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Carnivals in Europe
5 folkloric places to experience carnival, chosen by locals Did you know that carnival is an ancient tradition? Its roots stretch back to Europe’s pagan times, where an early version of the festival celebrated the god of the harvest. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a time of merriment before Lent. In fact, the word carnival itself is likely a nod to the Latin, carna vale, meaning farewell to meat. Today, it’s all about the festivities, the parades, the costumes, the joy of exploration …
Birdwatching in the Baltics
Your guide to a Baltic adventure I was jetlagged, so starting at four in the morning, I lay awake in my bed. The Latvian rain was falling in sheets, a constant drumbeat on the canopy of trees, mossy forest floor, and bushes that stood just beyond the window of my eco-lodge. Since it was spring, the first light of dawn broke at around seven, and with the appearance of the sun, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and I heard the gorgeous sound that I’d come for: the twitter of birds. In the …
Your guide to Slavic Dance
My whirling exploration in Central Europe My earliest memories in Brooklyn are of large family gatherings. At Christmas, Babcia Helena (grandma), Dziadek Czesław (grandpa) and a trail of aunts, uncles and cousins would file into our Greenpoint apartment to sit around our dining table to eat the twelve Christmas dishes : borscht, carp, and nine other culinary delights. At the end of the meal, after everyone was sated and happy, Dziadek Czesław would usually settle in the armchair near the …
Inspirational Estonian Women
Follow their footsteps along the coast To celebrate Women’s Day on March 8th, tour Estonia’s coast, following in the footsteps of three inspirational Estonian women. Tallinn : Hometown of Kaja Kallas She was the first female prime minister of Estonia, a role she held from 2021 until 2024, when she resigned in advance of her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas comes from a prominent political family; her grandfather was one of …
Visiting Portugal on your own
A perfect place for solo female travelers If you’re looking for a fantastic travel destination that is perfect for solo female travelers , put Portugal on your list. Besides the breathtaking landscapes you can enjoy safely, you will find kind, welcoming people who will make your trip an unforgettable experience . For a small country, Portugal has a diversity of landscapes that lie within a short distance of one another, so your stay will never be monotonous, and you can make great use of your …
Sweet Escapes for Sweet Dreams
Between glamping in green oases, alpine chalets, palaces fit for royalty, castles in the countryside and heritage hotels that wrap you in both luxury and legacy, there are experiences to suit all tastes in Slovenia and Croatia. Get in Touch with Nature: Glamping, Homesteads and Wine Cottages With nine National Parks and dozens of additional Nature Parks across both countries, you won’t soon run out of opportunities to get in touch with your green side. Why not take it a step further and sleep …
Come for the Nature, Stay for the Culture
In between the beach, hiking and indulging in the culinary traditions of Croatia and Slovenia, there are one-of-a-kind museums, vibrant events and incredible festivals to take in too. So plan accordingly – or just extend your stay. Museums From the Quirky to the World-Changing Great art museums aside, let’s look at some unique places. The Museum of Broken Relationships is one of the more curious galleries you’re likely to see. Dedicated to lost love, the exhibits are personal items donated by …
Treat Yourself in Slovenia and Croatia
Life moves fast. Now’s the time to slow things down, take the off-ramp and treat yourself. Replenish your mind, body and soul in the land of wellness, from nourishing mineral waters and hot springs to luxurious massages with honey and even a beer spa. Wellbeing in Slovenia and Croatia means deep relaxation that taps into all that nature provides. Thermal Waters and Unique Treatments Slovenia was practically designed for healthy living and it's an ideal destination for a spa break with 12 …
Soak Up the Sun on Mind-blowing Beaches
With pristine coastal shores, glistening lakefronts and meandering rivers, there are far more places to swim in Croatia and Slovenia than days in the year. So, pack your swim gear (and sunscreen) and get ready to explore the welcoming waters. Croatia’s Most Iconic Beaches Fun fact: the distance from Croatia’s northernmost coastal point to its southernmost is 530 km as the crow flies, but the actual mainland coastline is about 1,800 km , making Croatia’s coast the most indented in the whole …
The (Protected) Wild Side
Taken together, over half of Croatia and Slovenia are covered in forests, allowing plant life to flourish and making the region home to countless protected varieties. And of course, there are a lot of critters to be found – big, small, on the ground and in the air – some scarier than others. Check out the numbers: Slovenia is home to more than 22,000 plant and animal species. Croatia has over 9,000 plant and 24,000 animal species , of which 1,091 are endemic to the country. Add in the waters, …