I’m Kayley and I am a teacher and travel enthusiast living in Sweden with my husband. A few summers ago, some friends and I decided to leave the boys at home and go on a girls’ trip. We had a few requirements – sun, sea and adventure! With  4 teachers, an 8 week summer break ahead of us, and Europe at our fingertips, it wasn’t hard to come up with the PERFECT trip. Here I’ll share with you our Croatia Itinerary for 10 days – featuring cute airbnbs, cliff jumping adventures and even a cute convertible! For the ultimate summer trip, we’ve got you covered!

Tips for Planning Your Croatia Itinerary

Money

Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna (1 USD = 7 HRK)

Flying In & Out

We flew directly from Stockholm into Dubrovnik Airport, but you could fly into one of its other international airports like Split or Rijeka International Airport. Dubrovnik International Airport is located just 15km from the city, making it super convenient to get to Old Town. Dubrovnik airport offers multiple airport buses for about €5, stopping both in the Old Town and at the main bus station at Gruž harbour. The buses depart 30 minutes after every flight arrival. The website says you can buy tickets from the driver, but when we arrived and tried to get on, he didn’t have any tickets so we had to run back inside to draw cash from an ATM and buy tickets from the booth just inside. 

Packing for Croatia

Croatia is really hot and humid over June and July, their summer season. For the most part you’ll only need shorts and tank tops or t-shirts. I packed a comfy maxi dress which was great over sunburn. I recommend packing a pair of trainers, especially if you’re planning on walking down to odysseus caves and doing any hikes (which I highly recommend). Other than that a pair of comfortable/pretty sandals will double up as daily beach shoes as well as evening wear. 

How to Get Around

Croatia has multiple modes of transportation, so getting around is fairly easy. For this 10 day Croatia itinerary we utilized ferries, a few buses, Ubers and rented both a car and a scooter. Croatia has a state run ferry company – Jadrolinija, which is reliable and efficient but can be rather difficult to figure out. I would suggest planning your route first, checking ferry schedules and only then booking accommodation. That being said, we booked all our ferry tickets online before the trip, except for the first one from Dubrovnik to Mjlet. We just headed to the ferry terminal early in the morning to get tickets for that day. 

Buses are also very common and fairly inexpensive. They provide beautiful scenery especially if traveling along the coast. Don’t expect the bus driver to speak English or be very friendly. Also be aware that if your bag doesn’t fit into the overhead, they charge you cash to put it in the hold. 

How to Spend 10 Days in Croatia

In this Croatia itinerary we stuck to the coast and hopped around quite a bit, visiting a few islands with Croatia’s extensive ferry network. We started in Dubrovnik, visited 4 different islands and then ventured back onto the mainland at Split. This is how our 10 day Croatia Itinerary looked: 

• Dubrovnik: 1 Night
• Mljet: 1 Night
• Korcula: 2 Nights
• Hvar: 2 Nights
• Bol: 2 Nights
• Split: 1 Night

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik

We arrived in Dubrovnik in the evening and chose only to spend one night there. Living in Europe we can often find cheap flights to main cities over random weekends and so we like to get out of the more touristy places when we have the extra time. We stayed in a little hostel called Anchi Guesthouse which was just a one or two minute walk from the main bus station, and about 5 minutes away from the ferry port that we would be using to get to the islands. 

Day 2: Caves and National Parks on Mjlet

We got up early in the morning to go get tickets for the first ferry of the day before returning to pack our things. Along the way, we grabbed burek for breakfast. These cheese or meat pastries became a staple breakfast each morning while we were on route to a new adventure!

The ferry departs from port Gruz in Dubrovnik at 9:15 AM and takes about an hour to get to Mjlet (Sobra port). Our plan was to rent 2 scooters for about €27 a day from the port, but as we arrived something more thrilling caught our eyes! Maybe it was the excitement of the first day of our girls trip but something just screamed girls trip when we caught sight of a beautiful turquoise Fiat soft-top.

Rent a Car or Scooter

Mini brum has an office right at the port, and gave us such friendly service and a well marked map with great advice and recommendations! It was a good thing that all the scooters were already rented so our decision was made as we stuffed our backpacks into the back and hopped in!

I recommend renting some sort of vehicle in Mljet as there is no public transportation on the island. It is an incredibly beautiful island, so you’ll want to be able to explore all over! My only regret this trip is that we didn’t spend more time here.

Mljet is off the coast and probably my favourite part of our 10-day itinerary in Croatia. The whole western third of the island is the National Park which hosts two salt water lakes and an island with a church!

Check in to Villa Victor

We checked in early to our gorgeous Airbnb, Villa Victor, and chatted with our super friendly hosts before heading to a small beach cove down the street for the morning. In the afternoon we drove through to the national park. There is an entry fee of 90.00kn per person, or 50.00kn with a valid student card.

Check out the Island of Santa Maria

You can also find a little boat that runs to the island of Santa Maria every 30 minutes or so. We hopped onto that and took a walk around the island and had a little swim in the lake before taking a boat to the next lake drop off spot. The two salt water lakes are interconnected and when the tide changes you’re able to float from the big lake into the small one. Lots of fun!

Go cliff jumping at the Odysseus Caves

Another activity I highly recommend is visiting Odysseus Caves. We went fairly early in the morning in the hopes to avoid the heat and crowds. The heat we couldn’t escape, but the crowds weren’t too bad. The hike down takes about 30 minutes, but depending on your fitness and age, I would give yourself a little more time. Going down wasn’t too bad, but coming back up around midday was quite a climb!

You can easily park along the road by the grocery store, Tommy’s, and then follow the sign board to the path that leads down to the sea. Navigating the cliffs can be a bit treacherous so it’s a good idea to have some sturdy shoes for the hike.

Once on the cliffs, go jump off one into the water! I only managed the lower level which was thrilling enough for me but so cool to swim into the caves and see the sun shining into the cave and reflecting the most magnificent blues and greens! 

We spent the day driving around to other beaches and enjoying local food delights like cevapi, a hand rolled, caseless meat sausage, and some more Adriatic beers. The afternoon saw us picking up our bags from Victor Villa, having a last drink with our wonderful hosts and getting the ferry to the next island on our Croatia itinerary – Korčula. 

Days 3 & 4: Wine Tasting and Cycling Tours in Korčula

We arrived in Korčula in the late afternoon and easily found a taxi to our accommodation, another sweet little Airbnb in Medvinjak. Medvinjak is located on the north-eastern “corner” of the island. It was close enough to walk to the main town, but with backpacks and late afternoon thirst, we opted for a taxi instead. After settling in, we took a walk into town and had a lovely dinner together in one of the many cozy, alleyway restaurants. 

We got going early-ish the next morning to enjoy a full day outdoors in the sunshine. We rented bicycles from one of the many rental stores in town and rode across the island to Lumbarda, a small wine region on the southern coast. The ride to the beach is about 8km, with one big hill to get up and over. I cycle everyday to commute, so I am not unfamiliar with the exercise, but it was a bit daunting on the main road section – the hill requires quite a bit of work!

It just made the swim in the ocean a very well deserved reward! We spent the morning popping into different beaches, swimming, tanning, rehydrating and replenishing energy levels with snacks (like more cevapi) at the beachside restaurants. While the beaches were pretty packed, they had a small town, local feel (some more than others). 

On our way back to Korcula, we got waylaid by all the little wine farms, and couldn’t resist stopping in for a little taste. This area is home to the special little grapes that are used to make Grk wine – just one of the 7 wine producers that make Grk here. The charming winemaker’s wife served us and gave us such interesting information and a real value wine-tasting of 3 wines and grappa. The wine buzz may have given us the extra oomph to get going back up the hill and into Korcula. 

Being around during one of the many yacht weeks, the evening has the option to turn pretty wild, with many of the yachts docking at different ports each evening. Some of us chose to go out and join in the buzz, while others chose to have a chill night in. Needless to say, we had a slow morning the next day, and took a ferry at midday to the next island on our list – Hvar. 

Days 5 & 6: Spanish Fortress and Night Life in Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful little island, next on our trip and a popular tourist spot due to its beautiful fortress, 13th century walls and abundance of coastal bars, clubs and hotspots. The town square is right on the water, where you can view the fortress climbing up above you and spend hours watching people in the sunshine. There are little coves and bays to swim in all around the island, including along the main promenade and port. Some of these are just little drop offs with steps into the water. The floor of the ocean has a lot of rocks, shells and anemones so either make sure you don’t put your feet down or wear a pair of water shoes! 

One day we rented scooters and took a ride up to our friend’s cousin’s restaurant Vidikovac Levanda where we enjoyed a beautiful lunch as well as stunning views of lavender fields and high coastal roads overlooking the Adriatic Sea. 

We also ended up getting tickets to a party at the nightclub on another small island called Carpe Diem. It was one of those almost all-inclusives where you get an all-you-can-drink party boat (or in our case, the boat was too full so we had access to a bar beforehand) and then a boat ride to the nightclub. It’s not my normal cup of tea, but it was wild and definitely like something from a movie! The whole island was a nightclub – complete with a pizza slice shop at the boat pick up for your way home! 

Naturally, the next day we all had a little sleep in before packing up once again and heading to the ferry port – but not before picking up some more burek for our boat ride! 

Days 7 & 8: Beach-Hopping in Bol, Bra

We stayed in Bol while on Brac and spent a relatively chilled few days enjoying local beaches and restaurants. We spent a good few hours frying in the sun on the popular Zlatni Rat – a white pebbled peninsula of a beach. The shape of the tip is forever changing due to the currents and wind. This particular beach is packed in the summer, but has beach chairs and umbrellas as well as crystal clear waters.

My favorite beach however, was Beach Bijela Kuća, on the opposite end of Bol, past the ferry port. It is a delightfully sheltered cove, with lots of rocky platforms and sections to set up on. We enjoyed our last lunch with all four of us together at the little restaurant on the corner, Ribarska Kućica. 

I really would have liked to go up to Vidova Gora – the highest peak in the Adriatics, offering the best views of Zlatni Rat beach. The hike is accessible from Bol but is about a 5.5km hike up (11km round trip). Apparently it gets pretty technical towards the top and it’s recommended to have at least 4-5 hours to be able to spend some time enjoying the view.

At that point in our trip, the group of us were quite “adventured out” and we opted to laze on the beach rather than mission up mountains in the humidity. But, now that I’m back home I’m already planning when my husband and I can go back to do the hike!

Two of our four had a flight the next day out of Dubrovnik so we took a ferry all the way back to spend the evening in Dubrovnik. The remaining two of us spent the afternoon on the beach, before having pedicures and enjoying tapas, al fresco on our apartment patio. 

Day 9: Roman Ruins in Split

The next morning we took a ferry back to the mainland, arriving at Split. It was raining when we arrived and the ferry port was a mess with so much traffic! We got an uber to our Airbnb – a small room in a couples home. They were the sweetest family who invited us to have lunch with them and chat around the dining room table. Their son spoke English really well and my friend could speak Croatian which really helped! 

By the time we had finished lunch and chats, the sun had come out so we took a bus into town and explored the harbor front market, ogled all the super yachts and visited Kasjuni Beach – a more secluded, but still touristy, pebble/rock beach.  The beach is about a 40 minute walk along the coast or  you can hop on a bus that goes a few times an hour. We took an uber there, and a bus back. 

On the way back we stopped to walk up through a neighborhood to a viewpoint, Prva Vidilica Na Marjanu (Marjan Hill). There is a little cafe up at the top and a view of Old Town Split. If you continue further up, there are more trails and viewpoints. Unfortunately for us, the rain came down, (and our hunger came up) so we went back down and stopped in for an early dinner at a cute little restaurant terrace to hide away from the rain. 

Once the afternoon thunder shower had passed we took a walk through the old town. Almost half of the town is made up of Diocletian’s palace – the ancient Roman ruins. It makes walking through the town feel so unreal. The ruins are some of the most well-preserved from that time, and many of the shops and alleyways run right through them. I would love to come here with my husband one day –  he also loves this history stuff!

Day 10: Return to Dubrovnik

This was probably the worst part of my trip, where I felt the most anxious, but looking back I’m not sure why. Everything ran as it should have but I was stressed out about traveling the whole day on my own. It was a long day of traveling and the bus driver (on the very first leg of the journey) was mean to me so it set me off haha.

Be warned – if your bag doesn’t fit in the overhead compartment (which really only fits a handbag) you have to pay extra for it to be in the hold. I was super sad about this as I had kept the exact amount of cash on me to buy a pastry for a bus snack and instead had to use it to pay for my bag!  

But other than that, the bus ran smoothly from Split to Dubrovnik – about 4 to 6 hours depending on the route and driver etc. I would recommend taking a window seat on the right as the views over the ocean are incredible, not to mention all the little seaside towns! The route takes you through a small section of Bosnia, so there can sometimes be a little delay at the border when passports are being checked. 

The bus arrives at the main station in Dubrovnik, which is exactly where the shuttle buses to the airport depart from. I bought a ticket from the booth and hopped straight onto the airport bus. As I understand it, there are a few different companies so there should be a bus leaving fairly frequently. It works on the flight schedule – normally a bus departs 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights. 

Croatia is full of so much natural beauty – from mountains to lakes and beaches. We barely made a scratch on the surface – I can’t wait to return with my husband in tow! Do you have any hidden gems that  you would include in your Croatia itinerary?

For more posts on the Balkans, check these next:

• 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia
• Best of Albania From a Local: Beaches, Bars, and UNESCO sites
• Dubrovnik: Stay at a Sobe in Old Town
• War Torn Sarajevo, a Culture Shock

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The post The Perfect Croatia Itinerary for 10 Days to Copy for Your Trip! appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Looking for some beautiful places to visit in Northern Italy? Here’s your guide!

After living and traveling in Italy for over a year, I’ve learned that it is simply impossible to see all of this incredible country in just one trip…or even just one lifetime!

If you’ve visited Italy before and are looking to get a little off-the-beaten-path, or you find yourself dreaming of an Italian getaway filled with beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, colorful coastal villages, grand historic cities, and world-class cuisine, then Northern Italy is the perfect destination for you!

To help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Italian adventure, I’ll be highlighting some of the best places to visit and things to do in each of Northern Italy’s eight regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. While I’ve done my best to include the highlights of each region, it would be impossible to include everything in just one post. The following guide to Northern Italy should help you narrow down which regions, cities, and sights are a must on your Italy itinerary!

by Mat Reding via Unsplash

Beautiful Places in Aosta Valley

Visit for: Scenic Alpine Villages, Skiing, Hiking, Castles, Wellness Resorts

Remember when I said that it is impossible to visit all of Italy? Well, I’ll be honest and let you in on a secret-I haven’t actually visited the Aosta Valley. This region is actually the smallest in all of Italy and is nestled between Italy, Switzerland, and France. I have, however, stopped off at a train station near here, and you’ll immediately notice the French and Swiss influences. The architecture, local dishes, and even the official languages (both French and Italian) reflect these different cultures. In this incredibly scenic region, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of hiking, skiing, and adventure activities in this Alpine destination in addition to historic castles and even Roman ruins!

1. Aosta

The town of Aosta is the valley’s capital city. This historic and charming town is known for its Roman ruins and offers quick access to nearby ski and wellness resorts as well as the Gran Paradiso National Park.

2. Gran Paradiso National Park

This national park is perfect for those who love to adventure and want to take in the scenic surroundings that the Aosta Valley has to offer. Whether you enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife spotting, climbing, or other outdoor activities, you’ll have no shortage of things to do!

3. Courmayeur

This Alpine resort town is a can’t miss when in the Aosta Valley. In this quaint village, you’ll discover unforgettable landscapes, the impressive Mount Blanc, and be perfectly situated for skiing and hiking.

4. Aosta Valley Castles

If you’re a history lover, be sure to save time in your itinerary to visit a few of the many charming castles scattered throughout this delightful region.

Beautiful Places in Piedmont

Visit for: Turin, Alpine Views, Lakes, Wine

Piedmont is another region which borders both France and Switzerland, and of course the Alps. Piedmont is known for its grand capital city, Turin, mountainous terrain, wine production, and it also borders the beautiful Lake Maggiore.

5. Wine Country

Piedmont is famous for its wine production, particularly in the Langhe region. Wine lovers will relish in the opportunity to visit the vineyards which produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition to wine tasting opportunities, many of these vineyards are situated near scenic and historic hilltop towns and offer stunning countryside views. If you prefer white wines, consider trying Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine native to the town of Asti (and a personal favorite!).

6. Turin

As the capital of Piedmont, Turin is an impressive city that boasts a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and Neo-Classical. The grand avenues, large public squares, and palatial complexes point to the city’s historic political and economic importance. You won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Mole Antonelliana tower, the Egypt Museum, and the Duomo di San Giovanni which houses the famous Shroud of Torino to name just a few of the important cultural and architectural highlights waiting to be discovered in this city.

7. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore shares its borders with Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, and it is perfect for those looking to enjoy some time on the water during their Northern Italy travels. Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and is known for the Borromean islands, charming lakeside towns, and remarkable villas all beautifully situated with the Alps as their backdrop. While Lake Como may be the more well-known lake, if the idea of visiting the Borromean islands or even popping over to Switzerland intrigues you, then Lake Maggiore is worth a stop!

8. Lake Orta

For those looking to get even further from the beaten path, consider visiting Lake Orta. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery and charm with fewer tourists although there is a bit less in terms of things to do. Great if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway! If you’re torn between Northern Italy’s lakes, check out this guide for a comparison.

Places to Visit in Lombardy

Visit for: Milan, Lake Como, Italian Alps, Quaint Lakeside Towns

While Lombardy often is left off the list for a first-time visit to Italy, it is one of my all-time favorite itinerary add ons for those looking to experience the north of Italy. From fashionable Milan to Lake Como’s stunning mountainous landscapes and gorgeous lakeside villages, this region has so much to offer. It’s no wonder the rich and famous love to vacation here!

Follow me on Instagram @missadventuresabroad for more Italy and travel tips and inspiration!

9. Milan

This city is known worldwide as Italy’s fashion capital, which is especially evident during fashion week! While you’ll find an array of high-end stores and luxury shops, if you aren’t so into fashion, fear not! Milan is also home to many historic and cultural sights. Be sure to stop by the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza Castle to see some of the city’s most culturally significant architecture. For lovers of da Vinci, you won’t want to miss The Last Supper, which is housed here. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance though! Discover more of my favorite must-sees in Milan here.

10. Lake Como

One of my favorite destinations in all of Italy, Lake Como is a must if you love the water, mountains, and colorful towns. Just a short journey by train from Milan, I recommend spending several days in Lake Como to explore its beautiful villages, impressive historic villas, and to enjoy the unparalleled scenery of this remarkable alpine lake. For those who love being active, you will find plenty to do in terms of hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. If you prefer relaxing a bit more, you can easily hop from town to town on the ferry, and shops, restaurants, and scenic cafes abound. Be sure to check out this guide to Lake Como before you visit!

11. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo

Lake Como isn’t the only famous lake in Lombardy! The region also borders several other lakes which are worth visiting as well! I haven’t been lucky enough to visit them all, so try reading this helpful guide for a comparison.

12. Mantua

Situated between 3 artificial lakes, Mantua is a historic city that was once one of Italy’s most important cultural centers. It is the perfect place to spend a day for art and architecture lovers who are looking to get a bit off the beaten path and discover the castle, palace, basilica, and other treasures nestled within this  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13. Switzerland

You know what they say…when in Lombardy…visit Switzerland? Well, you heard it here first! As Lombardy is located along the Swiss border, what better way to see two beautiful countries in one trip than by popping over to Switzerland? Consider paying a visit to nearby Lake Lugano, which is located in both Italy and Switzerland, if you can’t get enough of the region’s alpine lakes!

by Samantha via There She Goes Again

Beautiful Places in Trentino-Alto Adige

Visit for: The Dolomites,  Access to Switzerland and Austria, Medieval Castles, Skiing

Trentino-Alto Adige borders both Switzerland and Austria, and it is made up of land that historically belonged to the Holy Roman Empire and the state of Tyrol. With such a mix of culture and history, this region certainly has a different feel from the rest of Italy – one that is distinctly, well, Tyrolean. The official languages are Italian and German with a few other dialects that are also spoken. In this region, visitors enjoy a blend of cultures, the Dolomites, access to Switzerland and Austria, plenty of skiing opportunities, and some incredible medieval castles.

14. Trento

Like most Italian cities, you’ll find an impressive cathedral, lovely piazzas, and, of course, plenty of historic buildings. What sets Trento apart is the Buonconsiglio Castle, known for its impressive frescoes. From Trento, you’ll be well-positioned to access the region’s many ski resorts and hiking trails if the outdoors and Italian Alps are calling you!

15. Bolzano

Looking to discover a hint of Germany while in Italy? Look no further than Bolzano, as this charming city feels far more German than it does Italian! After all, it has only been a recognized part of Italy since 1919. This charming city is the largest in Trentino-Alto Adige, and it is the region’s capital. From Bolzano, you can easily explore the Dolomites and visit some of the region’s beautiful castles and churches. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the famous “Ötzi the Iceman,” a natural mummy discovered in the Alps that dates back to 3,400 BC. You can pay a visit to him by dropping by Bolzano’s South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. If you happen to be visiting Bolzano during the wintertime or ski season, be sure to check out the famous Christmas markets! You’ll really feel as though you’ve been transported to Germany!

16. Lake Garda

Trentino-Alto Adige isn’t just famous for the Dolomites! The region also borders Lake Garda. Lake Garda is actually the largest lake in Italy, and it is known for its clear glacial waters and beautiful waterfront towns. While Lake Garda is a popular vacation spot for Italians, you’ll find fewer foreign tourists here than Lake Como, so it may be just what you are looking for if you are hoping to get off-the-beaten-trail!

17. The Dolomites

Sprinkled throughout Trentino-Alto Adige, you’ll find plenty of ski chalets, wellness resorts, castles, hiking trails, and charming smaller towns just waiting to be explored as you adventure throughout the Italian Alps. If you love mountains and the outdoors, then this region is definitely for you!

Places to Visit in Veneto

Visit for: Venice, Verona, Padua, the Dolomites

Veneto is one of Northern Italy’s most famous and visited regions as it is home to Venice and the canals and waterways that make up this historic and picturesque city. While many first time visitors to Italy make Venice a must on their itinerary, some of the region’s other incredible sites don’t quite make the cut. The region has so much more to offer beyond Venice – from the romantic city of Verona to the mountainous Dolomites to the historic Padua, you’re bound to discover some incredible places when in Veneto!

18. Venice

A visit to Veneto simply wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in Venice. This exquisite city on the water is at the top of so many visitors’ bucket lists for a reason. From the beautiful bridges and canals to the city’s quaint gondolas and grand historic architecture, Venice is magical and unique in every way. It’s no wonder this City of Bridges attracts 30 million visitors per year! Of course, with so many tourists, Venice can feel a bit overwhelming, so I would highly recommend exploring some of Veneto’s less frequented cities if you are looking for a deeper dive into culture.

19. Murano and Burano

If you have the time while you are visiting Venice, I highly recommend popping over to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for the Venetian glass which is produced there, and there are several glass factories where you can see a glass-making demonstration and tour workshops filled with completed glassware. Burano is a colorful fishing village which is the stuff of every Instagrammer’s dreams. You’ll find row after row of brightly colored houses on this enchanting island, and can even visit a shop or two where handcrafted Burano lace is made.

20. Verona

I have to admit, as a romantic, Verona is one of my all-time favorite cities to visit in Italy. As the fabled setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there’s all sorts of fun literary tourist-ing to be done in this endearing and historic town. Stop by Romeo or Juliet’s house, write your very own letter to Juliet, and get lucky in love by touching the statue of Juliet.  Romeo and Juliet not your thing? Enjoy some of the city’s other noted attractions such as the Verona Opera (which is held in the 3rd largest amphitheater in Italy) right in the heart of the city. Verona is an incredibly walkable city that is dripping in history, beautiful views, and so much more! Learn more about why you’ll fall in love with Verona in this post!

21. Padua

Padua is most well-known for its university. Established in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest in the world! That being said, there is much to see in this city beyond the University. Historic churches, palaces, and piazza’s await, including the Scrovegni Chapel which is filled with frescoes by Giotto, for any fellow art-lovers.

22. Dolomites

The Veneto region also contains a portion of the Dolomites, which is perfect for those looking to explore the mountains, hike, or ski. One of the most famous spots in the Italian Alps, the Cinque Torri, can be found within the mountainous portion of this region!

Beautiful Places in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Visit for: Trieste, Access to Austria and Slovenia, the Adriatic, Dolomites

Tucked away in the Northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is certainly one of Italy’s lesser-visited regions. I myself have only driven through the region en route to Slovenia! However, if you find yourself making a trip to Northern Italy or are considering a visit to Slovenia yourself, there are definitely several spots worth visiting, and you’ll find the blend of cultures to be quite interesting!

Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

23. Trieste

Trieste is Friuli Venezia Giulia’s capital city. Located just a short drive from the Slovenian border, this port city along the Adriatic has major Slovenian influences. Here you’ll find castles, cathedrals, elegant piazzas, the scenic Grand Canal, Roman ruins, and even a former Nazi Concentration camp, all of which highlight the long and ever-changing history of this region.

24. Slovenia

I know, I know, this is supposed to be a blog post about Northern Italy, so why am I talking about Slovenia? Well, the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is conveniently located just an hour from Trieste and is not to be missed if you find yourself nearby! I absolutely love Slovenia, and I took a bus from Trieste to visit this incredible country. From the capital city of Ljubljana to stunning Lake Bled to the fascinating Postojna Cave, there are so many cool places to visit just beyond the Italian-Slovenian border! You won’t have to wander far to pack in some seriously cool Slovenian adventures. Read more about what this destination has to offer here!

25. Dolomites (Again!)

Like many of Northern Italy’s regions, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also home to the Dolomite mountains. For those of you who simply can’t get enough of the Swiss Alps, there are more scenic views and skiing opportunities just waiting to be had!

Liguria

Visit for: Cinque Terre Villages, Hiking, swimming in the Mediterranean, Genoa

Liguria is Northern Italy’s most coastal region as it follows the Mediterranean from France to Tuscany. For many, this region is a must visit while in Italy, as it is home to the famous five colorful villages that make up Cinque Terre. If you are looking to enjoy the sea, love hiking, or are dying to get that perfect Instagram shot, then be sure to put Liguria on your itinerary!

26. Cinque Terre

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five scenic towns that are the jewels of the Italian Riviera. While it is best to visit anytime between late spring and early fall if you are looking to swim or enjoy better weather, these stunning towns are breathtaking year-round. Whether you are hoping to hike the spectacular trails which connect the towns or wishing to take the train and absorb the spectacular views from the striking villages themselves, you are sure to be mesmerized by the beauty all around you! It is important to note that Cinque Terre can be flooded with tourists, so be prepared to experience the magic of these small towns along with many others! You’ll want to read this guide to visiting Cinque Terre before you go!

27. Genoa

If you find yourself in Liguria and are looking to get away from smaller villages and experience city life, consider popping over to Genoa. This port city is Liguria’s capital, and it is famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll find museums, maritime attractions, grand boulevards and piazzas, historic buildings, and more in this maritime capital!

28. Portofino, Portovenere, Santa Margherita

Can’t get enough of the Italian Riviera? There is more to explore beyond Cinque Terre! If you are looking to get a bit further from the crowded towns of Cinque Terre, these other Ligurian locations certainly fit the bill! You’ll find vibrant and historic Mediterranean villages here and tons of Italian vacationers who prefer spending the summer months in these alternative destinations, offering a more local, unique experience!

Emilia-Romagna

Visit for: Excellent Italian Cuisine, Medieval Cities and Villages, Bologna

Last, but certainly not least, we have Emilia-Romagna. This region is perhaps most often recognized for its world-renowned cuisine, which is often regarded as the best in all of Italy. In addition to all of the fantastic gastronomy in the region, you’ll find medieval cities such as Bologna and Ravenna just waiting for you to explore them! This is an excellent region to combine with Tuscany or Veneto, as it borders both regions. You’ll also have access to the Adriatic!

29. Bologna

This medieval city is one of my favorites in all of Italy. It has a truly authentic Italian feel, and some of the best food in the region can be found here! In addition to the many local dishes that await visitors, you’ll find that the city is famous for it’s covered walkways (porticoes) which line practically every street. Bologna is lively and bustling with plenty of historic towers, churches, and landmarks to keep a tourist engaged! Read my 1-day Bologna itinerary here for more inspiration.

30. Ravenna

On my most recent visit to Italy I was lucky enough to visit Ravenna, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t visited sooner! If you love art, Ravenna is an absolute must as it is home to some truly stunning mosaics which adorn the notable buildings around town. Just an hour from Bologna, this city is the perfect day to spend a day exploring.

31. Parma and Modena

If you are a foodie, be sure to expand beyond Bologna to visit some of Emilia-Romagna’s other culinary gems such as Parma and Modena. Parma is known for Parmesan cheese, while Modena gets its claim to fame from the balsamic vinegar produced there. Though these cities may have a bit less to offer in terms of charm and tourist activities, they make an excellent addition to any visit to Emilia-Romagna.

32. Rimini

Had enough food and ready to relax on the beach? For those visiting Emilia-Romagna in the summertime, Rimini makes for a perfect escape to the Adriatic! You’ll find there is plenty of history and coastline to be explored as you relax and soak up the sun here.

Whew! With so many incredible places just waiting for you to explore, it’s safe to say that Northern Italy has something for everyone! Which destinations caught your eye?

For more travel in Italy

• The 10 Best-Kept Secrets In Florence You Won’t Want to Miss
• An Instagram Guide to Trastevere, Rome
• 4 Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season

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If you didn’t guess from my blog name, I love the boho chic style. I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to it! Sometimes this style seems impractical for travel, but it definitely isn’t. Many people wonder how to dress boho chic when they travel, and the key is the staple articles of clothing you bring with you. Here are some of my favorite staples — the styles I wear over and over again to (try to) achieve that put-together, bohemian look whether I’m trekking through North East India or lounging in sunny Morocco and still actually be comfortable and culturally appropriate.

How to Dress Boho Chic When You Travel

Tops

Leather Jacket

This is the KEY piece of the wardrobe. You can be at the airport with leggings and tee shirt and throw this one, and bam you look decent! So much more stylish than a hoodie or North Face fleece.

I have three leather jackets and I feel like I want more. They are all three black. One is a normal cross-cut one, one is a little lighter and doesn’t zip, and then the third is the jacket above which has Rajasthani beadwork on it which you can get handmade here in India.

You might worry they aren’t comfortable but once you wear one in, it is the most comfortable thing ever and the leather goes really soft. It will fit to your body. Plus, they last forever. Make sure to get one that is real leather and a soft type, not a firm one.

Loose, Worn-In Graphic Tee

The perfect graphic tee is not just good for sleep but is also perfect tied up with shorts for a rocker-chic look. I have a few that I take everywhere but hate that they fall apart so fast. When I see one that I like that has the perfect worn-in look, I’ll usually pay a little extra for it. I recommend looking at Macy’s or Nordstrom in the sections like Free People, Lucky Brand, and even Ralph Lauren – then wait until they have a sale. If you’re in Bali, some of the side street shops have good ones. You know that favorite shirt you might have – imagine if it were gone and you had to pay $50 to get it back… would you? I would with mine, so I keep that in mind when I’m shopping and find stuff that I’m just in love with. Then again, I just love shopping and spending money lol so you do you!

Crop Tops + Tees

Whether it’s paired with a maxi skirt, jeans, or shorts, a cute crop top will make the look much cuter than a plain t-shirt. If you aren’t into showing your tummy fully, you can throw over a little shawl or wear the crop with high-waisted pants so it just overlaps. I love these ones that just hang loose, like in the photo below: then you can tie it up if you want or leave it loose.

Lacy Bralettes

The kind you want peaking out through your shirt that won’t look like a bra, but just a little top. These are key to wearing a lot of the most adorable boho-chic tops and dresses you see online. Brands that I love from Urban Outfitters, Free People, or whoever, often have really low tops and are also low on the sides – sometimes making it confusing how you could actually wear them without it showing your bra. The key is to wear a bra that shows but looks like it was meant to show. I have lacy bralettes in many colors so that it can match, mostly pastels.

*Bonus Tip: A crochet bikini top also makes a great bra! This shop is where I get mine which I have in a couple colors.

Bottoms

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans

Topshop’s Jamie jeans are my absolute favorite. I have mentioned them dozens of times on here, but I just think everyone should try a pair on! I hated skinny jeans before these and never, ever, wore them. But they aren’t the only good brand and I’ve linked some favorites below.

High Waisted Jeans Shorts

The best pair I ever got was a pair of Levi’s on a clearance rack for $5 at an Urban Outfitters in Waikiki. Can you believe that? What a steal. Sadly, Levi’s that have been cut off, don’t usually last that long and I go through jean shorts really fast. I recommend getting a pair that is super quality and can last long during travel.

Ali Baba pants

These look like something you want to wear but think you can’t pull off, right? I used to think that when I first came to India. I thought they seemed too “crazy”. But, honestly, they aren’t. If you throw them on, and look in the mirror, you’ll see! I LOVE the black silk ones I have which I have worn all over the world. You can always browse around Etsy for a pair.

Not sure what to wear on a camel safari in the desert in Jordan? Why not silk ali baba pants!

Maxi skirts

Pretty obvious, but I love having a couple maxi skirts with me. I don’t wear them as much as I used to, because I’m more into silk trousers or pantsuits now, but these are great for looking a little more “dressed up”.

Dresses

Short party dress

When I go out at night, I usually wear the same three things: black ankle boots, little silk party dress, and a black leather jacket. It’s so easy to put together and I just LOVE this look. My favorite silk dresses are ones from Tia’s shop, a friend of mine in Goa who makes silk products. If you go to your favorite websites and search “slip dresses” or “silk slip dress” you’ll find the gold mine. The more 90’s style cuts at the top, the better.

Longer versatile dress

For me, the most versatile dress that I wear which is still conservative is a long black silk maxi dress. I take one on every trip I go on. Paired with either a sweater overtop or jacket, it can look a few different ways.

These images below are all the same dress, in Morocco:

Shoes

Black Ankle Boots

I wear my Lucky Brand black ankle boots all the time, and have them in another color, too. They have lasted four years so far, with only a few signs of wear and tear that actually make them look more cool. These are great with dresses, jeans, and even jean shorts for a party. I wear them in hot and cold weather.

Platform sandals

I am all about platform sandals right now. Flipflops are easy, but don’t do anything to make an outfit cuter. If you pack platform sandals for a trip and wear them with your outfits, it just makes every outfit look better. I love James Smith, but if you want a budget option, Franco Sarto make great (comfortable) ones very cheap.

Tom’s Burlap Shoes

Gotta have these babies! Basically, my are wearing out so badly after 6 years and this summer I looked everywhere for a pair, even their site, Amazon, etc and could not find them in my size! They have 5’s and 10’s. So, I hope by now they have more sizes online. Other than the burlap, I like the grey and neutral canvas ones. I actually think they are going to stop making the original burlap ones! Devastating news with no source, except for my “gut feeling” lol.

And there you have it! All the essential items you need if you’re wondering how to dress boho chic when you travel.

For more packing posts:

• Best Multipurpose Travel Bags
• Packing for Various Regions of Long-Term Travel
• Best Travel Shoes

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I am all about my new travel pillow the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00LB7REFK” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Trtl pillow[/easyazon_link]. I actually wrote a whole blog post about my favorite travel pillow in general, because I hoard them like a weirdo, and this one is the top of the list. For some reason, I forget my pillows all the time and end up buying more so I have the ridiculous amount of 5 travel pillows. I’m going to do a little Trtl pillow review and share why I like it so much.

Trtl Pillow Review

I’m not even being paid to promote this OR to show you these pictures of me looking like a fool in it, I’m doing it out of the kindness of my heart, lol, so you can also enjoy this pillow.

I mean, I look awesome, right? #glamourshot

That picture actually is a photo of me sleeping, it’s not staged. I was back from Slovenia with Helen, the photographer I was working with on that trip and she took some silly pics of me sleeping which I thought would never see the light of day, until now.

How Trtl pillow works is really unique, and it’s kind of weird no one thought of it until now.

It’s made of a fleece material and wraps around your neck, to be velcroed in place. While from the outside looking in, you’ll think it’s just a piece of fleece material wrapped around like a scarf, it’s more like a neck brace (lol, seriously though). It has a piece of plastic inside which is bent in a ‘C’ shape and rests with the top of the ‘C’ on your shoulder and the other end below your chin. the ‘C’ curves in toward your neck “bracing it”.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00LB7REFK” locale=”US” src=”https://hippie-inheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/51ro7WqtOL.jpg” tag=”Hipinhee-20″ width=”500″]

Click the image above to see it on Amazon and read more reviews.

The plastic is pretty sturdy, so once you put the ‘C’ in place, you wrap the fleece around, and secure it. Your head is now just straight up. You can’t really bend it to the side that the ‘C’ is on. So, you sleep by leaning your head toward whatever side this is – as the other side is not as supported. You lean it to the side, but your head stays fairly straight, making it really comfortable to sleep. As in even more comfortable than leaning over to lay your head on the window which can kind of strain your neck.

PS Trtl is prounounced “turtle”.

These are not the best photos of me, but I want you to see how the pillow fits!

Before I say how awesome this pillow is, I’ll start with the only two negatives I’ve found with the Trtl pillow.

1. It looks dorky. I know I shouldn’t care, but I kind of care about looking like a weirdo, and this isn’t the “normal” travel pillow so I did get some looks. But, on my flight back to India there were two girls with these! So, my goal is to get everyone to fly with these then it will become the norm and we will all look cool.
2. It gets hot if the plane is hot – luckily, most planes are Arctic cold, so this is basically only an issue if you are trying to fall asleep right when you board before taking off before the A/C is running.

Now for the things I like about the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00LB7REFK” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Trtl pillow[/easyazon_link], enough to make me write a whole article about it.

1. It’s lightweight at just 200 grams. This adds virtually no weight to your luggage.
2. It’s the most supportive pillow I’ve found and with the “ergonomic position” it puts your head in to sleep, it’s scientifically proven to be better for your neck and back than a standard ‘U’ shaped pillow.
3. You don’t only have to wear it on the side and lean to one side or the other. If you put the ‘C’ in front, you can lean forward and your head will stay straight up.
4. It’s flexible and easier to pack than most pillows. It’s so tiny, just 7.5×7.5. With the way it’s shaped it can easily be put into a tote, backpack, luggage, or whatever by just putting it on its side and sliding it into the side of an already full bag. Actually, my ebags professional slim backpack has a little pocket for a camera lens, but this fits in PERFECTLY.
5. The hypoallergenic fleece can washed. It won’t get as dirty as standard ‘U’ shaped pillows because instead of strapping them to your luggage or backpack, this will fit inside your bag without issue. No more lugging around a pillow at the airport.
6. It is cozy, soft, and keeps you even warmer on cold flights. The fleece is a really soft material, and thin. It feels good on your skin, not scratchy or synthetic.
7. It’s comfy even in the airport. I wore mine while I was working at a Starbucks, and did some work while feeling totally cozy. I’m pretty sure that’s not what it was made for, but hey, a little neck support while typing never hurt anyone. The looks and judgment I got kind of hurt, lol jk – airports are where you can be totally weird and get away with it because we are all tired and miserable!

Overall, this Trtl pillow review is a positive one.

I highly suggest checking this out, and if it’s not comfortable for you, you could return it – but I think it would work on most people as the size is quite generic.

Buy this as a gift for yourself or a traveler you love and give them the gift of sleeping well on planes for their upcoming trips!

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00LB7REFK” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Buy It Here[/easyazon_link]. You can choose the colors and Amazon sells it for $29.99, which is $10 off the list price on their website of $39.99.

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I bopped around in Slovenia and stayed at a different hotel every night as I made my way around the country. On this trip, I worked with the Slovenia tourism board and part of our arrangement was that I could choose my lodgings and itinerary on the trip. I did SO much research before going so that I could find the coolest places to stay at. I found lots of unique places to stay in Slovenia and was grateful that the Slovenia tourism board booked me rooms there.

On all “influencer” trips they will, of course, need to give you a hotel room to sleep in, and there is not rule that you have to promote that hotel. You do it only if you want to! So, there were some places that I went to that will not be on this list. You can be assured I am only including places that I really loved.

Here are some seriously unique places to stay in Slovenia!

1. A Treehouse at Garden Village Bled

I’m starting with my favorite, and because it’s my favorite, it will have the most information! Garden Village Bled is gold and I highly recommend splurging out to stay here a couple nights while you are in Lake Bled.

You get to stay in a treehouse! Lake Bled is such a “fairytale” place that it’s perfect to stay up in a treehouse while here.

You can click here to book. Rates are as low as $100 (right now while I’m typing this) but go up to around $250 at peak season. Location: Lake Bled.

As you can see there is a loft upstairs, this photo shows what it looks like if you peek down from below. The next shot is the downstairs. The pool is all natural and there are even ducks floating around in it. The whole place is an eco-resort.

The food was phenomenal! You’ll get a welcome drink and snack. We had dinner here and it was a 3-course meal (pre-selected), which I found very common in Slovenia at restaurants. The tables had grass growing on them!

Sorry for the huge amount of photos. But, I really enjoyed this place. The staff was so kind, the food was delicious, and I have always wanted to stay in a treehouse. It’s a huge bonus that it’s also eco-friendly.

2. Raduha

I adored this place! The design was spot on and the food was the best meal I had in Slovenia. The woman behind it all, Martina, has such an eye for design and did this all herself with all local wood and products like felt which is a huge industry here and sheep skins. They are kind of like treehouses, but not in the actual trees – so I guess huts on stilts?

Raduha is in Luce, and would be if you decide to visit the mountain region, which you should! You can reach them at houseraduha@gmail.com or you can click here to book. Rooms are listed on their site at $200+ per night, but when booking last minute on booking.com I see a rate at just $78.

Each room here is different and designed differently. There is a pool and spa. It’s in a very quaint little village. If you rent a car and drive through Slovenia (which is the best way to get around) then you should totally set this hotel into your itinerary – even if just for the food! They serve food that is basically foraged, fresh from the forest! It’s amazing.

By the way, the beds here are the softest!

3. Kempinski Palace Portoroz

The Kempinski is a 5-star hotel, so you might wonder what makes that unique and I don’t blame you. But, all Kempinski hotels are set up in buildings that have historic meaning, like this one. It is a palace!

The restaurant here is called Sofia because Sofia Loren used to love to come here for late nights out. It’s so classy! You can either stay in the traditional side, or the “modern” side.

I stayed in the traditional side, which I recommend (I saw the modern side). The rooms are all very large here and most have balconies that overlook the sea.

The Kempinski is in Portoroz which is just the village next to Piran. You can walk to Piran if you want from Portoroz, that’s how small it is. Rooms are showing up now at around $180 for a night, which is about average for a Kempinski hotel. You can click here to book.

The breakfast here is INCREDIBLE! I have never seen such a huge 5-star breakfast so give yourself time to eat here in the morning. The whole place has a “palace” vibe, because it IS an old palace – plus it’s the perfect location.

4. Vander Urbani

I did not have a lot of time at Vander. It’s a member of Design Hotels and I think this was my favorite hotel other than the treehouse! I loved the simplistic style.

I love staying at Design Hotels, although they are often smaller and have smaller rooms. Instead of offering space, they offer more in the details.

Vander is in the heart of Ljubljana and has a perfect location. Rooms are online now for $190 per night. You can click here to book. There is a pool on the rooftop.

According to a friend we met in Ljubljana, the restaurant at Vander is one of the most famous in town and offers a lunch deal of a 3-course meal for just 12 euros. We walked by one afternoon when we came back to Ljubljana and saw it packed to the brim. It’s a very popular place!

5. Hotel Slon

Slon means elephant in Slovenian! Doesn’t this room look nice? Now would you be surprised if I told you it was a Best Western!? It is!

I actually requested the tourism board to put me in a Best Western when I could have requested anywhere because this hotel is really cool and partly because when I was researching it I couldn’t believe it was Best Western, as the ones I stayed at in the USA did not look like this.

The hotel is in the heart of the city making it a great location and it’s one of the most popular hotels in Ljubljana, along with Vander. But, if you found Vander too expensive then you might enjoy this hotel.

Rooms here are at $120 right now. You can click here to book. The location is Ljubljana city center.

It’s a 4-star hotel but it was so spacious, clean, and classy I would have thought it was 5-star. It’s really impressive and the rooms are cozy. I stayed here for two nights and was very comfortable! My room was massive.

A few more unique places to stay in Slovenia…

If I had more time in Ljubljana, I would look into Cubo Hotel and Hotel Nox. They are both top hotels in the city center.

• Hotel Cubo is in this massive historic building and is the priciest on this list at $260. It’s a 5-star hotel.
• Hotel Nox is a better deal at $130. It’s a boutique hotel with just 24 perfectly designed rooms.

For those of you going up to the mountain region: If you are a family or you are looking for something more long-term with a kitchen you can check out Alpske Sanje which is a whole house (and owner of the cute dog below). Other options would be apartments at Apartma Logarska.

So there we go! These are some unique places to stay in Slovenia, based on weeks of my research before I went! If you know more, tell me about them.

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When it comes to packing light or fitting everything into a carry-on, I love finding multipurpose travel bags to use as my personal handbag. I always put all my tech items in my personal bag in case they make me force-check my carry-on. I put my laptop, tablet, Kindle, camera, and lenses in my personal bag as well as charger cords, portable chargers, and camera batteries. I also add in a few bits of clothing, sweater, glasses case, eye mask, moisturizer, and socks! I’ve tried a lot of different ones, from backpacks to totes, so I wanted to list my personal recommendations below.

The Best Multipurpose Travel Bags

I’m going to share my favorite “personal item” travel bags for all different durations of trips and when I choose which type of bag.

EBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

Best backpack ever? Yes. I have so many backpacks and totes, and when I go to India each year there is a real space limit problem. I can only take my *favorite* things and this bag is THAT. It is my #1 personal item. It’s not that cute, I know. I mean, it’s not ugly, but it’s no leather tote! It’s so organized though and fits SO much I can’t imagine going back to the tote when I do my big trips. I wrote a longer review of this backpack if you want something more in depth.

See the different laptop backpack styles on Ebags here.

LeSportsac Essential Backpack

So, LeSportsac makes these really tiny lightweight backpacks. It rolls up so tiny that I pack it in my luggage on trips so that I can use it for a day trip bag. It’s the PERFECT bag for theme parks and I’ve carried it at Disney and Universal. I have taken it to the beach and use it when I’ll be out all day and don’t want to carry a purse. They are cheap enough and last forever.

You can get one here or shop different styles below:

MZ Wallace Backpacks

LOVE LOVE LOVE my MZ Wallace backpack! I have the black one with silver zips and it’s the perfect size. It has a laptop compartment, then a large one that fits my camera, lenses, tablet, and kindle. Then there is a smaller picket that sticks out for little things like lotion, medicine, and other stuff I might need on a flight. I use this for my personal item on flights but it’s so cute (and backpacks are in style now) so I use this even as a purse for long tourist days like walking around London. It’s so nice to have a backpack and I am so thankful they are cool again. Remember when they were cool in like third grade?

Large Fossil Leather Totes

I have too many of these totes. I actually get them at the outlet mall and most I use for weekend trips and as a personal item on flights. They have a ton of different tote styles that you can see on their site here. I listed some of my favorites below.

Fossil Crossbody Bags

You can see all the different crossbody styles here. I like that they show them on the model, so you get a better idea of how big or small they are. My exact one above is sold out, but this one is the most similar. I adore these bags by Fossil and usually get a medium sized one that can fit my camera, phone, a lens, and wallet inside.

Patricia Nash Designs Map Tote

I love the map pring stuff by Patricia Nash. I actually just found this at Macy’s and got the matching leather map sandals. I went a litlte crazy. They have map print umbrellas and all size bags. My tote is this one from Macy’s. There’s also a slightly smaller zip-top style as well. This tote is great for travel as a personal item, is too cute, and everytime I carry it people ask about it! It has a clasp at the top to close it.

Etnika Shop

My epic fringe tote: it’s the bomb. I cannot carry this without people asking about it all the time. I got this in Bali but actually have a smaller black one by the same guy who sells on Etsy, where I orginally bought the black one. This new tote though is my favorite bag of ALL TIME. You can find my exact style here.

Dry Bag for the Beach

When I go on a beach trip to Bali or Sri Lanka,[easyazon_link keywords=”dry bag for beach” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]I take a dry bag[/easyazon_link] which is so amazing. You can sling it over your shoulder and carry it easily and it can double up as a shopping bag. I usually just throw in a sarong, sunscreen, and my GoPro. They roll up to the size of whatever is inside of them. You can take them kayaking or whatever as they way they roll makes them waterproof.

Bonus: Get a Waterproof Bag for the Beach

These are super easy to find on Amazon, and they’re perfect if you’re going to different tropical places! You can use them to either keep your camera and phone dry or to hold your wet bikini. Check out all the styles here, or I’ve put some fun ones below.

For more best of posts:

• What’s the Best Travel Bra? (coming soon)
• Best Bikinis for Travel
• A Chacos Buying Guide
• Best Travel Shoes

What multi purpose travel bags do you recommend?

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Does living in Italy and getting paid to travel around Europe sound like a dream job to you? Well, as a freshly graduated college student who fell in love with Italy when studying abroad, it sounded like the perfect job for me! I’m going to explain how to become a travel guide in Europe.

Today, I’m talking all about my year living and working in Italy as a student travel guide. As someone who has always been passionate about traveling, I wholeheartedly believe that choosing to live and work in Italy after graduating is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

While most of my friends were settling into their 9-5 routines, I was busy traveling around Europe and exploring Italy. In fact, in my year working as a student travel guide, I actually got paid to visit over 10 countries and 20+ cities.  Working as a student travel guide was such a rewarding experience, and is a huge reason why I was able to afford to travel so much!

That being said, working abroad wasn’t all pretty Instagrams and gelato-keep reading to learn more about this travel job, and see if working as a student travel guide is right for you!

How I Found The Job

Believe it or not, the job actually sort of fell into my lap while I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. If you have ever studied abroad in Europe, you may remember meeting a few Americans, fresh out of college, working for student travel companies in your city. I headed on a couple of trips with the company I would later work for, and the tour guide I befriended would later become my boss! When the time came around to apply, my friend made sure to send me an application, and the rest is history.

Landing The Job

You don’t always have to know someone at a student travel company to get hired, however, it definitely helps. The job is very social, so having someone to vouch for your personality will definitely get your resume to the front of the applicant pile. If you are planning on studying abroad and think this job might be for you, then I highly recommend befriending a tour guide or two who you can use as references later.

If you don’t know anyone at a student travel company or haven’t studied abroad, then just be sure to put together a great application that shows how perfect of a fit you are for the job.

What are student travel companies looking for?

Student travel companies are looking for outgoing, social, motivated leaders who love traveling and are great at selling and putting themselves out there. On your application, you will want to highlight any involvements you had in college, and social groups you may have been a part of. On my application, I emphasized my love of travel, social media savvy, past work experience, and my involvement in a sorority in college. If you are serious about applying, you can read a bit more about what else these student travel companies are searching for here!

So what exactly does a student travel guide do?

While the travel aspect of the job is what immediately comes to mind for most people, the reality is that the job can be broken down into 3 main categories: sales, nightlife, and lastly, travel. I’m putting travel last because even though this is the reason most people dream about working for a travel company, you actually will only be traveling on weekends, and have many responsibilities during the week!

Sales

The most important part of the job is, surprisingly, sales! Most tour guides are paid on commission, meaning that you are paid based on how many trips you sell. The more trips you sell, the more money you’ll make, so this part of the job is paramount.

You’ll spend your weekdays trying to meet as many study abroad students (aka potential clients) as possible in the hopes that they will use your promo code to book a trip. This requires excellent social skills and social media know-how, as your primary way of reaching out to students is either in person or via Facebook.

During the beginning of each semester, you’ll pretty much be working around the clock. You’ll spend long days walking around handing out flyers, constantly messaging students on Facebook, meeting up with students in person, and being a brand ambassador 24/7.

Nightlife

This brings me to the second most important part of the job-nightlife. Many travel companies require you to attend at least 1 nightlife event each week, and oftentimes one every night during the first few weeks of the semester. After all, one of the best ways to meet study abroad students is out at the bars, and travel companies often work with local establishments to promote bars, clubs, and nightlife events while promoting their travel company at the same time.

If you love going out, then you will love this part of the job. To many travel guides it is a great way to extend those college years a bit. If you are like me, and prefer going out 1-2 times a month, this will quickly become one of your least favorite parts of the job.

Tour Guiding

Finally, the best part of the job-traveling! After working hard to sell as many trips as possible, you will finally be able to enjoy all of your hard work on the weekends. Many travel companies base who is going on a weekend trip on sales, so it is important to sell well during the week if you are hoping to go somewhere during the weekend. As a travel guide, you will be expected to help lead a group of around 50 study abroad students with another guide or two.

You will start out as an assistant guide-usually taking photos, counting to make sure the group is all there, making sure no one gets lost, and assisting the Lead guide.

Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some point, are in charge of everything else-coordinating with the bus driver, making sure the group arrives at scheduled activities prepared and on time, leading walking tours, and dealing with any unexpected situations that may pop up. It can be quite a responsibility!

As a top seller in my company, I was traveling nearly every weekend-which was totally awesome but can also be very exhausting! Long overnight bus rides, late nights out with students in different countries, and tour guiding can be quite tiring, but getting to explore different places all the time was so worth it.

How much do student travel guides make?

This is a tough question to answer, as pay varies greatly between different companies, and often depends on your sales abilities.

Generally, tour guides have free accommodation, earn commission from sales, and may (or may not) be paid to lead or assistant guide on tours. Commission percentages, housing situations, and tour guide pay varies widely between companies, so it is hard to put together an exact number.

In my particular situation, my rent was covered as I lived in company housing, I had all of my expenses paid when on a trip, and I was also paid to be a lead guide (although I was not paid as an assistant guide).

My first semester, I pretty much broke even, however, during my second semester working I was able to save enough money to help fund a three month trip through Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. That being said, few tour guides make this much money-I was a top seller at a smaller company, whereas some larger travel companies are much more competitive.

If you are thinking about working as a student travel guide, then I highly recommend heading abroad with some savings-there is no way to know in advance if your company will have a successful semester or if you will consistently make sales. Make sure you have some money saved up in case you are struggling to earn enough for groceries, and you will definitely want to have enough saved up for a flight home.

The perks of the job

The main reason I wanted to work for student travel company was to travel, and travel I did! During my year working for a student travel company, I was able to visit over 10 countries and well over 20 cities around Europe-while getting paid. It was basically a dream come true. Here is a list of all the places I traveled with my company, many of which I visited more than once!

Europe:

• Austria 
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• France
• Germany
• Hungary 
• Netherlands
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland

Italy: 

• Capri
• Chianti
• Cinque Terre
• Elba Island
• Naples
• Pisa
• Perugia
• Pompeii
• Positano
• Rapolano
• Rome 
• San Gimignano
• Siena
• Venice
• Verona

The pros and cons

While every person has a different experience working for a student travel company, I’m pretty sure that everyone can agree that there are definitely pros and cons to the job. While traveling around so much sounds like a dream come true, and in many ways it is, there are some pretty big downsides to the job as well.

The pros:

My favorite parts of being a travel guide were being able to visit so many places without having to spend a dime, living in my favorite city, Florence, and the amazing friends I made while working. I also had some unforgettable life experiences made possible by working as a travel guide-like attending Oktoberfest, sleeping in a prison in Slovenia (it isn’t what it sounds like, I promise), and hiking in Cinque Terre nearly every weekend in the summertime.

The cons:

Over time, repeating the same itineraries every trip can get a little boring, and my bed in Florence started sounding more and more appealing as I boarded yet another 6-hour bus ride to the Amalfi Coast. I also really had a difficult time keeping up with all of the nightlife events while I enjoy going out occasionally, mandatory nightlife was not much fun for me, and quickly became my least favorite part of the job.

Living with co-workers can also be problematic, but I was fortunate to work for a close-knit company and had great roommates throughout my time living in Italy. Working for an Italian company also took quite a bit of getting useful, and cultural differences (and not always getting paid on time) sometimes made work frustrating.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend looking into working for a student travel company to anyone interested in living and working in Europe while also getting paid. That being said, make sure you are clear on exactly what the job entails before applying-I know many people who have gotten the job only to quit within a few months because they severely underestimated exactly how much they would be working, are not outgoing or dislike sales, or couldn’t handle the often competitive work environment, lack of sleep, and nightlife requirements, among other reasons.

For a peek into life as a student travel company, check out these 26 signs that you worked for a student travel company in Europe.

Pin how to become a travel guide in Europe for later:

The post Dream Travel Jobs: How I Lived in Italy + Got Paid To Travel To 10 Countries appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Slovenia has both the Alps and the Adriatic sea but it’s small enough that you CAN see the best places to visit in Slovenia in just a one week holiday here in Slovenia. The best way to see all these places is to rent a car. To get in and out of Slovenia, look at not just Ljubljana airport but also Trieste, Italy. I use Kiwi.com to find the best rates for flight.

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

1. Piran

Piran surprised me the most about Slovenia because, for me, I just didn’t picture the coast when I pictured Slovenia, but instead the Alpine region. Piran was like being in Croatia or Italy and had such an energetic vibe. It’s a very small town, and the coast of Slovenia is just 46 km long. I wrote about Piran in this article: Piran, Slovenia.

2. Ljubljana

Quaint little Ljubljana. You don’t want to come to Slovenia and not spend time here! For a European capital city, it is surprisingly small, clean, green, and easy to get around. You can check all the tourist activities off your list in one day and then spend a couple of days exploring aimlessly down the pretty lanes. I wrote an article about how to spend 3 days in Ljubljana and another about my favorite shops in Ljubljana.

3. Lake Bled

Of course, Lake Bled is on this list! That’s most people’s primary reason for wanting to visit Lake Bled and it was definitely mine. It is a very small and beautiful lake with a church on an island in the middle and a castle towering above it. I was bummed that the rain didn’t let me have that perfect view, but it was still absolutely beautiful and fairytale-like. You can read about it here and find out where the treehouse is I slept in: Lake Bled in the Rain.

4. Lipica

The Lipizzaner horses at Lipica Stud Farm are world-famous and beautiful. They have a gene which makes them turn from black to white at around age 4-5. They are the horses that “tip toe” around like they are dancing. I thought it was a fun and peaceful place to visit. For kids, it would be great because they have ponies, too. I wrote about my experiences here: Lipica Horse Stables.

5. Predjama Castle

I have wanted to see this castle since FOREVER. It’s built into the cliffside and has been around since the Medieval times. It was smaller than I thought it would be and you need just an hour to get through it all with an audio guide. It is just 15 minutes from the caves mentioned next, Postojna caves.

6. Postojna Caves

These caves are one of the top tourist attractions in the whole country. They were created by the Pivka River. You need just two hours maximum to go through this whole thing with an audio guide and have time for a coffee break. I wrote all about it in this article: Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle in Slovenia.

7. Logar Valley

I loved driving through here even though it was pretty rainy so I didn’t take any photos (hence the photo of the dog, when we stopped for lunch. I was afraid to get my camera wet). It’s in the Alpine region and is a glacial valley. There are so many cool places to stay here and a lot of adventures like mountain biking and horseback riding. You can read more about it here.

8. Soča Valley

A post shared by Madison Heller (@maddieheller14) on May 10, 2017 at 6:39am PDT

The emerald-green river of Soca Valley is probably the most beautiful on this list (if I had seen it I’d agree)…. but I didn’t go here due to rain. We wanted to white water raft here but had to cancel our plans because the river was flowing too fast. We were told the views would be too misty and the river would be a muddy mess – making the views not worth the drive. Apparently, the trout from here is the best in the world!

9. Triglav National Park

A post shared by Trails4Hiking (@diarionomade) on May 10, 2017 at 1:17am PDT

I didn’t make time to visit Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps (Slovenia’s only National Park). I mean, it looks stunning! But, like Soca Valley, the weather was too bad and it didn’t seem worth the drive for mud and mist. The lake is called Lake Bohinj. The park is named after Mt. Triglav which is the highest peak in Slovenia.

10. Vogel

A post shared by Tamara_photography (@tamaraphotography03) on Apr 24, 2017 at 4:23am PDT

Vogel is another area I didn’t go to because it’s a winter town. It’s way high up in the Alpine region and the main reason to visit is to go to Vogel Ski Resort. You can read about things to do in Vogel here.

There we have it, 10 of the best places to visit in Slovenia which you could fit into a week if you really had to – but two weeks is better. If you like it, pin it!

The post 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Travel insomnia is something that isn’t talked about much, but many people suffer from it. This sleep disorder involves having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep while on the road. It is something that I have struggled with in the past and I know that I’m not the only one. I was always jealous of people who could just be ‘lights out’ once their head hit the pillow.

Beating Travel Insomnia

Although often underrated, sleep is JUST as important as a healthy diet and active lifestyle.  On my first backpacking trip, I didn’t realize how noisy hostels could be, how difficult it could be to fall asleep AND stay asleep. If you’ve been backpacking, you know that hostel rooms can be a bit crazy sometimes…

There was  ALWAYS a Snorer, and possibly a Sleep-Talker (guilty). Then there’s the Late-Night-Partiers, the A-Bit-Too-Intimate Couple and the Early-Risers that have to leave at the crack of dawn to catch their bus or plane. Throw in the fact that you may:

· Be suffering from jet leg

·  Have the most uncomfortable mattress/pillow in the world

·  Have feelings of nervousness and excitement

That shit adds up.

What do you do when you can’t afford a private room, but also have trouble sleeping with 10,12, or even 18 other people in the room? And no, the answer isn’t to just get blackout wasted, although sometimes, I’ll admit, the goon got me good.

I learned a few tricks while backpacking Australia and Southeast Asia. Then I learned even more while studying Holistic Nutrition.  So, here are a few things I WISH I knew earlier.

First, let’s start with the packing essentials.

These are MUST HAVES to pack in your backpack if you have difficulty sleeping away from home:

·         [easyazon_link keywords=”Earplugs” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Earplugs[/easyazon_link] x 3- these little guys get lost easily, but work so well. Also handy if you are going to music festivals and want to save your precious ears.

·         [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FJQFJX8″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Eye mask[/easyazon_link] x 2- I can’t sleep with ANY light in the room. People stay on their phones or turn on and off little lights in hostel rooms, so this was great to have.

·         [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO1G” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Good quality headphones[/easyazon_link]- If you know it’s going to be a loud night, headphones are key. You’d think sleeping in the heart of the Daintree rainforest would be relaxing, but it comes ALIVE at night. Pop in these babies and put on some Vance Joy.

·         Small blanket- makes those long haul bus and train rides WAY more comfortable. I honestly just used the one I got on the plane and it doubled as a pillow when I needed it. Big thanks to that airline!

·         Lavender, vetiver, or bergamot essential oil- these help to relax the body before bed, plus they smell freakin’ amazing.

·         Magnesium capsules or magnesium spray- explained below.

Next, let’s chat about your diet.

What are you fueling your body with? If you aren’t fueling it with the proper nutrients, along with not getting the proper sleep you need, travel is going to be exhausting and not a lot of fun.

I’ve heard it before, “But eating healthy is expensive!” WRONG! It’s really not, you just need to have a keen eye and choose healthier options.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. This is my number one tip for staying healthy on the road. Go to the market on the last day. Often times, they need to get rid of produce and will give you a deal or just give you food for free! I once walked out with a whole free box of avocados, which obviously made me the coolest chick in the hostel!

Eating foods high in magnesium and potassium is important. These nutrients help relax your body before bed.  Calcium contracts the muscles and magnesium relaxes them, so if you take a cal/mag supplement, try to take it in the morning!

I always take a magnesium supplement before a long flight or bus ride.  It definitely helps with muscle pain and cramping.  You could also take magnesium before bed or pack a small bottle of magnesium spray in your backpack.

Some foods that are high in magnesium and potassium include:

·         Dark leafy greens (spinach is great)

·         Fish

·         Nuts and seeds

·         Bananas (we all know that!)

·         Avocado

·         White Beans

·         Coconut water

I also suggest to lay off the sugar and carbs right before bed. Your body will be trying to burn these off and it could keep you up. That midnight Pad Thai isn’t always worth it!

Adding some healthy fats to your daily eats is pretty much great for… like EVERYTHING. I won’t go too Nutrition Nerd on your ass, BUT just know that they play a role in many metabolic functions, including helping your body prepare for sleep.

If you are eating a lot of processed foods and animal products, chances are that you have higher levels of omega 6 and that the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 may not be balanced. Both of these omegas cannot be produced in the body so they have to be obtained from food.  Simply put, they both play an important role in inflammation, brain function, development, and growth.

DHA  is an important omega 3 fatty acid found around the body, specifically in the brain, retina, and heart. It helps release and regulate melatonin, which is a hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles.

If you would like to lower your omega 6 levels, cutting back on deep-fried, processed, and high-fat animal products will help. Then you could add in some omega 3 fatty acids.

Some foods high in Omega 3 oils are:

·  Fish (Mackerel and salmon have high amounts)

·  Flaxseeds

·  Chia and hemp seeds

·  Sardines and Anchovies

·  Eggs (yolk)

Tea before bed could also be beneficial. Pack some passion flower or valerian root tea before you take off.  These help relax the body and prepare for sleep.

Next, let’s move to lifestyle recommendations.

Like I said earlier, there are a number of things that could keep you up while you’re on the road. If you’re like me, your thoughts may keep you up at night, leading into a series of thoughts and worry. Traveling is not all fun and games and can be stressful. Often times you don’t even know what bed you will be in sleeping in next!

Journaling before bed is an awesome way to let all your thoughts out, AND traveling is like, the best time to do it.  You can look back one day and read about all the rad as hell adventures you went on. Show your kids that you were freakin’ cool.

I also do breathing exercises at night. It’s super easy and helps to slow down brainwaves and prepares the body for a restful sleep.

First, close your eyes.

Take a deep inhale through your nose and fill the lungs completely.

Think of one thing you are grateful for.

Hold for 5-10 seconds.

Exhale through the mouth.

Repeat 5 times.

Meditating before bed is also a great way to relax the body; let everything from the day go, and just focus on the breath. It has really saved me, so I STRONGLY suggest incorporating this into your night-time routine.

The purpose of meditation is not necessarily to have no thoughts at all. It is a calmness of the mind, and if a thought comes up, not having it lead to another string of thoughts. If a thought arises, simply pretend you are placing it on a leaf, and it is floating down a stream and disappearing. Always come back to your breath.  Eventually, with time, you will become a master of the mind, because you are not your thoughts.

‘HeadSpace’ is an app that is around $12/month and you have access to loads of different guided meditations. You can try the free trial to see if it’s for you. There is also a free app called ‘Insight Timer’ that has a wide variety of guided meditations.

The next tip is to turn down that blue light into your phone! The blue light in your phone suppresses the secretion of melatonin.  Apple has an awesome setting called, ‘Night Shift’, where you can set it to automatically come on a few hours before bed. Other companies should have a setting or I’m sure there’s an app for that (see what I did there? ;) ) Staying clear of fluorescent light bulbs later in the evening will also benefit you as they transmit a lot of blue light.

Your phone probably duals as your alarm clock, right? Setting your phone on a shelf or in a bag beside the bed is better than having it directly under your pillow. You could also turn off other electronics near you since they all emit electromagnetic radiation which could be harmful.

In the morning, the best thing to do is head outside! The circadian clock is the mechanism in your brain that tells the body when to sleep and when to wake up. Sunlight is a huge influence on your circadian rhythm. The body is able to wake up easier when exposed to sunlight, and when the sun sets, it becomes sleepy. So get your booty outside!

Read more: how to prevent jet lag

So there you have it peeps! If you have any questions whatsoever about how to stay healthy on the road, or are in a rut and need some help and support with your health, I’m your girl.  Now beautiful, go get that sleep that you deserve!

This is a guest post from Jenny D, who specializes in this topic! You can catch more from her about topics involving health and travel in the blog link below.

*These recommendations are not for chronic insomnia. Contact your healthcare professional if you need help with sleep deprivation.  Please note that I, Jenalle Dion of Jenny D’s Remedies Ltd. am not a doctor. My services are intended for general well-being and are not meant for the purposes of medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing of medicine for any disease, or any licensed or controlled act which may constitute the practice of medicine.  I can assess and advise you through nutritional, supplemental and lifestyle recommendations. To better understand my abilities with your nutritional needs, please read through the Scope of Practice of a Certified Holistic Nutritionist .

The post Beat Travel Insomnia: How to Catch More Zzz’s on the Road appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I love Malaysia & India… and Malaysia loves Indians. It only takes 10 minutes of watching TV in India to see the many commercials for Malaysia Simply Asia to know how much they value their Indian guests! Of all the countries Indians travel to, Malaysia tops the list! This article shares how to get a visa for Malaysia for Indian citizens. I did deep research for this and also consulted with a visa company to make sure I had all the information up-to-date and correct!

How to Get a Visa for Malaysia for Indian Citizens

Malaysia has made a lot of efforts to simplify the access to Indian tourists. There are mainly two options, which can be a bit confusing, so I will explain both in depth. From what I’ve heard, they often reject applications, not because they want to, but because the images are blurry or the directions were not followed 100% in compliance. 

Two ways for how to get a visa for Malaysia for Indian citizens & how much they cost + an easier way

The first way: Malaysia eNTRI

$20.70

This is a Visa Waiver Program. The Malaysian government is testing this service during 2017 and 2018. Indian nationals need to complete the application online and they can stay for 15 days in the country.

The second way: Malaysia eVisa

$40.70

This is an electronic visa. The process is very similar to the eNTRI, and the main differences are that this option is more expensive but you get a 30-day visa.

First Way: Malaysia eNTRI for Indian citizens details

Since India is part of the Malaysian Visa Waiver Program, Indian nationals can now apply for the eNTRI online. The eNTRI allows Indian travelers to apply online instead of visiting a Malaysian embassy.

The document will be delivered by email and needs to be printed on an A4 sized paper. The traveler then takes the eNTRI paper with them when they travel to Malaysia and will show it at boarding and to immigrations officers upon arrival.

Even though the application is online, we’ve heard from many travelers that the rejection rate is high due to improper form filling. If you want to avoid any issue, you can use iVisa. They offer a zero frustration policy and will help you make the best application. It’s just $25 for them to do this all for you! For the USA/UK they do the same, and it’s what I’ve used in the past for short terms visas like this.

An important restriction to keep in mind is that Indians can apply online from anywhere in the world except for those living in Singapore. With the eNTRI, Indians can stay for a maximum of 15 days inside Malaysia and is valid to be used only once meaning that you must apply every time you plan to travel to Malaysia.

Ad if you arrive by air then you will be required to show proof of a return flight to India, Singapore, Thailand or Brunei. You are also required to have a few documents with you when you arrive in Malaysia, they include: your eNTRI, return flight tickets, proof of sufficient funds, complete travel itinerary and proof of residence in Malaysia (hotel booking, invitation letter to a friend/family home)

Special terms associated with the eNTRI

Indians who have a direct flight from India to Malaysia, or transit via Singapore, Thailand or Brunei by air or land are ONLY permitted to enter and exit Malaysia via the following airports:

1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport , Sepang (KLIA & KLIA 2)

2. Penang International Airport, Pulau Pinang

3. Langkawi International Airport, Kedah

4. Melaka International Airport, Melaka

5. Senai International Airport, Johor

6. Kuching International Airport, Sarawak

7. Miri International Airport, Sarawak

8. Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah

9. Labuan International Airport, Sabah

If the traveller will arrive by land then they can enter/exit Malaysia with the eNTRI via the following 6 entry points:

1. Sultan Iskandar Building Immigration Checkpoint, Johor
2. Sultan Abu Bakar Checkpoint, Johor
3. Padang Besar Checkpoint, Perlis
4. Bukit Kayu Hitam Checkpoint, Kedah
5. Sungai Tujuh Immigration Checkpoint, Sarawak

6. Tedungan Immigration Checkpoint, Sarawak

NOTE: If you want to stay longer than 15 days inside Malaysia AND you will NOT fly in to Malaysia via India, Singapore, Thailand or Brunei then you have to apply for the Malaysian eVisa, NOT the Malaysian eNTRI.

Second way, the Malaysia E-visa

The eVisa to Malaysia is a tourist eVisa that Indians can also apply for online and will be received via email and again you just print this document when you travel to Malaysia.

The eVisa for tourism allows you to stay for a maximum of 30 days inside Malaysia.
Documents that you will need to apply online include; digital passport-sized image of the applicant, a digital scan of your passport main page (the page with all your personal details and photo), proof of your return flight booking, and for minors younger than 18 years – a birth certificate, proof of your accommodation in Malaysia or a invitation letter if you will stay with family/friends.

You can upload all these to the Government website. You can also apply through iVisa which offers a zero frustration policy – they let you apply at any time and then they handle the application when the time is due to ensure you can maximize your time in the country.

Are there any special terms associated with the eVisa?

Although how to get a visa for Malaysia for Indian citizens is pretty simple, it’s not open for everyone. You can only apply for the Malaysia eVisa if you are applying from the following countries (so in case you are reading this and not Indian, now you know!)

China, Taiwan, HK, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Macau, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives , Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, Philippines , Thailand, TimorEste, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Australia, Fiji, French, Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Croatia, European Union, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey and Alderney, Iceland, New Jersey, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Man, Island of, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Svalbard and Jan Mayen , Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City State (Holy See), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Monserrat, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands (US), Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bermuda, Canada, Greenland, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, USA

I hope this helps for those looking for those wondering how to get a visa for Malaysia for Indian citizens!

I have other visa posts for those looking for how to get a visa to India from the USA and also for those from the UK.

The post Indian Readers: How To Get A Visa for Malaysia For Indian Citizens appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If there’s one thing I hate, it’s not having enough time in a city. But, I know often, people come to a country and want to bounce around, so 3 days in Ljubljana seems like a good starting point, especially because you have a lot more to see in Slovenia!

I’m going to share the top tourist attractions and how you can see them at a really relaxed pace. If you wanted to you could actually see all the “tourist stuff” in just a day. It’s a very small city. 

3 days in Ljubljana: stuff you need to know!

I’m going to share transportation tips, the top tourist attractions, food you’ll want to try, some options on where to stay, and a section on shopping because there are a lot of cute shops here. 

Getting In & Out of Ljubljana

The flights here are not aplenty, and it’s a small airport so it’s likely your route here will be obnoxious. It took me 30 hours from India! You can look into flying into Trieste, Italy as well, which is right at their border and since it’s Europe you can cross with ease, even in a rental car. There are local buses that take you from the airport to the city center. 

The best way to travel Slovenia is a rental car, but I would wait until you are leaving Ljubljana to get the rental car. This is because you can walk everywhere in Ljubljana AND there are no cars allowed on the city center roads anymore. Lastly, parking is limited right now (they are set to build an underground parking lot soon). You’ll save money by renting a car the day you leave to see the rest of Slovenia.

Pictured above is one of the little green cars they have in the city center that take people around since no cars are allowed. When your bus/taxi drops you off at the city center, you can ask your hotel to arrange this. It’s free but only runs until 8 pm! 

Places to See in Ljubljana / Tourist Attractions in Ljubljana

Everywhere you look here, you’ll see beauty. You could actually walk around the whole day and accidentally see everything there is to see in the city center area. I forgot one thing I love about European cities like this: they have a tourist information center! You can go and get maps and advice for free. I’ve been in Asia too long!

Have a meal in the Ljubljana Castle in a tower

I didn’t do a tour at the castle and just enjoyed it’s beauty from below until I went for dinner one night. I was a little castle’d out, as you’ll see a lot of castles in Slovenia! This one has cute cafes and restaurants inside and it’s FREE to enter.

We ate at Strelec restaurant. FYI before you go, it’s pricey. You get the cool experience of eating in a tower and the people who serve the meal are dressed up, the dishes are all bronze. It’s pretty cool. The meal is WAY fancy. Although you’d think this would be cool for children, it seems more like a fine dining adult experience. 

my appetizer… I’d tell you what it is but no clue! Something like goose liver pate, something something

To get up to the castle, you can take a cable car. It’s 4 Euro there and back for one ticket. But, it only goes until 9 pm so we missed our ride down and had to walk. We took a shortcut through the forest in the dark – but weren’t scared because every Slovenian we met had told us how safe Slovenia was lol 

view from the cable car – worth it!

Tivoli City Park

I didn’t go to the park, but if you wanted to get a picnic and go it would be so nice. I drove past it and it did look beautiful. If you want to go here, it’s best to rent a bike which you can get at the tourist information center. 

Visit the Market

The market is every day except Sunday and they sell fruit/veg and local products. Of course, I was interested in the woven baskets. But, in Slovenia, you’ll see baskets, sheepskin, beeswax products (candle, soap, honey), pumpkin seed oil, and other items you might want to buy as souvenirs. There is also a part of the market inside which has meat, cheese, and nuts. Then the last part is a fish market which is also inside. 

Open Kitchen (food market) on Fridays

On Friday, there is a courtyard which is turned into a food market. Sadly, it rained the Friday I was there so I didn’t get to see this. Here, you can try all kinds of foods at once! Food markets are basically my dream come true. It’s only on from March-October when it’s warmer.

“The choice of food on offer is wide and varied. Each Friday, the market features around thirty different food providers, including modern restaurants, traditional gostilnas, tourist farms, and independent chefs wanting to promote their offerings. The cooking is done to the accompaniment of music and entertainment.” -Slovenian tourism website

Old Town: Triple Bridge / Lock Bridge “Butchers Bridge” / Dragon Bridge / Ljubljana Cathedral / Preseren Square: (Pink) Church of Annunciation

So, Old Town you can’t miss, it’s right in the middle just beneath the castle! Ljubljana has a lot of famous bridges. Trip Bridge was the invention of Jože Plečnik. The lock bridge is where you put a lover’s lock on it like many cities have. 

Pretty much all the must see things in Ljublana are right here in the “Old Town”. Just take some time to walk around and I highly recommend getting a map from information. You can see it all in an hour if you wanted. You can also take a walking tour to learn more about the history, which I did, and I won’t bore you with (although I found it interesting and LOVE walking tours in Europe). Plus, with a walking tour you can learn about why dragons are so important here and why they planted trees outside the main church (it’s a crazy reason!).

Walk along the Ljubljanica river

The river is usually emerald green, so I’m told. But, it was horrible and rainy most of my time in Slovenia so the river was churning up a lovely mud color. Still, beautiful. Along the river are these beautiful weeping willows just about a 10-minute walk down the riverside. 

You can do SUP (stand up paddleboarding) and rent little boats to go on the river, but the river can’t be moving as fast as it was in these pictures. 

Metelkova – the military barracks which are now a huge art scene!

You can ride a bike here as well, it’s on the outside of town. This is an old military barracks that after years of negotiating, they decided to not tear it down and instead let it be a place for creativity. Here, you’ll find young people doing graffiti and other kinds of art, partying, and just chilling out. Apparently, it’s a cool place to go on a Friday night (the biggest night to go out in Ljubljana). I was in Ljubljana on a Friday night but I’m an old fart so didn’t go. Check it out in this article from the Guardian. 

See the city from above

If you go to the Skyscraper (yes, that’s the name or you can translate it: Neboticnik) you can have a coffee and cake and take in the best view in the city. It’s the tallest building and stands out, so you can’t miss it. The views were amazing and it’s a great cup of Joe!

Architecture tours

If you’re interested in architecture there are two things that would interest you. One is that there is a lot of Art Nouveau here and many tours for that. Also, Jože Plečnik did a lot of the buildings and bridges around town is really famous and you can do tours of his work. You can also learn about the Baroque style that is here. There is a lot of mishmash architecture going on, which makes it unique!

Food in Ljubljana

I was there as a guest of the tourism board, so they set me up on a private tour – but there are food tours online everywhere. I love trying new food when I travel but was not down with the beef tongue they love here (ick!). The sausages, though? Damn good! I wanted to bring some back to India, but my journey was way too long to keep them fresh. 

The tastiest place to try sausages is above, Klobasarna. It makes such famous sausages that I kid you not, they have been to SPACE. An astronaut that went was Slovenian and apparently, each astronaut gets to take one food item, and she chose this sausage. NASA had to study it and make sure it was safe. 

At all times, people in Slovenia want to drink: wine, beer, local spirits… they are down. Craft beer is a big thing here. Slovenian wine is amazing and they have a huge variety of local wines. The varieties of homemade liquor though were not my favorite, but then liquor never is. They had a blueberry one I was offered often and a honey flavor. 

I don’t have a list of top restaurants as I didn’t really do my research on this one and kind of popped into places. But, one that I do want to make mention of is Druga Violina. It is a fantastic restaurant that employees people with special needs, through a program they run. The government is who they rent from, so they get a good deal on rent to keep the cost down. I love supporting places like this when I travel and bonus: the food was tasty! It’s local food so go for the special Slovenian potatoes (fried in yummy fat) and the dumplings. 

Shopping in Ljubljana

You know I have to find the cutest local shops, and I did! I wrote a whole post about this though, which you can read here: cute shops in Ljubljana. I also wrote in that article the types of souvenirs you might want to buy here. 

The shops are adorable, as are the cafe’s and really that is the biggest reason to stay longer. Doors like that above just look so inviting, and as you walk around Ljubljana you’ll notice that every little shop looks just like this! How frustratingly charming ;)

Where to stay in Ljubljana

I stayed at two hotels here. One when I arrived, before I went exploring the rest of the country, and then another when I came back and actually spent time exploring Ljubljana. I go into a lot more detail about these hotels with a reviews, prices, and images in my article: unique places to stay in Slovenia.

Vander – Design Hotel, Boutique, Trendy, Amazing restaurant, center of town

Hotel Slon – Affordable, 4-star, Huge rooms, center of town

Stuff you can do for FREE in Ljubljana

• Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month
• Free events are almost always happening. You can check a calendar of them here. 
• Exploring nature at the Castle Hill walk, Tivoli Park, Roman Wall, and the Botanic gardens.
• WiFi is free in the city
• Exploring the markets and fairs (if you don’t buy anything)

So, that’s about it for Ljubljana! There is a lot to do in 3 days here but as you can see, you could complete this pretty fast. You should definitely rent a bike and check out the park and military barracks on the outskirts of town.

In the evenings (and anytime the sun comes out) the city really comes alive with every cafe fill to the brim, people having wine on the riverbanks, and guys playing music for cash near the bridges. It’s a very energetic city, no boring vibes here!

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I loved the vibes in this small coastal town in Slovenia. I don’t have many tips to give but still wanted to tell you about this town because not only was it beautiful but Piran, Slovenia surprised me. I actually didn’t know there was a coast in Slovenia before I booked this trip. The coast is tiny (just 46 km long) but they sure do make the most of it. 

Piran, Slovenia

You can’t help but have your camera out at all times in Piran, at least I couldn’t. Everything was so photogenic. I was traveling with my friend, Helen, who is a photographer, and took loads as well. 

I go to Europe every year but usually just Austria and London. Then, there was Finland and Latvia, but overall I don’t get many Europe vibes. So, to be here brought me back in time to Italy and Croatia years ago. It really did look similar and they even have signs in Italian!

The food was delicious. Pasta with truffle, grilled sea bass, and tasty cakes! We never stopped eating. I didn’t see a lot of street food or pizza shops, though. It was mostly sit down restaurants and cafes. 

There was a promenade with all the shops and cafes. It was really windy on one side of the peninsula, then really calm on the other. On the windy side, there were many people out kitesurfing. 

jeans are abercrombie, see similar below

see bag here

see similar dress here

The pretty courtyard above and balcony below were from the Kempinski hotel where I stayed. Technically, it is in PortoRoz which is the village next to Piran. But, they are both such small “beach towns” you can just walk along the beach from one to the next. 

see dress here, shop similar styles below

sees shoes here

see jumpsuit here

The sunset over the sea was gorgeous. We saw a nice couple having drinks with their adorable dog. Helen was deadset on going over to say hello, so we did. I’m usually not that brave to go up to strangers! But, they were so nice and so was their dog, Dexter.

see jacket here

shoes are james smith, see similar here

I loved taking photos here and thought it was a cute town. I’m sorry I don’t have “tips” for you but really it’s so small, you don’t need them. Just wander around, look at how lovely the town is, and eat! 

I don’t know if there are many activities here. If you want a tour here, you can get in touch with Kristina at seca113@yahoo.com. She’s a guide, I met her, and she’s really nice!

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HAVE YOU BEEN TO PIRAN? If so, leave some tips in the comments!

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I loved spending my only sunny day in Slovenia wandering the alleys and looking in some shops. I wanted to share my favorites and also just dot them out on a map for you. There are so many cute shops in Ljubljana that you can easily just walk around and find them yourself (it’s a small town) but so that you don’t miss the best ones, here they are!

Cute Shops in Ljubljana

Zebra Gra Na Luno

This is the cutest shop! The  items in here are handmade by students at a school for kids with hearing impairments and who are deaf. I bought the bear below but then I saw the sad looking bear I left behind and had to buy him too!

Krasevka homemade products

This shop just has everything you would need for souvenirs in terms of cooking. I listed out all the top souveniers to buy in Slovenia below (in bullet points) and all the food ones you can get in this shop.

Dratz Knitwork

This is a very niche shop that is just knitwear. It’s very beautiful and very pricey. 

You can see all the materials in the back. It’s got a personal cozy vibe. They actually take designs that are microscopic, like a cell, and then turn into into a graphic that they can knit. Designs like that are made with knitting machines. 

Zoofa

Zoofa is a curated shop that has a handful of the top brands in Slovenia in their stock. The designers all have a part in running Zoofa and work together. They are big brands (runway style) but you can get smaller items like shoes, jewelry, and accessories. 

Fox Boutique

On this road you find Fox Boutique you will find more like it. It’s a road full of boutiques like this, but Fox is the only one I remember the name of. They have trendy knickknacks, like a coffee cup that says “but first, coffee” = that sort of thing.

Skrina

Srina has locally designed products inside with a very cool vibe. I loved the pants I found below, but the price was too high, and a few hundred dollars. I did overall find shopping to be expensive in Slovenia except for souvenirs. I think I went to more expensive shops though so there might be more I didn’t see. 

Souvenirs to buy in Slovenia

I wanted to list out a few souvenirs that I saw over and over in Slovenia so that you have an idea what you might want to buy and take home for friends and family. 

• Pumpkin seed oil- had this at nearly every meal to dip my bread
• Felt – they make everything out of it and locals wear felt slippers at home
• Slovenian Wine – very tasty, had a glass every day!
• Salt from Piran – you’ll see it in every shop
• Dark Chocolate with Piran Salt – buy some to take home
• Karst region honey and all beeswax-related products
• Kranjska sausage – some types you can take in luggage and others you cannot
• Adorable knickknacks are everything – especially ones with cute trendy sayings
• Juniper oil from Karst region – helps with period pains and loads of other things
• Baskets – in the market in Ljubljana
• Sheepskins – seems odd, but you’ll notice them as decor in most homes and many hotels

I hope you’ll enjoy these cute shops in Ljubljana and have fun shopping in Slovenia!

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Ugh…. showing up at Lake Bled and not being able to see through the fog was not what I was hoping would happen! I’m going to share some tips for visiting Lake Bled in the rain.

Lake Bled is this little lake with a church on an island in the middle and a castle behind it. It is probably on your Pinterest board! It was a dream place for me to visit and the number one reason I went to Slovenia. But, except for one day during my week in Slovenia, it rained. You can’t control the weather!

So, obviously worse things can happen and a little rain isn’t a big deal, but it does mean you won’t be able to see that million dollar view you might have flown here specifically to see. I want to share what it was like being in Lake Bled in the rain, and some tips to make the most of it.

Tips for Visting Lake Bled in the Rain & Things You’ll want to know!

1. You won’t be able to go to the church if it’s a torrential downpour

In the heavy rain, the small boats that take people to the church were not running, but I think this was mostly due to the fact no one was crazy enough to get in the boats in the rain! Brr. The church is only accessible through boats like this. BUT if it’s just raining a little bit, the boats are running. We saw people go out when it was raining fairly steady but light.

2. SUP seems off the table

Standup paddle boarding here was my dream, but in the rain, there was no one offering the service while we were there. I imagine if you book ahead, you’ll have to see the policy on playing in the rain.

3. The castle is difficult to explore in the rain but there’s a reason to still go

The castle that is perched on top of the hill, overlooking the lake, village, and church is one that you can explore the outside of mostly. You can go inside, but it’s not a huge castle tour like Predjama castle in Slovenia.

But, when it rained as hard as it did while we were there, it was really too difficult to explore in even with an umbrella and even harder to take photos.

see jacket here, see purse here

see jumpsuit here, see long sweater here

But, while it was difficult to get around, the cafe at the castle was very warm and cozy. It’s a great place to have coffee and offers that classic lake view we all want to see!

4. The best photos will be from above

So, the lake shot you might want for Instagram: it’s going to be a little sub-par. In fact, I didn’t even get one good enough to post on my Instagram channel. The fog and the blurriness of the rain made it difficult for me plus I was afraid to get my camera wet.

tips for visiting Lake Bled in the rain

The photos from on the ground of the lake with the castle behind turned out okay, but the ones from above at the castle, looking down on the lake look better. You can see the fog clearly so it looks like a misty fairytale instead of just a rainy blurry day.

5. Cars drive fast and splash, take a taxi OR….

…hitchhike! Yes, Helen and I hitchhiked because we were tired of cars splashing us.  I think we drive pretty slow in Goa so Europe’s speeds of 100+km/hour seemed really fast to me. People drove through the little town of Lake Bled so quickly and all us tourists were getting splashed. It’s a tiny village and the walkway is right next to the road, like usual.

So, after we walked in the rain to town to get some wine, we were like no way we are walking back again in this! Helen’s boots were soaked through and her toes were freezing. So, we put out our thumbs and the third car graciously stopped.

Slovenians are really nice, so I feel like hitchhiking here has basically no risk ;)

6. Stay somewhere you can hear the rain while you sleep, it’s heaven!

We stayed in a treehouse! It is called Garden Village Bled and it was an incredible place. Actually, I stayed in so many cool places, I’m going to write an article which is a round up of all the unique properties I found in Slovenia. In that article, I will go into more detail about Garden Village.

In case you are wondering what is in my hand, it’s a tootsie roll. My mom sent it to me in India and I brought it to Slovenia. I always pack snacks!

7. Dress for the rain, duh!

You know I didn’t, though, because when am I ever weather appropriate? I saw it would be 68 Fahrenheit (20 c) and thought hmm, that’s not cold, is it? I can wear a dress with a leather jacket. I figured the sun would be out and the temperature would feel hotter than it said, after all, it was the end of April.

see jacket here

But, the rain brought the temperature down and my outfits were just not cut out for it. But, if you are traveling long-term chances are yours won’t be either. You will definitely need an umbrella and can buy them in the shops in town.

8. Be ready for when the sun does come out. Don’t be a homebody. It is still beautiful!

Throughout the day there is bound to be a time when the rain slows and clouds move. Don’t just sit in your hotel! Go to town, chill at a cafe, go to some shops, and be out and about. If the rain does stop, it’s a very small town so you can head straight to the castle at that time or hop in a boat to the church.

see sneakers here

PS: the church does not have service on Sundays.

Overall, just don’t let the rain ruin the whole town. Yes, it’s a bummer and I was disappointed to not see that epic view, but it was still absolutely stunning. You can walk up close to the lake and see how clear the water is and imagine what it must look like on a sunny day.

So, these are my few tips for visiting Lake Bled in the rain. It’s not the worst thing to happen. Although it’s a small town, there are shops and cafes dotted around that you can hang out it. If you don’t want to risk it, come in July or August! If you want to know more tips for Lake Bled, check that link from a blogger who was there in the sunshine!

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I know pretty much nothing about horses, so it’s pretty surprising even to myself that I’m writing about the Lipica horse stables on my blog! I wasn’t planning on going here while in Slovenia, as it’s not of my top interests, but when my plans to go to Soca Valley fell through due to weather, this was en route to my next destination in Slovenia, Lake Bled. 

Why the Lipizzaner Horses are so Important & what to expect at Lipica horse stables

The horses at Lipica are basically world famous. They have a special gene in them which makes them turn white as they age, at around 4 or 5 years old. It’s kind of like how humans hair turns grey/white. Not all will change to white, so you’ll have that “black sheep” but most do. 

These horses have been famous and coveted since the 16th century.

the jumpsuit is from TIA, see similar below

top from TIA, see similar top here

These horses are the ones that “dance”. They walk like they are on their tip toes. I did ask if they are trained nicely, and they said yes, it’s positive reinforcement.

These purebred Lipizzaner horses are worth MILLIONS. They are used in the Olympics! It’s all pretty crazy and I’m sure that horse-lovers would be totally obsessed with this place! 

For me, I just loved seeing them in the fields with the dandelions. They are such gorgeous animals. I do not think they allow guests to ride them (at least not the studs). The girl horses have the LIFE; they just eat all day outside. The studs have to practice their dancing and such since the are the ones used for training and competitions. 

Little tidbit: in case you were wondering like me how they get these horses around the world for the Olympics…. they fly them in a private jet.

Another little tidbit: the Queen symbolically owns a horse here which was gifted to her by the horse farm. The horse farm is in Slovenia, but in Vienna, they are obsessed with these horses also and sometimes the Austrians will claim this horse breed is theirs, which I imagine is a touchy subject with a Slovenian!

Tips on Visiting

There’s not big “wow” about the place, but it’s just beautiful overall and a great place to spend an afternoon. I will be honest, it’s not the top thing to do in Slovenia, which has so much to offer, so prioritize and add this to your itinerary if you have more than a week here. 

Also, if you have kids this is a cool place to go since they have ponies! For more information and ticket prices, check out their website.

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There’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen images of this castle at some time in your life. The famous Predjama Castle is the fairytale castle in Slovenia people fly all the way here to see – well, one of them. Slovenia actually has a few castles that you’d recognize! In this article, I’m also going to talk about the Postojna Caves which are just 15 minutes away and together, this cave and castle are the top two tourist attractions in Slovenia.

Tips on Visiting Fairytale Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is the largest cave castle in the world and is more than 800 years old. It’s built directly into the cliffside, and there are caves inside. These caves are the second biggest cave system in Slovenia (with Postojna Cave being the largest).

We actually went through here really fast, because to be honest I’ve been to a lot of castles so don’t always want to listen to every number on the headphone set about how their lives were back then.

But, I think if you do listen to everything, it would take a full hour to get through.

The castle has been in movies! It was in Armour of God with Jackie Chan, and he actually had a serious injury here; he does his own stunts.

The castle was run by Erazem of Predjama, who was kind of like Robin Hood. When it was under siege, they used the cave system to get food inside and get people out safely for over a year! Eventually, one of his own men betrayed him, and he was killed.

In May and September, you can go into the caves behind/under the castle. The castle itself has each room set up how it would have looked in Medieval times. The audioguide explains everything as you walk through. There is a small cafe outside and a really nice view from the top of the castle into the town below.

Predjama Castle Price: 11.90 euro

Predjame Castle, 6230 Predjama, Slovenia, +386 5 700 01 00

Get all other information and ticket prices on their website.

What to Expect at Postojna Caves, the famous caves of Slovenia

You can go between the castle and these caves with a free shuttle bus in July and August (the peak tourist season), or if you have a rental car it’s just 15 minutes away.

While I’m not crazy about caves, I do recommend visiting here while you are in Slovenia. Once you start researching you’ll see that the Predjama Castle and these Postojna Caves are the top tourist attractions, along with Lake Bled- and it’s for good reason.

These caves are the biggest cave system in Slovenia and go on for AGES. You actually have to take a train into them for like 10 minutes until you get out and walk. You will walk in a big group (kind of annoying since the walkways are small so you just have to stop every time someone takes a photo) and it takes about an hour to get through the caves to the other side.

It is colder inside the caves, so bundle up! You can have an audioguide or an actual human guide but I didn’t take either, so I know basically nothing about these caves ha! Sometimes it’s fun to just explore something without learning all the small details about it.

“Postojna Cave and its exciting interior will take you on a fantastic journey beneath the surface of the Earth. Thus, it is no wonder that it has, during the 200 years since it was opened to the public, hosted over 37 million visitors from all over the world.” –Postojna website

Tours are every single hour and they last for one hour to one hour and a half. The cave is open all year long. You do need to be able to walk on the slippery ground and be confident on your feet to go here. Water drips from the ceiling a bit. Tickets are 23.90 Euro.

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Welcome back to This is India! I always have funny/weird stories about India to share with friends or family when I talk to them. This is just meant to be an honest portrayal of my life in India through short anecdotes. I also share here what I’ve been up to online outside Hippie in Heels.

What I was up to other than here:

• Travel has been pretty nonstop lately. Finland, Bali, Slovenia… with stretches in Goa in between. But, tomorrow off again to Alanya, Turkey with Ben. We will be there on a trip with the tourism board to see the best of Alanya for 4 days. Then, Ben and I go onward to visit his dad in Austria (he lives in a cute village outside Vienna – I wrote about this here), then Ben and I are taking a vacation to Greece for a week before flying back to India. 
• I asked on my “hippie in heels” Facebook page if people could give me tips on what books to read before I left for Slovenia. They were such good tips! I read [easyazon_link identifier=”1250080401″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]The Nightingale[/easyazon_link] and it was incredible! It actually touched on the round up of French Jews by the French police in Paris, which is what the book [easyazon_link identifier=”0312370849″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Sarah’s Key[/easyazon_link] was about, which I read earlier this year. Then I read [easyazon_link identifier=”0307341550″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Sharp Objects[/easyazon_link], another mystery book by the author of Gone Girl and it was very good, highly recommend it. Next, I read Apple Tree Yard which was about a woman having an affair gone wrong. Now, I’m reading [easyazon_link identifier=”1476738025″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]A Man Called Ove[/easyazon_link] which everyone seemed to be raving about. 

Now your story,

Long time, no “this is India”! There are a couple reasons I don’t write these as much. One is that I don’t notice the litte funny things about India as much as I used to. As of May 5th, I’ve lived here for 4 years and been in India traveling since before that – so I’m kind of too used to things. Another reason is because usually when they do happen, it’s someone who I have become close to and I don’t feel right telling the stories in case it seems like I’m making fun of them. 

So, I’m just going to share what’s been going on and a few recent photos of Goa since we are off again. 

This view is from Antares on the Vagator cliff, just next to Thalassa. It’s such a good sunset place. We take friends here for drinks when they come to visit. 

This not so photogenic food below is my favorite Indian meal from Gunpowder…. getting a curry takeaway and watching movies is what we do most nights that we stay in.

This little pup is Chulo and he’s not this small anymore! My friend Jules found this guy on the road and picked him up. He came to lunch with us and she was debating what to do with him… 6 months later, he’s hers! It’s too hard in Goa not to pick up and keep strays. 

dress is from Indian designer Mogra Designs

Ben’s coworkers came to stay for the weekend and I was asking them what they thought was funny about Goa. Bill shared a few pictures with me, that I’ll share with you!

This is how they dry out chilis all over India. They lay them out. This is a tiny batch, usually it takes up the whole driveway. I remember when we had our dog, Huck, and he used to run through them and piss off the Aunties so bad. It was funny but of course, naughty. 

Look closely at the next shot….

Yes, that’s a dude climbing up the tree coconut tree to get down the ripe coconuts. You might have heard before that more people die each year from having a coconut fall on their head than by a shark attack (not sure if it’s true) but it is a real issue. I mean, every restauarnt that has coconut trees has to put nets up to catch them. 

There is a pack of about 10 monkeys that love to hang out at our house and have since I lived here. My parents loved to watch them from our balcony when they had their morning coffee. They do come up really close to us, but they are always reaking havoc so you don’t want them to think it’s okay to come near your house. 

They did once go inside our neighbors house when they left their balcony door open, and you can imagine how that would go down.

That is Bill and Andrew, two of Ben’s coworkers. Andrew has visited often, but it was Bill’s first time in India. We had a really fun weekend! 

Below, is a picture of our pool that the security guard took. I have been floating in the pool before when four have come for a drink. It’s crazy! I wish I knew how to tell a monkey not to drink chlorine haha.

Shanti and Kitkit cuddled up with me early morning before I left for Turkey. It’s like they know! Omni was there, too but I didn’t get a picture of him. If I move too much they wake up and want to go outside. 

I’m actually now writing this at the start of my journey to Turkey. When you have an early AM international flight from Mumbai, it’s tough because you can’t catch a flight from Goa that morning and get there in time, so you have to go the night before. It makes a long airport layover overnight from 12-5 am… not really enough time to go sleep somewhere. 

I have the same early AM Turkish Airlines flight out of Mumbai I took through Istanbul to Slovenia, but this time instead of flying to Mumbai the night before late, and waiting in the airport all night, we came at around 5 pm so we could stay at the JW Marriott next to the airport and wake up already here. It’s honestly so worth doing instead of starting off a journey already exhausted.

If you book enough in advance, you can get rates as low as $150. I just mentally add this to my flight budget so I don’t feel so bad! If you have a travel buddy as well and are splitting the cost it’s even better. Then, since it’s next to the airport you don’t have to bother with traffic to a cheaper hotel further away. In Mumbai, you don’t find cheap airport hotels, anyway. I recenty stayed at a “cheap” one coming back from Slovenia which was still $120 per night (and I slept just 4.5 hours then headed back to the airport).

We ate at Romano, the Italian restaurant in the hotel. Everyone talks about it as the best restaurant in Mumbai and it is actually always listed in the top restaurants on TripAdvisor under basically every category. The restaurant is expensive compared to Goa standards, but all nice restaurants in Bombay are – it’s worth it. 

After stuffing our faces with pork and lamb, pasts and risotto, we passed out! Journey to Alanya — here we go! 

The post This is India! 142 appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome back to This is India! I always have funny/weird stories about India to share with friends or family when I talk to them. This is just meant to be an honest portrayal about my life in India through short anecdotes. I also share here what I’ve been up to online outside Hippie in Heels.

What I was up to other than here:

• Literally, nothing is coming to mind… looking back, what did I do for the last week!? I have no idea. 
• I am going to Slovenia in a couple weeks. Does anyone have any tips for there? I’m really excited to see Lake Bled but my flight path is kind of a messy long horrible one that will definitely involve sleeping on the airport floor in Mumbai (again). 

Now your story,

Whenever we have issues with our animals being sick or hurt it is always an issue that we would not have if we didn’t live in India. 

I had just walked up the steps of our house to the front door and Ben was behind me, still on the walkway and not the stairs and goes…

“snake..that’s a snake!”

I looked around and to my left was a skinny long snake with its head up (cobra style) looking at me. *puke* I hate snakes! I used to be completely terrified but I’ve had so many encounters over the years (8 foot pythons and King Cobras in Goa and even a Mamba in Uganda) that I’m a little more relaxed now. 

It was on the side of the stairs, so I had walked right past it without seeing it. 

I first thought to stay still. His head was really small so I was like “hmm he probably wouldn’t even try to bite me because I’m huge and he’s tiny so probably I should just go inside and Ben can walk past him too.”

Then I saw KitKit. 

He always comes to greet us at the front door when we get home and he was coming right at me from the side of the house, and the snake was in the middle. I knew he didn’t see the snake.

Ben and I are both like “Kitkit NO!” but there wasn’t anything we could do except I guess if we thought fast enough, kicked the snake away?

Kitkit full speed pounces on the snake without seeing it and jumps sky high, the snake goes flying, and I grabbed the cat. 

I was checking him for bites because we couldn’t tell what happened in the tussle. The snake was gone but we called for security to help us find it so we could see if it was poisonous. 

Basically, we couldn’t find a bite and the cat was scared but not dying so we assumed it must not have been poisonous and just watched the cat for the next hour. 

If you remember, I had a dog Huckleberry for a year here who died of rabies even though he was vaccinated, and our animals have been through a lot! Little Piso also died from parvovirus. It’s hard to keep animals safe here. My housekeeper just said that her two cats died from a cobra last month. Our cat was bitten by a monkey when it was a baby. So, jungle life makes it harder to keep animals safe for sure… always an adventure!

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