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!
After having been on a travel diet for over two years, you cannot imagine how thrilled I am that life is getting back to some kind of normal. Not only can I easily travel to Venice – I was even able to visit the mega art event Biennale di Arte in 2022.
Who’s Exploiting Who in the Deep Sea? is the title of the exhibition of funny creatures created by the German conceptual artist Cosima von Bonin. While a rock band made of fish plays on the roof of the main pavilion, two seashells are rocking on a swing and a crab has made itself comfortable in a cement mixer. So, have fun at the 59th Biennial!
Wanna enjoy it, too? In this post, I show you how. So put on your most comfortable shoes and follow my lead.
It was in June when I booked a flight to the Canary Islands. 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.
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 those in Utah.
One of the most impressive places I’ve seen during my recent visit to Barcelona was 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.
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 together in one picture: The chimneys of the Casa Milà with the Sagrada Família in the backdrop.This Way to the Whole Story ->
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.
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?
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.
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 ->
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.
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.
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.
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.
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