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!

The Island of HELIGOLAND – soft spot with rough edges

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A trip to the island of Heligoland is always a good idea. On just one square kilometer, it unites soft sand dunes and rough cliffs. It adds tax-free shopping to natural wonders like frolicking seals and jumping guillemots.

Gray Seal
Gray Seal on the island of Helgoland in Germany

Heligoland is a tiny archipelago that long ago used to be Danish and British. But, actually, it is as German as can be since the poet Von Fallersleben wrote the National Anthem during his stay on the island in 1841.

However, visiting Heligoland today, either on a day trip or for a longer stay, it is almost impossible to imagine that at the end of  WWII, Germany’s supposedly only deepsea island was completely bombed out. For then long years, it was even uninhabitable.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, today, Heligoland is one of Germany’s most popular island when it comes to a couple of relaxing days in a secluded spot.

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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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Guide to the Island of FOEHR – every village a home

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In this guide, I’m introducing you to the amazing island of Foehr, which floats in the North Sea off the coast of Germany. Wide sandy beaches, picturesque Frisian villages, an eventful history, endless bike paths, and fresh North Sea air: you’re sure to find your very own favorite spot here.
So, you’re ready to escape everyday life? Then follow me on a little trip to Foehr!

Woman leading two horses in the early morning on Föhr.
Idyllic country life bathed by the North Sea.

In Foehr, every village is a home. Come again: every village a home – what’s that all about?

Well, on one of Germany’s most popular holiday islands, almost every one of the 16 villages’ names ends with the suffix –um. This is the Frisian and Lower German version of heim, which translates to home. Hence, you can imagine how cozy and homey this North Frisian island is to its….homies.

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Guide to HAMBURG, the self-proclaimed Gateway to the World

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Let me guide you through Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city and self-proclaimed Gateway to the World. Personally, I took the slogan of my hometown very literally and became a globetrotter and travel blogger. Hamburg’s maritime charm and traditional cosmopolitanism will delight you and you will be enchanted by seductive views that will whet your appetite for undiscovered shores. Germans call this wanderlust Fernweh – loosely translated to aching for distance.

Sailors at the Port of Hamburg
For ages, sailors from all over the world anchored at the Port of Hamburg.
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Guide to DÜSSELDORF, the Self-Proclaimed Longest Bar in the World

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Let me guide you to Düsseldorf, a city with about 260 bars and restaurants in its old town alone – hence, it’s not surprising that it’s the self-proclaimed longest bar in the world.

Guide Dusseldorf Longest Bar
Father Rhine and His Daughters – living on a fountain in front of the Ständehaus that houses the K21 gallery for contemporary art.

But this jovial city is far more than a bender- and stag party location. In this guide, I’m introducing you to Dusseldorf’s great art scene, outstanding contemporary architecture, and local gastronomy.

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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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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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The Perfect Itinerary for Three Days in BUSAN

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Home of the sixth busiest industrial port in the world next to one of Korea’s most beautiful beaches. Around 3.5 million inhabitants are cradled between lush hills dotted with ancient Buddhist shrines. Tradition embracing modernity: The number of things you can do in Busan will make your head spin, and therefore, I put together a perfect itinerary for how to spend three memorable days in the city.

Market in Busan.
Busan is full of sights and landmarks. Yet, its strongest suit is its street life and the bustling markets.
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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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Complete Guide to COMO – a Lake to Like

Posted onAuthorRenata Green95 Comments

I love Italy: the Renaissance, the coastal landscapes, the gelato, the dolce far niente. Somehow, I’m tangled in these clichés like a fork in a heap of spaghetti. The amazing thing is, on my frequent trips to Bella Italia, I actually encounter all these images. For example, in the picturesque lake district of Northern Italy. Need proof? Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to the breathtaking Lake Como – truly a lake to like.

Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village at Lago di Como - a lake to like
Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village on Lake Como’s shores.
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