Author: Renata Green

The world is my oyster: I'm Renata, founder and editor of this travel blog. bye:myself - no, that's not a typo, it's referring to me saying bye to my comfort zone and heading for new shores solo. Having been a solo traveller, flashpacker, and poverty jet setter for ages made me an avid and savvy planner and organizer of worldwide travel. Since I've been an author and journalist practically all my life, I love to put my travel experience into writing to encourage, inspire, and assist you. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on this planet!

LJUBLJANA Mon Amour: What Not to Miss During Two Days in Slovenia’s Beloved Capital

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Ljubljana mon amour: In fact, already the city’s name sounds like a tender song and derives from the word ljubljena which translates to beloved. Various charming bridges are crossing the picturesque river Ljubljanica. With an amazing number of captivating buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco, onion-domed churches, and an imposing fortress high above the city, Ljubljana absolutely lives up to her lovely name.
And since Ljubljana is small but definitely mighty, you can explore the city’s most iconic spots and landmarks easily in just two days.

The Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Like in every decent fairy tale, you have to make it past the dragon to get to the beautiful princess. Ljubljana is no exception.

Although the city is no secret anymore and can actually get quite busy in the high season, Ljubljana has kept its sleeping beauty charm and is a sparkling gem.

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24 hours in MILAN

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After another stopover in Milan on the occasion of my trip to Venice where I visited this year’s Biennale, I’m now ready to share an itinerary for a short 24-hour stay in Italy’s Northern capital of funds’n’fashion.

View of the Duomo from the Novecento Museum, both landmarks durinng 24 hours in Milan
Here you can kill two birds with one stone – which is actually quite a disturbing idiom: Best view at the Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, from one of the city’s nicest museums.

As always, when putting together these itineraries, I had in mind a stopover between flights or a quick break on a road trip down south. If you can stay longer and experience more of Milan, check out my recent post Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan for inspiration and information.

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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green47 Comments

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.
And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.
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FRANCE: An Easy Circle Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence

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I’m well aware that the French Provence region is rather famous for picturesque villages and endless lavender fields. Well, you won’t find either in this post. I just can’t help it: I’m a big city gal, and therefore, on my first trip to this part of the south of France, I decided to visit five of the best cities the Provence has to offer. In Nîmes, I hunted for street art, and I traced the work of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. I danced sur le pont d’Avignon and enjoyed the much-underrated city of Aix-en-Provence. Finally, I explored the mother of all port cities, Marseille.

Windows in Marseille
I’d argue that Marseille is one of the most authentic cities in Europe.

No, I didn’t get to see any lavender, however, I saw amazing old and new works of art and fantastic architecture. I strolled through alleys, sat in squares, and took it all in. The sound of the sea and the calls of the fishmongers rang in my ears. I was in a French land of milk and honey wine and bouillabaisse.
I had a fantastic time and I’ll be certainly back. And then, I’ll also go check out the lavender.

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24 hours in VIENNA

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On my last flight to Vienna, I was surprised how many passengers were on their way to farther destinations, hence, only on a stopover in Austria’s mesmerizing capital. Therefore, I think it’s definitely time for an itinerary for up to 24 hours in yet another memorable metropolis in Central Europe.

24 hous in Vienna: Horse carriage
Although Vienna has a great public transport network, there are still countless horse-drawn carriages around the city.

After having already published a comprehensive guide to Vienna, below are my top tips for what not to miss in this city bursting with cultural treasures. Generally, it’s meant as an itinerary for just a layover or a short stop on a road trip through Europe. Mind you, the small country of Austria neighbors eight countries, after all!

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VIENNA – visited by streetcar

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Although Austria is one of the smallest countries in Europe, its central location and especially its influential past make it to the heart – or maybe the solar plexus – of the continent.
Austria’s capital Vienna is looking back at an everchanging and compelling history. Whether it is the Congress of Vienna where Europe’s layout and faith were determined after the Napoleonic wars or the powerful Habsburg dynasty including Empress Sisi and her tragic faith. Since the gilded years around the turn of the 20th century, Vienna has been the center of the artistic and intellectual avant-garde. Progressive painters like Egon Schiele, innovative designers like Koloman Moser, inventive architects like Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos, exciting musicians like Arnold Schönberg, and of course the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud made a compelling case for the city’s glory.
Amazingly, you don’t need to join an expensive city tour to explore all the wonders this extraordinary city has in store. Basically, all the magnificent and world-famous landmarks in Vienna can be easily and inexpensively visited by a public streetcar!

View of the Kunsthistorisches Museum from the Leopold Museum in Vienna.
The Leopold Museum is not only worth the visit for the art, but it also opens to Vienna’s most beautiful views.

So hop on, let’s explore a city full of history, stories, and myths!

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ISLAND HOPPING in the CANARY ISLANDS

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When going to the Canaries, you don’t have to limit yourself since island hopping between the various Canary Islands is really fun and so easy.

View of two of the Canary Islands.
Two in one: While the hill on the left is Gran Canaria, the one in the backdrop is Tenerife. This picture proves how close the Canary Islands are to each other.

While most visitors pick just one destination for their beach vacation, you can have it all: Hop on a ferry or go on a plane and travel crisscross between Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Gomera as much as you please.

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Individual Solo Trip to KOREA – All Your Questions Answered

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Mega-Cities and hidden Buddhist Temples, a booming electrical industry and bustling farmers market, K-Pop and traditional Pansori chants – Korea is a land full of fascinating contrasts.
And since the country is not only incredibly varied but also quite different from the Western part of the world, travelling around Korea can be a bit overwhelming, especially for individual solo travellers who are not basically carried from place to place on a pre-organized tour. To make your entry into Korea a bit easier and smoother, I put together a sack of helpful info and tips that will make your Individual Solo Trip to Korea fun right from the start.

Change of the guards at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
The Land of Morning Calm awaits you with countless curiosities.
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Grand Tour of SOUTH KOREA – A Guide for Individual First-Time Visitors

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BTS and Gangnam Style, Squid Games and Parasites – never before has South Korea been this hyped. Korean pop culture is not only on everyone’s lips, but also in everyone’s eyes and ears.
Time to join the hype?
Well, although everything Korean has become so incredibly popular, a first trip to Korea can be a challenge, especially for individual solo travellers who are not basically carried from place to place on a pre-organized tour.
Time to scratch your travel plan?
No way! In this post, I’m taking you on my first individual grand tour of Korea, the motherland of K-Pop, Kingdoms, and Kimchi. I’m by your side, supply you with much useful info, and warn you of some foolish rookie mistakes.

Change of the guards at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the capital of Korea. Grand Tour of SOUTH KOREA - A Guide for Individual First-Time Visitors
Despite Korea’s booming economy and industry, there is still a lot of traditional culture and heritage.

All this will make your trip to Korea easy and smooth and so much fun!
Hence, 한국에 오신 것을 환영합니다 – Welcome to South Korea!

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