European travels

Enjoying the Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal. Venice, Italy’s floating city

VENICE – ITALY’S FLOATING CITY

VENICE – ITALY’S FLOATING CITY

VENICE – ITALY’S FLOATING CITY

Venice is a major seaport in northern Italy, and the capital of both the province of Venezia and the Veneto Region. It is the 11th largest city in Italy by population. Venice, Italy’s floating city is also known by a few other names, including the city of canals. Moreover, the historical center has no “drivable” roads for cars or motorbikes, just canals that crisscross the city (in “S” shapes). Furthermore, the Grand Canal, the largest and most prominent of all canals, is also one of the most romantic places in Italy.

Venice’s best and main form of transport in the historic centre is the unique and colourful Gondolas. Although outnumbered by other water ferries, they remain the symbol of Venice. From across the Grand Canal on both sides of the canal, there are many Gothic and restored palaces and squares. Moreover, in 1987, they collectively designated Venice and its Lagoons a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please keep reading to learn more about my short visit to Venice, Italy’s floating city.

Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge) aka Calatrava Bridge - a glass pedestrian bridge. Venice, Italy’s floating city
Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge) aka Calatrava Bridge - a glass pedestrian bridge
At the Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge) aka Calatrava Bridge - a glass pedestrian bridge

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Andorra, the Country of The Pyrenees

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

The parliamentary, democracy of Andorra is a small, landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula occupying approximately 468 square kilometers. It is a co-principality, meaning it has two heads of state consisting of two co-princes; the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. The principality has seven administrative and geographic districts/parishes that form villages and cities such as Andorra La Vella its capital. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees Mountains, is located in Southwestern Europe, and nestled between Spain (to the south) and France (to the north). This independent principality is over 1,000 years old and was incorporated as a country in the mid-9th Century.

Moreover, it is the fifth-smallest country in Europe and the sixteenth smallest worldwide. It comprises a population of about 85,000, with only 30% of Andorran descent. Moreover, its economy relies heavily on banking and tourism. The banking sector attracts significant investments and benefits from its status as a “tax haven.” Additionally, tourism, ski resorts, tax-free shopping accounts for about 80% of its revenue. However, its export sector manufactures goods such as textiles, electronics, and machinery accounting for 60% of its exports.

Overlooking Andorra La Vella City from Rec del Sola Lookout

Andorra is primarily known for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping, and the natural beauty of its landscape, particularly the Pyrenees Mountains. It’s also a popular destination for skiing, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, Andorra is known for its unique culture and history, including its status as one of the few countries with Catalan as its sole official language. Rugged mountains, narrow valleys, and lush vegetation characterize this micro-state in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat land, on an elevation of about 2000 meters (6,549 ft.). Continue reading to learn more about Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees.

Beautiful Parc Central. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees
Beautiful Parc Central
Enjoying Monuments at Parc Central

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MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign country on the French Riviera in Western Europe. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the Head of State (Prince Albert II) and the Prime Minister is the Head of the government. The country borders Italy, France (on three sides), and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth, measures (2.1 square km) after Vatican City is also an independent state. Monte Carlo is its capital, and its population is about 38,000. Monaco is a prosperous, glamorous, sophisticated, and luxurious micro-state and a playground for the wealthy. It boasts of being the home of the most luxurious Casino worldwide and hosting the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night
Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyles, beautiful beaches, rich history, and culture. However, despite its tiny size, Monaco is a powerhouse, and is one of, if not the wealthiest country worldwide, according to its GDP per capita. Its economy mainly relies on the service industry, especially gaming, tourism, and finance. Consequently, most of its revenue comes from Postage Stamp sales, liquor and tobacco taxes, and property/business registration fees. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.

The Opera House of Monte Carlo. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Opera House of Monte Carlo

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San Marino – the World’s Oldest Republic

SAN MARINO THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

SAN MARINO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

The Democratic Republic of San Marino, known as the world’s smallest and oldest constitutional republic, is a developed landlocked European country. It has a population of almost 34,000 and its capital is San Marino City. The city is set high on the western slopes of Monte Titano/Titan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is about 10 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by Italy. It was founded in AD 301 (4th century) by Saint Marinus, a stone mason,  and has maintained its identity for more than a millennium. San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe (Vatican City – the smallest country in Europe). It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat lands, and thrives on agriculture (products are wine and cheese), banking, and tourism. It exports fabric, clothing, ceramics, coins, and postage stamps (keenly sought by collectors), which are also important sources of revenue. Please keep reading to learn more about San Marino, the world’s oldest republic.

A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town. San Marino, the world’s oldest republic
A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town

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A view of the city from High Castle Hill and Gardens. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE 

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

The Potocki Palace. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The Potocki Palace
The University of Life Safety in Lviv . Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The University of Life Safety in Lviv

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Slovakia a Beauty in the Heart of Europe

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE 

The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.

The Grasssalkovich Palace - Presidential Palace

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Solo traveller in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina), informally known as Bosnia, is located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe. It is a mountainous country, once part of the former Yugoslav Federation, and its capital is Sarajevo. Bosnia shares its borders with Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and the Adriatic Sea. Most significantly, it is one country with three ethnic groups; the Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs (Serbian Orthodox), and the Croats (Roman Catholics). Its population is under 3.5 million people, and, similar to Montenegro, it is an ethnically diverse and multi-religious country. Bosnia is famous for its gorgeous mountains, rivers and waterfalls, medieval ruins, unique towns, and the former host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. It is an inexpensive, safe, and developed country. Please continue reading for a vicarious trip with the solo traveller in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Scenic Tivat - Montenegro. Montenegro the land of the black mountains

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

The Republic of Montenegro is a small country along the central Mediterranean and within Southeastern Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslav Federation. Montenegro borders Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and has a  population of less than 700,000 people. Montenegro is a diverse and tolerant country because of its multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious composition. It is a country known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches and resorts, glacial lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Kotor. Montenegro is an inexpensive, safe, and clean country. Please continue reading to see what it is like to visit Montenegro, the land of the black mountains.

A Travel Guide to Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Better Travels
Learn how to Save, Plan, and Travel Alone on a Budget

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Rantakasarmi Harbour Quarters - Suomenlinna . Finland is the happiest country on earth

Finland is the Happiest country on Earth

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Republic of Finland is the happiest country on earth (for six consecutive years). It is a Nordic country in Northern Europe and one of the northernmost countries in the world. Finland borders Sweden, Russia, and Norway and shares a maritime border with Estonia. Its capital is Helsinki, and its population is approximately 5.6 million. Finland’s land mass continues to grow by about 7 km yearly because of the post-glacial rebound effects of the ice age. Additionally, thick woodlands cover two-thirds of its land mass, thus making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Finland is a developed, safe, peaceful, picturesque, but expensive country. Read on to find out what it is like to travel to Finland, the happiest country on earth.

beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island . Finland is the happiest country on earth
beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island

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Nordiska Museet (Museum). Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY 

The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and a Baltic country in Northern Europe and is one of the seven Nordic countries on the Scandinavian archipelago. It shares its borders with Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and Stockholm, its capital since 1523, is the biggest capital of all three Scandinavian countries. Sweden is a highly developed country and exports timber, hydropower, etc., and it is one of the top 16th wealthiest countries in the world according to its GDP per capita. Sweden’s population of over 10 million has a life expectancy and standard of living that ranks among the highest worldwide, so it is for this reason that so many immigrants flock to Sweden for work and a better standard of living. It is also one of the most expensive, cleanest, highly digital, and cashless countries I have visited. Please continue reading to learn about why Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake. Sweden is a cold and cashless society.
Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake

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