off the beaten path travel

50 beautiful photos of Albania that will inspire you to visit Albania

December 27, 2017 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

After visiting Kosovo last year, I was told that I needed to visit Albania. I started looking up photos–and I was sold instantly. I visited Albania this summer and it was my favorite trip of 2017 hands down. Why? The beautiful nature, incredible hiking, historic cities, warm weather, delicious byrek, and decent prices… What else could one ask for in a vacation? Keep scrolling for beautiful photos of Albania, including photos of the most beautiful places in Albania that we visited. I truly hope this post inspires you to visit Albania.

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Best things to do in Lake Mývatn in winter

November 13, 2017 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

If you’re planning a road trip around Iceland in winter, consider adding Lake Mývatn, Iceland to your bucket list. If you’re looking for affordable hot springs with a view, Myvatn may surprise you. Keep reading for things to eat in Lake Myvatn and things to do in Lake Myvatn in winter! …

15 Beautiful Slovenian Cities That You Have Never Heard Of

February 18, 2017 by Karen Turner 49 Comments

Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and there are so many beautiful cities to visit. You’ve probably read why quite a few posts about why you must visit Lake Bled, however the best Slovenian cities to visit for me were the ones where we could sit back with a glass of Slovenian wine—and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.

Thanks to some other bloggers and amazing readers, I’m publishing the 10 most beautiful cities that you’ve probably never heard of to inspire you to visit Slovenia! (My amazing readers gave me FIVE more in Eastern Slovenia, so keep reading for a few more reader-suggested gems!)

This includes some cute Slovenian cities surrounded by vineyards, overlooking mountains, and nestled next to the sea. Keep reading for the best places to visit in Slovenia if you hate the crowds (or just love beautiful villages in Europe!)

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What to Do & Eat in Melbourne on a Budget by a Local

March 3, 2017 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

As a born-and-raised Melbournian, I will tell anybody that listens that this is truly the best city! Melbourne has been voted the ‘most liveable city in the world’ by the Economist for 6 consecutive years now. However, Australia is not a budget-friendly country for travelers. With a decent cup of coffee costing between $3-$5, it can be easy to see where all of our money goes (You must have at least ONE world-famous Melbourne coffee!)

This post is the attempt of a local Melbournian helping you navigate my hometown on $20 AUD or less a day. Includes tips for what to eat in Melbourne under $15 AUD and what to do in Melbourne for free. FREE downloadable Google Map that you can use offline at the bottom!

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Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

January 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 20 Comments

If you’re visiting Paris, you might be looking for something unusual to do in Paris besides seeing the Eiffel Tower. Either way, you will not want to miss the arcades of Paris. In my time living in Paris, I loved getting lost in the covered passages in Paris, which retain an air of magic and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour through Paris should give you glimpse into the secret Paris that Parisians know, love, and guard with their lives. This walk through the covered passages of Paris includes some of Paris’ most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas as well as some off the beaten path attractions.

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Travel tips for Bako National Park and a Bako overnight stay

October 27, 2017 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

Bako National Park is a Malaysian national park close to Kuching on the island of Borneo. It is considered to be one of the best Malaysian national parks. Most people take a day trip to Bako National Park from Kuching, but if you don’t, you’ll miss on the best parts: the animals. Keep reading for my mistakes and what to know before an overnight stay at Bako National Park in this Bako National Park review.

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