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Janet Dannehl

About Janet Dannehl

Posts by Janet Dannehl:

View from above of the bay and town on the Caribbean coast

Colombia Travel Report — Cartagena, Medellín & Coffee Region Tips

  • Gold Museum in Bogotá: just under 3 euros per person (November 2022)
  • Cerro de Monserrate: 3,152 meters — 2 hours of hiking or cable car for around 5 euros
  • Cartagena's old town has been 1984 UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress of 1536
  • Aviario Nacional de Colombia: 7 euros per person — my highlight in Colombia
  • Playa Blanca is located around 1 hour from the center of Cartagena, the last few meters on foot

A week through Colombia 🌴

 My 🔝 visited places!   

Bogota📍

Plaza de Bolívar

The Place of 1000 Pigeons 🕊️

Surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the Palacio Liévano, the National Capitol and the Cathedral Primada,
 is the central square " Plaza de Bolívar“. In the middle of the square, hundreds of doves gather, and occasionally, an alpaca crosses their path 😃. For a small fee, you can buy dried corn here to feed the doves or take a photo with an alpaca 📸. In the past, the square served as a bullfighting arena and public market square.

Historic buildings at Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá during rain
Child among hundreds of pigeons in the Plaza de Bolívar
Catedral Primada with two towers at Plaza de Bolívar

Take a sip ☕️ + 🧀

,'Chocolate caliente with queso'

A hot chocolate with cheese might sound a bit strange to some 🤔. At first, I was almost certain that this combination couldn't taste good 😆! It somehow reminded me of people who used to eat cheese sandwiches with Nutella. Weird people. But like in any other country, I wanted to try the "delicacies" of the land 😌. When the infamous drink finally arrived, we had no idea how to drink it ☕️. Bite the cheese first, then take a sip of the hot chocolate.
! ❌ WRONG ❌ ! 
The cheese must be added directly to the cup so that it can melt with the hot chocolate 🤓. Admittedly, the taste of the traditional "Chocolate con queso" is a bit strange at first, but afterwards, it's somehow tasty. 😋

Conclusion: I would buy it again. ☑

Janet adds cheese to the hot chocolate.
Cup of hot chocolate with cheese and pastries on the wooden table
Janet and Max laugh while tasting the chocolate con queso

La Candelaria 🧑🏻‍🎨

The Old Town of Bogotá

Just let yourself be carried away by the fascinating streets and admire the colorful colonial houses, the numerous sights, and charming cafes and restaurants. Don't miss out on the graffiti and urban art either! 🎨
 
 
Pink-painted café with murals in La Candelaria
Large graffiti depicting a woman's portrait on a house wall
Colorful street in La Candelaria with stalls and colonial houses

Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen 🔔

This impressive Catholic church dates back to the 20th century. Its striped color makes it so extraordinary. 😯
 Due to the narrow streets, it's not so easy to get a good picture of this landmark 😂. When we arrived, it was very rainy, so we didn't stay long. Still, it was worth a short visit 😉.
 
 
 
 
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Red and white striped facade of the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Street vendor pushes his cart between yellow taxis
Alley with yellow taxis in the old town of La Candelaria

Museo del Oro 🏅

The Gold Museum

In this museum, you'll find plenty of information about indigenous peoples and a detailed history of gold, silver, and copper mining. The entry fee was just under 3 euros per person in November 2022.

Golden mask of the indigenous peoples in the Gold Museum
Display cases in the Gold Museum of Bogotá
Clay figure of a seated person in the Gold Museum

Places we unfortunately missed:

Mount Monserrate

Due to time constraints, we didn't manage to visit Cerro de Monserrate. The mountain is 3,152 meters high and located in the Santa district.On-site, you have two options: 
either lace up your hiking boots and take the 2-hour hiking route, or hop on the cable car for around 5 euros per person. The view is said to offer a spectacular vista over Bogota and part of the Andes. It's a shame we couldn't see that!

Cartagena📍

The Old Town
 
Of course, you shouldn't miss the colonial Old Town of Cartagena 😊. In 1984, the historic city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a sought-after destination to this day. You can either stroll through the labyrinth of streets on foot or even explore the city in a horse-drawn carriage 🐴. There are countless shopping opportunities available, and especially in the evening, it's lovely to sip a cocktail on one of the many hotel decks. 😍
 
 
 
 
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Janet is spinning in a square in the old town of Cartagena.
The church tower is reflected in the water in the square in Cartagena.
Fruit stand with pineapples and citrus fruits in the alleyway
Especially in the evening, the Old Town exudes its own charm. ✨


Illuminated clock tower Torre del Reloj in the evening
Cartagena clock tower against a dark blue night sky
Torre del Reloj with city gate and visitors at blue hour

San Felipe de Barajas ⛫

The fortress of Cartagena

The fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, built in 1536, is located on the hill of San Lázaro. The highest point of the fortress can be reached in just a few minutes on foot. Along the way, there are small, dark underpasses that add excitement to the excursion. 👻 Especially at sunset, the view from above is truly impressive! 🌆


Janet at the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress
Janet and Max kiss on the fortress wall
Janet on the fortress wall with the Cartagena skyline

Get Semani 🧑🏻‍🎨

the colorful hippie neighborhood

A perfect place to buy a beer and stroll through the crazy streets 🤩. Everywhere, there are vibrant colors, hanging flags, artworks, and chalk-painted paths. For me, one of the most beautiful places in Cartagena! 📸

Gethsemaní mural with colorful umbrellas over the alleyway
Janet in a pennant-decorated alley in Cartagena
Alley in Getsemaní with flags and painted ground

But it's not just the houses and streets that amaze you, but also the people and the talking parrot! 🦜


Street vendors with a stack of hats on their heads
A green parrot sits on a perch in the alley.
Palenquera in colorful traditional dress with a fruit bowl on her head

Playa Blanca 🏝️

the little paradise

Just about 1 hour away from the city center of Cartagena, you'll find Playa Blanca beach ☀️. In most cases, you can reach the beach on foot. We had to walk along a really narrow stretch of beach for about 10 minutes with our luggage to reach our glamping accommodation. However, you have the option to have your luggage transported by wheelbarrow for a fee. These are usually readily available at the parking lot. Unfortunately, my stay was a bit disappointing as everything was just filled with sunbeds, people, and accommodations. Next time, I would prefer a different beach or only visit for excursions.


Wooden beach bar in the evening light by the water
Beach loungers with canopies by the sea
Bed in a glamping dome

Isla Rosaria 🌴


From Playa Blanca, we took a boat to the Islas del Rosario 🚤. There are 28 different small islands here. From there, we did a shipwreck dive, which was pretty cool! I must add that the visibility underwater was very murky, and there were few underwater creatures to see 🫤. Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience to dive through the sunken ship 😍!!!! On another day, we went on a snorkeling tour, which was only partially worth it. Unfortunately, almost all boats visit the same hotspots, so it was quite crowded. However, we found a spot where we had some peace and could admire the spectacular underwater world 🐠!

Max is holding Janet in his arms on the beach in the shallow water.
Aerial view of Playa Blanca with boats and turquoise water
Max with a macaw on his arm

🦚 National Aviary of Colombia 🦚


Definitely one of my highlights on the trip through Colombia! The birdlife was extremely impressive 😍! I have never seen so many different bird species like here. The facility was lovingly designed, and the animals had plenty of space 💕. Some birds, such as the parrots, even lived in complete freedom 😯. For only 7 euros per person, it's an absolutely fair price. Honestly, I would have paid three times as much 😉. 

Janet in front of a waterfall at the Aviario Nacional
Yellow-blue macaw on a branch in the bird park
Close-up of a king vulture with a colorful head

Take your time as the park is quite large. Also, it's really nice to just sit on a bench and enjoy the bird sounds 🥰.


Reddish-brown crested bird on a tree stump
Janet in front of a group of pink flamingos in the bird park
Green-blue parrot among leaves

Conclusion

All in all, Colombia was an unforgettable adventure. Besides Peru and Chile, Colombia is now also one of my favorite countries in South America! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Gold Museum in Bogotá cost?

The entrance fee in November 2022 was just under 3 euros per person. There you will find a lot of information about the indigenous peoples and the history of gold, silver, and copper mining.

How do I get to Monserrate?

The mountain is 3,152 meters high. You can either take the 2-hour hiking trail or the cable car for around 5 euros per person. Unfortunately, we didn't have time – the view is supposed to be spectacular, overlooking Bogotá and part of the Andes.

Is Playa Blanca worth visiting?

My stay was somewhat disappointing: the place was packed with sun loungers, people, and accommodations. Next time, I would choose a different beach or only come for the excursions. We had to walk for about 10 minutes with our luggage along a narrow stretch of beach to reach our accommodation; for a fee, someone transported the luggage by wheelbarrow.

What is „Chocolate caliente con queso“?

Hot chocolate with cheese. Important: The cheese is placed directly into the mug so it can melt into the hot chocolate—don't bite it off and drink it afterwards. The taste is unusual at first, but delicious afterwards.

What is the Aviario Nacional?

A bird park and definitely one of my highlights in Colombia. At only 7 euros per person, it's an absolutely fair price—I would have even paid three times that. Allow yourself plenty of time, the park is quite large.

Cover image: Armenia with a monastery overlooking the gorge

Armenia Travelogue — Yerevan, Monasteries & Hidden Treasures

  • Hot air balloon over Yerevan: one hour, up to 2,000 meters
  • Cascades: 118 meters tall stair complex with escalators inside
  • Zipline under the bridge: Start at 123 meters, 870 meters long
  • Garni is located about 23 kilometers outside of Yerevan.
  • Chess is a separate school subject in Armenia.

The 🔝 Highlights from Armenia

Yerevan

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival

On the Republic Square, early in the morning on October 14th, hot air balloonists from all over the world gathered 🗺. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks. At half past seven, it was finally time. The Brazilian hot air balloonist was already waiting for our arrival. In total, there were five of us, standing shoulder to shoulder. Shortly after, not only did the balloon rise, but so did our excitement 😁. It felt somewhat insecure. "So helpless, so unpredictable." Max even said he found it worse than paragliding 😯. But for me, it was the opposite. In the first half-hour, we ascended up to 2000 meters and enjoyed the incredible panoramic view 🥰. Then I felt nauseous for five minutes, and luckily I felt better afterwards 🤮 🤣. I don't usually have a fear of heights, but even for me, that was pretty high 😂! (By the way, the ride lasted an hour).

An experience that will probably stay in my memory forever. ✨


Several hot air balloons over the city in the morning mist.
Janet in front of a colorful hot air balloon at the balloon festival in Yerevan
View from a hot air balloon of the rooftops of Yerevan

Cascade Complex 😎

One of the most beautiful viewpoints over the city of Yerevan is probably the 118-meter-high staircase complex, the Cascade. Don't worry: There are enough escalators available that slowly take you up through the interior of the Cascade 😁. Meanwhile, you can admire the artful exhibits and make a stop on the outdoor terrace at each level. ☺️


Fountain and sculpture at the foot of the cascades in Yerevan
View from the cascades over the avenue and the rooftops of Yerevan
Janet in a niche of the cascade staircase complex

Mother Armenia Complex 🙂

In Victory Park, you'll find the "Mother Armenia" monument, which consists of a mausoleum, military museum, and a large statue. 🤗 
From there, you also get another impressive view over the city! 😇


Janet overlooking Yerevan from Victory Park
Statue of Mother Armenia on her high pedestal
Janet in front of the statue Mother Armenia

Modern Art Museum 🎨

In Mashtots Avenue, you'll find the modern art museum, where you can find various paintings and some statues. The artworks are truly impressive, allowing your imagination to run wild. 🎭


Colorful landscape painting in the Museum of Modern Art
Painting of a seated woman in the art museum
Colorful painting with figures and animals in the art museum

Opening 🛍️

A paradise for all souvenir buyers and shopping enthusiasts. ❤️
Here you'll find a good mix of knick-knacks and high-quality craftsmanship! At some stands, you can even see how the chessboards are made. Did you know that chess is a separate subject in Armenian schools? ♟️


A wall full of handmade wooden plates and clocks at the market stall
Hand-carved chess set at the Vernissage market
Stand with black and white paintings at the vernissage market

Dancing Fountains 💦

In the evening, you'll find illuminated water fountains at Republic Square, presenting their water display with diverse music and changing colors 😯. Additionally, you'll have a view of the Marriott Hotel, the Post Office, the Government Building with Clock Tower, and former buildings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 🥰


Illuminated water fountains at Republic Square
Republic Square in Yerevan at night with illuminated buildings
Water feature with colored fountains in front of the illuminated building

Freedom Square 📸

At this city square, you'll find the Opera and Ballet Theater. It's the most important and largest music theater! 🎶
Also, a cool spot to zip around in an electric car 🤙.


The circular building of the music theatre with a statue in the square
Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theatre with monument in front
Yellow electric car for rent at Freedom Square

Yerevan Zipline Airlines 🙌

A zipline that runs directly under the bridge! 😱
The first route starts at a height of 123 meters and is 870 meters long. The second one is slightly shorter, only 650 meters in length. You don't really need to worry about much since the track has an automatic stop system installed. That's why it was pretty easy. The only important thing is to ensure that the minimum weight is met, so you don't get stuck halfway 🤣.
 Max and I rode together, which was pretty cool! 💨

Barren hilly landscape with bridge backlit
View from the zipline cable of the bridge over the gorge
High bridge over the gorge on the outskirts of Yerevan

Garni

The Symphony of Stones, Garni Gorge
This majestic natural monument is only about 23km away from the capital and is truly admirable! ✨
 This majestic natural monument is located only about 23km from the capital and is truly awe-inspiring! ✨


Fan-shaped basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones up close
Basalt wall of the Garni Gorge above the green valley floor
Visitors in front of the basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones

Next stop: Back to Camperlife! 🤙


Frequently Asked Questions

How high and for how long does the hot air balloon fly in Yerevan?

We climbed to 2,000 meters in the first half hour; the entire trip took an hour. I felt nauseous for five minutes, even though I'm not usually afraid of heights. Max found it even more unpleasant than paragliding.

Do I have to run up the cascades?

No. The stairwell is 118 meters high, but there are plenty of escalators inside to get you up. Along the way, you'll see exhibits and can step outside on each floor.

How does the zipline in Yerevan work?

It runs directly under the bridge. The first section starts at a height of 123 meters and is 870 meters long, the second 650 meters. An automatic stopping system makes it easy—the only important thing is the minimum weight, otherwise you'll stop halfway through. We rode as a pair.

What is worth visiting outside of Yerevan?

Garni with the Symphony of Stones in the Garni Gorge. The natural monument is located only about 23 kilometers from the capital.

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Cover photo of Montenegro with a view of the coast and old town

Montenegro Travel Report — Kotor, Budva & Adriatic Coast Tips

  • Seven places: Herceg Novi, Perast, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Sveti Stefan, Stari Bar
  • Kotor's old town, Starigrad, is under UNESCO protection
  • Perast: Boats to the islands all 15 minutes
  • Sveti Stefan is privately owned — Closed to tourists
  • Parking in front of Stari Bar: 1 hour for 2 euros, that's enough.

7 beautiful places in Montenegro

Herceg Novi

In Herceg Novi, you'll find a fortified medieval old town with several churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and many steps 😁. Adjacent to the town is a small harbor & some ice cream parlors 🍦. I particularly liked the Clock Tower, which you can see in the middle picture. 

Top attractions include 🔝: 
Savina Winery, Promenada of Herceg Novi, Monastery Savina, Church of Michael the Archangel, Forte Mare, Herceg Novi Old Town, Kanli Kula Fortress & Mamula Fortress.

Church with rose window and flag in Herceg Novi
Stairs to the clock tower in the old town of Herceg Novi
Stone alley with old buildings in the old town of Herceg Novi

Perast

Perast is a small town belonging to the municipality of Kotor. Situated below the St. Elias Mountain directly on the shore, it is known for its mild climate & the most hours of sunshine per year ☀️. We strolled along the promenade and enjoyed the great view of the sea 🌊. For those interested, there's the opportunity for a boat trip to the small islands of St. George (Sveti Đorđe) and Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela). Departures are every 15 minutes 🚤 . . .  . .

Perast waterfront promenade overlooking the Bay of Kotor
Church tower and palm trees in the square of Perast
View across the turquoise waters of the bay towards the town of Perast

Budva

Budva is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife ⛱. In the old town, you can wander through the alleys and admire the small boutiques. Additionally, don't miss the Citadel, Mogren Beach, Budva City Walls, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Saint Ivan Church. 🤪 .

Janet on a staircase in the old town of Budva
Church tower amidst palm trees and greenery in Budva
Green courtyard with café in the old town of Budva

Starigrad — Kotor

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Kotor is located in Stari Grad 🥰. The medieval town is protected by UNESCO World Heritage and creates a fairytale atmosphere 🧚🏻‍♂️. A few days are enough to explore the essentials. In the alleys, numerous cats cross your path, and the scent of fresh pizza and pasta fills the air 🍝. 

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon with two towers in Kotor
Kotor fortress wall on the steep rocky slope
Cobbled square in the old town of Starigrad in Kotor

Tivat

Located on the Bay of Kotor, the city of Tivat is often referred to as the city of the "rich," as everything is meticulously maintained, and you'll find one expensive boutique after another 🤑. Furthermore, the city offers many upscale hotels and fine restaurants 🤩. What I find most beautiful is the emphasis on plants! 🌴🌿.

Tivat's waterfront promenade with palm trees and a large yacht
Well-maintained courtyard with arches and palm trees in Tivat
Tivat harbor with boats under a cloudy sky

St. Stephen

Near Budva, you'll find the small Adriatic island of "Sveti Stefan." It looks particularly impressive from above 🥰! Unfortunately, we found out on-site that access for tourists is prohibited ⛔️. The island is managed by Aman Resorts and is privately owned. If there's a huge interest in exploring the island, you should contact the owner. Prices are on the higher side 😉. For us, the exterior view was sufficient – after all, there are still plenty of other places to discover 😁. Additionally, there is a beautiful beach in front of the island 😊.

Sandy beach at Sveti Stefan in front of the mountains
View from above of the island of Sveti Stefan
Turquoise bay with boats near Sveti Stefan

Stari Bar

A bit hilly inland is the town of Stari Bar ☺️. Colorful, oriental lamps are sold everywhere, and fresh pomegranate juice is available at every corner 🤤. For me, it's a perfect city to simply go for a coffee/tea! ☕️ We were able to park directly in front of the city for 1 hour, worth 2 euros. The hour was sufficient to see the essentials 😉.

Alley in Stari Bar with colorful lamps and textiles
House with cypress trees and bougainvillea in Stari Bar
Old wagon wheel and metal chair against a stone wall in Stari Bar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the island of Sveti Stefan?

No. Tourists are not allowed on the island; it belongs to Aman Resorts and is privately owned. Anyone who absolutely wants to visit must contact the owner—prices are quite high. The view from the outside was perfectly sufficient for us, and there's a beautiful beach in front of it.

How do I get to the small islands in Perast?

On site you can take a boat trip to St. George and St. Mary of the Rock. Boats depart every 15 minutes.

How long should I plan to spend in Kotor?

A few days are perfectly sufficient to explore the essentials. The Starigrad district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How much does parking cost in Stari Bar?

We paid 2 euros for an hour just outside the city. That hour was perfectly sufficient for the essentials.

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Blue VW Golf R in a parking lot on the Croatian coast

Croatia Road Trip — Dubrovnik, Split & Island Hopping

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  • Plitvice Lakes: approximately 26 euros Day ticket per person plus 15 euros for camper parking
  • Go during the week and as early as possible — on Sundays it was packed.
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Ilirija Resort in Biograd: .
  • The source of the Cetina is approximately 7 degrees cold and only really visible from above
  • Dinara, the highest mountain in Croatia: 1,831 meters, steep ascent

11 Highlights from Croatia:

Plitvice Lakes 📍

A day ticket for Plitvice Lakes National Park costs about 26 euros per person. Additionally, there are 15 euros parking fees for a camper. With the fuel consumed just to get into the inland, it was a bit more costly affair 🤑😁. Unfortunately, we arrived on probably the worst day, a Sunday. Silly us… 😁 Naturally, it was packed to the brim 💀! For this reason, I recommend visiting during the week and as early as possible! Nevertheless, the visit was really worth it! The water was sometimes as blue and green as I had never seen in my life… 🥰 There are various hiking trails in the park: We opted for the "H" path. First, we were taken to the National Park by bus, then we followed the well-signposted paths, and finally, there was a little boat tour included.
 
Don't forget: Bring snacks, plenty of sunscreen, and sturdy footwear!
 
 
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View from above of the turquoise lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice
Turquoise lake with waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Waterfalls and dense greenery in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Zadar 📍

The beautiful old town truly enchanted us 🪄! Especially at night, the city exudes its own charm. You can shop in smaller stores (the quality is somewhat questionable 😆). The big shopping stores are located outside the city center (Zara/H&M…). After the shopping tour, it's perfect to watch the beautiful sunset by the sea. Looking for some party? Then hop onto the illuminated floor plates at the Greeting to the Sun – II Saluto al Sole and then head to a cool bar with live music. Here you'll also find 1-liter cocktail offers 😉. There's supposed to be a sea organ nearby too. If you like churches, don't forget to visit the Zadar Cathedral.
 
Best Pizza? 🍕
Don't get ripped off – avoid big tourist spots and eat outside. I recommend the pizzeria "Broj 1". 
Truly delicious and incredibly cheap prices (They only accept Kuna!! No Euro!! And the Jumbo Pizza is enough for 2 people 😉).
 
 
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Clock tower and cafes on the People's Square in the old town of Zadar
Janet and Max at sunset by the sea in Zadar
Church of Saint Donatus and bell tower on the forum in Zadar in the evening

Biograd Na moru📍

During our walk at the harbor, we immediately felt like we were on vacation 🥰. Endless souvenir shops 😄! The beaches are unfortunately packed during the high season – but you can find a nice spot a bit further out. One of my top highlights was the Wine-Tasting Tour at the Ilirija Resort (50 Euros) 🍷. . .
There we also met new people with whom we went on a boat tour to Vrgada ( Don't forget snorkeling gear! 🤿). .
 
 
Best Pizza 🍕? 
Casa Vecchia 😉 – I just love the pizzas in Croatia 😃!
 
 
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Stone alley with greened house walls in Biograd na Moru
Janet by the sea at sunset in Biograd na Moru
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Sunset over the port of Biograd na Moru

Murter Island & Tisno📍

On the Croatian island of Murter lies the small village of Betina. You can easily and freely cross over to the island via the drawbridge. There you'll find many beautiful restaurants & bars. A perfect place to stroll through the alleys and grab an ice cream 😉. 
 
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Church tower behind flowers and greenery on the island of Murter
Calm, clear sea with small boats off the island of Murter
📍 Tisno
Narrow stone alley with shutters in the village of Betina on the island of Murter

Šibenik📍

A perfect stopover! Sibenik is located between the tourist towns of Zadar, Split, Vodice, and Trogir.It's important to know that this place isn't really suitable for wheelchair users! Hardly anything is barrier-free... Don't miss out on the beautiful sights, like the Cathedral of St. James and the various fortresses!
 
 
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Pink house facade among stone houses in the old town of Šibenik
Cathedral of St. James on the square in Šibenik
Restaurant terrace with wooden tables in an alley in Šibenik

Split📍

One of my highlights in Croatia is Split. This city is beautiful 🥰! In the city center, you'll find a fortress-like complex of Diocletian's Palace, which was built in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. All the old buildings mixed with modern restaurants, cafes & bars have their own unique style! 
 
⛔️ CAUTION ⛔️:  ⛔️ :
Avoid the peak season! Otherwise, you'll be overrun by crowds!
 
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Red SPLIT lettering between palm trees on the Split waterfront promenade
Bell tower and alleyways in Diocletian's Palace in Split
Janet among flowering bushes in Split

Cetina River Spring📍

We visited the source of the Cetina River. The spring water was really ice-cold at about 7 degrees Celsius 🥶! Nevertheless, we grabbed our inflatable mattress and took some amazing shots 📸. Unfortunately, you can only see the true wonder of this spring from above, which is why I recommend a visit with a drone 😉.
 
Nearby, you have the opportunity to take a beautiful hike to the highest mountain in Croatia, Mount "Dinara" 🏔.
With its 1831m height and steep ascent, you should be reasonably fit, but it's definitely doable. 🤙 
 
Good to know:
The locals don't like people swimming there. Unfortunately, we only found that out afterward. 🙁
 
 
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Evening sky over the mountains near the source of the Cetina River
The deep blue source of the Cetina River from the air
Red tent on a mountain meadow above the Croatian coast

Grandmas📍

The perfect place for a bit of action 😎! Whether it's rafting, hiking, or climbing 💥, in Omiš, you'll find a variety of activities at a fair price!

 Small ice cream tip 🍦: 

The flavor "White Kinder Bueno" is super delicious! 🍦🤭

Janet and Max with climbing helmets high above the coast near Omis
Rafting boat with paddlers in the white water near Omis
Janet with two large pizzas in a pizzeria in Croatia

Trogir📍

In Trogir, we started our next adventure. We booked a sailing holiday for young people! Max & I were complete sailing beginners, so we were pretty excited 🤩. One thing I can tell you: We were not disappointed! It was incredibly fun, especially when we were sailing at a complete tilt 😱!! Additionally, we met great new people and didn't party a little 🥳. Another meeting with the crew is already planned ☑️.

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Sailboats seen from the air in the turquoise waters off the Croatian coast
Sailing yachts in the port of Trogir in front of old stone houses
Group of young people on a sailing yacht during a sailing holiday from Trogir

Hvar📍

With a speedboat, we went to the Croatian holiday island of Hvar. There we ate, with our sailing group, at a slightly overpriced restaurant 🤑. From there, we had a wonderful view of the luxurious yachts lined up at the harbor. The place definitely represents wealth, which was reflected quite noticeably in the price 😅. Additionally, you'll find one party mile after another here! 🎉

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A narrow, illuminated alley in the old town of Dubrovnik in the evening.
Dinner with the sailing crew in a restaurant on Hvar
Illuminated restaurants in the Old Town Square of Dubrovnik at night

Dubrovnik 📍

A city in southern Croatia that everyone knows. The filming location of the series Game of Thrones 👑. Dubrovnik has always been high on my list and now the time had finally come. As we strolled through the well-preserved old town, the new series of Vikings was being filmed. Totally exciting 🤩. Afterwards, we of course checked out the highlights (city walls, Old Town, Placa, the churches....). Also, you should definitely see Dubrovnik from above 🫶🏼.

View from the cable car of the fortress and coast near Dubrovnik
People on the Placa in the old town of Dubrovnik with its domed church
Dubrovnik's old town with city walls seen from above on the blue Adriatic Sea

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Plitvice Lakes National Park?

A day ticket costs approximately €26 per person, plus €15 for parking our campervan. We followed trail "H": first taking the bus into the park, then following the well-marked paths; a short boat trip is included at the end.

When should I visit Plitvice?

Go during the week and as early as possible. We arrived on a Sunday—probably the worst day—and it was packed. Bring snacks, plenty of sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.

Where can I eat well and cheaply in Croatia?

Avoid the major tourist areas and eat a little further out. In Zadar, I recommend the pizzeria "Broj 1"—very affordable, the jumbo pizza is enough for two, and they only accept Kuna. In Biograd, Casa Vecchia had the best pizza we've had.

Is it permitted to swim at the source of the Cetina River?

Swimming in the spring is frowned upon by the local residents — we unfortunately only found that out afterwards. The spring water is only about 7 degrees Celsius anyway.

What am I doing in grandma's house?

Omis is the place for action: rafting, hiking and climbing, all at fair prices.

Cover image of European tour part 2 with flags of Slovenia, Austria, Italy and Germany

Europe Road Trip Part 2 — Balkans, Greece & Türkiye

,

  • 10-day vignette for Austria: approximately 10 euros, plus 13 euros toll
  • Wild camping is permitted in Austria and Slovenia outside of campsites. forbidden
  • We find parking spaces using the app. Park4night — free of charge at Untreusee in Hof
  • Refilling the water tank was difficult in Bavaria: it finally worked at the third gas station.
  • In Italy, aperitivo is served free snacks to order

From Germany -> through Austria -> through Slovenia -> through Italy towards Croatia 😛

 
 We start our second journey through Europe with our self-converted camper van 😊! An incredibly exciting backpacking trip through South America is behind us. We've also been able to explore Cuba and Morocco within a few weeks 🛫. Despite all the wonderful experiences, we longed for our little home again – our camper ♥️. So, we packed all our things again and set off. We started our trip from Magdeburg and drove 3 hours towards Bavaria.
 

Beautiful Bavaria 🏔

City of Hof

Here we were now. In the small Bavarian town called Hof. Wow. Who would have thought it would be so beautiful? Honestly, I've never heard of "Hof" before 🫣. But the botanical garden and the charming town center convinced me! A nice place to "arrive" again and relax a bit 😉.

Violet flowers in a perennial bed
Janet skips happily across the path in the rose garden.
Orange-yellow torch lilies in the flower bed
The city center was quite empty in the afternoon. But you can find something to shop at every corner 🛍.

A colorful row of houses along a cobblestone street
Pedestrian zone with church towers at the end of the street
White campervan parked on the side of the road under trees
Parking spot: You'll find plenty of free parking spacesin Hof. Ultimately, we decided to stay at Untreusee, which was a good decision. (Camper type: Self-sufficient.)

Small tip: Don't be fooled by the paid camper van parking lots. If you drive into the street towards the "Car Park", you have to turn left at the first intersection!! The parking spot there is free and only a few minutes' walk from the lake 😉. No guarantee!

Janet on a curved bench by the lake at sunset
Calm lake with cloudy skies and boat docks
For lunch we had a delicious gnocchi dish 🤤. As always, we used our gas stove 😊. The next day we moved on again and made a quick stop at the car wash 💦. After all, our home needs to be kept clean 😜.

Campervan in the car wash
Extended campervan kitchen with camping table
Pan of fried potatoes on the gas stove

Bayreuth 🙂

The city of Bayreuth is one of the most beautiful cities in Bavaria 🥰. Here you'll find many different sights, such as castles, museums, and historic parks. Somehow we expected a little "more"—but that's probably because we only got a rough idea of the city 😌. In the evening, we saw the new Jurassic World movie at the cinema 🍿. By the way: Bayreuth is really buzzing in the evenings 💃. It feels like there are 1,000 students around! They're all between 25 and 35 years old 🥳.

Parking space: Easy to find with the Park4night app 😉

Flooded path in a tree-lined avenue
Max with outstretched arms in a square in front of a castle
Historic building with a green dome on one corner

Regensburg☂️

From Bayreuth, we continued on to Regensburg, where our campsite had a direct view of the Danube. We strolled through the narrow streets of the old town. As in almost every city, St. Peter's Cathedral was undergoing renovations, so I couldn't get the best photo (bottom left). Regensburg definitely has a certain charm! First, you cross the cool 12th-century Stone Bridge, and then you come across the well-preserved medieval center. Nice! 👍

Regensburg Cathedral with its two Gothic towers
View across the river to the old town of Regensburg
Bridge tower with clock at the end of the Stone Bridge in Regensburg

Landshut🤠

In Landshut, I finally met up with my good old friend Jessi again 🥰. As you might remember from my Australia post, Jessi was my very first travel companion 1️⃣. Together, we did a year-long working holiday in Australia 🇦🇺. A time I look back on so fondly 🕰! Incidentally, that's also something I particularly value: sharing memories. When you travel alone (as wonderful as it may be), no one can truly understand your experiences or empathize with your situations afterward. That's why I enjoyed reminiscing with Jessi so much and laughing heartily with her about our embarrassing, silly, funny, and wonderful moments 😁! Upon arriving in Landshut, Jessi had conjured up a fantastic Bavarian meal for us 🤤! So, in true Bavarian style, we had: Weisswurst, pretzels, sausage salad, homemade Obazda from Grandma, and, of course, a delicious wheat beer! Obazda, by the way, is a spread that's absolutely delicious (with soft cheese, onions…!!). ❤️

Two women at a set table with beer and pretzels
A breakfast table set with pretzels, coffee and berries from above.
Janet and Max on a bridge with love locks over the river
The next day we finally explored the old town of Landshut. Just walk through the Landshut gate and you're there. I especially loved the pastel-colored houses with their different shapes 😋. I also loved the view over the Isar River!

Historic building on the green river canal
Market square with colorful gabled houses in the old town
Brick city gate with archway
In the late afternoon, we found a quiet spot to go fishing 🎣. Once there, Jessi and her boyfriend Max (yes, her boyfriend has the same name as my boyfriend) taught us the basics of fishing. And we actually caught a fish 🐟! I learned so much, but one thing in particular: fishing requires a lot of patience 🙇🏽‍♂️! Even after catching a fish, you still have to prepare it (gut it, scale it…) so you can grill or fry it… What a lot of work for such a small meal 😁. But fishing is still a fun hobby 😉. The excitement when a fish bites is indescribable. It almost becomes a real sense of accomplishment 🤩! It's kind of strange. For us humans, it's perfectly normal to go to a grocery store and just quickly throw some frozen fish into the shopping cart. But if we look back years, people were dependent on providing their own food 😵. How many people can still do that? It was extremely interesting for me to witness this process! Thanks to Jessi & Max! 🤓
 
Two anglers on the riverbank, backlit by the sun
Max is holding a freshly caught perch in his hands.
Friends fishing and grilling on the lakeshore
But then, sadly, it was that time again... time to say "goodbye"... I keep asking myself why it never gets any easier?? 😒 These are probably the downsides of being a traveler. You always have to say goodbye again. Anyway, a big thank you to Jessi and her boyfriend Max for the wonderful time 💐 and see you next time 👋🏻!

Parking: We parked one night next to Jessi's mom's house and the other night at Jessi's place in a public parking lot… So I think there shouldn't be any problems parking anywhere in the village 😉.
 
Two friends on the riverbank promenade

Erding 🛝

On the way to our new campsite, we were still looking for a place to fill up our water tank 👀. It's really not easy to find anything in Bavaria, except of course at a paid campsite 😩! When we were almost in Erding, I was raving to Max about my experience at the Erding Thermal Spa. I tried to quickly persuade him to make a detour, but Max expressed his disinterest – and quite emphatically 🙄. Eventually, I resigned myself to it and we changed the subject. But suddenly, we found ourselves in the Erding Thermal Spa parking lot 😮. What? Huh? What's going on? 😯 We went into the hotel and it wasn't long before the staff greeted us. Apparently, Max had planned a surprise for me weeks ago 😍. Everything was already booked. I was in shock 🤩. I was so incredibly excited, you can't even imagine! I mean, I would have been happy with just a regular day visit, but instead we had two different lounges and slept in the cool Victory Hotel. Absolutely amazing! 🔨 And now tell me – I don't have the best boyfriend in the world! 😛  

Hotel room with green bed and ceiling lights
hotel room
Modern hotel bathroom with shower and washbasin
Hotel room bathroom
Below, in the two pictures, you can see what our alpine chalet looked like. We had a sitting area, a fireplace, and a cozy corner 🥰. The bathroom was outside the room! (Note the urinal next to the regular toilet 🎷 in the bottom right of the picture.)
 
Living room with wooden beams and modern fireplace
Wood-paneled entrance area of an accommodation with washbasin
Later we relaxed in the Diamond Lounge! Delicious XXL pizza and a glass of sparkling wine – perfect! 😍 *Celebrity vibes* 🤩

Janet and Max toast with sparkling wine at the thermal pool.
Janet and Max behind a large pizza
Janet and Max in bathrobes with a bottle of wine
What an experience, I tell you! Whether action-packed or pure relaxation – it always feels like a little vacation! Especially with my sweetheart ♥️ We'll definitely be back in winter ⛄️😛! 

Chiemsee & surroundings

Next, we headed to Lake Chiemsee. Our little problem with our water supply still persisted. We simply couldn't find a filling station! 😖 Finally, we had no choice but to ask at various gas stations. ⛽️ (Yes, we could have asked at paid campsites, but we'd had rather negative experiences with that, as stopping by "just to fill up on water" isn't appreciated). We actually had success at the third gas station. 🍀 We needed to fill up anyway, and as a thank you, we slipped a couple of coins into our coffee cup. 🤑 Afterwards, we enjoyed the beautiful view of Lake Chiemsee. ♥️

Pink petunias in front of the lake shore
Selfie of Janet and Max in the countryside
Boat dock with rowboats on the lake in front of the mountains
As we continued our journey, we made a stop at a small castle and finally ended our day with a heavenly sunset🌅.

Campsite: It was a bit more difficult to find a nice, free spot near Lake Chiemsee. For this reason, we decided to drive on to Gmünd.

Sunset over an Alpine valley with villages
Gatehouse of a castle with an Austrian flag
View across flowering meadows to an Alpine foothills village

Off through Austria 🏔

Gmünd🧑🏻‍🎨

To cross the border from Germany to Austria, we bought a 10-day vignette for about €10. On the way to Gmünd, we had to pay another €13 in toll fees. After that, we used Google Maps to find the toll-free routes. In the beautiful artists' town of Gmünd, we strolled through the narrow streets once again. Trumpets hung overhead, little stuffed rabbits lay in the bushes, and sculptures dangled their feet from the rooftops. A really cool town!

Red and pink geraniums on the balcony
Yellow farmhouse on a village street with flowers
White village church with a pointed spire against a blue sky
The view from the castle was absolutely beautiful! Afterwards, we desperately searched for a parking spot for the night. In Austria, camping outside of a designated campsite is illegal… And with the hundreds of "No Camping" signs, they don't make it easy…! What a mess! ☠️

Parking space: Park4night app at your own risk 🙈

Castle ruins above a green meadow with stone steps
Janet and Max in a deckchair in front of a castle wall
View of a mountain village with church tower and cemetery

Villach🎉

In the city center, performers proudly presented their acts. Right next to the show, "influencers" streamed out of the shops in droves. Cheerful music filled the air in the background. What's going on here? I guess we've stumbled right into a festival! 😁 The city was packed, but despite that, my impression of Villach was really good! 👍 But what I liked best was Max's "church hat" (see middle picture) 😛.

Neo-Gothic church with a tall tower against a blue sky
Max in front of a church tower
Turquoise river with mountains in the background

Slovenia🇸🇰

Kranjska Gora🐟

And off we go across the border. We leave Austria and say "hello" to Slovenia 😛. I couldn't have imagined a more beautiful first stop. There we were in Kranjska Gora. In this case, I'm glad I'm writing a blog and not doing a podcast. The name of the place is an experience in itself 😁. Anyway... before us lay the incredibly clear lake with wonderful, magnificent mountains in the background 🥰. Definitely a MUST SEE on my imaginary list of Slovenia 😉.
 
Campsite: Wild camping is expressly prohibited -> Otherwise, heavy fines will be imposed 👮‍♀️
 
Mountain lake with reeds in the foreground and rocky peaks
Clear mountain lake with a gravel bottom in front of rugged peaks.

Bled ⛪️

Of course, Slovenia doesn't just have one lake to offer, but a whole lot 😛. That's why we stopped at Lake Bled. Instead of the slightly greenish water from the previous lake, this time we saw a vibrant blue. No filter was used on the left picture!!! Incredible, right??? 😍 In the right picture below, you can see the Church of the Assumption of Mary, which is located on a small island. On the mainland, there's also an 11th-century castle perched high on a rock.

Turquoise water photographed through a canopy of leaves
Janet on the shore of Lake Bled
Bled Castle high above the lake

Ljubljana

Time for a little city break in Slovenia's capital 😊! With our e-scooter, we were probably the fastest tourists in the whole place. I especially loved the restaurants and bars right by the river and the sunset picnic in the park! 🌅

Parking space: Park4night App // Generally, it is also illegal to stay overnight outside of a campsite in Slovenia… Therefore, it's not too easy… However, we had no problems.
Janet and Max with bicycle helmets overlooking the city
Pink Franciscan Church on Prešeren Square in Ljubljana
Janet and Max on a picnic blanket in the evening light

Italy🇮🇹

Trieste

Ohh, how I've missed aperitivo time! Finally, a lovely Aperol Spritz to enjoy with all the little treats 😍. In Italy, it's common to get free snacks with your drinks order (e.g., pizza slices, chips, wraps, small breads, etc.) 😛. But of course, that wasn't our only reason for coming here; we also wanted to explore this famous metropolis. I did find it a bit annoying, though, that the streets ran right through half the city center, so there was often a lot of background noise. But deep inside, amidst the narrow streets, we finally found a quiet spot to fully enjoy our long-awaited aperitivo 😁.

Parking: Parking available directly at the harbor, but without shade. Costs a few euros.

Canal with church at the end in Trieste
Max in a pedestrian zone with street cafes
Street with old buildings and parked cars in Trieste

Finally in Croatia🇭🇷

We drove from Trieste to Croatia that same day. It only took one night and the police ahead of us. FUCK! 
In my next blog post about our European trip, I'll tell you more about our unpleasant experience and how our journey continued from there…

Thank you to every reader and see you next time ♥️

Next stop: Croatia 🇭🇷

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to drive through Austria with a campervan?

We bought a 10-day vignette for about €10. On the route to Gmünd, we had to pay another €13 in toll fees. After that, we used Google Maps to find the toll-free routes.

Am I allowed to camp freely in Austria and Slovenia?

No. In Austria, camping outside of designated campsites is illegal, and there are many prohibition signs. The same applies in Slovenia—there, you face hefty fines. We didn't have any problems, but it's not easy.

How do I find parking spaces while traveling?

Use the Park4night app. There are plenty of free parking spaces in Hof; we stayed at Untreusee. A little tip: don't be fooled by the paid campervan pitches – take the first left towards "Auto Parkplatz" (car parking), it's free there and just a few minutes' walk from the lake.

Where do I refill the water in my camper?

In Bavaria, that was really difficult, except at paid campsites. We asked at petrol stations and only had success on the third one – we filled up anyway and put a few extra coins in our coffee cup.

Which stops in Bavaria were worthwhile?

Hof with its botanical garden, Bayreuth, Regensburg with the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the medieval center, Landshut with the old town behind the Ländtor, the Erding thermal baths and Lake Chiemsee.

Cover photo: Morocco with Janet and sand in her hands in the dunes.

Morocco Travelogue — Marrakech, Sahara & Coastal Resorts

  • Flight Berlin–Marrakesh: just under 4 hours
  • Essaouira: Fortification walls from the 18th century and film set for Game of Thrones
  • Garden in Marrakech: round 4,000 m² with over 300 plant species
  • Tagine: the clay pot retains heat and cooks the ingredients gently.
  • The market in Marrakech Act in addition

A week through Morocco☀️

We flew from Berlin to Marrakesh in just under 4 hours ✈️! The entry process was smooth (entry requirements: full vaccination + health form). 

Modern building with ornamental facade and palm trees
Large domed hall of Marrakech airport with light patterns
After being greeted with a traditional mint tea at the hotel, we admired our new room. Here awaited a large bathtub & shower, a bed covered in roses, and many little chocolates for us 🌹😍. Everything was clean and stylishly decorated! In the evening, we settled on our balcony and watched the sunset 🌅. The next morning, there was a breakfast buffet. I haven't seen such a huge selection in a long time! There were many different pastries, spreads, yogurts, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and whatever else your heart desires 🤤!

Breakfast buffet with baskets full of pastries
Colorful hotel room with a heart made of flowers on the bed
Bread and pastries on a rooftop terrace at sunset

Essaouira⚓️

Our hotel was only a 10-minute drive from the beautiful port city of Essaouira. Never in my life have I seen so many seagulls in one place 😁! In the old town, there is a beautiful market and old 18th-century fortifications. 

Did you know that Essaouira was the filming location for the slave city of Astapor in the Game of Thrones series? 😍

defensive wall of the city fortress by the sea
Blue fishing boats in the port of Essaouira
Souk alley with hats and leather sandals on the wall
As we strolled along the market, we saw a woman making almond paste. Totally interesting 😯! There was a choice of almond paste with cooking oil or argan oil. Additionally, honey was added according to taste. Of course, we took a jar with us, and it tastes delicious 😛🤤!!!

Hand-operated argan oil mill with oil bottles
Later, we watched how traditional silver jewelry is made and ate fresh fish at the harbor 🎣 ☺️!

Jewelry store with display cases and chains
Blue and yellow painted courtyard with clay pots and plants
Plate with grilled fish, lemon and olives on a blue tablecloth
Oh, by the way, I totally fell in love with the doors here 🥰😁. Look how beautiful they are.....

Janet in front of an ornate blue wooden door
Janet in a sandstone archway

Agadir☀️

Another absolute highlight was the sand dunes near Agadir with the fantastic ocean view ❤️

Tip: Don't even try to take off your shoes, the sand is hellishly hot 🔥😁 & don't forget your head covering 😉!

Janet spins around on the dune with her arms outstretched.
Janet lets sand trickle through her hands in the dunes.
Janet stands with a cloth flapping in the breeze on a dune overlooking the sea.
Later, we checked into our new Yoga & Surf Hotel. I especially loved the infinity pool & the amazing decorations. 🥰

Infinity pool with sun loungers and sea view
Modern hotel building with wooden facade and balconies
The accommodation's garden features a lawn, palm trees, and a pavilion.
For lunch, we had a traditional Tajine dish. The containers are made of clay, so the heat can be retained and distributed evenly. With this method, the ingredients are gently cooked. This time, we got a mix of vegetables & meat with robust spices! However, we also had other options available 😉. I particularly loved the freshly baked bread. ❤️

Tajine dishes with flatbread and fries to take away
Janet and Max in front of tagine pots in the restaurant
Clay bowls for tagine over embers at a market stall
One evening, we rode horses directly along the beach towards the sunset. 😍🐎 Did you also have those "horse-crazy" girls in your class earlier? Now I finally understand why they loved it so much! 😅

View over the horse's head towards the bridleway
Janet and Max are riding on the beach at sunset
Female rider on a sandy path in the evening sun
What could be more beautiful than ending the day with a massage at a SPA? 😌 I haven't felt as relaxed as I did there in a long time 🥰. Additionally, this Moroccan architectural style always blows me away! 😍

Roof terrace with planters and zigzag walls
Courtyard of a riad with arches, pool and set tables
Ornate riad corridor with chandelier and water basin
Here are a few more examples of Moroccan architecture:

Lounge under a tent roof with leather sofas and a fireplace
Pool in the courtyard of an earthen-built hotel with arcades
Restaurant hall with brass lamps and white-clothed tables
Marokko is definitely also known for its good cuisine! I don't think I've ever had such good salmon before 😁! And that baked Camembert .... 🥰🥰 A great dinner!

Dessert artfully arranged on a white plate
Appetizer with fruit on a plate in the restaurant
Fish fillet with sauce on a white plate
The next day, we went for a little hike in the Al Haouz province. 
The coolest thing: Along the way, there was a stand with freshly squeezed orange juice and fancy seating areas 😎👍!

Seating area with colorful cushions and carpets in a rock niche
Janet with a glass of orange juice in front of a rock face with a carpet
Waterfalls cascade through green-covered rocks
At the top, our lunch was already waiting for us. 🤤 It hadn't rained for ages, and as soon as we reached the top – it started. 😁 Luckily, it was only for a short while, but still annoying because I would have loved to sit at the other spot (on the far right in the picture) 😅.

View across a green valley to the barren mountains of the Atlas.
Janet having breakfast under a parasol with a mountain view
Rooftop terrace with carpets, cushions and mountain views
Our third hotel was located directly in the Atlas Mountains. From there, we had an incredible view over the valley. ❤️ Romantic 🌹.

Terrace with seating area in the garden of the accommodation
Bench under trees overlooking the valley at sunset
Pool nestled between clay walls and greenery in the mountain accommodation
In Tahannaout, we did a zipline tour! That was fun. 👏👏 I got stuck on the track once because I wasn't fast enough. 😆 Then I had to pull myself up, how embarrassing hahaha. 🙈 Only I could do that. 😅

View from above of the dry bushland of the gorge
Person hanging on a zipline above the gorge
Janet with helmet and climbing harness in front of the zipline course

Back to Marrakesh 😊

Of course, we also wanted to explore Marrakesh! Here you'll find one of the most famous markets in all of Morocco! The many lamps, extraordinary spices, and other products make shopping an incredible experience 🥰.

P.S.: Don't forget to bargain. 😉

Sacks of spices and herbs in a shop in the souk
Janet among hundreds of brass lamps in the souk
Shop selling ceramics, teapots and lamps in the souk
Furthermore, we visited a approximately 4000 m² large garden. This is one of the TOP attractions in Marrakesh! There are more than 300 different plant species here, and there is something from every continent in the world! 

Cacti and palm trees under a blue sky
Janet on a path between cacti and palm trees
Cacti and palm trees in the garden, shaded from the sun
Another attraction is the palace with its impressive plasterwork and mosaics. As you can see in the picture on the right, Max was a bit too tall for some doors. 😅 Reason: The doors were built low to create better insulation. 

Max is sorting souvenirs on the chessboard floor.
Richly decorated room with Zellij mosaic and stucco ceiling
Max in an archway with a mosaic floor
On our last day, we went on a quad tour! 💥 I've never driven a quad so fast 😁😁!! It was absolutely amazing!!

Tip: Wear old clothes - You'll get dusty. 😆

Quads and dromedaries among palm trees
Janet on a blue quad bike in a palm grove
Mobile phone photo of Max on the quad bike in the desert

Conclusion:

Morocco. Yeah.. I've heard of it before, but never really considered it as a travel destination. Now I have to say: Morocco has totally amazed me! The great markets, the delicious food, the numerous activities – but especially the beautiful architecture… ❤️ I also want to mention again that I haven't seen so many people smile in a long time, like in Morocco. During my time there, I also got to know a great ritual. After shaking hands, they touch their hearts 😍. I find that really beautiful. Something like "You are in my heart". 

Morocco is definitely worth a visit!

Click here for more information!

Next Stop: Our Camper Trip 😍

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the flight to Marrakech take?

We flew from Berlin to Marrakech in just under 4 hours. Entry into the country was without any problems.

What is a tagine?

A traditional dish, named after the cooking vessel. The containers are made of clay, which retains heat and distributes it evenly—cooking the ingredients gently. We were served a mix of vegetables and meat with robust spices, accompanied by freshly baked bread.

What are the best things to do in Essaouira?

The old town with its market and the ancient fortifications dating back to the 18th century. Essaouira was also the filming location for the slave city of Astapor from Game of Thrones. At the market, we watched how almond butter and traditional silver jewelry were made, and ate fresh fish at the harbor.

What activities took place in Morocco?

A zipline tour in Tahannaout, a quad bike tour, a hike in the province of Al Haouz, horseback riding on the beach near Agadir at sunset, and a massage at the spa.

What should I be aware of at the sand dunes near Agadir?

Don't even try to take your shoes off—the sand is incredibly hot. And don't forget your hat.

Cover photo: Cuba-Caribbean with a row of colorful vintage cars

Cuba Travel Report — Havana, Trinidad & Caribbean Beaches

  • Hotel Nacional de Cuba, built 1930 — with a cabaret show in the house
  • Daiquiri recipe from the Floridita: 5 cl rum, 3 cl lime juice, 2 cl sugar syrup, 6–8 ice cubes
  • A cabaret show lasts approximately 2 hours
  • Mural of Prehistory: 4 km west from Viñales, one of the world's largest open-air paintings
  • Xanadu Mansion by 1928 with beach views and guided tour

First Stop: Havana

You arrive in Cuba and are immediately catapulted into another time. Suddenly, the vintage cars in various colors are back on the streets. Which car would you choose? Right or Left? 😜😂 
 
Janet next to a pink vintage convertible under palm trees
Janet next to a turquoise American vintage car
 
Matching this, we checked into the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which was built in 1930. 
 
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Hotel lounge with leather sofas and sea view
Janet in the courtyard of a colonial building with palm trees
Magnificent dining room with coffered ceiling and grand piano
We also visited the El Floridita Restaurant, where we learned about the process of making Daiquiris. 🍸 
This drink has made it onto my favorite cocktail list! 😅 

For preparation, you'll need:
5 cl white rum, e.g., Havana Club 3 Años.
3 cl freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice.
2 cl sugar syrup (either bought or dissolved sugar)
6 – 8 ice cubes.

Janet and Max with the bartenders behind the counter of a bar
Of course, a city walk through Havana, the capital of Cuba, is also worthwhile. Here, there's a lot to see, such as:
Plaza de Armas, the Malecon waterfront, the Capitol, many museums, Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, John Lennon Park & much more! 🫶🏼

Pedestrian alley in the old town with planters and balconies
Blue vintage car in front of weathered house facades
Cobbled alley with yellow and pastel-colored colonial houses
One of my absolute highlights in Cuba are definitely the cabaret shows. One was held at the Hotel Nacional and the other in an open-air revue theater at Tropicana. Both performances were absolutely amazing! Overall, a show lasted about 2 hours. Whether dancers, singers, quirky costumes, acrobats… you'll find everything here! 🤩
 
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Dancers in red feather costumes on the stage of the show
Two performers in green frilly costumes in the foyer of the Tropicana
Dance show with an ensemble in colorful costumes on stage
Not to forget: our visit to the art gallery ❤️ I would have loved to buy 1000 pictures, but as it is with world travelers 😁…….

A wall full of paintings with vintage car and city motifs
Long hall with stalls full of paintings at the art market
Colorful painting with a stylized face at an art market
Later, we enjoyed ourselves at the Packard Hotel's infinity pool. Great view! 🔥

Rooftop pool with loungers and views over the city's houses
Rooftop pool with views across the bay to the fortress
For a fancy dinner, the Hotel Gran Astor La Habana was great. At the same time, we enjoyed the excellent sunset there! ☺️🌅

Modern hotel bar with turquoise chairs and counter
Group eating at a set table with a sea view
Janet with a glass of sparkling wine by the pool overlooking the sea
A little ride to the Mural of Prehistory. This mural is one of the largest outdoor paintings in the world and is located 4 km west of the town of Viñale, on the wall of the Pita-Mogote in the Sierra de los Órganos. My horse was a bit stubborn, but somehow it worked out haha 😅🐴
 
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Painted rock face with prehistoric motifs in a green setting
Horsewoman in a meadow in front of the painted rock Mural de la Prehistoria
An breathtaking view of the beautiful nature of Viñales at Mirador los Jazmines! 🌿

View over the Viñales valley with palm trees and limestone hills
In addition, we made a stop at the Cueva del Indio, where we took a small boat tour inside the cave. 🚣

Boat trip through a dark stalactite cave
Murky river between dense tropical vegetation
View from the cave of the river and the green jungle
The Puente de Bacunayagua is definitely also a must-see! The birds were particularly impressive 🦅!

High steel bridge over wooded hills
We spent our remaining nights at the Hotel Internacional de Varadero. Pure luxury with all-inclusive! On the right in the picture, you can see the view from our balcony. We could overlook the second most beautiful beach in the world 🤩 ❤️ 

Hotel bathroom with round bathtub and pink lighting
Hotel room with double bed and turquoise lighting
View across meadows to beach huts and turquoise sea
Another romantic dinner we had at the Xanadu Mansion. From there, we also had a beach view & got a tour of the 1928-built Dupont family building. 

Janet with a cocktail in a bar
Restaurant with yellow tablecloths and wooden windows
Vaulted cellar with long wooden tables and wine racks
One day, we visited the cave "Saturno Cave". Here we had the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear, blue water. 
But remember: It's quite cold ☃️! 😂

Turquoise water in a cave with stalactites
Cave with stalactites above a turquoise pool of water
We had quite a bit of action on the safari tour 🚘! Here, I handed the steering wheel over to Max – better safe than sorry 😂

Rock formations and bushland under a cloudy sky
Palm-lined road through the countryside, photographed from a car
However, I also drove myself during the motorboat ride! That was so much fun!!!! 🤩
 
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Max is piloting a motorboat on a mangrove river.
Selfie of Max and Janet in life jackets on the boat
A particularly beautiful day was the private catamaran tour to Cayo Blanco. ☀️ The beach here is powdered sugar white!

Janet in a red dress on the bow of a boat over turquoise water
Janet with a plate of food on the beach terrace
Janet on the white sandy beach with outstretched arms
 In between, we jumped from the boat into the water and admired the beautiful underwater world while snorkeling. 🐠 
 
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Blue surgeonfish over a light coral reef
School of fish close to the camera in clear water
Coral reef with fan corals and small fish
Lastly, I'll show you some more pictures from beautiful Viñales: Viñales:

Weathered tree trunk with a carved face in the greenery
Thatched hut on stilts in a tropical garden
Stone sculpture of a face in a meadow

Conclusion:

Cuba is a socialist state in the Caribbean. Here you will find the most beautiful beaches in the world and friendly people ❤️. As you've seen in my pictures, the country has incredibly much to offer! 😉
  
In general, I recommend: Inform yourself thoroughly about every country before traveling! Of course, here there wasn't the same standard as in Germany! ☑️**

Next Stop: Morocco 🇲🇦



Frequently Asked Questions

How do I mix a Daiquiri like in the Floridita?

You need 5 cl of white rum, for example Havana Club 3 Años, 3 cl of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, 2 cl of sugar syrup, and 6 to 8 ice cubes. We learned the preparation process at the Florida Restaurant in Havana.

What should I see in Havana?

The Plaza de Armas, the Malecón waterfront, the Capitol, the museums, the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, the Plaza de la Catedral, the Plaza Vieja, the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís and the John Lennon Park.

Is a cabaret show worth it?

For me, the shows are among the absolute highlights of Cuba. We saw one at the Hotel Nacional and another at the open-air Tropicana revue theater. Each show lasts about two hours and features dancers, singers, acrobats, and outlandish costumes.

What are some worthwhile places to visit around Viñales?

The Mural of Prehistory, 4 km west of the city on the wall of the Pita-Mogote in the Sierra de los Órganos — we got there on horseback. We also enjoyed the view from the Mirador los Jazmines and a short boat trip in the Cueva del Indio cave.

Cover photo Australia Part 2 with Janet on the cliffs

Australia's East Coast — Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney

  • Au pair in the Outback: $350 a week, ,Farm work on weekends $600–700
  • The farm had around 450 cattle, plus pigs, goats, dogs and chickens
  • In the Outback, the weather was usually around 45 degrees
  • The journey into the Outback takes 7 hours 19 minutes — with animal stops, double the
  • After my accident: €1,000 for repairs, then engine damage — the money was gone.

2018/19 Recap:

The journey continues alone☀️

Jessi and I both received different job offers, so our paths diverged. Sad, but true 😢😀
I had found an au pair job where I earned $350 a week looking after three children aged 7, 5, and 2. Additionally, I could live and eat with the family for free. In the afternoons and on weekends, I mostly helped out on the farm to earn some extra cash. Usually, I was paid $600 - $700 a week. 🤑 I'll admit, I was pretty nervous! 😨 Solo travel all of a sudden? Can it really work out? 😰 Anyone who knows me knows I can be a bit scatterbrained at times 😳. Sometimes it's good, but when it comes to finding my way back to the right place, it could be challenging. My sense of direction is not the best, to be honest. And believe me, I thought it would get better during my travels. No, it didn't. You can't even imagine the bizarre places I've ended up sometimes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for Google Maps – otherwise, my dear ones – you probably would never see me again 😀 So..., let's continue with the story... Jessi got a job in Sydney, so she didn't need our car anymore, and I could drive Apollo (our car) to my job as an au pair and farm worker in the Outback. And here's where the first point comes in. Outback? Totally dangerous! So many people have died there. Thirsty. Accidents. Driving this route alone? Who doesn't know these horror stories? My host mother offered to pick me up, but in the end, I decided to drive alone. For whatever reason... I can tell you one thing: It was incredibly beautiful! 🥰 Along the way, I saw so many animals, and hundreds of eagles were circling above me 🦅. Once, a flock of sheep blocked my path ⤵️😀.
A flock of sheep crosses a country road.
On the next image, you'll see in the upper right corner, in beautiful, ultra-poor quality, an emu crossing the road. Unfortunately, I had a really bad phone camera during my travels in Australia, so I can't offer you anything else – just consider it as retro/vintage or whatever. Actually, my journey to the Outback took 7 hours and 19 minutes. With all the animal stops and admiration, it took at least twice as long 😄. 
 
 
Emu at the edge of a dusty outback track
When I finally arrived shortly before evening, the host family was already expecting me. 😊 Over the next few days, I looked after the incredibly lovely children of my host parents! I've heard so many bad things about au pair work in Australia from some backpacker stories. However, I must say that I absolutely loved it! My host family was really super nice! 🙂 And I also loved the farm work on weekends. You can't believe how much fun it was for me 🤩! The family had around 450 cattle, plus 2 pigs, a goat, 3 dogs, chickens, and more. During my time there, one pig died (most likely from a snake bite – as the nest was completely disturbed 😢).
Close-up of the snout of a black cow
Black cattle in a pen on the farm
I helped with the cattle work, assisting in moving the cattle slowly for kilometers into the yards. You're full of adrenaline when you stand in front of such a huge bull and try to drive it forward. Did you know? When a bull becomes aggressive, it runs straight toward you and doesn't stop! 😃 😃

A farm worker stands on the cattle loading gate.
View through the windshield of a dusty herd of cattle
One day, I visited the neighbor who had a sheep farm. It was incredibly interesting to learn about his daily life and see how the sheep were sheared. This only happens 1 - 2 times a year, so I was glad to experience it once. Overall, the work looked quite strenuous. I mean, a sheep weighs quite a bit. Did you know that sheep spend most of their time eating? 🐑
 
Freshly shorn sheep in the pen
Workers sort wool in the sheep shearing hall.
Overall, I learned a lot and gained incredible experiences: I rode a motorcycle for the first time, learned to shoot with various guns, drove through the Outback on a quad, and so much more... It was such an exciting time, and I wouldn't want to miss a second of it! 😊
 
View over the handlebars of a quad bike onto a dusty track.
Janet and a colleague are carrying a wooden pallet across the farm grounds.
Did you know that kangaroos are a real nuisance for most farmers? They're just everywhere. In a report, I once read that there are twice as many kangaroos in Australia as there are residents. Unfortunately, kangaroos cause a lot of damage to the fields. As you can see in the bottom right image, there's a kangaroo accidently caught on a fence, or at least what's left of it... ☹️ Kangaroos try to jump over the fences, but sometimes they get stuck in the wire. They're then so tightly trapped with their legs that they can't free themselves. A cruel sight ☹️! 

Weather app shows temperatures of over 40 degrees for the coming days
Fence posts on dry, red farmland in the Outback
Repairing fences was also part of my duties in the Outback. The weather was very hot, usually around 45 degrees Celsius. Your mouth dries up just from breathing. So, cold water was an absolute delight for me! Fortunately, there are tablets for dehydration! The flies in the Outback are particularly annoying! They stick to your whole body. I would have gone crazy without music in my ears 😃🪰🪰🪰. buzzzzz buzzzzz buzzzzz 🤯😬

Farm worker stretches wire along a pasture fence
Janet uses a tool to drive a fence post into the ground.
After about a month, it was time to say goodbye. 😢 But I was also a bit excited to finally be around people again. With loud music blaring, I headed towards civilization 🙂. The road was sandy, and the sun beat down on the car. There were occasional grooves on the ground, so I had to drive a bit slower. And then it happened. So fast. And unexpected. When I hit the brake to slow down, the car swayed to the right. Then to the left. Then to the right again. Then back to the left. I lost all control of my vehicle. It felt like an eternity. In that moment, I knew exactly what was happening. "Janet, you're going to have an accident. And you can't do anything about it." So, I let fate decide.
 POOF. POOF. I was dead straight. My whole body was tense. It took a while for me to realize that my car was on its side. The music was still blaring in the background. I'll never forget this song. Tim Benzko. "Ich Laufe." Well, in any case, after struggling to turn off that stupid music, I had a little panic attack. CRAP. What if the car starts burning? Or if it explodes? 💥 I have to get out of here 😨!!! Yep. That's what happens when you watch too much TV 📺❌. After finally managing that, I unbuckled myself from the seat belt – which wasn't easy when you're lying on your side in the car. Then I tried to open the door above me to climb out of the car. Unfortunately, the other door had become one with the ground 😃. After somewhat clumsily getting out of the car, I moved a few safety meters away from it (explosion risk and all 😋). My body felt heavy. I can't describe it. I was full of adrenaline. There was blood running down my shin, and I thought – now I'm going to die. But believe it or not. Apart from a tiny scratch, I was perfectly fine. No injuries at all. You know how it is when you cut yourself and the blood just flows, but it doesn't hurt at all & it's not serious at all. Yeah, it was kind of like that with me. So, it could have been worse 😀. After checking that everything was okay with me & cursing and spreading more panic, I finally pulled out my phone. And YAY. Almost forgot. There's no network in the boonies. Great 😠! The nearest house was extremely far away, and there was no one around. My host family goes to town about once a month 🚘. Well, hope started to emerge. But... For some reason.... For some reason, I always have such luck, I got reception for about half a minute. Practically impossible in that place. I just shouted into the phone: "Accident. Accident." After about an hour, my host father arrived and took care of me. Thank goodness 🙏.
Overturned pickup truck on dusty ground in the Outback
Our beautiful Apollo... There he lay. Half-dead... I was so angry. And sad. And ohhh.... Everything at once... Well, long story short: The car was taken to the workshop, in the nearest village. They wanted 1000 euros for the repair there. So I said goodbye to my hard-earned money 🙋🏼‍♀️💸. A night in the village where the workshop was located cost about 200 dollars 🤑. Exorbitantly expensive and unaffordable for me at the time 😵! I tried my luck and went from shop to shop looking for a job 👀. Nobody... 😔 Nothing... 😞 The people there were just happy they could keep their stores running at all. But my search paid off anyway. I met Debbi. A wonderful person 😊! She supported me so much during this time 🙏. I was allowed to sleep in her vacation apartment, which saved me a lot of money 🐷!
I was also mega happy that our car was at least repairable... 😍 Hahahha, wrong thought... I drove about 30 minutes towards the beach – full of anticipation... and POOF. Our beloved car died for good... 😢 I stopped right in the middle of the road and had to be towed. Engine failure. I still haven't received a cent from the "unnecessary 1000 euros repair"... & so I paid everything completely in vain... So much savings... I was so angry 😡. Really angry 😤. In the end, I had to leave our Apollo there & move on by bus. You wouldn't believe how many things I had to leave in this car... I couldn't carry everything... 💔


New Castle☀️

So I drove to New Castle. There I met great people, so I could almost forget the whole nightmare 😌! I stayed there for a while because I started a job at a café ☕️. Plus, I could sleep for free in the hostel, in exchange I just had to clean for 1-2 hours a day. In New Castle, I had found a perfect way to quickly refill my cash 💰💰💰.

Round on the ground in front of the camper at night
Pool and hammock in the garden of the accommodation
A large group at dinner at a long table

A better remedy for sorrow than the sea does not exist! 🥰


Rocky coastline with tide pools and surf.
Beach with beach volleyball court and cliffs in the background

Coffs Harbour☀️

After some time, I left Newcastle again and drove to Coffs Harbour 🚍. There, I worked in a cool bar 🍸. Additionally, I once again slept for free in a hostel, in exchange for providing a shuttle service. The coolest thing about the hostel was that I could go stand-up paddling for free, and the lake was only 5 minutes away. Here, I saw brightly blue crabs & hundreds of stingrays 😍. Did you know that stingrays can jump? I have a video on my Instagram profile where you can see it! There, they were hopping about 1 meter high just before sunset! Really crazy! 😦 

Four friends pose on a wooden boardwalk in a green setting.
Monitor lizard on a wooden jetty by a green river
Janet and Max in a meadow above the coast

Once again, I must emphasize how AMAZING the beaches in Australia are!!! 😍☀️🏖


Group of friends at a table in a colorfully decorated bar
Pandanus tree above the bay with white beach
View through pandanus leaves of a long sandy beach

Brisbane☀️

Then the time finally came, and my then-boyfriend and my best friend came to visit me. After such a long time, you really get homesick occasionally... That's why I was really, really excited! We explored Brisbane together (beautiful city!!!) & chatted endlessly. I had a lot to tell... 😀! In Brisbane, we visited, among other things, the world-famous Australian Zoo. Steve Irwin (the "Crocodile Hunter") was buried on this site. I thought he was sooo cool. When I was a kid, I watched his show a lot... Unfortunately, he died during his filming from the effects of a stingray barb. ☹️ Also really nice to see in Brisbane: the botanical garden, the Story Bridge & South Bank!
Glass skyscrapers on the Gold Coast photographed from below
Park meadow with palm trees in front of the Brisbane skyline
Janet and a friend in camouflage work clothes

Mooloolaba☀️

Mooloolaba is a small town in the southeast of Queensland and belongs to the Sunshine Coast. If you love walking along the harbor or sunbathing on a beautiful beach in the sun, this is the place for you! The place is very quiet, but you can also find some bars with great live music! 🎶
Hands form a heart around two mountain peaks in the hinterland.
Sailboats in the harbor at sunset
Calm lake with palm trees and sandy shore.

Townvsville City☀️

Townsville is a coastal town in northeastern Queensland. There is a great waterfront promenade here! In the evenings, we always hung out at the sports field and played basketball with some cool people! 🏀

View through leaves to the sky in the tropical forest
A group celebrating at a long table at night
Wide sandy beach with turquoise water and green hills

Magnetic Island☀️

An absolute dream! My absolute highlights here were: snorkeling along the spectacular reefs, our hike ("Forts Walk"), and 
spotting the rock wallabies & koalas. Also, you shouldn't miss the sunset! 🌅

Sunset over the bay and mountains from a viewpoint
A long sandy beach with turquoise water and a wooded headland.
Janet next to a koala in a tree

Mission beach☀️

Oh, I loved jogging along the beach at Mission Beach. The beach was deserted! 😍🙏 I actually only went to Mission Beach because the hostel promised me a farm job, which unfortunately I had to wait for way too long... In the end, I moved on again... Unfortunately, not everything always goes according to plan, but despite everything, I enjoyed the time! ❤️ 

A brightly painted Mission Beach sign by the roadside
Beach with offshore green island
Palm trees and driftwood on a deserted tropical beach

What's better: Traveling alone or together? ☀️☀️

There are pros and cons to both options! Clearly... But one thing I've learned: I was never really alone on my solo travels. I met thousands of people and definitely much more than on my trips with another person. Strange, isn't it? When you have another person with you, it's usually natural to sit down with them somewhere at a table for two, plan activities together, and chat with each other. But if you're alone, firstly: Other people are more likely to approach you and talk to you. Secondly: You're more likely to approach other people or just sit down at larger tables. At first, I was a bit hesitant, but I realized how easy it is to connect with other backpackers! And if you're not brave enough to approach others, I promise you - it won't be long before someone talks to you 😋 Because we backpackers all have one big thing in common: We love traveling!

Next stop: Cuba – Caribbean🏝






Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an au pair earn in Australia?

I received $350 a week and looked after three children, then aged 7, 5, and 2. Room and board were provided free of charge by the family. In the afternoons and on weekends, I helped out on the farm and usually received $600 to $700 a week for that.

How hot is it in the Australian Outback?

It's usually around 45 degrees Celsius. Even just breathing in dries out your mouth completely; cold water becomes a real treat. Luckily, there are tablets for dehydration. The flies that stick to your body are especially annoying.

Is it bad to travel alone?

On my solo trips, I was never truly alone—I met significantly more people than when traveling with a companion. When you're alone, others are more likely to approach you, and you're more likely to sit at larger tables. If you're hesitant, it won't be long before someone strikes up a conversation.

What happened to your car?

On the dirt road out of the Outback, I lost control while braking, and the car rolled onto its side. I was unharmed except for a small scratch. At the garage in the next village, I paid €1,000 for the repairs—after a 30-minute drive, the engine failed, and I never saw that money again. A night in the village cost about $200.

How do I get help in the Outback without internet?

I was lucky: I had reception for about half a minute at that spot and could only shout "Accident, Accident" into the phone. My host father arrived after almost an hour. My host family usually went into town about once a month.

Cover image Australia Part 1 with red Outback and mountain ridge

Australia's West Coast & Outback — Melbourne to Adelaide

  • Our car Apollo: $4,200, back then around 2,600 euros — with rooftop tent
  • A kangaroo jumped up at us approximately 50 km/h into the car and survived the impact
  • Penguin parade on Phillip Island: 1,904 penguins ran from the sea to their nests
  • You can see koalas in Eucalyptus forest near Apollo Bay — 2 meters above our heads
  • First job as a cleaner: after 4 days my fingernails were split four times.

Off to Australia in 2018 ☀️☀️

Australia. Australia has always been a dream for me. As a child, I used to watch animal documentaries on Animal Planet 📺. 
"When I grow up, I'll become a wildlife researcher 😌!"
Well, that didn't quite work out 😄. But still, I managed to make it to the other end of the world & experience incredible adventures on my journeys.
Many people know that it's not so easy to just take a trip to Australia. If you're lucky, you might get maybe 3 weeks of vacation in a row 😒. That sucks, right? But that's somehow life & you just have to accept it. NO. I don't have to! A dream should eventually come true & why not make the most of it 🤔? After considering 1000 different options, and watching 1000 YouTube videos of various travelers, I finally decided to do a Work & Travel. Well, in any case, this decision was one of the best and has completely turned my life upside down to this day. 🙃

A long sandy beach with turquoise water and overgrown cliffs.
As I told you in my Thailand blog post, initially, I traveled around with my travel buddy (and now good friend) Jessi 🥰. Our first stop was Melbourne. One thing I really don't miss is jet lag ☠️! This time we had real trouble falling asleep in the evening, but you should always make the best of it. So, we immediately bought a bottle of champagne & a few beers. Of course, we didn't drink it in the hostel room. Or did we? 😂 


White sandy beach with calm sea and clouds

Melbourne☀️

Melbourne is one of the largest cities in Australia and is the capital of the state of Victoria. We stayed in the suburb of St. Kilda and visited the St. Kilda Botanical Garden & some sights, like Luna Park. But the absolute coolest thing was that at the end of St. Kilda Pier, we could see penguins among the rocks 🐧! How cute is that??? 🤩
A blooming rose garden with apple blossoms in the foreground.
Meadow and neoclassical building of the State Library in Melbourne

Apollo – Our Ride 🚙🔥.

After just one week, we decided to buy a car 🙌. We got our Apollo for an incredibly good price, only paying 4200 dollars (around 2600 euros at the time). We were a bit lucky because the sellers were backpackers who had to fly to Thailand the next day. 🍀 An absolutely great car... It had everything a backpacker could wish for. There was a rooftop tent on top, we had plenty of space for all our stuff, lots of camping gear, and if we were ever too lazy to set up the tent, there was even the option to sleep in the car. I still mourn our beautiful Apollo... 😢 More on that later... 😪
Converted camper trunk with kitchen boxes and storage space
Camper with an open roof tent at a campsite

Road trip😎☀️

We didn't waste any time & got our car ready to go. The registration of the car went quickly & smoothly. Then we drove along the Great Ocean Road. One of my favorite routes in Australia and highly recommended!! ❤️ At the 12 Apostles, we almost got blown away, it was so windy 😄 & in the parking lot, we saw a fox 🦊 That was cool!
Loch Ard Gorge with rock arches and turquoise water
Janet is standing on a rock on the coast of the Great Ocean Road.

Apollo Bay😎☀️

This place is an absolute must-see! 😍 I've never seen such baby-blue water before!!! 🤩💦 In Apollo Bay, we found friends and even started our first job as cleaners. Our task was to do the laundry, iron, and clean the rooms. What a tough job! Believe me! Anyone who has never worked as a proper cleaner can hardly imagine it. After just 4 days, my fingernails were split about 4 times. Everything hurt. My back... My hands... Terrible! 😩 As if that wasn't enough, we also had a really peculiar boss. He liked to hold someone's hand when he wanted to show something. Okay?? And he even wanted to happily hop around the place. We'll never forget the shrill voice when he called out "It’s Tea – Time" at break time. Well, it was time to go. 😁 Definitely. But one thing we learned: Cleaners really deserve respect (and tips 😅)! 

White sandy beach with calm sea and clouds
Janet and Max on the beach against a cloudy sky
Except for a fallen tree on the road, we never really had any problems on our journey. Oops, I almost forgot 😳. When we started driving and had only been on the road for about an hour, a kangaroo suddenly jumped out of the bushes – right onto the car! 😢 "That's a great start," I thought at that time. My heart was pounding like crazy 😧. Luckily, I wasn't driving too fast (about 50 km/h) & the cute kangaroo survived the impact. At first, it lay briefly on the ground, but when we got out, it hopped off into the wild. 🦘 You can probably imagine now how scared I was that another one might jump out of the bushes. And yes... my fears were confirmed. It wasn't the only kangaroo that crossed our paths. 
Good to know: Kangaroos are really everywhere & they like to hop across the roads! Some backpackers told me that they didn't see a single one on their travels. How is that possible? I still wonder... 😄 Probably they were too often trapped in the spell of the big cities. Oh, when you're in Apollo Bay – don't forget to visit the Eucalyptus Forest!! There you can see looooots of koalas 🐨. At lunchtime, one was hanging about 2 meters above us in a tree. 🌳 Unbelievable...

The Twelve Apostles pinnacles on the Great Ocean Road

Towards Adelaide 🚙🚙

On the way to Adelaide, we saw beautiful, deserted beaches 🏖. The sand looked like powdered sugar at times, and sometimes it was pitch black. The sea was once again baby-blue. That's exactly how I always imagined the beaches in Australia! And believe me – I've been disappointed before! Almost everything looks more enchanting on Google images than in reality. But one thing I can say: In Australia & New Zealand, it's even more beautiful in reality! 🥰 🥰
View from the cliff overlooking turquoise sea and white beach
Dry grass on the cliff above the sea
Also great was our trip to Admirals Arch. There we could see sea lions in the wild. Absolutely awesome!! 😍🦭

Rugged rocky coast with turquoise water
We continued on to Warrnambool, where we rode along the beach for the first time. We were able to park our car here at a hostel in the garden & only had to pay half. 🤑 On another day, we visited the Grampians National Park (highly recommended!) & went for a beautiful hike. 🥾❤️

Two pairs of hiking boots on the bank of a shallow stream.
Janet looks out from a viewpoint over wooded hills.
Two female riders on horseback on the beach
If you love waterfalls, don't forget to visit the McKenzie Falls & Fish Falls! 😉

A wide waterfall plunges over a rocky ledge.
Janet by a stream in the bushland

The Last Stop 🐧 🐧

Another highlight was the Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula ♨! The hot springs are located right in the middle of nature 🌿& one pool was even up on the mountain, with an insanely great view! As we continued on to Phillip Island, we saw a penguin parade for the first time 🐧. In total, 1904 little penguins waddled from the sea to their nests. It was super cute 😍. The penguins walk in a line and occasionally one falls over. You can imagine it a bit like the old Domino blocks. 😄
A group of little penguins wades up the beach at night.
Three little penguins walk across the sand by the dune grass

My Conclusion:

 
On our road trip, we saw a lot of nature. Looking back, it was a really good decision to buy the car right at the beginning. We were much more mobile with it & felt a bit more independent as a result. Plus, we could blast music and cruise through the streets while admiring the scenery 🌿. The best part was that we could stay wherever we wanted 🏕. During our road trip, we met some great people & got our first job experiences (W&T Jobs: https://janetsworld3.de/2019/06/14/worktravel-jobs/ ). Plus, a great friendship developed with Jessi, for which I am very grateful. When you spend days on end with one person, 24/7, you get to know that person in a hundred different ways & one thing I can tell you, we sometimes really got on each other's nerves -
 

Next Blogpost : Australia Part 2

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying your own car in Australia?

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions. We bought our Apollo after just one week for $4,200, which was around €2,600 at the time, from backpackers who had to fly on the next day. It had a rooftop tent, space for our stuff and camping gear—and we could stay wherever we wanted.

How dangerous are kangaroos on Australian roads?

Kangaroos are really everywhere and love to hop across roads. After just an hour's drive, one jumped right onto our car. Luckily, I was only going about 50 km/h, and the kangaroo hopped off again. It wasn't the only one that crossed our path.

Where can I see penguins in Australia?

At the end of St. Kilda Pier in Melbourne, penguins sit among the rocks. The bigger spectacle is the penguin parade on Phillip Island: a total of 1,904 little penguins walked from the sea to their nests.

Which stops are worthwhile between Melbourne and Adelaide?

The Great Ocean Road with the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay with the eucalyptus forest full of koalas, Admirals Arch with sea lions in the wild, Warrnambool, the Grampians National Park with the Mc Kenzie Falls and Fish Falls, and the hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula.

Cover photo Costa Verde with rocky coast and sea

Brazil Costa Verde — Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty

  • 8-day Rental car tour from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo
  • Speedboat from Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande: half an hour
  • 5-hour snorkeling tour on Ilha Grande: 20 euros per person
  • Dinner on Ilha Grande: 20–30 euros per plate — quite high
  • Fuel on the mainland: approximately 1.20 euros per liter

Our road trip from Rio to São Paulo ☀️

After Carnival in Rio, we embarked on an 8-day car rental tour along the Costa Verde. Our first stop was Ilha Grande.
A stunningly beautiful island & definitely one of my MUST SEEs in Brazil! 😍☀️
Harbor with excursion boats in front of green mountains on the Costa Verde
Passengers under the sunshade of a tour boat

On the first day, we took a speedboat from Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande🚤. The crossing took half an hour in total. When we arrived, we were completely speechless😶. A beautiful golden beach, crystal-clear water & in the background, the green jungle🥰. Where have we landed? In paradise?😮🙌

Bay with turquoise water, boats and village on the wooded slope
Sandy beach with palm trees and strollers in front of green mountains

It was simply indescribably beautiful. But the best part: the deserted beaches! Absolute peace & pure nature! 

A deserted sandy beach with clear water and a wooded headland.

In our first accommodation, we had a cute balcony overlooking the sea. What could be better than relaxing in a hammock & listening to the birds chirping? Maybe a hearty breakfast? I don't know. I found both awesome! 😄

View over palm trees and rooftops to the bay and the islands
Janet having breakfast with juice, coffee and fruit under a wooden roof
Hammock on a terrace overlooking palm trees and the sea

In the evening, we strolled around the small village. Here you'll find shopping opportunities & plenty of restaurants on every corner. Prices for a good dinner range from about 20-30 euros per plate, so quite high! In the supermarket, prices are roughly the same as on the mainland - but of course, with slightly less choice. You can get clothes here at fairly reasonable prices. 

Alleyway with souvenir shops and strings of lights at dusk
Janet in front of a restaurant decorated with fairy lights

The tours are inexpensive. We paid 20 euros per person for our 5-hour snorkeling tour. Totally okay 😛 With this water, snorkeling is also one of the MUST DO's! The underwater world was incredible!

Janet at the helm of a motorboat off a wooded coast
Janet and Max kiss on the boat off a green coast
Clear, shallow water with rocks in a sheltered bay.
The tours are inexpensive. We paid 20 euros per person for our 5-hour snorkeling tour. Totally okay 😛 With this water, snorkeling is also one of the MUST DO's! The underwater world was incredible! 
Pink-violet flower of a tropical plant in greenery
A small monkey sits on a branch in a tree.
Dense rainforest extends right up to the narrow beach.

Overall, we had a lot of fun! Ilha Grande was one of my absolute highlights on our tour🥰! It definitely won't be the last time we visit this beautiful island! So, if you love snorkeling with turtles, sunbathing on a deserted beach, & swimming in crystal-clear water - you're in the right place! ☀️😍

Max carries Janet piggyback on the beach
Janet on a swing on the beach overlooking the sea
Sandy beach with palm trees and strollers in front of green mountains

Party☀️

Next, we headed back to the mainland. From there, we got our rental car to drive to Paraty🚘. The car ride was super easy. Finally, no potholes on the roads! 👍 Fuel prices are around 1.20 euros per liter. ⛽️

Silver rental car in a meadow by the sea with a mountain backdrop

When we arrived, we were initially enchanted by our new suite at the Hotel Pousada do Ouro! The whole building, like the city of Paraty, is kept in a chic, colonial style. Incredibly cool! 😎

Lounge of a pousada with natural stone wall, wicker furniture and sofa
Janet sits on the hotel bed next to a floral arrangement, holding a map.
Janet is sitting in a wicker chair on the covered terrace of the Pousada.

In the afternoon, we explored the beautiful old town of Paraty. There were restaurants and small boutiques on every corner🛍. Jewelry makers sold their handmade works in the narrow streets. Everything was very well maintained. I was particularly fascinated by the beautiful, brightly painted doors! 🖍

The flooded alley in Paraty reflects the colorful houses.
White and yellow colonial building in Paraty at dusk
Cobblestone street lined with white colonial houses and colorful window frames

In the evening, the city exuded a romantic charm. It reminded me of the sweet fishing village in Faro - one of my absolute highlights from Portugal. I love those gold-yellow lanterns❣️

Alley in Paraty bathed in orange evening light, with lanterns and palm trees.
Evening alleyway with restaurants and mountains in the background
Janet walks through a lit cobblestone alley in the evening.

São Sebastião 😊

On the way to São Sebastião, we made a few stops at great waterfalls! That's what I love about road trips. Just stop wherever you want. Max took the pictures - Doesn't it look like something out of a storybook, right? ☺️

A tall, narrow waterfall plunges down a vegetation-covered rock face.
Wide waterfall in the rainforest behind foliage
Small waterfall cascading over rocks in dense greenery

When we arrived at our new accommodation at Maui Maresias, there was a little gift for me on the bed🎁. Have you ever received a piece of jewelry from a hotel? It was definitely the first time for me! 🥰 Later, we had a freshly squeezed juice outside. Meanwhile, a saxophonist played his music - absolutely delightful atmosphere! 🎷🎶 

Janet with a drink by the illuminated pool at night
Bed with welcome gift and map in the accommodation
Max having breakfast at a table under flowering plants

The next day, we spent a night at our final accommodation called Nau Royal Hotel Boutique and Spa. As the name suggests, there was a large spa offering & outside there was a swimming pool, as well as a whirlpool with a sea view. We also enjoyed the view during the rich breakfast! The staff were once again very nice & fulfilled our every wish. A nice end to our Costa Verde tour!

Hotel room with double bed, sitting area and freestanding bathtub
Janet and Max having breakfast at a table right on the beach
Pool with palm trees and sun loungers in the accommodation complex

Conclusion: The Gateway Tour was one of the best parts of our Brazil trip. My absolute highlight was definitely Ilha Grande - this island simply enchanted me🪄. The waterfalls were also particularly beautiful & of course, the chic accommodations - with the super delicious breakfast! It was sooo nice not to have to plan anything. The organization went smoothly - there were no problems at all👏😍! A big thank you to the great Gateway Team 💐!

You can find more information about the tour here:

Gateway Latin America´

Next Stop: Who knows... 😄

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ilha Grande?

By speedboat from Angra dos Reis. The crossing took a total of half an hour.

How expensive is Ilha Grande?

A good dinner costs around €20-30 per plate, which is quite expensive. Supermarket prices are roughly the same as on the mainland, but with less variety. Clothing is reasonably priced, and tours are affordable: we paid €20 per person for our 5-hour snorkeling trip.

Is renting a car worthwhile on the Costa Verde?

Yes. The drive was super easy—finally no potholes in the roads—and gas prices are around €1.20 per liter. The great thing about road trips is that you can simply stop wherever you want, for example at the waterfalls on the way to São Sebastião.

What was the highlight of the tour?

Ilha Grande. Golden sand, crystal-clear water, lush green rainforest in the background — and above all, deserted beaches. The underwater world was incredible while snorkeling, and we even saw little monkeys on a hike through the rainforest.

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