While I was backpacking the Balkans region of eastern Europe I spent the most time in Zagreb because I renewed my U.S. Passport at the embassy. I discovered a number of wonderful things to do in Zagreb, during my time here. The moment I stepped out of the bus station...
With tourism booming around the world, many European cities are bursting at the seams. Over-tourism is not enjoyable for anyone, the locals or the tourists. Why not spend less time in the crowded big cities and discover the charm of the countryside, or explore more...
While Western European capitals swarm with tourists from around the world, neighboring Eastern European cities, just as beautiful and historic, remain calm and quaint. Off-the-beaten-path Eastern European cities are vacation destinations that are sure to delight all...
Croatia has been a hot destination for decades due to its beautiful architecture, natural wonders, and its islands, and tourism continues to boom. Between the coastal towns of Split and Dubrovnik lie a multitude of islands, perfect for crafting a Croatia...
The Interlaken region of Switzerland is beautiful not only for its turquoise lakes, but also its impressive mountain ranges. Treks here are easily accessible by train, so everyone from avid trekkers to families can enjoy the views that the Swiss Alps has to offer. My...
The Eiger Trail is a UNESCO Heritage hike that runs along the North Face of the Eiger mountain, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. This hike is easily accessible from some of the most popular Swiss mountain villages including Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald....
The Balkans are an extraordinary group of countries, located just a quick flight or bus ride away from popular Western European destinations. Because of their small size and connected history as former Yugoslavia (most of them, anyways) it’s easy to travel...
Croatia, or Hrvatska as it’s called by the locals, provides a great introduction to a region in Europe that was once overlooked by tourists: The Balkans. Two weeks in Croatia allows you to experience beautiful beaches and islands, bustling towns and villages,...
I made a whirlwind of a trip to Ireland in the summer of 2018 when the World Cup was happening across Europe. My three days in Ireland itinerary ensured I could be back in London just in time for an England World Cup match! During my three days in Ireland itinerary, I...
During my first year on the road I visited 24 countries on a backpacker’s budget. The countries varied from cheap and backpacker-friendly Southeast Asia, to expensive summer prices in Western Europe. If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to spend time in different...
Before I started my journey in the Balkans, I asked backpackers which country was their favorite in the Balkans. Their answers almost always included Montenegro (with Kosovo often a close second). It’s for good reason that this small country tops everyone’s lists. And...
Bosnia & Herzegovina is an unmissable little country to travel to, if you ever find yourself in the Balkans or neighboring Croatia. Many people only know of Bosnia as a country with a war-torn history, but there’s a lot more to be discovered. I recommend...
Kosovo is a hidden gem within the Balkans, a region in Europe that’s already hugely underrated. With a rich history, beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and cheap prices, Kosovo is a Balkans itinerary must-see. If you’re planning a trip to the...
One main highway runs from Bulgaria to Turkey, connecting Sofia to Plovdiv to Istanbul. Travelers cross this border in troves every day, from Bulgaria to Turkey, or the opposite, from Turkey to Bulgaria, overland. The landscape along this highway changes drastically,...
Georgia is a country that is still wonderfully under-the-tourist-radar. This is a pleasant surprise, considering its close proximity to Western Europe and its beautiful mountain landscapes. During our hike from Mestia to Ushguli in Georgia, we hiked large stretches of...
When I set out on my journey across the Balkans, I only found itineraries explaining how travel bloggers had road-tripped by car. I’m glad to have discovered for myself just how easy it is to travel the Balkan countries by bus!Benefits to BussingThere are many...
I distinctly remember the last time I renewed my American passport in 2014. I was 20 years old, and in a rush to renew my passport so I could get a visa to India for over the summer. In the application, I consciously checked the box for the option to get a 27-page...
Although it’s one of the most popular treks in Georgia, the trek from Mestia to Ushguli was still blissfully off the tourist radar. Trekking in October meant chilly nights, crisp mornings, sunshine all day, and fall foliage as far as the eye could see.I embarked on...
Mountain views from Theth village There’s a beautiful and highly recommended through-trek that’s popular with backpackers in northern Albania. It runs between two tiny mountain villages, Theth and Valbonë, and takes about 6-8 hours to complete.The journey starts and...
After completing two big treks in Nepal, I spent two months traveling Western Europe watching World Cup matches in June-July 2018. It wasn’t long before I was craving to be in the mountains again – so I was off to Switzerland! I had heard so many great...
Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen in the Jungfrau region of the Alps make up one of the most beautiful trekking regions in the world. Even after spending time trekking in the Himalayas, I was blown away by the natural beauty of Switzerland and the Swiss Alps....
ABOUT ME
Hi Everyone! I’m Erika van ‘t Veld, and I’ve been traveling around the globe since I quit my corporate America job in October, 2017. I hope to inspire others to travel by showing how cheap and easy it can be. You can read about my own experiences on my blog page too!
