Travel Guides

The larger-than-life landscape of Iceland fits well with the idea of giant, mythical beasts such as dragons or griffins. The country is known as “the Land of Fire and Ice” after all. Unsurprisingly, there are mystical creatures that still dwell along the frigid coast of Iceland – whales. The presence of whales in Iceland goes back centuries; these great creatures are featured in the sagas of the old Norse kings. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in Iceland. Known as the place to have a personal encounter with whales in Europe, Iceland is slowly becoming famous for sea excursions. Numerous Icelandic tales and legends talk about the intelligent beasts that inhabit the waters surrounding Iceland, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that whale watching became an attraction in Iceland. In 1991, the first Iceland whale watching ship left port. In 1993, arguably one of the most famous Icelandic whales of all time – Free Willy – made his debut film appearance. This cemented the new trend for whale watching in Iceland, and it has grown ever since.

Sicily. The name conjures up images of long lazy days, sunshine, and summer holidays coupled with the style and glamour of an Italian holiday. With over 1000 kilometers of shoreline, one of the island’s main draws is its fabulous coastline. Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily Island is a paradise in Italy waiting to be explored. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in Sicily, listed in no particular order, to showcase some of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.

Straddling the rugged Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a string of picture-perfect seaside villages famed for its vibrant, technicolored abodes. Each of the five Cinque Terre towns—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—wows visitors with pastel-hued houses and sparkling Mediterranean views.Fishing boat-filled harbors, luscious vineyards, precipitous cliffs, and traditional trattorias enhance the la dolce vita vibe of this spectacular coastal stretch. While many visitors hop between villages by train, the best way to explore Cinque Terre is on foot. This post outlines the top Cinque Terre hikes so you can savor this sought-after destination on your tour to Italy at a leisurely pace. From quick walking stints to arduous all-day forays, here are the best Cinque Terre hikes.

Spanning across 243 kilometers that meanders along the south-western coast of Victoria is the Great Ocean Road, an Australian National Heritage site. It was built in 1919 by returning soldiers, made to commemorate the veterans who bravely fought during World War I. Here, the breathtaking sight of the ocean sprawls over the endless horizon as rocky cliffs rise up from the beach like artfully designed structures. Along the road, you will be able to spot charming towns, lush forest reserves, beautiful wildlife and of course, Victoria's best eats.The journey begins with a 90-minute drive from the center of Melbourne to reach highway B100. From there, buckle up — getting to the other end of your Great Ocean Road tour may take long, but you will never be bored. Prepare your camera for quick snapshots; the entire ride is truly Instagram-worthy, from the clear skies to the quaint fishing villages whose locals will keep you company during your much-needed stops.

What’s on your bucket list? If diving around a colourful and dynamic reef is a part of it then you’re definitely in luck. When it comes to diving in Australia, this country boasts some of the best reefs with the greatest range of aquatic life in the world, and they’re all easily accessible right off the coast.Unless you are already trained, after just a short training course to cover the basics of diving and safety under the waves, you’ll be all set to dive down into the mesmerising azure-blue depths.

The Upsala Glacier, a sprawling giant in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, offers a spectacle of icy grandeur unlike any other. Its vast expanse of jagged, crystalline blue ice stretches for miles, flowing into the serene waters of Lake Argentino. Massive icebergs, broken from its towering face, drift like sculpted gems, shimmering under the Patagonian sun. Framed by rugged mountains and an endless sky, this glacier feels like a portal to a pristine, untouched world, leaving visitors in awe of its sheer scale and ethereal beauty.The jagged icy peaks of the Upsala Glacier, which can be seen from quite some distance, are just a taste of what’s to come. As travellers approach the face of the glacier they are likely to feel like they have been transported to a different world. The eerie silence, broken only by the ripple of water under the boat only enhances the experience. It is definitely a sight you will never forget.

One of the most spectacular sites in the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park is arguably Glacier Grey. The National Park and Glacier Grey are both located in southern Chile’s Patagonia, with the glacier making up part of the extraordinary Southern Patagonian ice field. Encompassing 270 square kilometers, you’d never guess that this is one of the small glaciers in the Southern Patagonian ice field.Once you’ve seen it, it’s easy to see where the glacier gets its name; the dazzling blue-grey color mesmerizes every visitor. The deep, sparkling hue has a likeness to a precious stone that gleams seemingly just beneath the surface. The color is so commanding that it can even be seen from space! The sheer size, power, and beauty of Glacier Grey makes it one of the most iconic sights in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, and all of South America. The cherry on top? Lago Grey (Lake Grey), a beautiful lake filled by the mighty glacier at three different entrance points. Icebergs can be seen drifting slowly along in the icy waters. Add in the breathtaking backdrop of jagged, snow-covered mountains, hanging glaciers, and the occasional waterfalls and you’ve got one of the most picturesque places on the continent.

There is a lot of beauty to see in Patagonia. There are jagged mountains jutting out of the horizon, turquoise lakes that glint in the sunshine and quaint villages that the modern world has left virtually untouched. But of everything Patagonia has to offer, its most striking feature is its multitude of glaciers.Far from being an everyday sight, glaciers take your breath away and show you the full force of mother nature. The Patagonian glaciers are big, beautiful and ripe for exploring. So, strap on your ice boots and get ready to discover Patagonia’s finest glaciers. Here we give you the not-to-miss top 11 glaciers in Patagonia (in no particular order).

While traveling in a foreign land, relying on the local public transport systems is usually the easiest and cheapest way to get around. While it’s true that Iceland does have a public transport system called Strætó, it won’t get you much further than Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in a reliable fashion. Therefore, most visitors opt for car hire in Iceland instead.Renting a car in Iceland will give you the freedom you need to explore all that Iceland has to offer at your own pace. You could even travel the entire 1,332 km of the Route 1 ring road, the major artery of Iceland that connects most of the inhabited parts of the island. The twists and turns of Icelandic roads can often drive people mad, literally! But having the time to sightsee from the comfort of your own car is one of the best ways to take in the awe-inspiring Icelandic scenery. However, before you set out on your adventure, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to driving in Iceland.

The Laugavegur trail is Iceland’s most famous and most visited hiking trail that often receives international acclaim for being one of the world’s best trails. Spanning 55 kilometers from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk meaning ‘Thor’s Wood’), this legendary odyssey features multicolored rhyolite mountains, volcanic deserts of black sand, vibrant green meadows, and crystal ice caves. Prepare to be enchanted by the rugged beauty of prominent peaks like Mount Háskerðingur and be captivated by the stark contrast of the black sand desert, Mælifellssandur, stretching endlessly against the horizon, while distant mountains, such as Eyjafjallajökull, whisper tales of their volcanic might.Don’t miss out on completing this trail, as it is an adventure that unveils the raw beauty of an Iceland trip, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

Nestled in the Icelandic highlands, right on the edge of the black Laugahraun lava field, you will find Landmannalaugar. Well known for its natural geothermal hot springs (the name ‘Landmannalaugar’ translates to 'the people’s pools') and a stunning rugged landscape, Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is most commonly visited by hikers as it is situated at the northern end of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail.Planning a visit to Landmannalaugar to take advantage of its spectacular hikes? Here’s all you need to know before you go!

Rising from the ground to a staggering height of 3,359m, Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most formidable peaks to conquer in the world. The mountain sits in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentinian Patagonia and is iconic in shape with sheer jagged edges and no discernable walking path. In brief, Fitz Roy is no easy climb. With only an average of one person making it to the top of this mountain each year, the eight-day expedition to its summit is not hugely popular — or easy. Yet many people travel to the vicinity to trek one of the several routes on or around the mountain.

Katla volcano, the most powerful volcano in Iceland, packs a punch that has garnered a fearsome reputation. Due to patterns that have developed over time, it is now believed that whenever Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupts, Katla follows suit with a more powerful and destructive explosion, which is why it is thought to be a twin of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The name ‘Katla’ is steeped in Icelandic folklore, where it is told that the volcano was named after a maid on a nearby farm that dabbled in witchcraft. This mystical link only adds to the reverence given to volcanos in Iceland, a land that has been shaped and formed by these beautiful forces of nature. Found in the south of Iceland, hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla’s eruptions cause massive floods and ash fall, resulting in major destruction. In 2010, Icelanders held their breath after the famous Eyjafjallajökull eruption, though luckily Katla stayed quiet. However, an eruption is now long overdue, so who knows how long the calm will last!

The Cordillera Blanca trekking and hiking trails in Peru are a playground for all trekking lovers. Some of Peru’s iconic treks and challenging technical climbs can be found in the Cordillera Blanca region. However, Cordillera Blanca has a number of attractive day hikes as well, of which the Laguna Churup hike is one of the most popular.

The Lares trek vs. the Inca Trail. Which one to take a classic dilemma many trekkers in Peru will face. Both treks are two of the best treks in Peru. The Inca Trail is the classic Peruvian trek and is one of the most famous multi-day treks in South America. The four-day route follows an ancient mountain trail, offering splendid views and passing various Inca ruins. The trail crosses three high passes, the highest of which is the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass (4212 m), before finally arriving at the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. However, the Inca Trail is also the busiest and is always fully-booked months in advanceFor those searching for something more authentic, the Lares trek offers the chance to walk a route far less commonly attempted than the classic Inca Trail. The Lares trek is shorter and considered a little easier although it reaches higher altitudes than the Inca Trail. This trek offers spectacular mountain scenery of waterfalls and lakes and is commonly combined with a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. This trek also passes through several traditional Andean villages and offers the chance to meet locals and learn about their way of life, something not possible on the classic Inca Trail. Below we give you a breakdown of the Lares trek vs. the Inca Trail.