Everyone claims their country’s cuisine is the best, whether it’s Italy, Greece, Portugal, etc. However, in the case of Malaysia, I’d have to agree. Malaysian cuisine is one of the best in the world, bringing Indian, Chinese, and Malay influences together to create rich, diverse, and delicious dishes. I lived in Malaysia for a few […]

Contrary to popular belief, Kuala Lumpur (and Malaysia in general) should NEVER just be a quick stopover on the way to more popular South East Asian cities or countries. Just sampling the variety of Malaysian food alone will take a week or more. I lived in Malaysia for 3 years and I revisit often. Some […]

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered the birthplace of Western civilisation, and it’s also now paving its way towards a more sustainable future with a range of green accommodation. This list of the best eco hotels in Athens offers comfort and elegance while also focusing on their commitment […]

An island vacation to Naxos, one of Greece’s most beautiful, but not yet overcrowded islands, means beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and tranquil relaxation. Most accommodation offer all of this, but a few specific ones also focus on sustainability, which makes the stay and experience even better, in my opinion. Think locally-sourced fresh ingredients, experiencing local […]

Your trip to the beautiful landlocked country of Austria with its scenic Alpine lakes and mountains is not complete without learning some fun facts, culture, and proper etiquette, such as whether you should still expect to be on time at parties or whether you should remove your shoes before entering someone’s home (the answer is […]

Beyond its turquoise coastlines, iconic islands with pink bougainvillea flowers, and historical monuments, Greece is one of the oldest countries in the world, with centuries-old traditions and customs. Discover fun facts about Greece, how to avoid offending locals with a list of cultural etiquette to follow, and how Greek culture shaped Western civilisation, for a […]

Moussaka, feta cheese, and gyro (pronounced “yee-rro”) are some of the items that come to mind when one thinks of typical Greek food. There are also regional dishes that are unique to each area, but you will find most of the typical Greek dishes almost everywhere (or you can go on a food tour to […]

Close your eyes and picture a Greek island for a moment. I bet the immediate visual that came to your mind was whitewashed houses and blue domes. These are the aesthetics of just some of the Greek islands, and these particular ones form part of the Cyclades group. They all have similar architecture, while other […]

Beyond Vienna’s multiple attractions (think opulent buildings from the Habsburg monarchy era, the opera, impressive museums, delicious cakes), there is a growing focus on sustainability. This can be felt in the city, with its public transport, efficient urban planning, lots of green spaces, and waste management processes, but is also reflected in the increasing number […]

Most people will recognise the beautiful Alpine village of Hallstatt for its famous picturesque viewpoint, and that is indeed one of the main attractions of this small village in Austria. But there are a few other things to do in Hallstatt (though admittedly, not a lot), including exploring the oldest salt mine in the world […]

I’m a hardcore LOTR fan (movies and book), so doing a Hobbiton movie set tour was a no-brainer for me, and it’s still one of my favourite memories.   But even if you’re not a LOTR fan, a tour of Hobbiton is a worthwhile experience if you’re in New Zealand, just for the beautiful rolling hills […]

A big part of conscious and sustainable travel is learning about the cultural aspects of the country you’re visiting. And in New Zealand, this means learning about NZ’s customs, and more specifically, Māori traditions and legacy. You can do that by visiting the Te Papa museum in Wellington, the Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi in […]

About a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon (135km or 84 miles), you will find Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region (the region between Lisbon and the Algarve). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is BOTH a city and a municipality, just like Lisbon. Referred to as the “very noble and ever loyal city of Évora” […]

When looking for places to stay on my trip to Portugal’s subtropical island of Madeira (the main island, not Porto Santo), I was pleased to see so many hotels with green certificates, which showed the island’s efforts in sustainability.  I ended up not staying at a hotel this time because we wanted the freedom to […]

If you’re looking for a mix of fun nature activities like hiking and whale watching, as well as cultural activities, then 6 days in Madeira is the ideal amount of time to explore without rushing. I crafted the perfect Madeira itinerary (in my humble opinion) to see the whole island, organised by geographical proximity, and […]

Madeira has consistently been winning awards for being a top travel destination (you’ll see all the trophies upon landing at the airport). So with this in mind, what exactly are the top things to do in Madeira? Is it a beach destination? What are the top hiking trails? Are there whales? Below, I’ve outlined all […]

Pico Ruivo is the highest mountain in Madeira, standing at 1861 metres (6105 ft), and is therefore one of the most famous peaks on the island, and on everyone’s itinerary. There are several ways to reach Pico Ruivo, but the popular trail starts at Pico do Areeiro (this is the correct way to write it, […]

Madeira is a Portuguese island known for its natural beauty and hiking trails… but what else do you need to know for a successful trip? These practical tips and relevant facts about Madeira, such as what the beaches are like, average costs, and what to pack, helped me plan my 6-day trip (and some insider […]

Vienna amazed me in ways I did not expect. I knew the city had interesting places to visit, like the Schönbrunn Palace and the State Hall library, but add beautiful gardens, the luxurious opera house, and a cafe culture ranging from cute and cozy spots to elegant and lavish ones, and Austria suddenly became one […]

Five days in Vienna is the ideal time for a relaxed but packed trip that allows you to see all the main sights without rushing, because a lot of the city’s main attractions require proper time to absorb them all. For instance, you can spend half a day at the Museum of Art History, and […]

I did a 2-week road trip in the land of fire and ice, but one of the activities that stood out the most was glacier hiking. It was my first time getting this close to a glacier, and I had a lot of questions, which I’ve compiled below. So here’s everything you need to know […]

Iceland attracts many visitors every year because of its unique and beautiful landscapes, fauna and flora, hot springs, and volcanoes. Some of the best things to do in Iceland include visiting waterfalls like Gullfoss that seem to disappear into the earth, walking on glaciers (with a guide, of course), seeing the northern lights, hiking down […]

The Golden Circle in Iceland is one of the country’s main attractions, if not THE main one. But I’ll be honest, when i first started thinking about visiting Iceland, I had no idea what the Golden Circle was, how many days I would need for it, if I had to go with a tour group […]

Between the glaciers, frequent rainfall, and snow, it’s no wonder Iceland has an abundance of waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible by car and a short hike, or sometimes no hike at all. However, not all waterfalls are created equal, and with limited vacation days and Iceland being an expensive destination, we have to […]

The best thing about looking for places to stay in Iceland is that you’ll find a variety of options, from green hotels in Reykjavik and other main towns to locally owned, fully-equipped, cozy cabins in remote places, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.  During my 2-week trip to Iceland, two of my favourite accommodations were […]

When is the best time to visit Iceland? The answer really depends on what you want to see, where you want to stay in Iceland, and what weather you’re willing to brave. Autumn is best for northern lights (contrary to the popular belief that the best time for the lights is in winter), while summer […]

After thoroughly researching and planning for my 2-week trip in Iceland, and then actually doing the trip, I decided to put together this list of all the crucial travel tips for Iceland, because there were plenty of things we learned (and mistakes we made) along the way that we did not find in any other […]

It took me weeks to properly plan the perfect Iceland itinerary, carefully choosing what sights were worth driving hours for, where to stay, and how much time to spend in each region of the country. We went in October and managed to hit the main spots including the Golden Circle, along with a few hidden […]

Cape Town is known for its incredibly diverse and beautiful landscapes, and this includes its sparkling turquoise ocean. I lived in Cape Town for a year in 3 different apartments, 2 of which were by the ocean, and let me tell you, it’s a whole different vibe when you’re staying close to the sea, even […]

Cape Town is a gorgeous city famous for its stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and laid-back urban life. And among the many places you can stay to best enjoy your trip to Cape Town, imagine staying at an elegant, luxurious, and sustainable boutique hotel in the heart of the city, close to all the main […]

Feeling overwhelmed by all the possible choices, lodging, and information when searching for a South African safari? I was, too, when I was looking into doing a safari in Kruger National Park. To save you headaches and help you plan easily, I’ve combined everything you need to know here, based on my research and recent […]

Saigon (renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the Vietnam Civil War) is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its diverse and delicious food scene, Saigon manages to blend tradition and modern life in a way that celebrates the beautiful Vietnamese culture perfectly.  Also known for its history, French colonial architecture, shopping, and nightlife, Saigon turned […]

New Zealand’s South Island is abundant in gorgeous natural landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fiordland National Park (home to Milford Sound), mountains and glaciers like Aoraki (Mount Cook), and beautiful crystal-clear lakes like Lake Tekapo, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Wakatipu. I wish we had spent more time there because we barely scratched the […]

We spent 3 weeks in Vietnam, starting from Hanoi, exploring the northern area, and making our way down south. Below we lay out the perfect eco-friendly Vietnam itinerary for a 3-week trip so you have the best visit, find eco-friendly and locally-owned accommodation, and discover all the top things to do in Vietnam. Our goal […]

I grew up in Mauritius and people are constantly asking me for tips, which side of the island to stay on, whether there are non-beach related activities, what are the top places to visit in Mauritius, etc. So I wrote it all down here, starting from the north of Mauritius, and I included local tips […]

Years ago, I lived in Malaysia as an international student, and since then I’ve visited regularly. It is one of my favourite countries, but surprisingly not on many tourists’ radar, especially compared to its more popular neighbours. This means the country is not overcrowded with tourists, which is great for a more genuine experience, and […]

Vietnam is a diverse country with multiple minority communities, and this is reflected in the food and certain aspects of Vietnamese culture. We’ve outlined all the important facts about Vietnam for you to know before embarking on your trip.  PS: are you busy planning your trip and feeling overwhelmed with all the research? Check out […]

We spent about 7 days exploring Tasmania, and while we had an amazing time exploring and staying in beautiful cottages, there are some things we wish we had known before the trip. Our tips and recommendations below on all things to know about Tasmania will provide a smoother journey for you.  Travel tips for Tasmania: […]

Rottnest Island is an island off the coast of Perth, and is a popular place to visit for locals and tourists. It’s got beautiful beaches, some calm and flat, others with more waves. You can snorkel, fish, swim, cycle, and there’s plenty to explore. Below is a list of what to do on Rottnest Island, […]

One week in Tasmania is the perfect amount of time to spend there in order to see most of what the island offers, from cityscapes to national parks to beaches. Despite that, we wish we had allocated more time to our trip, so as to diminish our driving fatigue and enjoy the island more slowly. […]

New zealand is a country filled with scenic landscapes and national parks, along with an indigenous culture (Māori) with deep connections to nature.  After spending a glorious 2 weeks exploring New Zealand on an eco-friendly trip, we came across a few green hotels that are taking steps to protect this country’s natural beauty and limit […]

Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with a heritage deeply rooted in history and ancient religious beliefs spanning millennia, but with a mix of modern and technologically-advanced culture.  It is not possible to compile all that is Japan in one article, but this will cover the basic facts about Japan, […]

There are many little things that make South Korea unique. Before visiting, whether you’re staying for one night or a week, check out the info below about South Korean culture and important etiquette to follow. Facts about South Korea South Korean culture and etiquette There are customs in South Korea that should be followed in […]

Can you realistically spend 14 days in New Zealand and see everything? No, and it’s not recommended to try because you won’t have time to enjoy much. But you can still see a lot (note that we rented a car in order to do this trip in this amount of time). We spent 2 weeks […]

Before visiting this gorgeous country, it’s important to know at least the basic facts about New Zealand to ensure that you understand the culture and proper etiquette. Below, I cover essential facts, fun facts, and the culture and customs of New Zealand, including Māori culture.  (Click here for more New Zealand articles). Essential facts to […]

There are plenty of things to do in Siem Reap aside from Angkor Wat (check out our eco guide for things to do in Siem Reap), and hence it makes sense to stay there a few days, maybe even a week. Below is our curated list of the best eco-friendly hotels in Siem Reap. As […]

This Cambodian city is a popular tourist destination due to Angkor Wat, the main attraction. Most people come for a couple of days just to visit these temples, but in fact there are many more things to do in Siem Reap. Below is a list of the best sustainable activities in Siem Reap for a […]

A trip to Norway will be an amazing adventure regardless of your planned activities. But in order to make it even more memorable, check out the most important facts about Norway below, to get a sense of the country and its culture, and what dishes you might want to try. Before your trip, find a […]

Norway is leading the way with green-certified hotels. While you’re planning your trip and looking at the most sustainable ways to explore Norway’s capital, lower your carbon footprint even more by checking into one of the best eco hotels in Oslo.  Which are the best eco hotels in Oslo and how are they sustainable? The […]

Even though Norway is a relatively medium-size country, there is a lot of rugged landscape in between that is difficult to get to easily, or takes a long time. The most popular cities among visitors are Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso, and you can easily get from Oslo to Bergen, and get a once in a […]

This Scandinavian country’s reputation as being one of the top eco friendly countries in the world means there’s plenty of things to do in Oslo (Norway’s capital city) for a sustainable adventure.  PS: if you’re also visiting Bergen, read our detailed guide for how to get from Oslo to Bergen (or vice versa). Don’t forget […]

Italy has had an incredible influence on Western culture (and still does), not just for its cuisine, but also for its Renaissance art, its architecture, its impact on the fashion world, and its charming cities and villages such as Venice, Cinque Terre, and Amalfi.  It would not be fair to Italy to generalise its culture, […]

A sustainable trip to Rome means finding the best eco friendly things to do, but also eco accommodations. While Italy’s Eternal City has a way to go in terms of its sustainability efforts, we nonetheless toured the city to find you the best eco hotels in Rome. We narrowed down our list to only three […]

Rome, nicknamed the Eternal City, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. There’s so much to see in Rome, so why not take the sustainable route to discover the best cultural things to do in Rome? Due to its historical importance, ancient monuments, architectural wonders, and of course, delicious Italian cuisine, Rome has quickly […]

New York City is a city of opportunities, with plenty of free things to do and exciting places to eat. A food lover’s paradise, there is an abundance of delicious eateries all over NYC, with cuisines from around the world. With such a wide range of options, why not choose a low-waste restaurant? It’s well […]

With so many hotels to choose from in this big city, why not go for the best green hotels in New York City that focus on sustainability? There are a number of eco-friendly hotels in New York that focus on proper waste management, reduction of water and energy consumption, protection of the environment, and minimising […]

New York City is a bucket list destination for many, and it’s easy to understand why. The iconic landmarks such as Bow Bridge in Central Park, Manhattan’s skyline, the nightlife scene, and the glamorous portrayal of the city in movies (not always based on reality) attract many visitors. Whether you have only a few days […]

Portugal’s advances and awards in eco tourism make it even more enticing to visit, aside from the main reasons that people visit: gorgeous coastlines, delicious pastries, fresh seafood, and historical and cultural exploration.  The efforts that Portugal has placed in becoming a greener country is seen clearly in its capital city, in its eco-friendly shops, […]

In 2019, Portugal was awarded the Best European Destination for Sustainable Tourism by ITB, thanks to its efforts in reducing the negative impacts of tourism. But that’s not the only thing that Portugal’s got going for it. A rich culture full of history, the freshest seafood, long coastlines, and calming green natural landscapes are just […]

Despite being a unique tropical island full of endemic fauna and flora (some of which are famously extinct, like the dodo bird), Mauritius has unfortunately not done enough regarding sustainability matters, particularly regarding its hotels and water activities.  Thankfully this is starting to change, and there are a few eco hotels in Mauritius that make […]

Portugal offers so much: sun, sea, surf, seafood, and a bunch of other things that don’t start with s, like delicious wine, friendly people, and a chill lifestyle. Most visitors have an idea of what they want to see in Portugal, so instead of a list of things to do, here are some fun facts about […]

Cambodia was once a huge empire. Its complicated history and painful past has contributed to the current culture in Cambodia today. For instance, the impressive Angkor Wat temples are so symbolic that they even feature on the country’s flag. It is the largest religious monument in the world and attracts loads of tourists every year. […]

Norway has so much to offer: whale watching, winter sports activities, breathtaking landscapes, fjord cruises, reindeer, and Sami culture. However, it’s no secret that Norway is not a budget-friendly country to visit. In this guide below, you will find Norway travel tips for an affordable adventure, with tips for how to budget for Norway. (But […]

The Republic of Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and is made up of more than 17000 islands, but only around 6000 are inhabited. The most popular island is Bali, which attracts many tourists and digital nomads, but there’s so much more to Indonesia than Bali. Below is a list of the best places to […]

Indonesia is a beautiful and unique country in SouthEast Asia. It stands out because of the diversity of its culture, its people, its religions, its languages, its rich marine life, its biodiversity, its food, and its 17000+ islands.  But what makes Indonesia even more interesting is that despite the cultural and religious diversity of its population, […]

There’s a lot to do and see in New York City, which sometimes means that we don’t have a lot of time to explore AND ingest the relevant information about this busy city.  So we’ve gathered the most important facts about New York to guide you during your trip. This article is also helpful if […]

You might know Mauritius as a paradisiac island surrounded by turquoise lagoons and luxurious resorts. But there’s so much more to the country. In this article we’ve compiled fun facts about Mauritius that you might not know, with insights from a local (me). If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the best […]

Mauritius is a beautiful tiny island off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Being a tropical island created by volcanic activity means that there are plenty of nature-related and sustainable things to do in Mauritius, more so than just beaches. But there’s also cultural exploration awaiting you. In fact, Mauritius is often […]