Guide to FIGUEIRA da FOZ – a Charmingly Old Fashioned Seaside Resort

Let me guide you to Figueira da Foz, a charmingly old fashioned seaside resort. It is the epitome of a South European vacation destination, indeed.

Beach Tents at Figueira da Foz Portugal
As if the beach wasn’t desert-like enough, they have these makeshift shelters that remind me of Beduin tents.

For about ten years, I hadn’t been to a European beach. I was thinking that Asia or Latin America were the places to be(ach). Arriving at Figueira da Foz, about two hours south of Porto and the second stop on my rail-trip along the Portuguese west coast, I stood so corrected.

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A Day in Sophisticated ESTORIL and CASCAIS

Another very popular day trip from Lisbon is a short train ride to the very popular beaches of Estoril and Cascais. Albeit not really dreamy, especially on hot summer days, a day in these sophisticated retreats on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean can be the perfect break from Lisbon’s big city life.

Wild waters on the shore of Estoril, in the community of Cascais.
Estoril is not only this sophisticated beach retreat. It’s also prone to the forces of nature.

If you spend more time in Estoril, you should stay away from the beach and go on a day trip to Sintra. Even by public transportation, this town of palaces is less than an hour away.

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CUBA – the Complete Guide from Coast to Coast

If you want to see more of Cuba than just the iconic bars in Havana and the endless beaches of Varadero, this is the perfect guide for you – taking you from coast to coast. On the whole, it takes you from the island’s westernmost tip all the way to the Guantanamo region in the very east.

Woman riding a bike in Cienfuegos in Cuba. Illustration of a Complete Guide from Coast to Coast.
Child of the Revolution.

I travelled across Cuba all by myself and on public transportation. Hence, let me tell you, exploring a socialist country like Cuba does differ quite a lot from travelling through other regions.

Therefore, not only will my stories be interesting. Especially Cuba-novices will certainly appreciate my thoroughly researched information and suggestions.

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Guide to MALMÖ – a city in search of 24 more nations

Let me guide you to Malmö, a city that combines in a very intriguing way the folksy charm of Astrid Lindgren’s children’s tales and the hip atmosphere of a students’ town – which it is, actually.

View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö's "city of tomorrow" with the iconic "Turning Torso" from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.
View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö’s city of tomorrow with the iconic Turning Torso from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.

In fact, Malmö has 320,000 inhabitants who share 77 square kilometers. This makes it, believe it or not, Sweden’s third-largest city – after Stockholm and Göteborg.

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Mallipo Beach And Chollipo Arboretum: Korea’s Perfect Getaway

Far too few foreign travellers find their way to Mallipo Beach with the Chollipo Arboretum just a comfortable walk away. So if you need a break from Seoul’s hustle and bustle and you are looking for a truly Korean vacation experience, don’t look any further: Hop on the next bus to Taean and take a breather like the locals do.

Surfing children on Mallipo Beach
Surfing is big in Mallipo.
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The Sea And Sand of MUI NE

Mui Ne – this fishing village a bit over 200 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City stands for sea and sand. And talking ’bout sand, I’m not referring to just a dreamy beach but to amazing sand dunes on the outskirts of Mui Ne.

Breakfast vendors on the red dunes of Mui Ne, a place famous for sea and sand
Breakfast vendors on the red dunes.

Whether you prefer them in yellow or in red – you need to get up at the break of the day to enjoy them most.

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Two Days in CARTAGENA

Cartagena is Colombia’s most touristy destination. No wonder, they have a Caribbean beach and a walled old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, I found spending two days in Cartagena enough.

Woman walking in Cartagena, Colombia
Although no Colombian woman is wearing this when there are no tourists around, this lady makes this picture….picturesque.
(Photo: ShonEjai from Pixabay)

However, the old city is very alluring and there are lots of touristy infrastructures.

Exactly the reason to dislike it.

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SANTA MARTA – Spectacularly Unspectacular

Santa Marta is a wonderful, spectacularly unspectacular place.

Coffee vendor on a street in Santa Marta
Good morning, Santa Marta! The coffee lady is pushing her cart on Calle 19; who needs Starbucks, anyways?!
In the afternoon her place is taken by the gentleman who sells cheese-filled arepas. A very pleasant fast-food culture far from chain companies. 

The perfect place for those who don’t suffer from FOMO but are very well able to observe and enjoy the small things of truly Colombian life.

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A Day at PARQUE TAYRONA

Before I begin to tell you about my amazing day at Parque Tayrona, I must admit that I skipped one stop.

Parque Tayrona
Getting sneak peeks at the cool, blue ocean is very encouraging. Like the carrot dangling in front of a mule.

After we left the pleasure hell of the beaches of Cartagena, we made it to Santa Marta, a city by the sea. A little colonial, a little touristy, a little average, but very unpretentious. A healthy mix of good crowds.

And adjacent to the fantastic natural reserve Parque Tayrona.

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