beach on the coast, but information online is so hard to find anything on transportation. The local transport is mostly mini-buses, or chapas, to get around cheaply. Since I didn’t really know the chapa schedule, I found Fatima’s Backpacker Hostel incredibly helpful; they offer a daily shuttle at 5 AM to their sister hostel in Tofo Beach. I had the first day to explore Maputo, but honestly there wasn’t much to see besides the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Update as of September 2023: Unfortunately I can no longer find the website to Fatima’s Backpacker Hostel, so I’ll provide a few other recommendations below.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAPUTO

Hotels

LIV INN GUESTHOUSE: When traveling in Africa for extended periods of time, as much as I’m flexible with whatever is thrown at me, I do need a clean place where I can unwind so I don’t get burnt out. Liv Inn Guesthouse is a great option since it’s not only a newer place, but it includes breakfast and has an airport shuttle.

HOSTELS

THE BASE BACKPACKERS: This hostel has both dormitories and private rooms if you’re just looking for something basic before heading towards the coast. Great reviews!

Tofo Beach

The chapa was nearly a 12-hour journey from Maputo to Tofo, but it dropped me off right at the hostel so I didn’t have to worry about changing buses several times. My plans were to go diving to see whale sharks, but the swell was too large for the boat to go out. Diving in Mozambique has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I was sad I didn’t get to go. Maybe one day I’ll return! The hostel I stayed at was right next to Liquid Dive Adventures, which was beautiful to just hang out at. They have AMAZING breakfast and juices, it felt like I was right back at home!

Update as of September 2023: Unfortunately I can no longer find the website to Fatima’s Backpacker Hostel, so I’ll provide a few other recommendations below.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOFO BEACH

HOTELS

LIQUID DIVE ADVENTURES: Like I previously mentioned, I absolutely loved this place and highly recommend it. The food was incredible and it was such a great place to relax.

HOSTELS

KITESURF TOFO HOUSE: Although I didn’t check this place out in-person, it has great reviews if you’re just looking for a good hostel to stay at!

Tofo Beach to Vilanculos

This trip was a little bit of an adventure via public transport. From the main part of the town in Tofo, you can take a chapa to Inhambane. Walk to the port and catch a boat across the bay to Maxixe. There’s an area in the town of Maxixe, a couple blocks from the port, where you can find a lot of chapas lined up. Just look for one that says “Vilanculos” and you’ll be on your way! There’s some larger buses that are much more comfortable, the chapas can get pretty hot and they pack them full until people are hanging out the door.

Vilanculos

If I could give any piece of advice: if you’re not a diver, just take the flight from Maputo to Vilanculos and skip Tofo and the headache of figuring out public transportation. The days are long and they run whenever they feel like it. The beaches in Vilanculos are amazing though and are so worth it! There’s not much to the town itself; it felt more like everything was centered around the resorts.

WHERE TO STAY IN VILANCULOS

HOTELS

BAHIA MAR: If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, I loved Bahia Mar! Their service was outstanding and everything about it was absolutely fantastic.

HOSTELS

BAOBAB BEACH HOSTEL: If you’re on a backpacker budget, I recommend Baobab Beach Hostel. The huts are right on the beach and the food is incredible!

WHAT TO DO IN VILANCULOS

One of the best things to do is to take a boat trip out to the islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra for the day. Sunset Dhow Safari had a great package that includes snorkeling; the first island we went to, Bazaruto Island, was great for lunch but my personal favorite was Benguerra Island. The water was an insane shade of blue and green, everything I thought Mozambique would be. Another great activity is either a sunrise or sunset traditional dhow cruise! Dhows are lateen-rigged sailboats, typically found in the Indian Ocean.

Health and Malaria

I was traveling with a friend of mine who had been in Central African Republic prior to Mozambique, where he believes he contracted malaria unknowingly. The signs are different for everyone, but I noticed he started acting strangely like hallucinating and had a really high fever, until he collapsed and was unresponsive. I was able to carry him from the hotel to find a tuk-tuk to take him to the hospital, where they confirmed it was malaria right away. They gave him a series of injections for three days, then had him continue to take tablets. He made a full recovery, but if you’re feeling unwell, don’t ignore the signs. Go to the doctor right away.

Another key item to note is the health care system in Mozambique; there are public hospitals and private hospitals. Sadly, the public hospitals are in poor condition and are extremely corrupt. My first night in Maputo I had a UTI in the middle of the night and went to a public hospital, but that was a huge mistake. That in itself is a long story, but to make it short, go to a private hospital if you have any health-related issue. I’m so glad I had that knowledge before my friend came down with malaria, because it saved his life. The private hospitals are extremely clean, the doctors are very attentive, and the service was amazing.

Where to get a PCR in Mozambique?

Since we were in Vilanculos at the private hospital, we decided to just get one done there instead of Maputo. All-Around Medical Solutions clinic was the only place to get a PCR in Vilanculos anyways, so your hotel can set up an appointment here!

Update as of September 2023: PCR tests are no longer required to enter Mozambique as long as you have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. PCR tests are no longer required for exit.

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!