Author: Renata

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!

Break a Leg – My Bumpy First Encounter With Gran Canaria

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It was in June. Europe’s borders were slowly opening and the Canary Islands lost their high-risk status. I finally had the chance to book a flight, look for accommodation, plan a trip. Life was like it used to be in the olden days.

It was on a Wednesday that I landed at Gran Canaria’s international airport south of the capital Las Palmas. This city would be my base, however, it had to wait another night for me. The first day was dedicated to Agüimes, a small town about 30 minutes inland at the foot of the island’s famous mountains.

Barranco in Gran Canaria where I did break a leg
Not a busy spot, indeed.

Agüimes is very picturesque, however, there is not that much to do. I spent the afternoon walking around, awing and taking pictures of alleys and well-maintained houses and many statues telling stories about the town’s history and culture. Then, the next morning, I wanted to walk to the famous Barranco de las Vacas, a gorge with rock formations as beautiful as in Utah.

And then it happened. I broke a leg.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Visit to the Colonia Güell – Where Eusebi Güell Created His Universe

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One of the most impressive places I’ve seen during my recent visit to Barcelona was the Colonia Güell.

Gaudi Crypt at the Colonia Güell
The Colonia’s highlight: The unfinished Crypt by Antoni Gaudí.

The Colonia Güell is a former industrial settlement including a factory and residential buildings for the workers as well as a famous crypt by Antoni Gaudí. It is named after its proprietor, the magnate Eusebi Güell, obviously. The Colonia is part of the village of Santa Coloma de Cervelló about 23 kilometers west of Barcelona.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Antoni Gaudi in BARCELONA: A Guide to Modernism

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The significance of Antoni Gaudi for Barcelona is already reflected in the fact that out of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the city, he designed seven – so let me guide you to these gems of Modernism.

Gaudi's two most iconic works in together: The chimneys of the Casa Mila with the Sagrada Familia in the backdrop. Gaudi Barcelona Guide Modernism
Gaudi’s two most iconic works together in one picture: The chimneys of the Casa Milà with the Sagrada Família in the backdrop.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SIEM REAP – beyond ANGKOR WAT

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So here comes my guide to Siem Reap – beyond Angkor Wat. A place that at first made me feel bad. And ignorant.

Because contrary to expectations, Angkor did not blow me away.

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap - a guide
The world-famous reflection can be captured as well at 7 a. m.

This lack of enchantment makes me feel like such a jaded snob who thinks to have seen it all. However, I remember how the temple site in Sukhothai dazzled me. Was the spell broken? Will I no temple ever mesmerize me again?

This Way to the Whole Story ->

From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI

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Only 90 kilometers north of Thailand’s capital Bangkok is the sunken Kingdom Ayutthaya where you immerse in the country’s glorious past before visiting the Monkey Temple of Lopburi.

From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI: Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
The Mona Lisa of Thailand: Probably no other sight in Ayutthaya is photographed as often as this stone Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

KAMPHAENG PHET and PHITSANULOK – two (un)necessary detours

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Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok might not be the most exciting spots in Thailand, nevertheless, you’ll possibly have to take those detours.

Archeological Park at the center of Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
At Kamphaeng Phet, you even don’t have to go to the archeological park – there are majestic ruins to be admired right in the center of the city!

Therefore, I’ve put together itineraries for short stays in these places. This way, you still can make the best of these deviations.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Solo Travel: Pictures of Yourself – More Than Just Selfies

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One difficulty during solo travel is getting pictures of yourself – especially if you’re not that much into classic selfies. Since I’m a devoted solo traveller, I’ve tried five different ways of how to take pictures of myself even without a travel companion in tow.

During solo travel taking pictures of selfies in front of a mural at the district of Palermo in Buenos Aires.
So, you guys, it’s selfie-time. Here, I’m posing in front of a mural in Argentina‘s capital Buenos Aires.
But there are at least four other ways how to get your picture taken while on the road by yourself.

However, most of these tips are helpful if you are rather looking at the big picture – literally – and only want to pose from time to time. If the main motif of your photography should be you, you won’t be able to avoid another skillful person doing the job while you focus on posing and looking great.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Solo Travel With Kids: Baby, Toddler, School Kid, Teenager – How to Survive Travels With a Child

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Yes, I’ve been travelling solo for decades, however, I also know what travel with kids in tow is about. So let me share my experience and my best tips on how to travel smoothly as a single parent.

Baby on the beach in Belize
Wintering in Belize.

Yes, when travelling with kids, you do take the drama with you: The baby’s crying, the toddler’s tantrums, and the teen’s moods. On the other hand, you also have a suitcase full of bonding and fun – and tons of wonderful shared memories. Hence, let nothing hold you back, just organize and prepare in a thoughtful and prudent fashion.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

How I Became A Citizen Of The World

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How did I become a Citizen of the World? Why do I have these itchy feet? Where does this greed for exploring come from? Why this fascination with foreign customs’n’cultures? Was there a specific moment? Or did I get injected this yearning for travel in homeopathic doses?

Renata Green on the Beach in Split, Croati
For the first time on Croatian beaches.

I’ve put together five anecdotes about my earliest – and most impressive – travel memories that might explain a thing or two.

It’s really amazing what my brain remembers, how these trips sank in and anchored in my mind and soul.

This Way to the Whole Story ->