Travel/Europe

Serbia Again! - Day 5 🇷🇸

Serbia Again! - Day 1 🇷🇸

Part two of the weekend trip spent exploring Belgrade’s iconic landmarks—from Kalemegdan Fortress to the Church of Saint Sava—before an unexpected pickpocketing incident abruptly alters the journey.

Kicking off part one of a quick weekend getaway across the Balkans: exploring Sarajevo’s historic old bazaar, Ottoman mosques, and the Latin Bridge before catching an afternoon cross-border bus to Belgrade.

A report on booking an Austrian Airlines Business Class flight from Albania to Serbia via Vienna using Lufthansa Miles & More miles.

A flight redemption on a unique Miles & More award itinerary from Albania to Spain via Vienna and Frankfurt on Austrian and Lufthansa.

A travel report detailing a United MileagePlus award redemption for an Economy flight from Bosnia to Albania via Austria, including baggage allowance details.

A travel case study detailing an Austrian Airlines Economy award redemption from Serbia to Bosnia using United miles, including buying miles at checkout.

A flight redemption breakdown of a weekend transit from Serbia to Switzerland via Munich using a Miles & More family account.

A travel report detailing a 8,000-mile United MileagePlus redemption on partner Helvetic Airways for a weekend trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina (and Serbia).

Continuing the cross-border trek, I explore the ‘Paris of the East.’ Discover the architectural evolution of Bucharest before heading back to Barcelona.

The journey begins in Sofia. Explore ancient rotundas, Soviet-era monuments, and the logistics of taking the LikeBus across the border to Romania.

Day 2 of the weekend series: Exploring the vibrant capital of Croatia. From Neo-Renaissance parks to WWII tunnels, discover the history of Zagreb before flying to Barcelona.

Day 1 of the weekend series: A cross-border rail adventure from Croatia to Slovenia. Discover the Art Nouveau charm and emerald-green landscapes of Ljubljana.

A breakdown of a 14,000-mile United MileagePlus redemption for two one-way flights on Croatia Airlines, connecting Switzerland, Croatia, and Spain.

Follow a one-day itinerary through Andorra la Vella, featuring scenic river walks, unique art installations like “La Noblesse du Temps,” and the historic Casa de la Vall.

A comprehensive day-trip guide to Gibraltar including border crossing tips, the World War II and Great Siege Tunnels, Skywalk views, and a return journey via Málaga Airport

A day-trip guide to Luxembourg City covering free public transit, historic Ville Haute landmarks, the scenic Chemin de la Corniche, and the transit journey from Barcelona to Málaga via Zurich.

A comprehensive guide to visiting San Marino from Rimini, featuring transportation tips, a walking tour of the Three Towers, and the return journey through Federico Fellini International Airport.

A high-speed day trip starting from Barcelona to Rome, covering a self-guided walking tour of major Roman sights after navigating crowds at the Vatican, ending with a train journey to Rimini.

A breakdown of a multi-segment award booking using Lufthansa Miles & More, leveraging low mileage requirements for a high-efficiency itinerary through Zurich, Luxembourg, and Málaga.

Day 12 covers a day in transit in Istanbul, a walk around of Sultanahmet Square, the Egyptian Bazaar, and the Grand Bazaar, concluding at the famous Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul Airport.

Day 11 of the European Escapade features a whirlwind journey from Iceland to Turkey via Germany and Malta. Highlights include a walking tour of Frankfurt’s historic Römerberg, navigating transits, exploring the unique architecture of Gudja in Malta, and preparing for an Istanbul transit tour while resting in the Turkish Airlines lounge.

Day 10 in Iceland features the iconic basalt columns of Reynisdrangar, the dramatic Dyrhólaey lighthouse, and a sampler of Icelandic lava soup in Vík. Capping off the trip with a dip in the historic Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) before heading to Keflavík Airport for our overnight flight to Frankfurt.

Day 9, our longest travel day, starting with the iconic landmarks of Reykjavík—the Sun Voyager and Hallgrímskirkja. Then across the southern coast to witness the power of Seljalandsfoss, the floating icebergs of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, and the sparkling ice on Diamond Beach before settling in Vík.

Day 8 dedicated to the classic Golden Circle route. We explored the historical and geological wonders of Þingvellir National Park, witnessed the power of the Strokkur geyser at Haukadalur, and stood in the mist of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall before ending the day with local burgers in Reykjavik.

Day 7 took us from Reykjavik to the dramatic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Despite the grey skies, we witnessed the beauty of Selvallavatn, the iconic Kirkjufell, and the stone arches of Arnarstapi, before warming up in the geothermal pools of Laugardalslaug.

Day 6, a guided walking tour through the historic landmarks of Athens. Explore the ruins of the Ancient Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and learn about the evolution of democracy at Pnyx, all while enjoying classic views of the Acropolis.

Day 6, a whirlwind tour of Athens, exploring historic landmarks including the Holy Metropolitan Church, Panagia Kapnikarea, and the Arch of Hadrian. Stunning panoramic views of the Acropolis from Areopagus and Philopappos Hills before catching a late flight to Reykjavík via Munich.

Day 5 took us from the Azores back to Lisbon. We spent the day navigating the city’s hills on the historic Tram 28E, visiting landmarks like the Basílica da Estrela, São Bento Palace, and the stunning viewpoints of Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, before catching a late-night flight to Athens.

Day 4 in Terceira, we braved the chilly Atlantic waters at Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos before diving into the island’s volcanic history. We explored the subterranean depths of Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, witnessed geothermal activity at Furnas do Enxofre, and enjoyed a final sunset from Miradouro da Serra do Cume.

Day 3 exploring Terceira Island. Highlights include the views from Serra do Cume, lunch in the UNESCO city of Angra do Heroísmo, and hiking the volcanic peninsula of Monte Brasil.

Day 3 from a sunrise departure in Nice to a sunset in the Azores. Read about our 10-hour layover enjoying Lisbon, the beauty of Manueline architecture, and the relief of our luggage finally arriving in Terceira.

Day 1 of our European trip began with a frantic dash through Munich Airport. Despite the rain, we managed to visit three countries in one day: starting in France, walking the harbor of Monaco, and crossing the border for pizza in Italy.

A comprehensive guide to booking a 13-segment award trip through Europe using United MileagePlus miles, featuring stops in France, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, and Turkey.

A journey through the “Illa de la Discòrdia” and beyond. Discover the four elements of Modernisme and the stories behind Barcelona’s most iconic facades.

Join me on a walking tour through Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic. From the legends of Font de Canaletes to the Baroque beauty of Sant Felip Neri, here is a journey through Catalan history.

A day in Barcelona: Navigating the city via the subway, joining free walking tours through the Gothic Quarter, and marvelling at the Modernisme architecture of the Sagrada Família.

A guided walk through Lisbon’s most famous districts. From the elegant plazas of Baixa to the bohemian streets of Bairro Alto, including stops at the Igreja de São Roque and the iconic Elevador da Bica.

A journey through the labyrinthine streets of Alfama. From tasting local Ginjinha to exploring hidden Roman ruins and breathtaking miradouros, here is what to expect on a free walking tour of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhood.

Turning a long layover into a Lisbon adventure. Exploring the historic streets of Alfama and Bairro Alto, here is how to maximize a single day in the Portuguese capital.

Wrapping up a weekend in St. Petersburg. From the yellow autumn leaves of Mikhailovsky Garden to the grandeur of Palace Square and a smooth Lux Express bus ride back across the border to Finland.

A deep dive into the “Underground Palaces” of St. Petersburg. From the double-decked Sportivnaya to the glittering mosaics of Avtovo, discover the art and history of the Russian metro.

A journey through the heart of Russia’s imperial capital. Highlights include the noon cannon shot from Peter and Paul Fortress and the stunning Kazan Cathedral.

From Helsinki to St. Petersburg: My first day exploring the “Venice of the North.” Includes travel logistics, Russian e-visa tips, and a midnight walk to see the drawing of the bridges.

An insightful walking tour exploring Riga’s 19th-century wooden architecture, Soviet legacy, and the vibrant Central Market, concluding at the iconic Freedom Monument.

A journey through Old Riga’s rich history, featuring architectural gems like the Riga Bourse, the haunting Geisterdenkmal sculpture, and the iconic black cats of Meistaru Street.

A day of discovery and drama in Riga: from the Bremen Town Musicians and the Nativity of Christ Cathedral to a race across the border to catch a late-night ferry.

A comprehensive free walking tour of Vilnius covering major landmarks including the Presidential Palace, the Vilnius Gaon monument, the artistic district of Užupis, and the historic Literatų Street.

An efficient first day in the Baltics: exploring the historic sites of Vilnius, catching a luxury bus to Riga, and staying at the Clarion Collection Hotel Valdemars.