Romania … mysterious Transylvania, ancient castles and landscapes of savage beauty
“Here are the 7 wonders of the Romanian world: sunny days, hot temperatures, warm hearts, bright minds, colourful imagination, golden fields and delicious food!” I’ve listened to enthralling stories about Romania for decades. I don’t know why, but this country, rich in cultural and natural assets, has wandered up and down my bucket list as […]
Georgia: awe-inspiring, with one of the world’s most treacherous roads
Secret escape! The adventure began in Germany and extended through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey before arriving in Georgia. We were travelling in our 2003 Mercedes-Benz G Wagen and the passengers comprised my wife, Kristin, our children, Julius and Luisa, our dog, Zeus, and myself, Benyamin, behind the wheel. For years, […]
Scandinavia – why this amazing region should be on your Bucket List
After two years of preparation, we left the French Alps on April 18th, 2022, to start our “Next Meridian Expedition.” We, Mathilde and Nick, both 28 years old, left everything behind to travel the world in our 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 TD4 nicknamed Albatross. We moved full-time into our vehicle for a three-year journey […]
Are you planning to visit France in 2023? What you need to know about Environmental Zones
A number of cities in France have enforced environmental zones for some time and they can only be driven into with a valid Crit’Air-Vignette (air quality certificate). Starting on January 1st 2023, there are legislative changes: WHO NEEDS THE CRIT’AIR-VIGNETTE Any vehicle entering a French environmental zone must display a valid vignette. The vignette applies […]
Portugal: in search of ancient traditions, history, local culture, and honest food
Recently, Portugal has become a favourite amongst tourists, and won “Europe’s Leading Destination” in the World Travel Awards four years in a row, between 2017 and 2020. But just a few decades ago, things were quite different. Locals and foreigners (particularly from cooler European climates) have been flocking to the Algarve’s sun-drenched, sandy beaches for […]
Japan – a land filled with history and serenity
Hemmed in by verdant mountain slopes shimmered a pond. Black- and cream-colored koi swam about lazily, rushing forward only when somebody threw them some fish feed. My attention was drawn to the elongated patch of grass with a tiny shrine in the center dedicated to Onokoro, Japan’s first island created by the gods. The story […]
Nepal: uniquely stunning and filled with cultural treasures
Even for the seasoned traveler, it’s difficult to step beyond the front doors of Tribhuvan International Airport and not be a little overwhelmed. The air is a hazy melange of humidity, exhaust fumes, and dust so thick you can almost chew it. Then there is the noise, a raucous cacophony of car horns, revving engines, […]
Lesotho: a place of rushing rivers and gigantic drivable passes
Lesotho’s smooth rolling hills and intermittent rocky crags, and the way each mountain’s many shades of green reflect a sheen onto the unfettered landscape will leave you breathless. Meeting Lesotho’s people, who are warm and quietly affectionate individuals with a great sense of grace and pride, will create memories you won’t soon forget. Perhaps it […]
