The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize offers pristine rainforest experiences, renowned for its wildlife, including jaguars and various bird species. Visitors can hike the Tiger Fern Trail and enjoy beautiful waterfalls. After hiking, river tubing provides relaxation amidst nature. Accessible by public bus, the sanctuary features affordable entrance fees, making it a memorable one-day adventure or an overnight stay for a deeper exploration.
Author: Rie
Hiking in three Slovakian National Parks in just one week
Is it possible to do three national parks in just one week? The answer is: Yes!We hiked some of the most popular hiking trails in three different Slovakian National Parks. It was an arranged trip, but self-guided, with one day-hiking trips and lots of kilometers and not to forget altitude! We visited in mid August … Continue reading Hiking in three Slovakian National Parks in just one week
Greece: The Oracle of Delphi and idyllic towns of Itea and Arachova
Delphi, Greece provides a serene mountain town with the famous 'Oracle of Delphi.' Visiting the ruins and the Archaeological Museum is a must. Nearby towns of Arachova and Itea offer different experiences. The area is perfect for enjoying Greek culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views. Perfect for a week's getaway.
Georgia, Europe: Ushguli and the Shkhara glacier
If you go to Mestia you most certainly should pay a visit to Ushguli. It is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site (Upper Svaneti) for its outstanding landscape, medieval art, and unique defense towers, which you will see in most of the villages in the Svaneti region. Ushguli is not one place, but an … Continue reading Georgia, Europe: Ushguli and the Shkhara glacier
Hiking in beautiful Mestia
Georgia, Late October, 2019 I arrived in Kutaisi with a direct flight from Copenhagen (both cheap and only 4 hours of flying with WizzAir). Before Mestia, I spent three nights in a small village close to Batumi, where my boyfriend was volunteering at a bird migration hotspot for the NGO Batumi Raptor Count. Going to … Continue reading Hiking in beautiful Mestia
Belize: Hostels and hammocks in Hopkins
During an internship in bird banding at Toucan Ridge, I visited Hopkins in September 2018. The Funky Dodo hostel provided budget-friendly accommodation. Despite pollution on the public beach, a trip to Jaguar Reef offered a cleaner alternative. Hopkins offers a quiet and authentic atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed vacation or weekend getaway.
Belize: Beach trip to Placencia (on a budget!)
Backpacking in Belize can be expensive, but budget-friendly tips for staying in Placencia include using public transport, booking hostels, and exploring activities such as snorkeling and local seafood restaurants.
White sand beaches on Caye Caulker in Belize and snorkeling on the coral reefs
I share my experiences from two visits to Caye Caulker, Belize, highlighting budget-friendly accommodation options, a 'secret' beach, and a snorkeling trip. Advice is given on hostel selection based on preferences and location. Additionally, the post offers insights into visiting white sandy beaches and snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.
El Remate: The Gateway to Tikal and Scenic Nature Trails
El Remate is a perfect, down to earth, town to visit before venturing deeper into Guatemala. I used El Remate as a stepping-stone before visiting Tikal and Flores. I came from San Ignacio in Belize and did the border crossing in the morning, before coming to El Remate. It is a small, quiet and beautiful … Continue reading El Remate: The Gateway to Tikal and Scenic Nature Trails
Kenya: Self-guided safari in Tsavo East
I tried a one-day safari in Tsavo East, Kenya, and in the post I am highlighting sightings of elephants, antelopes, and birds. I rented a car for a self-guided tour, facing some wildlife viewing challenges due to midday heat. A subsequent day at Voi Wildlife Lodge provided relaxation and wildlife viewing by the pool.
Vacation well spent in Mombasa: Vast, sandy beaches, visit to an UNESCO site and exploring local wildlife
I visited Mombasa during Christmas 2016, during the fieldwork I was carrying out in the Taita Hills for my Masters Project. I stayed at Tides Inn Resort, a little north of Mombasa off the Malindi Road. To get to Mombasa I went with an air-conditioned bus from Voi. After arriving in Mombasa, one of the … Continue reading Vacation well spent in Mombasa: Vast, sandy beaches, visit to an UNESCO site and exploring local wildlife
Lakeside relaxation in beautiful Flores, Guatemala
Discover Flores, a captivating town in Guatemala boasting colorful streets, stunning lake views, and excellent cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local markets, embark on a boat trip on Lake Petén, and explore the ancient ruins of Tikal. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty, culture, and history that Flores has to offer. Why you should … Continue reading Lakeside relaxation in beautiful Flores, Guatemala
Vienna on a budget
I visited Vienna in Austria for only two days in August 2018 with my partner for a bit of culture just before our hiking trip in Slovakia. Vienna is big, beautiful and busy, teeming with tourists especially in the summertime. If you can visit Vienna outside national holidays, common vacations (summer, winter) you might escape … Continue reading Vienna on a budget
Volunteering with elephants in Thailand
I volunteered with the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (hereafter WFFT) back in 2015 in the summer break between my Bachelors and Masters. This post is about my volunteering experience at the elephant sanctuary, and suggestions about things to do on your day offs around Hua Hin. You can volunteer at any time in your life; … Continue reading Volunteering with elephants in Thailand
Weekend getaway in Hamburg
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely three-night stay in Hamburg in January 2019. As we had promised one another to reduce the number of flights this year, we booked tickets through Flixbus from Copenhagen. In general, we strive to reduce our carbon emissions by taking the bus or public transport rather than flying everywhere. … Continue reading Weekend getaway in Hamburg
Bangkok Solo Travel Guide: Temples, Safety, and Accommodation
I spent three days solo traveling in Bangkok prior to volunteer experience in Thailand in 2015. It was hot, humid and full of traffic, but the relaxed vibes in the many temples I visited masked the busy city feeling. Bangkok is a big place to start solo traveling, but if you prepare well and take … Continue reading Bangkok Solo Travel Guide: Temples, Safety, and Accommodation
Explore Tikal: Camping, Temples, and Wildlife Encounters
Tikal National Park, located in northern Guatemala, is a captivating destination with its stunning rainforest, diverse wildlife, and well-preserved historical ruins. Getting there requires a bus journey, with an entrance fee at the gate. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins and spot wildlife, whilst also enjoying mesmerizing sunsets from atop temples. Amenities include eateries and camping facilities. Preparation is key to fully enjoy this outdoor experience.
Kenya: Discover East African natural history and wildlife in Nairobi
I visited Kenya from November 2016 to January 2017. I discovered Nairobi's attractions, including the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Center, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage. I also shared practical tips for visiting Kenya, emphasizing safety and transportation in the country.
How to cross the border from Belize to Guatemala
Border crossings can be extremely intimidating to carry out. Language barriers, men with weapons, or you may even encounter corruption. This can happen anywhere in the World, but be aware that people in powerful positions make take advantage of you, especially if you are young and if you look wealthy. (2023 update) In this post … Continue reading How to cross the border from Belize to Guatemala
Planning your Belize journey: Hostels, itineraries and transport
In September 2018, I spent seven weeks in Belize, a diverse country with beaches, Mayan temples, and rainforests. I explored cities and sites like Belmopan, Cockscomb Basin, and San Ignacio. English is widely spoken, making travel easy. ATMs are secure, and the currency is tied to the USD. While slightly more expensive, budget-friendly travel is possible. Public transport is reliable, and it's recommended to plan itineraries according to the duration of your stay.
Traveling Female Ornithologist 