Wonderful Wanderings shares tips on things to do, where to eat and where to stay around the world - plus useful travel gear reviews.
18 Best Things to Do in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and What They Cost
The best things to do in Plovdiv are the Old Town and the Roman city under it: an intact 2nd-century theatre, a 240 m stadium beneath the shopping street, and 2,000 sq m of mosaic in the Bishop's Basilica.
21 Best Things to Do in Varna, Bulgaria, and What They Cost
Varna's Archaeological Museum holds the oldest worked gold on Earth, made around 4600-4200 BC. This guide covers 21 things to do in the city, with 2026 euro prices, after Bulgaria's changeover from the lev.
40 Interesting Facts About Bulgaria, Fact-Checked
Bulgaria has 40 facts worth knowing, starting with the one that changed in 2026: the country now pays in euros, not leva. It also holds the world's oldest worked gold and the highest peak in the Balkans.
Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria: 20 Cities and 6 Day Trips
The best places to visit in Bulgaria are Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and Varna, plus six sights that are not cities at all: Rila Monastery, Nessebar, Bansko, Belogradchik, Koprivshtitsa and the Seven Rila Lakes.
10 Best Places to Visit in Latvia, From Riga to Rēzekne
The 10 best places to visit in Latvia are its ten state cities: Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Ventspils, Jēkabpils, Rēzekne, Valmiera and Ogre. Each is 40 minutes to four hours from Riga by train or coach.
8 Latvian Traditions Worth Knowing Before You Visit
Latvian traditions run on the forest, the sauna and the song, and 8 of them shape a trip: foraging, preserving, winter swimming, the pirts, Jāņi at midsummer, folk singing, wedding customs and the national symbols.
Things to Do in Riga: Prices, Hours and How Long to Stay
Riga needs three days: the UNESCO Old Town, the Art Nouveau streets of the Quiet Centre and the Central Market in five Zeppelin hangars all sit within a 25-minute walk. Here are 12 things to do, with current prices.
Latvian Coast Road Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary from Riga
A week is enough to drive the Latvian coast west of Riga: Jurmala, Engure, Roja, Ventspils and Liepaja, then two days in Riga. Here is the day-by-day route, with the current Jurmala entry pass, lighthouse hours and parking fees.
What to Pack for Riga in Winter: A Tested 4-Day List
Pack for Riga in winter like a cold, damp city rather than an Arctic expedition: three thin layers, one windproof and waterproof coat, and boots with a grip sole. This is the full list from a 4-day December trip.
One Week in Morocco Itinerary: Marrakech and Essaouira
This one-week Morocco itinerary spends 4 nights in Marrakech and 2 nights in Essaouira, with a 2-day Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert trip in between, based on a December week guided by a friend who lives in Marrakech.
A weekend Zeeland: 2 days of chill things to do
For our ten-year anniversary, Boyfriend and I headed to Zeeland in the Netherlands for a weekend, where we roamed the beaches and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Zeeland was a pleasant discovery. In this post you can read and see what else we did.
75 Interesting Facts About the Netherlands, Fact-Checked
A quarter of the Netherlands sits below sea level, its 18.1 million people own more than 22 million bikes, and they are the tallest on earth. Here are 75 interesting facts about the Netherlands, all rechecked and corrected.
What to Pack for Autumn in Belgium: A Layering Checklist
Belgian autumn is two trips in one: shell weather to mid-October, coat weather after. Here is the layering checklist, the shoe rule and the five extras worth the space, keyed to the rain days in each month.
15 Things to Do in Maastricht: Sights, Caves and Squares
The things to do in Maastricht are the Vrijthof and its two basilicas, the Dominicanen bookshop in a Gothic church, the caves and fort under the Sint-Pietersberg, and the Bonnefanten museum. Most sit inside a twenty-minute walk.
Keukenhof 2027: Opening Dates, Tickets and When to Go
Keukenhof is open from Thursday 18 March to Sunday 9 May 2027, daily 08:00 to 19:00, with the entrance closing at 18:15. That is the only 53-day window all year, and this guide covers tickets, timed slots and how to get there.
Rotterdam Shopping Guide: Top Areas and What to Buy
Rotterdam's shopping spreads across the Markthal, Koopgoot, Witte de Withstraat and a dozen other streets, all rebuilt in modern style after WWII bombing. Here's where to go and what to buy.
11 Best Restaurants in Aruba: Where to Eat on the Island
Aruba's standout restaurants sit in three areas: Palm Beach for the open-air terraces, Oranjestad for waterfront tables at sunset, and Noord, Santa Cruz and Savaneta for the food Arubans eat themselves. Here are 11 I ate at myself.
What to Pack for Aruba: A Tested 7-Day Packing List
A week on Aruba needs light clothes you can re-wear, water shoes for the rocky snorkel entries, mineral sunscreen that meets the island's oxybenzone ban, and one smarter outfit for dinner. Here is the tested list, plus the ED-card and fee to sort before you fly.
Renaissance Island Aruba: The Flamingo Beach Hotel
Aruba's flamingo beach belongs to Renaissance Island, the private island of the Oranjestad hotel now called Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort (formerly Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino). Here's what the resort, the island and its flamingos are actually like today.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba Review: Casitas and BBQs
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is 49 standalone casitas in a former coconut plantation, each with a kitchen, a hammock and a charcoal barbecue, three minutes from Palm Beach. Here is what a stay is like, and what has changed since.
10 Easy Belgian Recipes to Cook at Home
The easiest Belgian recipes to cook at home are Brussels waffles, stoemp, dame blanche and salade liegeoise, each ready in about 30 minutes. Here are 10 of them, with where each one comes from, how long it takes and what goes wrong.
Bulgarian Food: 20 Traditional Dishes and What They Are
Bulgarian food is built on white brined cheese, thick sour yogurt, peppers and the grill. Here are 20 traditional Bulgarian dishes, from banitsa and shopska salad to kavarma and rakia, with what each one is and when Bulgarians eat it.
Best Hotels in Prague: Where to Stay by Neighbourhood
For a first visit to Prague, book a hotel in Old Town or the Lesser Town; New Town is the practical, well-connected base. This guide ranks the neighbourhoods, compares 28 hotels in one table and groups the picks by luxury, mid-range and budget.
30 Most Famous Czechs: Artists, Scientists and Inventors
Czechia gave the world soft contact lenses, the four blood groups, the laws of inheritance and the word robot. These are the 30 most famous Czechs, from Mucha and Mendel to Comenius and Capek, with what each one is actually known for.
21 Interesting Facts About Czechia: Beer, Castles and Robots
Czechia is landlocked, drinks more beer per head than any country on earth at 121 litres a year, gave English the word robot, and holds 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here are 21 facts about the country, each checked against an official source.
20 Things to Do in Ostrava: Blast Furnaces, Mines and Music
Ostrava is Czechia's third city and the only one whose main sight is a steelworks you can climb. Here are 20 things to do, from the blast furnaces of Dolni Vitkovice and the Landek mining museum to the burning Ema slag heap and Stodolni Street.
Beaches in Czechia: 8 Best Swimming Lakes and River Lidos
Czechia is landlocked, so every beach in the country sits on a lake, a reservoir, a flooded quarry or a river lido rather than the sea. The sandiest are Lhota, Mácha's Lake, Lipno, Hostivař, Komárovský rybník, Žluté lázně, Smíchovská náplavka and Kamencové jezero.
Jewish Quarter of Prague (Josefov): Sites, Tickets and Tips
Josefov is the Jewish Quarter of Prague: 4 Jewish Museum synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue within a few streets of Old Town Square. One Jewish Town ticket covers every open site, a visit takes 2 to 3 hours, and the sites close on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Festivals in Czechia 2026-2027: Dates and Where to Go
The festivals in Czechia worth planning a 2026-2027 trip around run from the Pálava Wine Harvest Festival in Mikulov (11-13 September 2026) to Brutal Assault at Josefov Fortress (4-7 August 2027), with the Karlovy Vary film festival and Colours of Ostrava in July 2027 as the largest draws.
Best Restaurants in Prague: Where to Eat by Area and Budget
Prague's strongest restaurants fall into 3 groups: modern Czech kitchens, serious steakhouses and cheap pubs and canteens. This guide sorts 14 of them by neighbourhood and price band, from Kantýna's butcher counter to Michelin-starred La Degustation, with the dishes to order and when to book.
Czech Public Holidays 2026 and 2027 + School Holidays
Czechia has 13 public holidays a year, and every one of them is a paid day off. This page lists the 2026 and 2027 dates with weekdays, the school holidays set by the Ministry of Education, and the days on which large shops must close.
Traditional Czech Food in Prague: 14 Dishes + a Food Tour
Traditional Czech food in Prague means hearty dishes such as svíčková, guláš and vepřo knedlo zelo, and a guided food tour is the quickest way to taste several of them in one afternoon, which is why my mom and I booked the Eating Prague food tour.
Münster, Germany Food: Fun Restaurants and What to Eat
Six restaurants and cafes in Münster that still trade, from a vegan kitchen on Ludgeristrasse to a working cheese dairy in the harbour, with addresses, hours and what each meal cost, plus the Westphalian dishes worth ordering.
The People of Bulgaria: What Bulgarians Are Really Like
Bulgarians are warm and helpful once you speak to them, and they almost never smile at strangers in public. Here is what that feels like on a first trip, from the horo dancing in Plovdiv to the greeting that opens with a complaint.
Things to Do in Rimini, Italy: A Complete Travel Guide
Rimini mixes 15 km of Adriatic beach with a Roman and Renaissance old town, Fellini's hometown museum, and San Marino as a day trip. Here is what to see, with current prices for every paid sight.
Things to Do in Modena, Italy – Sights, Hours, Prices
Modena packs a UNESCO cathedral complex, the birthplace museum of Enzo Ferrari and the source of the world's balsamic vinegar into one walkable old town in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.
16 Books About Spain to Read Before Your Trip There
Sixteen books about Spain, grouped into history, travel writing, Camino memoirs and novels, from Ghosts of Spain and Homage to Catalonia to The Shadow of the Wind. Every title is still in print or easy to find.
Facts About Spain: History, Food and Culture Trivia
Spain's real history beats the recycled trivia: a Roman emperor born near Seville, an 800-year-old pilgrimage, and the world's only public monument to the Devil, each sourced to UNESCO, Guinness World Records or Spain's own government data.
23 Things to Do in Malaga, Spain: A City Break Guide
Malaga packs a climbable cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress, the Picasso Museum, tapas culture and a UNESCO-listed gorge hike into one Costa del Sol city break. Here are 23 things to do, with current admission prices for every paid sight.
Things to Do in Valencia, Spain: A Local’s Travel Guide
Valencia's best days mix a climbable Gothic cathedral, the Mercado Central food market, the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and paella in the city where it was invented. Here is a local's list of what to do, with current prices for the sights that charge admission.
What to Wear in Morocco in December: Winter Packing List
Morocco in December is mild by day and cold at night: Marrakech reaches around 17–20°C (63–68°F) in the afternoon, while the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara drop to freezing after dark, so pack in layers rather than one heavy coat.
Croatia Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Dates, School Breaks
Croatia has 14 public holidays a year. This guide lists every 2026 and 2027 date with its weekday, the school holidays set by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the daylight saving changes and the working days locals still celebrate.
Hungary Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Full Dates
Hungary has 11 statutory public holidays with no weekend make-up day, plus an annual "bridge day" decree that swaps specific Saturdays for a Friday or Monday off. Here are the 2026 and 2027 dates and the confirmed 2026 swap days.
What to Pack for South Africa: Packing List for September
Pack layers for South Africa in September rather than winter clothes. Cape Town averages 19°C/66°F by day and 9°C/48°F at night, so a windproof jacket, a fleece and long trousers cover the Western Cape at the end of winter.
Typical food in Austria: 15 dishes to try, 7 I ate myself
Typical food in Austria is built to keep active people going through cold winters: fried cheese dumplings, potatoes with bacon and egg, boiled beef in its own broth and a shredded pancake big enough for dinner.
Things to Do in Innsbruck: 14 Must See Places & Activities
One day in Innsbruck covers the Golden Roof, the Hofkirche and a cable car to Hafelekar; two let you add Ambras Castle and Swarovski Kristallwelten. Almost everything here is season-dependent, so check what is running on your dates.
What to Wear in Austria in Summer: City and Mountain
Austria in summer needs two wardrobes: light clothes for 21 to 25C city and valley days, and warm layers for the mountains, where a 3,106m summit averages near freezing even in July.
82 Verified Fun Facts About Greece (#1 Will Surprise You)
Greeks exhume their dead after a few years, the open palm is the rudest gesture in the country, and 227 of around 6,000 Greek islands are inhabited. Here are 82 fun facts about Greece, each traced to a named source.
Thule Subterra 75L Review: Discontinued, What Replaced It
Thule has discontinued the Subterra 75L wheeled duffel and replaced it with the Subterra 2. Here is how the 75L held up over two years of checked-bag travel, what changed in the new model, and what the warranty actually covers.
92 Fun Facts About China, All Fact-Checked for 2026
China's population is falling, the Great Wall's official length comes from a single 2012 survey, and the Forbidden City never really had 9,999 rooms. Here are 92 sourced facts about China.
Iceland Winter Packing List: What to Pack and Wear
For Iceland in winter, pack a windproof waterproof shell, wool layers and waterproof boots. Wind and rain matter more than cold: Reykjavik averages just 0.5 to 2.2C (33 to 36F) from November to February.
Edmonton Winter Packing List: What to Pack for -30C
Edmonton winters swing from about -3C to -30C in one week, so pack true cold-climate layers: wool base layers, a long windproof waterproof coat, insulated boots and full skin coverage.
What to Pack for Austria in Winter: A Full Packing List
For Austria in winter, pack wool or fleece layers, a windproof waterproof outer shell, insulated boots and warm accessories. Alpine temperatures typically run -4 to 4C (25 to 39F) in December and January.
What to Eat in Brussels: 20 Belgian Dishes to Try (2026)
The dishes to eat in Brussels are moules-frites, Belgian fries, both styles of Belgian waffle, Belgian pralines and carbonnade à la flamande. This guide gives 20 traditional Belgian dishes, what each one is, and the Brussels address to order it from.
Poland Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Dates, School Breaks
Poland has 14 public holidays in 2026 and 2027, all statutory days off since Christmas Eve joined the list in 2025, plus which Sundays shops may trade and school break dates from the Ministry of Education for both years.
Malta Public Holidays and National Days 2026-2027
Malta has 14 official days off a year: 9 Public Holidays, mostly religious feasts, and 5 National Days marking civic history. Here are the 2026 and 2027 dates for both, and what happens when one lands on a weekend.
Public Holidays in Belgium 2026 and 2027: Full Dates
Belgium has 10 legal public holidays plus separate community holidays that only close government offices. Here are the exact 2026 and 2027 dates for both, plus school breaks and the replacement-day rule for weekend holidays.
Switzerland Public Holidays 2026 and 2027 by Canton
Switzerland has only one nationwide public holiday, 1 August. Every other date, from New Year to Christmas, is set canton by canton, so this guide gives the 2026 and 2027 dates for eight major cantons plus what actually closes.
The Best Coffee in Chiang Mai: 6 Cafes and Tea Houses
The best coffee in Chiang Mai is at GRAPH for nitro cold brew, Omnia for beans roasted on site, Impresso for espresso and Akha Ama for coffee grown by the family that sells it, plus two tea houses worth planning around.
78 Verified Fun Facts About Thailand (#12 Is Scary)
Bangkok's ceremonial name holds the Guinness record for the longest place name on earth, the world's smallest mammal lives in Thai caves, and the Thai year is 2569. Here are 78 facts about Thailand, each traced to a named source.
Marrakech Food Tours review: tasting the real Marrakech
This is a guest post by my dad, Hans Couwenbergh, about his experience on a Marrakech food tour with Marrakech Food Tours before the pandemic. I…
24 Traditional Croatian Food and Where to Eat Them in Zagreb
Croatia is between central Europe and the Mediterranean. The capital and largest city is Zagreb, an inland continental area with paprika-spiced dishes like štrukli dumplings reflecting Hungarian/Austrian rule. This blend of climatic influences leads to a fusion of continental and coastal cuisine. Inland areas see heartier, meat-based dishes suited to the colder climate and forests, like game goulash and roasted meats. Mild Mediterranean coastal regions utilize abundant seafood, olive oil and herbs like rosemary. Croatia's rugged terrain enables sheep farming and cheese production. Fertile lowlands supply vegetables and paprika and the bora wind helps dry pršut ham.
Fun Barcelona itineraries for a day to a week away
Planning a trip to Barcelona in Spain? I’ve put some Barcelona itineraries together for four days in the city or more but of course, you can…
Is Budapest worth visiting? 10 good reasons to go
If you’re wondering if Budapest is worth visiting, the answer is definitely yes. Budapest, the capital of Hungary should be on your list. Is is often…
Common Travel Insurance Mistakes Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
Buying travel cover often feels like a quick checkbox before a trip. The problem is that most travel insurance issues do not happen at purchase time;…
Going on a San Diego hop on hop off trolley tour
We’d spent our first evening in San Diego wandering through the city and the morning after on a boat, cruising the San Diego Bay. With only…
Auschwitz tour review: an Auschwitz tour from Krakow
Some places you visit for their beauty, others for their iconic status. And some places – some places you visit because they should never be forgotten.…
4-Day Cape Town Itinerary Full of Fun Sights
This post contains a detailed itinerary for 4 days in Cape Town, including what to do in Cape Town, where to stay, where to eat and how to get around. All based off our experience visiting the city for the first time. Have a look!
18 Best Destinations to visit in Iceland all year round!
Iceland is known for its landscapes and unique culture, which requires some preparation to ensure a fulfilling experience. Weather in Iceland is notably unpredictable and varies…
How to Travel on a Budget Without Missing Out
Although travel can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, maximizing your trip depends on controlling spending. By preparing and embracing a budget-conscious attitude, you can experience…
36 Most Famous Polish people: Artists, Chefs and Scientists!
Poland is a fertile ground for extraordinary talent, nurturing individuals whose achievements echoed globally. This narrative celebrates Poles by birth who etched their names in the annals of history through their remarkable feats. Among them is the illustrious inventor Marie Curie, whose discoveries in radioactivity left a lasting scientific legacy. The record books honor Krystian Herba, a cyclist who scaled the most stairs on a bicycle, showcasing the indomitable Polish spirit. The art world reveres Stanisław Wyspiański, whose multifaceted genius in painting and design captivated audiences. On the sports field, Robert Lewandowski's prowess as a football striker earned him international acclaim. Culinary arts, too, have a Polish hero in Wojciech Modest Amaro, whose innovative approach to cuisine redefined Polish gastronomy. These luminaries are a few Poles whose talents inspire and amaze the world.
Transportation Guide in Poland: Which One Is Best for You?
Poland is a Central European country bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia. Travelers planning to reach Poland can opt for flights landing at major airports like Warsaw Chopin Airport and Warsaw Modlin Airport. Once in Poland, different transportation options are available for getting around. From the airport, private transfers are arranged to the city. The country has a comprehensive public transit system, including trains, trams and buses. The Polish train system, operated by PKP, is a popular travel choice between Warsaw, Gdansk and Poznan. For local travel within cities, trams and buses provide convenient connections. Driving in Poland requires caution due to high traffic fatalities. For maritime travel, ferries operate from Poland to Sweden and Denmark.
22 Top Festivals to Attend in Poland for 2024
Discover a cultural extravaganza in Poland in 2024, bursting with active music festivals steeped in history. Metalheads assemble at the legendary Gdańsk Shipyard for Mystic Festival, the country's largest metal music event, thrilling icons like Iron Maiden alongside the hottest new bands. Open'er Festival promises a spectacularly diverse lineup in a unique airport setting, while Garbicz Festival's innovative "health resor" theme blends music, art and nature into a holistic escape. The wildly avant-garde Unsound Festival never fails to push boundaries. And the colorful Dragon Parade brings folklore alive on the streets. Poland's festivals offer exhilarating, unforgettable experiences spanning contemporary, classical and traditional arts against backdrops encompassing shipyards, airfields and forests. Prepare for a cultural immersion into this history-rich country's dynamic creative scene at its best in 2024 when Poland's festivals light up stages, streets and unique spaces with vibrant energy.
Driving in Poland: Road Safety, Driving Etiquette and How to Rent a Car
Driving in Poland requires a keen awareness and strict adherence to local regulations. Key road safety tips include maintaining vigilance, heeding road signs and steering clear of peak traffic times. Poland has a dense infrastructure, especially in cities and it is not uncommon for drivers to disregard rules, creating potentially hazardous situations. The proper driving etiquette in Poland includes driving on the right side, using headlights throughout the year and refraining from mobile phone use while driving. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants and cars should have a fire extinguisher and a reflective triangle. When renting a car in Poland, using a GPS for easier navigation is recommended, particularly in urban areas. Be aware of speed traps and always have a paper road map or an offline map as a backup. The typical rental price ranges from €21 ($24, £18) to €35 ($40, £30) throughout most of the year, with one-way rentals providing more flexibility but at a higher price. Driving in Poland can be challenging due to the state of the roads and driving culture, but it is feasible with adequate preparation and caution.
25 Traditional Polish food and Where to Eat Them in Warsaw
Poland is a land of enchanting history and rich culture, where culinary traditions are as diverse as they are delightful. Imagine a table with dishes that tell tales of the country's agricultural past and its fondness for hearty flavors. Picture Pierogi, those delightful dumplings filled with everything from cheese to fruit, a comfort food that warms the heart. Visualize Kotlet Schabowy, a succulent breaded pork cutlet that's a nod to the classic schnitzel. Think of Bigos, a stew that marries the tang of sauerkraut with the richness of different meats, a dish that truly captures the spirit of Polish cuisine. Envision Gołąbki, tender cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and grains, a testament to the creativity of Polish cooking. Consider Żurek, a sour rye soup with a unique zest and fermented flavors. Ponder over Placki Ziemniaczane, crispy potato pancakes that offer a simple yet satisfying taste experience. Reflect on Rosół, a clear broth ideal of Polish comfort, enjoyed with noodles or dumplings. Imagine Barszcz Czerwony, a creamy beetroot soup showcasing the earthy bounty of Polish gardens. Each dish is a delightful chapter in Poland's culinary story, reflecting the nation's rich tapestry of regional and seasonal influences. A feast for the senses indeed!
EN
Nederlands
Français