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!

Best of PORTO – Also if You Travel Solo

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Somehow, Portugal also seems to be one of the countries overpowered by centralism. Everyone is flocking to the capital Lisbon, which is groaning under the masses of tourists and has to be careful to remain livable for the locals.
Hence, while others are stressed out, Porto pours herself a glass of amber-colored port wine and relaxes as she gazes down the Douro River.

Panoramic view of the best places of Porto, visited on a solo travel.
The best of Porto in just one single picture.

Instead of overwhelming her visitors with innumerable presumably must-see landmarks, Porto invites her guests to take a relaxed stroll down picturesque streets and alleys and offers them a creamy Galão in one of the many charming cafés. The city impresses with cool street art and delights the eye with gorgeous church façades covered in exquisite Azulejos, and what is probably the most famous bookstore in the world.
By now, you’ve probably noticed: Porto is one of my favorite cities in Europe and I’m excited to show you the best the city on the Atlantic coast has to offer – also if, just like me, you travel solo.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

From Saigon to HO CHI MINH CITY – a Guide to Vietnam’s Largest Metropole and Three Day Trips

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For many visitors, gates to Vietnam open at Ho Chi Minh City – a metropolis formerly known as Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh Statue in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
Hồ Chí Minh – Uncle Hồ – greeting his people and a couple of tourists from a pedestal in front of the old town hall.

This megacity in the southern, tropical part of Vietnam has about 8.5 million inhabitants – and 7.4 million motorbikes.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in ZAGREB

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You know, as I’ve written in all my 24-hour posts, there’s so much more to see, and one day isn’t enough? Well, when it comes to Zagreb, I wouldn’t necessarily say that.

I’d argue that if you’re not in Zagreb for a conference, convention, or exhibition, a day is enough to cover the most important attractions, do some shopping, and have a meal of Zagorski Štrukli or Ćevapi.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Croatia’s capital—and here’s how to make the most of it! Zagreb can be an urban yet truly relaxing stopover. Leave the tourist crowds on the coast and in the national parks behind and immerse yourself in authentic Croatian life in Zagreb.

Street leading to St. Mark's church in Zagreb, landmark to be visited during 24 hours in Zagreb
Zagreb’s iconic St. Mark’s church
This Way to the Whole Story ->

POREC – Venice’s Little Sister in Croatia

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Technically speaking, Porec, Venice‘s little sister, was the fourth stop on my tour through Croatia.

View of the sunset over Porec Venice's little sister in Croatia
Istria used to be ruled by Venice – and funnily enough, not only do the alleys and palazzi of the little town remind me of my favorite Italian city, even the skyline looks a bit Venetian.

My trip had begun in Hamburg from where I went by train and busses via Munich, Ljubljana, and Zagreb to the Adriatic coast.

Hence, I was looking forward to going to Poreč.

It has this Italian history and a very cute, atmospheric little town with incredibly beautiful architecture. Most importantly, it’s on the coast and has beaches.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to PLITVICE LAKES: Waters in Dreamlike Colors

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I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places in my time – oceans, mountains, jungles, and also lakes. However, the Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever laid eyes on. So come on, let me guide you through the National Park of Plitvice and awe at lakes and pools in their dreamlike colors.

Plitvice National Park Plitvice Lakes Croatia
If paradise is half as nice….as Plitvice National Park, we definitely have something to look forward to.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to KRKA National Park and SKRADIN

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Krka, green paradise nestled between the hills and mountains of Central Dalmatia. Here, even the way can be the goal, since a picturesque trail connects the National Park with the idyllic small coastal town of Skradin. So let me guide you through impressively rich habitats full of endemic bushes, trees, grasses, and wallflowers.

Center of attention: The Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Center of attention: The Skradinski Buk waterfall.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SPLIT, a Coastal City That Has It All

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Let me guide you to Split, another one of these many Croatian cities that seem to have it all: Rich history presented in a well-preserved, breathtakingly beautiful old town. Colorful farmers’ markets sell fresh produce to restaurants that prepare the most delish meals. Lush woods as well as nice beaches – and all that within the city limits. And a posh harbor – the gateway to splendid destinations beyond the sea.

Split - one of Croatia's most beautiful cities.
Split – one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities.

Nevertheless, visiting Split, I had to check it out in a….split second.

This Way to the Whole Story ->