BUENOS AIRES – from the must-sees to the hidden gems

Buenos Aires and me – from the must-sees to the hidden gems: It was love at first sight. The stately baroque architecture like in Barcelona, the elegant cafés – even a bit more charming than those in Paris. Old-fashioned gelato parlors like in Rome. The powerful street art of Bogotá next to the picturesque decay of old Havana, and an entire neighborhood named after Palermo.
In short: This city simply has it all.

Couple dancing Tango at the Cafe Tortoni in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango – that’s what Buenos Aires stands for. But it’s only a fraction of what Argentina’s capital has to offer.

The beauty and energy of Buenos Aires took me by storm – and was definitely the highlight of my trip to Argentina.

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Best Street Art in TENERIFE

Tenerife is by far not just about beaches’n’volcanos: In this post, I’m introducing the best in street art the island has to offer.

Best street art in Tenerife
In Tenerife, you can find great street art at literally every corner.
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Best Street Art in RIGA

Since Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the city has gradually embraced public art as a form of expression, moving from underground subculture to more mainstream recognition. Today, street art in Riga combines Eastern European influences with the best of contemporary urban creativity.

Street Art in Riga.
With this mural, you can even become part of the motif.
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Kepler Club at the Airport in Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and Riga

I first encountered the Kepler Club on my return flight from the Baltics at Riga Airport. And ever since I stayed in this amazing airport capsule hotel, I’ve wanted nothing more than for every airport worldwide to be legally required to have a Kepler Hotel!

Girl at the airport
So, what time is your flight leaving?
(Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay)
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24 hours in RIGA

Latvia’s national airline, AirBaltic, often offers convenient connections including a stopover in Riga. That’s perfect for getting a profound glimpse of the city on the way to your final destination. And with my guide to 24 hours in Riga, I help you turn a pitstop into a real travel highlight.

Riga Town Hall Square, one of the places to see during 24 hours in Riga.
One of Riga’s spots not to be missed is the iconic Town Hall Square.

Explore the charming Old Town with its medieval alleys, cafés, and Art Nouveau façades, or take a stroll along the banks of the Daugava River before visiting the Central Market for some authentic Latvian delights.

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24 hours in VILNIUS

Even if you have only around 24 hours, a stopover in Vilnius is an excellent opportunity to get to know Lithuania’s charming capital.

Street in Vilnius
The iconic crowned tower of the Saint Casimir Church seen from the Stiklių Gatvė.

The city offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and architecture. From the medieval Old Town district to modern art galleries and cozy cafés, Vilnius is compact and diverse, ideal for a short but worthwhile tour of discovery.

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24 hours in PARIS

Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport is the third-busiest hub in Europe after London and Istanbul. Therefore, chances are that you have a connection that you probably don’t want to spend sitting on an uncomfortable metal chair, munching on overpriced sandwiches. And this is exactly where this post comes to the rescue: It is designed to transform a dull layover into a short, meticulously planned extra vacation of up to 24 hours in Paris.

Eiffel Tower seen from Trocadero. 24 hours in Paris
Trocadéro is the ideal spot to get grand views of the Eiffel Tower.

Now, you might think that 24 hours are far too few to explore the so-called city of lights. Of course, you are absolutely right, but this applies to almost every popular stopover destination. However, if you follow my itineraries, you’ll be surprised how much you get to see and experience the proverbial savoir vivre.

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PACKING LIGHT YET TRAVELLING IN STYLE

For years, I was keen to fit all my stuff into a carry-on when going on shorter trips around Europe. Initially, I did it since my cheapie-cheap flights did not include checking in luggage. But lately, also regular airlines charge extra for checking your baggage. However, money is not the only valid reason for minimizing your baggage: It’s so much easier to travel light.
First, I managed to take a couple of shorter trips around Europe with hand luggage only. Later, I even travelled around Sri Lanka, Japan, and Argentina just with a carry-on for weeks. Since then, I have never used a larger piece of luggage again. Having only a small carry-on with you is so much more comfortable and manageable on buses’n’trains.
Hence, packing light and still travelling in style became my credo.

Streetart in Milan - two gold-painted statues - illustrating the post packing light - travel in style

In this post, I let you take a peek at my packing list.

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HOW TO SURPASS PRE-TRAVEL ANXIETY

Even after years of extensive travel and visits to many mesmerizing places around the globe, before each trip, I first have to surpass some pre-travel anxiety.

Illustration for the Post on KEEP CALM and TRAVEL SOLO dealing with how to surpass pre-travel anxiety

Actually, being all excited because of not knowing what to expect is part of the fun – as if you’re waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney. Albeit, if this excitement becomes so strong that it makes you really uncomfortable or even scared, you might want to do something about it. By no means should anxiety hold you back from exploring the world.

But do not fear – here are some great strategies.

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