Of course, the town offers numerous heritage landmarks, museums and galleries, as well as walking trails covering everything from Old Town history to street art. But many visitors come for one thing in particular. As the cruise capital of Europe, Southampton welcomes more than 2 million cruise passengers every year.

If you’re leaving Southampton for a great voyage, it always makes sense to arrive a day or two before departure. For one, you don’t want a potential flight delay to affect your embarkation, but also – there are places to discover even before the official start of your cruise holidays.

Besides just exploring the vibrant town that blends history with modern life, you should maximize your stay with trips out of Southampton.

Day excursions would be a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the region’s history, culture, and various events that shaped the city.

In today’s article, we reveal 7 destinations for day trips from Southampton when you are on a tight schedule.

Looking for a place to stay in Southampton? Check out the best available hotel prices here!

7 day trips from Southampton you should consider

1. Winchester

If you are into medieval architecture or English literature, you will love exploring Winchester. This historic town is only a 30-minute drive northeast of Southampton.

Once you are there, you can explore the ancient ruins and castles that reflect the glorious past of this place. You can visit the Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Castle, and the Winchester City Mill. The biggest attraction here is the mysterious King Arthur’s round table in The Great Hall of Winchester Castle.

You can drive a bit further to Chawton to see Jane Austen’s House, where she wrote some of her great literary works.

If you are with a kid, you can also explore the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.

If you haven't been to the Old Continent before, consider this Europe itinerary for first-timers.

2. Marwell Zoo

If you’re with a family, you can head for a day trip to Marwell Zoo. Located just a 30-minute ride from Southampton, Marwell Zoo has hundreds of animals, such as leopards, giraffes, tigers, and meerkats.

With its 57-hectare park and 5 adventure play areas, this is a perfect place to explore when you want to keep your kids entertained when you are short on time.

Learn how Basel Zoo is saving rhinos, and get inspired by Matjaž Krivic's photographs of the last northern white rhinos in the world. 

3. Lyndhurst

If you have a day to spare in Southampton, visiting Lyndhurst would offer you an experience like no other. This is a perfect place for those who love walking and cycling as you can explore the New Forest National Park while finding out more about the forest’s history and heritage.

This tiny town might surprise you with the number of tea rooms, pubs, cafes, fine dining restaurants, and ice parlors you can find here. Lyndhurst is just a 25-minute drive from Southampton, securing a quick return by the end of the day.

4. Bournemouth

Almost an hour’s drive southwest and you will end up in the seaside town of Bournemouth. Here you can walk the award-winning beaches and Victorian piers.

The town is also known for its quirky architecture and art. While you are in Bournemouth, you can also explore the Upper, Central, and Lower Gardens.

Finish the town visit by treating yourself to a delicious meal as you overlook the English Channel.

5. Salisbury

Located northwest of Southampton, Salisbury is known for its captivating history and stunning cathedral. With its colossal spire, the Salisbury Cathedral dominates the skyline of the town.

While you are on a day trip in Salisbury, you can explore the traditional shopping streets and the market square which still retains its medieval charm.

6. Stonehenge

Not too far from Salisbury lies the mysterious Stonehenge. This is one of the most visited sites in the UK as no one knows why this Neolithic monument was built.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge dates back 5,000 years. It’s a day trip from Southampton you will not forget.

You can visit Stonehenge directly on your transfer from London to Southampton Cruise Terminal.

Did you know that Ethiopia has its own "Stonehenge"? Meet the Aksumite Empire gods!

7. Isle of Wight

If you are looking for sandy beaches and lots of history and heritage, you can enjoy a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

Just a couple of hours’ drive from Southampton, you can have a great time here exploring the outdoors, shopping at the local market, and eating delicious local food at various restaurants and pubs.

A practical way to organize your day trips from Southampton is by renting a car. But if you just want to relax, you can opt for a Southampton-Heahtrow transfer with an attraction of your choice. 

Day trips from Southampton – Conclusion

Southampton deserved its European cruise capital title for a reason. Whether it’s a week or two exploring Norwegian fjords, the best of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean Sea, or a Transatlantic journey to Florida, Southampton offers many exciting cruise destinations.

Southampton offers plenty of day trip options for curious travelers

But the town is more than just a cruise port. Whether you’re retracing the footsteps of Jane Austen in Winchester, channeling your inner David Attenborough at Marwell Zoo, or pondering the mysteries of Stonehenge, there are plenty of day trip options from Southampton, waiting for curious souls.

All you need to do is to pack some sense of adventure and your best map-reading skills (or just Google Maps). Embrace the unexpected, make those impromptu detours, sample the strange local delicacies, and snap even the most awkward selfies!

Southampton may be an important cruising port for seeing the world, but you can also see the best of the world while cruising around the town itself.

What is your favorite of Southampton day trips? 
Please comment if you already cruised from here, and share your experience!
Pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The images in this article have been sourced through Unsplash and Marwell Zoo.

In the order of appearance, their authors are as follows:
Southampton cruise ship (cover image) - Frankie Lu, Unsplash
Queen Elizabeth 2 ship 1960s - 35mm film slide scan by Annie Spratt, Unsplash
Winchester Cathedral - Mario La Pergola, Unsplash
White rhino, Marwell Zoo – Richard Beaman
New Forest National Park - Andrew Johnson, Unsplash
Bournemouth Pier - Dami Akinbode, Unsplash
Salisbury Cathedral - Tzenik, Unsplash
Stonehenge - Cajeo Zhang, Unsplash
Isle of Wight - Lison Zhao, Unsplash
Southampton buildings (pin image) - Connor Holyday, Unsplash

The post The Best Day Trips from Southampton When You’re Tight on Time appeared first on Pipeaway.

If you’re looking to add both old-world charm and modern allure to your European holidays, this is the region to explore. Your greatest worries will probably be what to see when visiting the South of France, as every new town you discover becomes a pin on the map.

The South of France offers plentiful sunshine, lavender-infused villages, and a world-renowned cuisine

There’s a great diversity you can experience during your South of France vacation. From the glamorous French Riviera to the rustic countryside of Provence, the region’s appeal covers more than just picture-perfect backdrops for your social media posts.

Southern France provides a unique sensory journey. It includes plentiful sunshine in breathtaking landscapes, lavender-infused villages to wander through, rich history and vibrant culture to explore, and a world-renowned cuisine to indulge in. Don’t forget to toast with a glass of the finest local wine!

Welcome to the South of France!

Detouring to southeastern France won't be a mistake either. Here's what to see in Lyon! 

Best places to visit in South of France

1. Bordeaux

You could imagine Bordeaux as the place where wine flows like water. But it isn’t all about swirling and sipping. Tucked snugly amidst vineyards, this must-see city on any South of France adventure is also a feast for the eyes.

If you love elegant architecture and cultural heritage, the stroll through the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center is practically stepping into a period drama. The living museum comes with 18th-century buildings, wide boulevards, and postcard-worthy squares. Make sure to snap photos of iconic landmarks such as the Bordeaux Cathedral and the Place de la Bourse.

However, Bordeaux’s best currency is the liquid one, its vino. In this paradise for oenophiles, wineries and vineyards stretch across the countryside offering tours and tastings. From bold Cabernet Sauvignon via zesty Sauvignon Blanc to silky Merlot, bottles are practically calling your name. And you have a perfect excuse to try them all – you’re learning about the region’s winemaking traditions after all!

The wine tasting is bound to work up an appetite. When hunger strikes in Bordeaux, you’ll have plenty of options – from diving into a plate of fresh oysters at the local market to a gourmet feast at Michelin-starred restaurants. Try regional specialties such as caviar, white asparagus, or delectable pastries (the yummy Canelés de Bordeaux!).

Bordeaux offers diverse accommodation options – check them out here, with photographs and guest reviews.

2. The French Riviera

The allure of the South of France is often associated with the glamour of the French Riviera. Or, as locals call it, Côte d’Azur.

This beautiful slice of the Mediterranean is a magnet for jet-setters. But even if you’re not from the extravagant line of rich and fabulous, you should still pay a visit to the red carpet of all holiday destinations. The picturesque towns and beaches of the French Riviera are an oasis of relaxation.

The coastal views will knock your socks off. Well, you wouldn’t need them on those golden beaches anyway. Azure waters (hence the name!) and rugged cliffs create a dramatic scenery that you’ll question whether it’s Photoshopped or created by AI. The towns along the Riviera also look like a million bucks, from chic Saint-Tropez to glamorous Cannes.

Between sunbathing and people-watching sessions, there are historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries to visit on the French Riviera. From gambling at the legendary Monte Carlo Casino to enjoying hilltop views from the medieval village of Èze, cultural attractions here offer experiences that etch in your memory.

You’ll find many charming rentals in Southern France, with the scenic French Riviera being a great option. Whether you fancy a swanky seaside resort, an exclusive villa, or a cozy little hideaway tucked into the hills, the stunning landscape will host you like a movie star.

To skip the rush of large groups, discover coastal towns and vistas of the French Riviera with a private driver-guide. For an even more elevated experience, hop on board a private yacht, and take your group of eight to coastal hot spots in style.

3. Provence

Provence is another magical zone in the South of France where history, culture, and natural beauty collide in a peculiar way. The land of lavender is where the time slows down more than just giving the place a laid-back charm. The appeal of these villages became timeless too.

First things first, the views are taken from a fairytale. Imagine rolling hills dressed in vibrant fields of purple flowers and vineyards that seem to stretch to infinity. It’s an open invitation to enter the postcard, on foot, by bike, or on the back of a horse; lose yourself in this landscape. Don’t miss out on Gorges du Verdon (the largest European canyon) and Luberon Regional Natural Park (UNESCO’s Global Geopark).

More than just pretty vistas, Provence also gives a lot to history buffs and culture vultures alike. From ancient Roman ruins to cobbled streets of medieval villages, it’s a stroll through time. The two millennia-old Arles Amphitheater and the gothic Palace of the Popes in Avignon are especially fascinating landmarks.

With its renowned gastronomy and world-class wineries, Provence elevated eating and drinking to a religious experience. Definitely try local specialties like bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and tapenade, and wash them down with a glass (or two?) of the region’s finest wines. Whether you are sipping on a bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a crisp Côtes de Provence rosé, these appellations provide only the best from their grapes.

Provence is sprinkled with thousands of accommodation options. Find the best prices and deals here. 

4. Nice

Holidaying in the South of France cannot pass without Nice, a crown jewel of the French Riviera. Right between the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged hills of the Alpes-Maritimes, the postcard called Nice comes to life, with centuries of history and enough culture to plan even future visits.

Nice is home to some of the most pristine Mediterranean beaches. Here, you can kick back on the pebbles of the iconic Promenade des Anglais, try your hand at paddleboarding, jet skiing, and other water sports, or take a stroll along the palm-lined waterfront.

Beyond the beach, the exploration continues through the charming streets of the Old Town, known as Vieux Nice. This maze of cobblestone streets, bustling markets, colorful buildings, and centuries-old landmarks is perfect to get lost in. Visit the Baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, or the musical instruments museum housed in the aristocratic Palais Lascaris, before you refresh yourself at one of many lively cafes.

To further satisfy your taste for finer things in life, Nice is the perfect base for luxury tours in France. From here, you can book private yacht charters, attend gourmet food and wine tastings, or discover charming hilltop villages. Whether you’re cruising along the coast, or go village hopping through Provence, you’ll get experiences to brag about.

From urban lofts to boutique hotels, Nice offers great places to stay. Check them out!

5. Marseille

The bustling port city of Marseille is another unavoidable stop on your South of France holiday itinerary. The capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and outdoor adventures.

Cultural riches range from ancient forts to majestic churches and world-class museums. The most-visited Marseille landmark is the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. Perched high on a hill, this emblematic religious monument is a fantastic place to enjoy panoramic views. If you want to dive deep into the region’s past, you should explore MuCEM. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations was launched in 2013 when Marseille held the title of the European Capital of Culture.

Besides indoor treasures, Marseille also offers excitement to lovers of outdoor activities. Calanques National Park is Europe’s largest peri-urban national park, inviting you to lace up your hiking boots, dive into crystal-clear coves, or simply unwind on the beach.

Thanks to its diverse population and multicultural heritage, Marseille is also an exciting culinary destination. From traditional Provencal dishes to North African specialties, from hearty stews to delicate pastries, your taste buds will be tortured by the richness of choices.

Whether you want to stay in a hotel, a B&B, or a yacht, Marseille has you covered. Check out what’s on offer here. 

South of France vacation, best places to visit – conclusion

Every adventure eventually comes to an end, so does your holiday to the South of France.

You reluctantly pack your bags and bid adieu to the Mediterranean breeze, a chorus of cicadas, and the scent of lavender in the air. But there is an underlying hope that the memories you’ve crafted in this lovely domain will endure like the finest Bordeaux wine.

Falling in love with Southern France is easy. Departing is the hard part

From the glitz of the French Riviera to the rustic charm of Provence, you’ve wandered through ancient streets, lounged on the azure shores, and savored flavors that danced on your tongue. Falling in love with Southern France is easy. Departing is the hard part.

As you leave these enchanting shores, toss a pebble in the sea. Make a wish. Maybe that adieu is au revoir.

Did you find your favorite place on the South of France map? Share what you’ll include in your itinerary, and pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The images in this article have been sourced through Unsplash and Pixabay.

In the order of appearance, their authors are as follows:
Côte d’Azur (cover image) - Julius Hildebrandt, Unsplash
Bordeaux - Tiphaine Sauveur, Unsplash
Èze - French Riviera - V2F, Unsplash
Verdon Gorge, Provence - Sarah Sheedy, Unsplash
Nice - 12019, Pixabay
Marseille - Romain Galoché, Unsplash
Èze (first pin image) - ivan zakharenko, Unsplash
Provence lavender fields (second pin image) - Johnny Africa, Unsplash

The post Azure Adventures: What to See When Visiting the South of France appeared first on Pipeaway.

This selection of dangers of traveling reveals situations where I thoughtlessly stepped into preventable troubles

I already debunked some illusions of travel coming from the perception of a blogger’s life. You don’t get to read about travelers’ stomach problems and diarrhea disasters often, simply because that’s not sexy. Journey reports in blogs and social media may paint experiences in rosy hues, just because it’s embarrassing to admit one’s travel mishaps.

We can also feel ashamed to share that we became victims of scams, assaults, thefts, and other crimes. In this collection of anecdotes, I won’t be writing about that time when my friend Timon and I walked into an Istanbul brothel thinking we were just invited for a beer, but were then pressured to choose between all Tatianas paraded in front of us as if they were a treat on a sushi conveyor belt. I’ll skip a series of pickpocket attempts in Addis Ababa or even that transfer-kidnap story in Manila I hinted about in the selection of the greatest WTF moments of my travels.

Today’s selection of dangers of traveling is all about risking injuries, situations where I thoughtlessly stepped into preventable troubles. Hopefully, you’ll find safety tips that should help you avoid similar mistakes on your travels!

WARNING: This article contains graphic images of exposed wounds that some viewers might find disturbing.

7 Dangers of Travel

1. Burning my soles in the Vietnamese desert

On my first extended Asian adventure, seven years ago, I stopped in Mui Ne, a resort town on the southern part of Vietnam‘s coast. This unusual place had over a hundred resorts claiming parts of the beach, securing direct sea approach and unobstructed views to their guests. But there was plenty of sand north of the town, in Mui Ne’s famous Red Sand Dunes.

To avoid the crowds who visit the enormous desert attraction with jeep tours, I decided to avoid their favorite “golden hours” of early morning and late afternoon. With a local bus, I arrived just before noon, thinking how I outsmarted everyone.

It was hot, as one would expect from a midday, but nothing unbearable. I coated myself in sunscreen and walked barefoot over the dunes. The warmth of the sand was pleasant, but another of my senses was more occupied – the views were fantastic.

The temperature of the sand is not equal across the dunes, you know. As the sun moves, so do the dune shadows. But it never occurred to me that some sections were constantly exposed to the sun. Well, not until my bare feet stepped into an area that felt like a roof of hell. I literally screamed in agony.

It took me some time to untangle the Gordian Knot I used to safely attach my flip-flops to the backpack. At the same time, I was trying to do a little Irish dance, jumping from one foot to another. It wasn’t helping; I was being grilled alive.

With sand in my mouth, hair, and everywhere else you can imagine it sneaking in, I returned to the civilization. The tingling sensation in my blistered feet continued reminding me that the dangers of travel lurk when you least expect them.

2. Dehydration drama in Cambodian outback

While traveling through Cambodia, I stopped in Kampong Chhnang, a sleepy port town with a floating village on the Tonle Sap River.

Just after Songkran, the Cambodian New Year, many businesses took additional days off, and life slowed down. Finding even a working restaurant or a shop that would sell me a hand of bananas was challenging.

Arming yourself with water is essential, especially if you intend to ride a bicycle out in the sticks, through a tropical countryside. It was so dry that you could easily count ribs on cows searching for a green blade of grass.

I love exploring the countryside on a bicycle, but that takes energy away. One can easily miscalculate the appropriate intake of fluids, so I try to be conservative when dispersing the content of a water bottle I have.

I decided to pedal toward a restaurant completely out of route, hoping it would provide sustenance, but met another closed door. To eat something, I went further away from town, and practically drained what little energy I had left.

My mouth felt so dry that even sipping the remaining water felt insufficient to quench the thirst. One of the scariest dangers of travel in tropical zones crept in. I pondered about waiting for the sunset under a tree before moving on. It was extremely hot, and finding any shop on the way home didn’t look promising.

But standing on the side of the road didn’t sound like the best choice either. Eventually, I concluded I would faint in any case. I summoned the last shreds of my strength and rode toward a pottery shop, in whose shade I took a little break, before eventually successfully getting home, hungry, thirsty, and utterly exhausted.

3. Falling down the stairs in Bulgaria

It was raining cats and dogs when I arrived in Plovdiv, the oldest city in Europe. The clouds opened up, and a massive quantity of water poured down the streets of the Bulgarian cultural capital.

I was staying in a hostel, and Max, a young German ornithologist returning from a bird mapping expedition in Azerbaijan, joined me at the supermarket to get some food.

After returning home, we descended to the kitchen, and my shoes just glided off the slippery wooden stairs. I flew through the air and crash-landed with the finesse of a sack of potatoes. I hit my back, buttocks, and mostly the left arm, peeling off the skin as I met the floor.

A swelling in the left elbow was hurting for days. There was another female guest in the hostel, whose name I forgot, probably because anger overtook me. She approached me, and squeezed my bruised elbow as hard as she could, to make sure “if it hurt”. I erased your identity from my memory, lady, but you are a very bizarre person! These were not health and safety protocols I would expect from a roommate.

Somehow, I healed on my own, reluctant to seek medical attention. I guess the danger of travel that doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger. But there are better things than getting stronger in an unconventional way! For instance, I would’ve preferred to hold the handrail while descending instead of making this unplanned acrobatic venture that wouldn’t bring me any points in figure skating competitions.

Anything can happen on a trip in a foreign country, from fractures to food poisoning. Prevent worries and protect yourself against costly bills by taking EKTA insurance with a worldwide coverage. Buy your policy now!

4. Fracturing my ribs in a bathtub in Finland

In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, I experienced one of the most painful travel moments. At the hotel I stayed in, I took an evening shower. After finishing, I reached out for a towel hanging on the bathroom door. In the next second, I slipped and fell, my back loudly kissing the ceramic surface.

The impact knocked the air out of my lungs. It took me a second to be able to produce a painful moan. I wasn’t sure if I could move. The first thought that rushed through my head was: “Shoot, I locked the door, and even put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign out! It will take days for them to find me.”

Immediately, I was aware of how helpless I was. My mobile phone was in the bedroom. There was no emergency string to pull. So I just lied there.

In Japan, seven-times more people die in bathtubs than in car accidents

As I recovered from the initial shock, I managed to drag my sorry self out of the bathtub somehow, and slowly got to bed, making sure that the phone would be within my reach. The pain was excruciating, and yet, I wanted to believe that I would be fine by morning.

I wasn’t fine. The doctor arrived at the hotel and quickly diagnosed mini-fractures of my ribs. Even his bill was painful; 200 euros for advising me to rest.

In the following days, I managed to get out, but navigating the city was hard. I couldn’t cross two-lane streets during a green light. I limped my way through Helsinki, extremely slowly. The recovery would be long.

To this day, I wonder: what diabolical cleaning products do they use in hotel bathrooms? Those bathtubs must be coated in a layer of slippery devilry, contributing to the scary slip-and-fall statistics.

In Japan, 19,000 people die in a bathtub every year. That’s seven-times more fatalities than in car accidents. In the United States, it is three-times likelier one would die in a bathtub than in a terrorist attack.

5. Falling off a motorbike in Laos

Luang Prabang is protected by UNESCO, but on the road, you are on your own. If you don’t take all travel safety precautions when navigating Laos, nobody will do it for you.

In the afterglow of a day spent chasing the enchanting Kuang Si Falls, I was returning to the town on a rented scooter. On my way to the waterfall, I already learned I should steer clear of potholes. But potholes would not be my problem.

On this scorching hot day, a tree was shading the road, right at the spot that would make me lose balance. Hidden by the shadow, there was a sneaky little bump. I saw it too late.

Me and my motorbike fell, gliding across the asphalt road as if it were butter. It wasn’t butter. My bleeding hands, scratched arms (that poor left elbow taking another hit), and ripped trousers that would only later expose wounds on my knees too.

Kind-hearted girls behind me stopped when they saw me lying down, removed the scooter from the road, and rushed to the nearby village to get a disinfectant for my wounds.

I was lucky that nobody and nothing else participated in my accident. It was only a collision with a hard floor. Otherwise, it might have ended up differently for me. As I was driving back to the town, the faces of people who mean the most to me, rushed before my eyes.

They say that medical care in Laos is not of a high standard, so even if you need to go to a hospital, many advise you to head to the neighboring Thailand instead. I nursed my wounds myself, with supplies from the pharmacy. But I knew that my days of exploring dusty Laos roads with open wounds had to come to an earlier end.

6. Descending the Gheralta Moutain without a rope

There’s a lot I could tell you about the dangers of travel through Ethiopia, a country I visited during the state of emergency. I have already written about my conflict with fraudsters in an Ethiopian bus, my encounter with hyenas in Harar, a swim in Doho Lake with crocodiles, a police-alarming incident with Chinese tourists at Bete Giyorgis, as well as climbing Erta Ale volcano with armed escort. It’s a country that offers travelers many opportunities for danger, from pickpocketing scams to natural challenges.

It may not look like I have any issues with heights (remember those daring hikes in Norway?). But every encounter with a cliff is not just exciting for me, it’s also quite terrifying. Even with my circus background, I’m still aware I am conquering fears, and not being fearless. I’m not one of those daredevils who run on skyscraper edges; those videos make my stomach churn.

But I do love culture, especially one that has a rich history. So I couldn’t skip Tigray Churches, nestled high in the Gheralta Mountains. Religious sanctuaries carved in the rock, at some truly special sites, were calling my name.

The routes through these hardly accessible mountains are not signposted, so you cannot visit them without a guide. In the town of Megab, I booked Amaze, my trusty expert for the day. I took the package that included him, a motorbike to take us to and back from the mountain, and – a rope, supposedly for easier climbing.

The plan was to visit the churches of Daniel Korkor and Mariam Korkor, and then a somewhat dislocated Abuna Yemata Guh.

The initial ascend between the rocks that were “separated by God” (similar to what Moses did with the Red Sea) was quite strenuous. However, the real challenge happened when Amaze took me for a shortcut way to Abuna Yemata Guh, but forgot that rope I rented out. Instead of taking it with us, he mistakenly sent it directly to our final church.

Now, this descent without a rope was quite… How to describe it? In several instances, I had to say “Are you sure? Maybe we should head back?” Even for a person of reasonable fitness, there were some scarily steep parts. I still wonder how the two of us survived this heart-stopping trek.

The exhausting hike through pure wilderness between the two sites took its toll. When we arrived beneath the third church (and finally used the rope to ascend the rocks), I was already deadbeat from the sun. On the top rock, a vertigo got me. The views of a 2.5-kilometer drop beneath us and a petrifying walk on the cliffside didn’t help. It all felt messed up now, as I tried to make my weary body not lose balance on a narrow ledge.

I survived, like many before us, but I wouldn’t recommend the warm-up we had to anyone planning this hazardous visit.

7. Breathless experience of scuba diving in Greece

For us humans (we are not fish, right?), the ability to breathe is what keeps us alive. Even if I can apply for a trip to the Moon, or readily visit the most toxic place on Earth – Kawah Ijen volcano in Indonesia – I don’t take breathing in environments that are not built for our lungs for granted.

My possibly closest brush with death happened during my first scuba diving attempt in Naxos, Greece. Maybe it’s not fair to call it a near-death experience. The reason why I’m able to tell this story today is that I actually had skilled professionals taking care of me along the way. However, this doesn’t annul the panic attack I experienced that day below the surface.

Everything went fine on my initial scuba diving training. I felt confident with instructions on dry land, the shallow-water drill went great, and then there were also three people taking care of me, my Greek instructor, and two diving volunteers from Bulgaria. Sure, let’s go deeper!

Maybe I was exuding too much confidence. I was able to both dive and film the experience; my instructors later told me they were impressed. Another student canceled just before the dive, while I seemed fearless.

But at one moment, the first moment my instructor Panos looked away (I guess I was radiating confidence), something happened. I wasn’t able to inhale through my scuba gear. Panic mode: activated. I tried pinching and blowing my nose, but it didn’t help. Maybe because that’s a method for equalizing ear pressure.

Indeed, I was taught about the inflator hose, and that the inflate button would allow me to ascend gracefully to the surface. But at my first dive ever, I couldn’t think of that. My initial reaction was to draw attention and ask for help. As I watched the back of my instructor diving away, my hands were waving like a frantic Lucky Cat doll on speed, hoping that somebody would notice my distress signal. Nobody hears you scream down there.

Thankfully for beginners, there’s always a person behind you. Aleksandra, my dear Bulgarian guardian, noticed my struggles the first, rushed to me, and inflated my vest, so I could quickly breathe in on the surface.

The entire breathless ordeal lasted for about 30 seconds, that’s what my GoPro images suggest (set to time-lapse, with shots taken every second). For someone who cannot breathe, and is surrounded by water, those 30 seconds can feel like an eternity.

After a minute on the surface of getting my heartbeat down, I was okay with diving back in. The experience did teach me a lesson of approaching foreign environments with respect, and the importance of learning how to handle them when things go wrong.

Knocking on wood, I was lucky enough not to experience natural catastrophes on the road. Against that reckless power, we are quite defenseless. If you wish to help those whose lives were shattered into pieces, consider these areas as the best places to travel in 2024. 

Navigating dangers of travel – conclusion

There you have it, seven years of wild adventures, close calls, and enough adrenaline to fuel a theme park.

Traveling, as I’ve come to learn, is not always easy, especially if we tend to challenge ourselves with experiences that may be out of our comfort zone. They test our resilience and our ability to keep our cool when the going gets tough.

The safety of travel doesn’t always come with an instruction manual

After seven years of working on the Pipeaway project, I am still attracted by the beauty of challenges, even if they come with risks. It’s a constant learning process that reminds me of the importance of – learning.

As individuals, we’re fragile, easily broken by elements and accidents. But we also learn by doing. I do.

Experiencing travel problems is an ongoing education in travel safety, a process that makes us resilient and better prepared for future challenges. It helps us survive travel emergencies that we can’t always imagine beforehand.

When I look at these experiences that expose how thoughtlessly I approached some of my adventures, I wonder what makes me eligible to give safety tips or any advice for traveling.

But you know, it doesn’t take an expert to understand that the safety of travel and the health risks we challenge abroad don’t always come with an instruction manual.

The dangers of travel should not deter you from adventurous travel. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from pushing your boundaries. Learn from your mistakes, but also from those of others. Stumbling is a part of the adventure. We get better with experience.

As I raise a metaphorical toast to the next seven years of Pipeaway adventures, I offer my safe travel wishes to all wanderers. May good luck accompany your willingness to adopt new skills, and take you far. Stay safe, and pipe away!

Have you experienced the dangers of travel?
Share your riskiest adventures in the comments, and pin this article for later!

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The post 7 Times I Risked Too Much: Navigating Dangers of Travel appeared first on Pipeaway.

There are unique Valentine’s Day gifts online that your travel-loving partner will recognize both as thoughtful, and useful

Of course, there are plenty of romantic things to do at home for Valentine’s Day, but we cannot pull the lockdown card as an excuse for the simplicity of our thoughtfulness anymore.

On the other hand, not all of us are financially capable of planning a long-distance trip or showing our love by purchasing costly gifts, such as the Croatian heart-shaped island of Galešnjak that was recently offered on the market.

You don’t have to go over the top, nor undermine your ambition in showing that you care. There are Valentine’s Day gifts online that your travel-loving partner will recognize both as thoughtful, and useful.

This guide to unique travel-inspired gifts easily available on Amazon will help you come up with the most romantic Valentine’s Day ideas for him and for her.

Also, while these gift ideas are technically separated according to gender identity, consider looking into the alternative section as well for finding the best unforgettable gift for your travel-loving Valentine (or even for yourself!).

Dear adventure-seekers, make February 14^th extra special by exploring the world with these most unique Valentine’s Day gifts for traveling couples!

If you don't have anyone to shower with Valentine's presents because you just ended your relationship, read about the best creative ways to deal with a breakup!

What is the best gift to give a traveler?

For those who love traveling, numerous unique and thoughtful gifts can inspire their spark for exploring the world and be helpful during the exploration.

When deciding what to buy for your Valentine, you can start by brainstorming general ideas. World maps where one can pin favorite destinations, passport covers, luggage tags or sleep masks, and even a photo album filled with your travel memories, can all be great starting points for your reflection.

Some other Valentine’s Day gift ideas could include a comforting plush toy, a luxurious travel pillow, a subscription to a travel magazine, or even camera or drone equipment for future documenting of your adventures.

Then again, a good Valentine’s Day idea for one person can be just a bland present for someone else. Always try to choose a gift that would be meaningful to your partner, and make sure that it shows your interest in his or her passions and interests!

To help you in the challenge of picking the perfect present for your travel lover, we’ve curated this list of the most unique romantic travel gifts you can order online!

If you miss the Valentine’s Day deadline, there are many more alternative holidays about love, so check them out! 

Romantic travel gifts for him and her

11 unique Valentine’s gifts for him

1. Whiskey decanter globe set

With a half-century of experience in handcrafting giftware, Godinger is a trusted New York-based producer one can resort to for any special occasion.

This hand-blown lead-free whiskey decanter dispenser with an etched globe design and a model of an antique ship inside the bottle is a unique Valentine’s gift for him.

It does come with two matching old-fashioned whiskey glasses in the same spirit (pun intended), so you would surely be able to join this elevated drinking experience.

The set is fitted onto a mahogany stained tray, and the bottle comes with a gold stopper as another elegant touch.

The 850-ml decanter could be used for any type of liquor of course, even for non-alcoholic beverages, if your beloved traveler prefers iced tea or juice.

Order the whiskey decanter here!

2. Beard bib apron

In the last decade, the beard has come back to fashion with a bang, but maintaining a nice trim is not always easy, especially if Mr. Beardo doesn’t clean up after himself.

Great for use both at home and on the road, the Beard King’s beard bib apron will leave the sink, faucet, and everything around hairless. And let’s be honest, if you had issues with clogged sink drains, this is a perfect gift for the gift-giver too!

As a matter of fact, this product was developed in 2014, by a couple whose issues with messy trimmings all over the bathroom were followed by a question: “Who’s going to clean it up?”

With mirror suction cups and a neck collar, this beard-hair catcher has a simple set-up. The fabric is slick, static, and stick-free, which enables mess-free disposal after grooming.

This barber-shop quality product is one of the most unique Valentine’s Day gifts you can find for him.

Order the beard bib apron here!

3. Electric heated vest

Ideal as a Valentine’s Day gift for an outdoors person, this heated down vest with a detachable hood will be of great use for extended stays outside in colder weather.

Venustas uses intelligent technology in designing long-lasting warmth for winter adventures. The lightweight puffer jacket is equipped with a battery that will warm your partner in an instant, and last three hours on the highest heating setting and up to nine hours on the lowest one. The vest battery also doubles as a smartphone charger.

Essentially covering two zones (mid-back, and front pocket area), besides the damage-proof carbon-fiber heating elements, the water-resistant puffer also has a light and soft white-duck-feather filling for excellent heat insulation.

Evenings by the bonfire or early-morning coffee-sipping by the lake will never be the same with this unique Valentine’s Day gift that provides warmth in the coldest months.

Order the electric heated vest here!

4. Lunch backpack

Another gift that your travel-loving partner would love is certainly this lunch backpack by Matein, a company that inspires people to get out and live passionate lives.

First of all, this backpack has a lunch box compartment that will keep his food warm and drinks cold for up to four hours. There is even a practical space for tableware.

Secondly, the backpack has leak-proof insulation layer fabric and water-resistant polyester fabric, which is not only great for the meal but also for a computer. It can easily fit a 17-inch laptop and a 15-inch iPad.

Besides the main pocket for everything one might need, there are also dedicated pockets for tissues, glasses, and cards, an anti-theft pocket, a key fob hook, a USB charging port for a phone, an elastic belt for a bottle/umbrella, buckle belts for a picnic mat, as well as a luggage strap.

Obviously, one could use this multifunctional backpack for a variety of occasions, from regular school or business needs to full-on hiking adventures.

Order the lunch backpack here!

5. Self-cleaning bottle

There is too much plastic in this world to travel around with store-bought water bottles. Refillable metal bottles are a solution, but they very quickly hit the drinker back with odor developing inside, in hard-to-access areas.

This self-cleaning bottle by WAATR stops the unpleasant experience that could deter someone from going green. Every four hours, UV rays in the patented CrazyCap automatically activate, cleaning water of unwanted bacteria, mildew, mold, and other odors.

The powerful ultraviolet light works on the same wavelength as the UV that sanitizes operating rooms or water-treatment plants. In just one or two minutes, your partner will have pristine drinking water. And with the help of an optional intelligent hydration reminder, he will not forget to consume it.

The self-cleaning bottle has triple vacuum insulation, which keeps beverages hot for 12 hours or icy cold for 24 hours. This technology also makes the bottle indestructible, so it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Order the self-cleaning bottle here!

6. Handheld telescope

Your outdoorsman will love this monocular telescope by Roxant. The compact device enables seeing faraway things in high definition, no matter if it’s bird or wildlife watching, target shooting, or enjoying an opera, or a sports game.

Premium optical glass with a military-grade objective lens guarantees superior light transmission and brightness, and crisp sights come in wide view (6×30).

The high-definition telescope is solidly built, compact, and durable. But it is also lightweight and has a no-slip comfort-molded grip, which makes it easy to hold still with one hand for long periods.

If you want to provide a closer and crystal-clear view of nature to your hiking enthusiast, the handheld telescope is a cool gear he will love.

Order the monocular telescope here!

7. Smartphone lenses

Provide new views to his smartphone camera with Xenvo pro lens kit! It works with both iPhones and Android, as well as with tablets and laptops.

The package includes a TruView 0.45x wide-angle lens which expands the field of view in every snapshot to 140 %. The shot will not get a vignette view; this premium optical glass leaves no dark corners.

For super close-up photos, there is a Clarus 15x macro lens. It will magnify nearby subjects in a razor-crisp shot, with all intricate details.

This professional lens kit will also include a GlowClip rechargeable LED light with adjustable warm brightness, which will provide more natural shots than the camera flash does.

Finally, the kit comes with the following add-ons: a lens clip with superior gripping power, a cleaning cloth, pro video tutorials, a travel case, and a quick-release lanyard (so he can carry the lens around his neck and easily attach it when needed).

Order the pro lens kit here!

8. Flashlight gloves

Another cool gadget your travel-loving partner will be happy to receive as a Valentine’s Day gift is these flashlight gloves by Moipejo.

Useful in situations such as erecting a tent by night, catching a fish in the twilight, or even repairing a broken car, these gloves enable a brighter environment while freeing up hands for action. No more holding a flashlight with teeth!

LED-light-powered gloves are made of waterproof and comfortable material. The breathable and soft fabric is lightweight and skin-friendly. Elastic velcro strap makes them adjustable to most hand sizes.

Flashlight gloves are promoted as a product one never knew one needed, until getting them.

Order the flashlight gloves here!

9. Language translator device

For your travel-loving partner, this language translator device can be a very useful Valentine’s Day gift. Pocketalk can translate conversations anywhere where there is an internet signal.

This real-time translating device comes with a built-in two-year data plan (no wifi needed!) which allows confident communication in 133 countries. The two-way voice translator operates in 82 languages so that your partner would never feel lost in a foreign place.

The user speaks in the native language, and the device handles up to 30 seconds of speaking per translation. It has powerful dual speakers and noise-canceling dual microphones, so it should be able to pick up conversations even in a noisy environment. The large touch-screen offers a speech-to-text display.

Pocketalk is small enough to fit in a pocket but also powerful enough to provide seven hours of usage or up to ten days in sleep mode.

Order the portable language translator here!

10. Sonic toothbrush

This is hum by Colgate, a smart rechargeable battery-powered toothbrush kit that will make oral hygiene on the road as easy as it gets.

It creates up to 30 thousand powerful sonic vibrations per minute, and one can choose normal, sensitive, or deep-clean mode. Fully charged, it can serve up to 10 days.

The sonic toothbrush comes with a practical carrying case, which makes it a great travel companion for your lover’s everyday needs.

It’s called a smart toothbrush as it connects to the phone app by Bluetooth, tracking frequency, duration, and coverage of brushing style, guiding the user to better target spots that require more love. To help with brushing habits, the hum has a 2-minute built-in timer that pulses every 30 seconds.

In the app, proper brushing leads to points, and those translate to rewards.

Order the healthy smile for your lover here!

11. Portable pull-up bar

Traveling doesn’t mean your partner is entitled to skip workouts. Eleviia, the portable pull-up bar by Duonamic, weighing just 1,6 kilos, is a practical exercise equipment for staying fit during travels. It can even be taken in carry-on luggage.

The device mounts on any doorframe, and the installation takes just 7,92 seconds. Yes, they’ve been extremely precise in timing this simple setup!

Don’t be discouraged by the light weight of this doorway pull-up bar; the aerospace composite materials (high-grade nylon and fiberglass) give it impressive strength and stiffness, and special spiral-spring clamps produce no damage on the doorway. The bar can endure a lifetime of exercise.

The sturdy construction supports a maximum weight of 250 pounds (114 kilograms), which means most users interested in doing pull-ups can benefit from it.

Order the portable pull-up bar here!

Do you even know who was Valentine, the saint? Learn more about him, as well as where to find St. Valentine’s skull in Rome!

11 unique Valentine’s gifts for her

1. Card-holder wallet

Love is usually priceless, but this card-holder wallet from the Auner Leather collection is a relatively affordable product for storing funds for all those things money CAN buy.

The cardholder is made of premium leather, soft to the touch, and it’s quilted with the shape of a heart, as your Valentine deserves it.

The wallet incorporates RFID-blocking technology to obstruct identity theft, keep her data safe, and protect credit cards against unnoticed scans.

There are four card slots in this minimalist wallet, as well as a central pocket for paper money, making it just enough for daily use.

To answer a variety of tastes, there is a multitude of wallet colors to choose from.

Order the cardholder here!

2. Laptop backpack

This laptop backpack even has a romantic name – Lovevook. It has an impressive number of 22 pockets and pouches, and if you know anything about female purses, that’s a benefit!

From padded laptop and iPad compartment, pencil and bottle holders, to napkin and anti-theft pockets, she will have plenty of space to organize her belongings.

Additionally, the backpack comes with an extra pouch bag that can be used as a travel, cosmetics, or electronics organizer.

Lovevook backpack conveniently has a USB charging port, so her phone can easily be charged on the go.

Sturdy and made of quality materials, with magnetic snaps, double zippers, and reinforced sewing, this laptop backpack can accompany your travel lover over many kilometers. With cushioned straps for shoulders and a luggage strap to combine with a rolling suitcase, she won’t even notice it’s there.

Pick her favorite color and order the laptop backpack here!

3. Travel journal

Another good Valentine’s Day gift idea for her is a high-quality notebook. This particular travel journal by CARVEx is made of sturdy and thick genuine leather and has an embossed heart cover.

If your lover likes spending time journaling, drawing, or sketching, this cute notebook will give her 240 pages of space to express herself.

The paper inside this lovely journal is high-quality premium (140 GSM), which makes it ideal for fountain pens or heavy pencils, without bleed-through.

The classic flap-over design with stitched coptic binding and the unique locking mechanism of the brass metal key latch, give it an elegant antique feel.

The vintage-looking journal is of a perfect size to fit inside most purses, totes, or backpacks, so it is truly travel-friendly.

Order the travel journal here!

4. World-map necklace

This pendant necklace by ChicSilver would be a romantic way to express that your beloved travel lover means the world to you on Valentine’s Day.

Made out of 18k gold-plated sterling silver, by a famous jewelry company known for minimalist and timeless pieces, the necklace with a world-map pendant would be a stylish accessory to her outfits.

All necklaces by this company are made of hypoallergenic materials, which means they have passed strict tests as nickel-free and allergy-free, and that they are safe for even the most sensitive skin.

If you cannot take her on a trip around the world, you can still bring the world around her neck, which will certainly be appreciated by a travel-obsessed Valentine.

Order the world map pendant necklace here!

5. Travel jewelry case box

Now that she has a piece of Valentine’s jewelry, she would need a jewelry case box for her trips too. This travel roll bag by Vlando is practical storage for her trinkets; it has three compartments, and it rolls up and closes with a snap button.

Abrasion-resistant and designed to prevent scratches, the PU leather gives a hard shell, while comfortable flocking inside provides gentle protection for the jewelry.

There’s no more mess or fear of lost items on a trip; necklaces, bracelets, watches, hair grips, earrings, rings, brooches, as well as other equally precious small objects such as keys, USB sticks, or headphones can be nicely organized in this travel jewelry case box.

Viaggio travel jewelry box comes in fashionable colors such as khaki grey, tranquil blue, periwinkle purple, or classic black.

Order the jewelry box of your choice here!

6. Make-up mini fridge

This small cosmetics refrigerator by Aidek is a perfect little gadget to take on the road. Just because you are going camping in the mountains, it doesn’t mean she has to give up on beauty treatments. Just throw this compact and portable make-up fridge in the car, and you are ready to go!

The fashionable mini fridge will provide perfect storage for cosmetics, but also fruit snacks, drinks, or infant breast milk. It can keep its contents cold or warm, as you wish, between 5 and 67 degrees Celsius.

The shelves in the fridge are adjustable and removable, specially designed with ladies’ cosmetics in mind. The four-liter capacity easily stores 6 cans or 35 facial masks.

Add to this a sleek faux leather handle, non-slip mats, and a quiet cooling fan, and you get a truly transportable refrigerator that fits well in both the car and the house.

Order the make-up mini fridge here!

7. Travel massage balls

Everyday life but also traveling can cause a lot of stress. If you want to surprise your travel lover with a unique Valentine’s Day gift, this set of travel massage balls by Rawlogy could bring a smile to her face!

The two balls (one classic, the other pocket-size) are practical massagers on the go and can be used instead of a bulky muscle roller to get deep into tight tissue, release muscle tension, stretch fascia, or bust up a knot.

Your partner can look forward to soothing relaxation in the entire body, from shoulders, neck, and back, to hips, glutes, and legs. And all of that through the process of self-massage, which will save money spent on expensive therapists.

These portable self-care tools are made of cork, and they are sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts that protect the world’s cork forests by upcycling.

Order the eco-conscious cork massage balls here!

8. Travel yoga mat

Another useful Valentine’s Day gift for your wanderlust seeker could be a piece of practical workout equipment she could travel with. Help her practice her daily fitness and exercise routines on this folding travel yoga mat by Gaiam!

It doesn’t matter if she is doing yoga, pilates, or any other type of floor workout, this 2-millimeter-thick non-toxic PVC mat with sticky no-slip texture would be a stable exercise ground.

As it is lightweight, compact, and folds up nicely, this travel yoga mat saves loads of space in comparison to the traditional rolled mat. Your partner can easily fit it in a carry-on bag, and bring it to any weekend getaway or an extended retreat.

The mat comes with free online yoga classes, so that’s another plus on your Valentine’s shopping list.

Order the travel yoga mat here!

9. Water bottle with snack compartment

Now, this is an ingenious solution for hiking enthusiasts: a drink & snack cup combo by FLPSDE. The stainless steel water bottle doubles as a snack container!

While your darling explores nature, the insulated FLPSDE bottle will keep her drink cold or warm for hours. If she gets hungry, all she needs to do is flip the bottle and open the secret compartment with her favorite snacks.

The convenient all-in-one travel bottle is rust-proof and sweat-proof, and its plastic components are leak-proof and BPA-free. With a silicone grip, it is easy to handle, and even easier to disassemble for washing in the dishwasher.

The patented design of dual chambers will bring additional freedom to your partner’s outdoor adventure, letting her fully embrace the on-the-go lifestyle.

Order the water bottle/snack dispenser here!

10. Pixel-art Bluetooth speaker

From Divoom, the company that produced the first pixel-art speaker, here comes one of the most unique Valentine’s Day gifts that you can get for her. Ditoo is a retro pixel art game Bluetooth speaker that has a 16×16 LED app-controlled front screen.

Yes, it’s a fun portable gadget that doesn’t only provide intense, powerful, 360° surround sound with super bass and 10 hours of playback time.

It will also give a platform for expression through pixel art creation which will kill hours of boredom. Best of all, the speaker and the pixel art will play and dance to the equalizer!

Besides just streaming her Spotify music, your partner will be able to discover a whole little world in this tiny gadget. It will serve her as a smart alarm/clock, provide white noise for better sleeping and working, notify her about social media or her calendar, inform her about the weather and temperature, and amuse her as a fun game console or voice morpher!

This multifunctional entertainment center comes in the shape of a kawaii retro computer, with a mechanical keyboard, and a joystick reminiscent of an old-school arcade.

Order the vintage pixel-art Bluetooth speaker here!

11. The world’s most romantic destinations

As your last resort in finding perfectly unique romantic travel gifts for your girlfriend, we have left a book.

If you think she wouldn’t be into “Spare” (Prince Harry’s mega-popular account of romantic troubles in the royal palace, which she can actually listen to as an audiobook for free here), National Geographic’s “The World’s Most Romantic Destinations” will certainly spark her interest in dreamy holidays.

The book presents 50 gloriously enchanting places that will inspire her to plan a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or just a laid-back trip for your next Valentine’s Day!

Full of practical tips on where to go, what to do, what to see, and where to eat, this hardcover guide is a bible of top-secret romantic spots across six continents, from Bhutan to Sweden, from Mozambique to Costa Rica.

Once you decide on the destination, make sure to save money by using the best available travel resources around (flights and hotels included).

Order the book of romantic destinations here!

If your partner is a gourmand, you will want to check these Valentine food gift ideas!

Romantic travel gifts for Valentine’s Day – Conclusion

Even when we know our partner down to the core, it’s not always easy to come up with the most romantic Valentine’s Day ideas for your significant Him or Her.

Whether you opt for quirky and alternative, or more mainstream Valentine’s Day gifts, remember that the most important part is – wrapping them in love

Of course, when it comes to spending time together, through making dinner, embracing laughter, enjoying a walk, or a movie, nothing beats the pricelessness of shared experience. If you can go on a trip, even better!

But when it comes to showing tokens of our love, last-minute gift-hunting in shops can be an exhausting and not really fulfilling task. Luckily, we can order Valentine’s gifts online!

If your lover adores traveling, you have come to the perfect place to source ideas. Hopefully, you can find some good Valentine’s gifts for guys and gals in this Amazon guide, presents that will transform into long-lasting memories.

Whether you opt for quirky and alternative, or more mainstream Valentine’s Day gifts, remember that the most important part is – wrapping them in love.

There is no more unique Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other than spending precious time with the best gift he/she has already chosen by himself/herself: you.

Did you like this Amazon guide through the most unique romantic travel gifts for Valentine’s Day?
Pin it for later!  

This post was originally published on January 29th, 2023, and was updated on February 7th, 2024.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post 22 Most Unique Romantic Travel Gifts appeared first on Pipeaway.

All destinations, especially after a restricted pandemic era, crave a piece of tourist pie, but not every trip will make a difference

With all geopolitical conflicts around us, and high inflation nibbling on our earnings, traveling may not be on top of everyone’s mind. Still, the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) projects that world tourism is on the road to full recovery of pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Judging by what global media serves us as must-visit hotspots, we’ll be flocking to the less-explored countries such as Mongolia and Pakistan, embarking on slow-travel-promising European sleeper trains and Yucatán‘s immersive Mayan Train, or perhaps cheering with crowds on the stadiums of the Summer Olympics in Paris, and German hosts of the EURO football tournament.

While the top travel destinations of 2024 are often chosen to showcase off-the-beaten-path and sustainability-focused tourism, and openings of new hotels, resorts, cruises, or national parks, they don’t always answer the pressing question: Where SHOULD we travel in 2024?

All destinations, especially after a restricted pandemic era, crave a piece of tourist pie, but not every trip will make a difference. If you want to find meaningful travel experiences in the upcoming year (meaningful both for guests and hosts), venture to those places where your arrival could be life-changing.

Destinations that have gone through earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other environmental disasters, are not just hungry for tourism. They need recovery. And they need it much more than destinations that can afford marketing in global media, overcrowded with the best places to go in 2024 like Dubrovnik streets with tourists.

Wanderlust buffet – 254 top places to travel in 2024

Before we jump on our suggestions of where to travel in 2024, let’s take a quick look at travel sites, the buffets of neverending options where even an all-you-can-eat enthusiast would feel overwhelmed. At this time of the year, the market knows we’re in a planning phase, so all travel media jump in to help us make the choice.

Lonely Planet released their top 50 destinations to visit in 2024. The top, mind you! It almost makes you wonder how many destinations did not make the cut, those in the bottom and the middle of the list.

Travel+Leisure editors claimed to have hand-picked (!) the list of the 50 best places to travel in 2024 too. “Thoughtful, curious travelers” may be confused with the editors’ generous hands.

“The urge to travel is ubiquitous and easy to catch, but choosing where to go can be a much more complex task”, experts at Forbes Advisor said. Appreciating the complexity of that task, they also compiled a list of, you guessed it, 50 best places to travel in 2024.

Travel Lemming’s team of expert travelers has curated their annual list of 50 hidden gems and emerging destinations you should visit, advocating for “longer trips and embracing a slower – and more sustainable – pace of travel.” The mysterious challenge is up to you; how to squeeze all those longer trips to 50 unhidden gems in one year (or a lifetime?).

Not every media thinks that all we do is travel. Some showed a valiant effort to save our precious time. National Geographic Traveller has “crossed the world to find the 30 most exciting destinations”. And Condé Nast Traveler editors debated for months, they said, to shortlist their suggestions of the 24 best places to go in 2024.

When you take these bottomless bucket lists, and add the lists of, for instance, 20 travel trends (the biggest ones, of course), you end up with more questions than answers.

Where to really go in 2024?

In recent years, the tourism industry has been deeply affected by a series of events induced or supported by humans (wars, economic and political crises, pandemic), but also those that have naturally erased years of human effort (environmental disasters caused by seismic activity, wildfires, landslides, storms, floods or droughts).

Some of the extreme weather events are surely linked to human activity (climate change), but these disasters, at the moment of happening, are completely out of people’s control. Our choices and interventions can hardly stop the force of nature, making locals utterly helpless.

Those who survive the rage of nature will typically stay and rebuild the resources. But for resurrecting the hope of a better tomorrow, tourists can have an immense influence. That doesn’t mean everyone should choose voluntourism or become the local handyman. But already showing up, using local services, and buying local produce can significantly impact quicker recovery.

Indeed, we can have unforgettable travel experiences while changing lives in 2024!

4 places to visit in 2024

1. Morocco

On September 8, 2023, the strongest recorded Morocco earthquake (6.8 magnitude) shook the High Atlas Mountains, killing almost 3,000 people, injuring 5,700, and displacing 500,000. The catastrophic seismic event near the town of Adassil, 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, wiped out poor remote villages, many of which were accessible only by donkey trails. In total, 19,000 homes were destroyed, and 59,000 damaged.

Despite the devastating quake, Morocco still sees tourism as the country’s driving force, aiming to double the visitor numbers by 2030, the year when they co-host the FIFA World Cup.

After all, tourism is a vital contributor to the country’s economy, with 15% of the population working in the sector. The steady flow of tourists during this recovery period is needed more than ever.

Therefore, Morocco is one of the best places to go abroad in 2024. Head there to meet its friendly people and learn about the country’s rich culture. Stay in riads transformed into boutique hotels, stroll through vibrant medinas, haggle in lively markets, and feast on local delicacies. Between the sands of the Sahara Desert and thousands of beach kilometers, lies a country ready to embrace both you and the relief you bring.

Visit the Atlas Mountains on a private day trip! Avoid the crowds, and see the natural beauty through the eyes of the locals.

2. Turkey

Southeastern Turkey has experienced an even stronger earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) on February 6, 2023. The devastating seismic event struck near Gaziantep, the area already struggling with the humanitarian challenges of hosting thousands of refugees fleeing Syria‘s turmoil. Around 50,000 people lost their lives, and thousands of buildings toppled like houses of cards.

While the earthquakes damaged the 2,000-year-old Diyarbakir Fortress, there are 20 other UNESCO-protected World Heritage Sites worth visiting in Turkey.

Tourism is a part of the healing process after the catastrophe, and in a country that employs two million people in this industry, supporting local businesses is the best way to directly help the recovery in this difficult period. With the Turkish lira at its all-time low, you’ll be even getting more while spending your tourist dollars.

Turkish historical sites, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches are always worth visiting, but they should be among the top places to travel in 2024. After all, Turkey is a large country, and you can support its economy even by visiting Istanbul, Antalya, or Mediterranean resorts that are miles away from the directly affected provinces.

In a world of growing natural disasters, civil incidents, and travel calamities, traveling with insurance is a must. Check out the specialized products VisitorsCoverage offers to travelers!

3. Hawaii, USA

In 2023, the United States experienced a record number of weather and climate disaster events. Amidst storms, floods, a tropical cyclone, and heatwaves, the Hawaii firestorm had one of the most catastrophic tolls.

On August 8, a wildfire engulfed the western part of Maui island, notably the historic town of Lahaina, pushing people to find safety in the ocean. The wind-driven fires took away 115 lives, destroyed 2,207 buildings, and caused 5.5 billion dollars in damages.

Tourism is Hawaii’s financial lifeline, but if you go there, visit the unaffected areas, and still approach everyone with respect and mindfulness. Remember that the waters you want to snorkel in are where people lost their lives, and those who survived need to rebuild their reality from ashes. While tourist dollars can help the financial recovery of locals, they cannot heal all wounds. So turn off the privilege-driven attitude, and ask how you can help before you hula your way through.

Searching for the most economical way to get to Hawaii? Find the cheapest flight tickets here!

4. Acapulco, Mexico

On October 25, 2023, hurricane Otis crashed into Mexico, five miles south of Acapulco. A tropical storm quickly transformed into a category 5 hurricane, the strongest one to ever land on Mexico’s Pacific coastline. The 300 km/h winds killed at least 50 people, with more proclaimed missing. The worst inflicted were the yacht crews and boat workers, important members of the tourism community.

As Acapulco’s economy is largely built on tourism, the destruction of infrastructure was immense. Otis damaged almost 80% of hotels in this beach resort town. Waist-high flooding, landslides, and even the damage to the surrounding tropical forest were just some aftermaths of this environmental nightmare in Guerrero, one of the poorest Mexico states.

It will take time for the wounded Acapulco to get back on its feet, but optimistically at the end of 2024, you’ll be able to watch the famous cliff divers and listen to beachside serenades in a new Acapulco. In the meantime, you can support Guerrero’s tourism in the mountain town of Taxco or the surfer’s paradise of Troncones.

When deciding to travel to Mexico, always take the current situation into account, as government advisories may discourage non-essential travel in Guerrero.

Best places to travel in 2024 – Conclusion

In a world that changes as quickly as its climate, tragedies are becoming more frequent, and tourism has become a privilege.

We can choose our adventures, but we can also choose our impact

Choosing where to travel in 2024 is more than a vacation decision, certainly a lot more than just closing your eyes and blindly picking an item from the endless travel menus served by mainstream media.

Indeed, we can choose our adventures, but we can also choose our impact.

Tourists can be the partners of narratives, they can contribute to the healing process after tragedies, by providing financial aid but also restoring the motivation and optimism in shattered communities.

Journeys have evolved from mere sightseeing a long ago. When life seems to stop to have meaning, travelers can be catalysts for change. Do your own part in 2024!

What do you think about the best places to travel in 2024?
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The images in this article have been sourced through Unsplash.

In the order of appearance, their authors are as follows:
Marrakesh handicraft (cover image) - A D
Marrakesh - Laura C
Istanbul - Ibrahim guetar
Hawaii - Faith Lehman
Acapulco - Daniel Apodaca
Man in Morocco desert (pin image) - Mohamed Nohassi

The post Best Places to Travel in 2024 (If You Want to Make a Difference) appeared first on Pipeaway.

There are plenty of things to do when visiting this unforgettable city of traboules (not troubles! :)), so if you’re planning a short break, you better read on.

To help you make the most out of your time there, we’ve prepared our very own Lyon itinerary that should give you great starting ideas of things to see and do in Lyon in three days.

There's a lot more charm in the neighborhood. Check out what to see in the South of France!

Lyon 3-day itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Town via traboules

Start your first day off right by heading to Vieux Lyon, an expansive Renaissance district bursting with charming shops, cafés, and churches. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the 15^th and 16^th-century buildings, once home to rich bankers and merchants.

While winding your way through the courtyards and up and down the many staircases, keep an eye out for Lyon’s secret passageways, more commonly known as traboules. Years ago, these paths were used by workmen to transport textiles through the city while being sheltered from bad weather.

Around 40 are open to the public and are marked with an identifiable seal. If you don’t feel like finding them yourself, you can instead join a guided tour.

After this, consider walking up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a fantastic view of the city. Called the “upside-down elephant” by locals, the basilica sits atop the Fourvière hill and features both Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can take the funicular to the top if you don’t feel like walking.

Day 2: Experience art and culture in Lyon museums

After your hectic first day, consider taking it a bit easier on your second. The city is home to an excellent collection of museums, most of which are free to enter. You can easily spend half of your day at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, one of France’s largest art museums.

The museum is located in a former Benedictine convent from the 17^th century and contains collections from ancient Egypt to the Modern art period. It also features work from a world-class roster, including the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

In your Lyon itinerary, definitely make some room for a puppet show with Guignol, Lyon’s most famous puppet

Alternatively, you can visit the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon, which covers the entire development of the city from its archaic roots to the present day. With a variety of sculptures, paintings, photographs, and exhibits, you’re sure to leave knowing all about Lyon and its inhabitants.

Besides the Museum of Lyon History, the other half of Gadagne Museums is the Musée des Arts de la Marionnette. More than 300 puppets can be found here, revealing an intricate world of performance, emotions, and illusion. Stop to watch one of the puppet shows, which includes Guignol – Lyon’s famous puppet.

If you want to see a church that resembles a bird, you'll have to travel to the Indonesian island of Java. Check out the Chicken Church!

Day 3: Discover the Croix-Rousse Hill & District

Since you’ve covered the majority of Lyon’s most famous attractions, it’s now time to explore some of the city’s more underrated hidden gems. Perched on a hill, the historic district of La Croix-Rousse is packed with adorable cafés, charming boutiques, and indie musicians.

Les canuts, Lyon’s famous silk weavers, once resided here in La Croix-Russe which is what led to it gaining its reputation as the “hill that works”. The best way to get around this area is by foot so that you don’t miss out on the attractions dotted along the way.

Start by visiting the oldest Roman amphitheater in the city, L’Amphitéatre des Trois Gaules, an early 1st-century auditorium dedicated to the cult of Rome and Augustus. While relatively small, the amphitheater once hosted games and was a meeting place for representatives of the 60 Gallic tribes.

Afterward, you’ll pass through another traboule known as the Cour des Voraces, one of Lyon’s best-known passageways. Like most traboules, it provided safe passage for merchants traveling up the hill and back down again undetected. It was also the site of the Canut revolt of 1848 when these workers rose in an attempt to break free from the old system.

If you have time left and fancy getting some souvenirs to take home, head to the central part of Lyon – Presqu’ile. Here, you’ll find a mixture of major department stores and luxury brand outlets on the UNESCO-protected shopping streets.

For more of France, amphitheaters, and unusual architecture, consult our European itinerary for first-timers!

Getting around Lyon

Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport is approximately 25 kilometers away from the city center; therefore, you’ll need to organize transport to where you’ll be staying. While there is a shuttle bus service that connects the airport to the city center, called the Navette Lyon, a Lyon Airport transfer is the most convenient option, particularly if your flight arrives late or you have lots of luggage.

Lyon has an incredibly efficient public transport system consisting of trams, buses, and a metro. Consider purchasing a Lyon Card for your few days there as this will provide you with unlimited access to public transport and discounts on some of the attractions.

Lyon itinerary in 3 days – conclusion

In three days, we’ve journeyed through the captivating city of Lyon, uncovering its rich history, embracing its cultural wonders, and exploring hidden gems of a bygone era.

Lyon’s traboules whisper secrets to contemporary urban explorers

No Lyon itinerary would be complete without immersing not just in a place, but in an experience. The soul of France is here celebrated through a seamless blend of the beauty of the past and the vibrant energy of modern life. The art and culture breathe life into museums, while the winding traboules whisper secrets to contemporary urban explorers.

As you prepare to leave this remarkable city, some moments will be engraved in your mind. The exquisite flavors of Lyonnaise cuisine, the panoramic views from Fourvière hill, the captivating performances of marionettes, and the tales of silk merchants and revolutionaries are all part of Lyon’s unique charm.

Our 3-day Lyon itinerary has been but a glimpse into this enchanting town’s treasures, a mere taste of what it has to offer. Until we meet again, à bientôt, Lyon!

Did you like this Lyon travel itinerary?
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The photographs in this article have been sourced through Unsplash and Pixabay.

In the order of appearance, the authors are as follows: 
Lyon night panorama (cover image) - Free Nomad
Traboule passerby - Nerissa J
Traboule courtyard - Marian Muraru 
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière - Salya T
Cour des Voraces - Renaud Confavreux
Traboule (pin image) - dMz

The post Lyon Itinerary for 3 Days: What to See When Visiting the City of Traboules appeared first on Pipeaway.

On your first European trip, discover the academic charm of Oxford, the romantic allure of Paris, the ancient wonders of Rome, and the lively spirit of Barcelona!

So, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, where do you even start? From hiking in Norway’s majestic mountains to island-hopping through the Greek archipelago, deciding where to go could bring more than one sweet dilemma. With so much to explore and a dazzling array of choices, how should you plan your maiden voyage to Europe?

If you want to get the first taste of the vibrant cultures that call Europe home, we suggest not spreading yourself too thin. Make the most of your journey by following this enticing European itinerary for first-time visitors, as it will bring you to four exciting countries well-connected by short flights or train rides.

On your first European trip, you’ll be able to discover the academic charm of Oxford, the romantic allure of Paris, the ancient wonders of Rome, and the lively spirit of Barcelona! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure across four iconic European destinations!

Oxford, England: Walking in the footsteps of Harry Potter

First up on our itinerary is Oxford, England, a city that wears its rich history with pride and elegance. Oxford is famous worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally.

But for Harry Potter fans, Oxford is more than just an academic haven; it’s a portal into the enchanting world of Hogwarts.

Before you embark on this magical journey, it’s essential to determine your Hogwarts House. Take Brainfall‘s Harry Potter House Quiz and see how much you actually know before visiting the places where they filmed your favorite wizard’s boarding school.

Visit iconic Harry Potter filming locations

Oxford University’s historic buildings doubled as various locations in the Harry Potter films. A guided tour around these spots can make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the wizarding world.

• The Divinity School: Featured as the Hogwarts Infirmary in the movies, the Divinity School’s ornate ceiling and grand arches will instantly transport you to Harry’s world.
• The Bodleian Library: A part of this ancient library was transformed into the Hogwarts library in the films. A walk through its quiet aisles is a must for any Potterhead.
• Christ Church College: The college’s grand dining hall inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall. The college’s stunning architecture is worth a visit.

Explore the rest of Oxford

Beyond its Harry Potter connections, Oxford has a wealth of culture, history, and beauty to explore:

• Visit the Ashmolean Museum: Housing an extraordinary collection of art and archaeology, it’s a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
• Stroll through the Botanic Garden: As the oldest botanic garden in the UK, it provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

Exploring Europe from a cruise ship? Start in Southampton, and take these day trips first!

Paris, France: Where love blossoms and croissants call your name

Few places stir the imagination as vividly as Paris, the magnificent capital city of France. Synonymous with romance, gastronomy, fashion, and remarkable historical sites, Paris is a city of many splendors. A stop in the ‘City of Lights’ is a quintessential part of your first European trip.

Iconic landmarks

The very name of Paris conjures images of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. These landmarks narrate the city’s rich history and stand as testaments to its artistic and architectural prowess.

• The Eiffel Tower: Known globally as the symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower is an architectural marvel that dominates the Parisian skyline. Ascend this iconic tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris that is nothing short of breathtaking.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral enchants with its stunning façade, intricate stained glass windows, and dramatic towers. Despite being partially damaged by the 2019 fire, the cathedral remains one of Paris’ must-visit sites.
• The Louvre: Home to thousands of works of art from different periods and regions, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa, the Louvre is not just a museum – it’s an experience. Set aside ample time to explore this former royal palace that holds centuries of artistic heritage within its majestic walls.

Experience Parisian lifestyle

Stepping into Paris is like stepping into a living painting. Immerse yourself in the Parisian lifestyle to truly understand the charm that this city holds.

• Explore Montmartre: This historic and artistic neighborhood, with its bohemian past and exciting ambiance, is perfect for leisurely exploration. Visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, stroll along the charming streets of Montmartre, and visit the bustling artists’ square, Place du Tertre. Follow the steps of “Emily in Paris”, and find your amorous message on the Wall of Love.
• Seine River cruise: A boat ride on the Seine River offers a unique perspective of the city’s famous landmarks. The cruise becomes exceptionally romantic as the city lights up at night.

Extend your France visit with this 3-day Lyon itinerary, or explore even more fantastic destinations in the South of France! 

Rome, Italy: A Dive into history (and pasta)

Rome, Italy‘s sprawling capital, is often described as a giant, open-air museum. With its globally influential art, rich culture, ancient ruins, and architectural treasures, Rome promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

Historical monuments and sites

Rome’s vast historical landscape is astounding, with well-preserved treasures at every turn that transport you back to the Roman Empire.

• The Colosseum: This massive stone amphitheater, where gladiators once battled, is a symbol of the Roman Empire’s might and ingenuity. A guided tour can provide fascinating insights into its history and architecture.
• The Roman Forum: Explore the ruins of this once-thriving heart of the Roman Empire. Its crumbling arches and columns were part of grand temples, government buildings, and markets in ancient times.
• The Pantheon: This well-preserved monument is an architectural masterpiece. Marvel at its massive dome and the oculus, the only source of natural light inside. Since recently, the entrance to the Pantheon is not free of charge, so make sure to book your ticket!

Italian gastronomy

Rome isn’t just a feast for the eyes, but also a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a wealth of gastronomic experiences.

• Traditional cuisine: Roman cuisine is hearty and diverse. Don’t miss out on local dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and the quintessential Roman artichokes.
• Visit local markets: Campo de’ Fiori is a vibrant local market where you can sample fresh local produce, cheeses, and meats. It’s also an excellent place to pick up some edible souvenirs.

When in Rome, you have to try their ancient lie detector - the Mouth of Truth!

Barcelona, Spain: A melting pot of cultures

Our last stop is Barcelona, the vivacious capital of Catalonia. Famed for its unique architecture, Barcelona offers a unique blend of cultures, a thriving arts scene, an inviting Mediterranean climate, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Architectural marvels

Barcelona’s architecture, shaped significantly by the genius of Antoni Gaudí, is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in the world.

• The Sagrada Familia: This unfinished basilica, Gaudí’s most ambitious project, is a mind-blowing blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Touring its intricate façade and stunning interior is an unforgettable experience.
• Park Güell: This public park is a colorful playground showcasing Gaudí’s creative genius. The mosaic-covered terraces, whimsical structures, and fantastic views of the city make it a must-visit spot in Barcelona.

Explore local culture and cuisine

Barcelona offers myriad opportunities to engage with its vibrant culture and indulge in Catalan cuisine.

• Stroll Las Ramblas: This bustling street in the heart of Barcelona is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. Don’t forget to visit Mercat de la Boqueria, a large public market with a dizzying array of fresh foods.
• Enjoy Catalan cuisine: Sample local dishes like tapas and paella in Barcelona’s many excellent restaurants, and don’t forget to try a glass of traditional Catalan cava, Spanish sparkling wine.

Food, family culture and siesta are all integral parts of the soul of Spain. Learn what makes Spain the country of passion!

First European trip – conclusion

Embarking on your first European trip is an exciting endeavor, and with this itinerary, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe’s greatest destinations.

Itineraries are merely guides. Feel free to sprinkle your own magic along the way!

Each of these cities, with its unique offerings and shared European charm, promises an enriching and unforgettable travel experience.

From sipping tea in the land of Harry Potter to falling in love under the Eiffel Tower, from wandering through the ruins of ancient Rome to dancing the night away in the streets of Barcelona, this itinerary promises unforgettable memories.

Remember, this is merely a guide. Feel free to sprinkle your own magic along the way. Swap a museum visit for an impromptu street performance or take a detour to a hidden café that serves the best cannoli in town. Itineraries are here to be adjusted to our interests and travel pace!

The key is to soak in each city’s unique flavor, embrace the unexpected, and create your own unique European adventure. This is your first European trip, and it’s going to be legendary!

Did you find inspiration for your first European trip?
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The photographs in this article have been sourced through Unsplash.
In the order of appearance, the authors are as follows: 
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona (cover image) - Ashim D’Silva
Oxford - Liv Cashman
Eiffel Tower, Paris - Eliška Doležalová
Colosseum, Rome - Tony Litvyak
Park Güell, Barcelona - Matthieu Rochette
Paris map (pin image) - Duygu Güngör

The post From Hogwarts to Gaudi: Travel Itinerary for Your First European Trip appeared first on Pipeaway.

Amazon Summer Sale 2023 – Sun, Sea, and Savings

You might have missed Amazon’s hot summer deals in June, but don’t fret! Nothing is lost, as July is the month for epic deals that will elevate your vacation experience. Here comes the sizzling hot Amazon Summer Sale 2023!

From Independence Day (4th of July), when you can score a 50% discount on summer must-haves, to Amazon Prime Day (scheduled for July 11th and 12th this year), which is practically the Super Bowl of sales, these weeks are great to chase summer must-haves but also stock up on products that you were eyeing for some time.

To unlock the full potential of Amazon Prime Day, with free and fast deliveries, and access to numerous benefits, you need to register, but there is a free month trial

There are millions of heavily discounted items, from back-to-school and off-to-college essentials to video rentals, purchases, and subscriptions, and Amazon devices and accessories (check out Ring bundles, and Alexa-enabled tech) discounted up to 69%. We won’t go deep here, as we’ll focus on travelers’ summer must-haves, but it’s good to check these out while you’re smartly shopping.

First thing first, to unlock the full potential of Amazon Prime Day, you need to register, as only Prime members can enjoy all the benefits. Do it as soon as you can, as deals start raining even before the official sale dates. There is a lovely free trial for one month, and if you’re a student, you’ll get a 6-month free trial! Count on free and fast deliveries, access to thousands of movies and shows on Prime Video, music, games, e-books, and numerous other benefits. If you ever needed anything from Amazon, now’s the time to obtain it!

Want to get even more? Here’s how to score extra savings! Tip 1: Prime members can purchase $50 eGift Cards, and get $5 promotional credit back. Tip 2: Download the Amazon photo app, upload your first photo, and voila: the $15 credit is yours!

15 summer must-haves for 2023

Temperatures are rising and so are the expectations for the summer of 2023.

Get ready to bask in the glory of the season while scrolling through this curated selection of products that will take your summer game to a whole new level of awesomeness.

There are items that will protect you from the scorching heat, refresh your mind and body, keep you connected while on the go, and entertain you throughout your summer adventures.

Whether you decide to spend time with friends, family, or pets, this Amazon product guide should help you make this summer one for the books. Here come the top 15 summer must-haves for 2023!

1. Glowing sunscreen

TikTok went bonkers over glowing sunscreen or, as the cool kids call it, glowscreen. When you slather this broad-spectrum sunscreen onto your skin, you get an instant glow-up.

This pearlescent finish helps filter blue light. Unlike typical sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a greasy, oily mess, instead giving your sun-exposed skin a dewy look. The glowscreen boosts moisture with add-ons such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide.

The hydration powerhouse comes in a variety of options including sea lavender, watermelon, and tropical fruits. Some of the most popular products in this category are Supergoop! with SPF 40 for $48, Glow Recipe with SPF 50 for $35, or Tula with SPF 30 for $56.

Whether you’re lounging on the best nude beaches in Greece, or just sipping a margarita by the pool, this level of protection promises sun-kissed adventures in a healthy way.

2. Folding sunglasses

Just like we understand the importance of protecting our skin from the sun, we know that our eyes deserve the same care. If you want a practical solution, foldable sunglasses could fit in your pocket!

The Foldies are not just a cheap gimmick. They are scratch-resistant, polarized, and have UV protection coating. They will not be just a fashion-forward accessory for your beach time (even if they do come in stylish varieties, from classic and trendy to retro silhouettes), but also a well-constructed quality shade your eyes deserve.

Its compact design guarantees that you can easily put them away without worrying about some bulky case, which is practical and hassle-free.

These premium sunglasses come with a two-year warranty, and during Amazon Prime Days, you can snag a pair of them for just $71.20.

3. Foldable solar panel

Road trips are in vogue this summer, so if you’re heading off-grid, you better prepare for the ultimate test of independence. Solar panels that can provide the benefits of civilization without sacrificing your wild side, are those that can be folded when you need to store them or transport them around.

Say goodbye to bulky, cumbersome panels that make you feel like you’re lugging around a mini power station. These foldable wonders are here to save the day!

While adored by travelers who love hiking in nature or camping for days, portable solar panels have also experienced an increased demand from location-independent workers. If you can stay connected while living your best van-life dreams in the most remote locations, there’s nothing that can stop both your business success and private joys.

Plan your summer holidays with this super slim and lightweight foldable solar panel kit by Dokio. For just $229, you’ll have the power of the sun at your fingertips.

4. Beach tent

When the sun gets high, you can easily forget its power and get burned without noticing, especially if you tend to fall asleep while suntanning. You close your eyes for “one minute”, and the next thing you know, you’re looking like a freshly boiled lobster. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Literally.

This beach tent by Venustas is a sun shield so mighty that it can accommodate a whole squad of beach bums. It comes in sizes for 3 to 8 people!

The sun shelter provides UPF 50+ UV protection and has four-sided ventilation allowing a cooling breeze. For the full impression of a private oasis, only camels will be missing.

There are no complicated assembly instructions or frustrating tent-pole battles. Easily set up in just one minute, this versatile beach canopy can also improve your camping experience, fishing trip, music festival, or even a leisurely picnic in the park.

Depending on the size you choose, the lightweight pop-up tent will cost you anywhere from $33.99 to $99.99.

5. Pickleball set

Even if pickleball was invented back in 1965, this quirky sport is the talk of the town this season. Like a lovechild of tennis and ping-pong, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the US in recent years.

Pickleball set by JoncAye provides you with everything you need to play this fun game: four top-notch fiberglass racquets, four balls, replacement grip tapes, and bags for carrying your pickleball arsenal.

If you are looking for an active way to bond with your family or a group of friends, a pickleball tournament is a perfect recipe for laughter, friendly competition, and epic rallies that will have you sweating and smiling all at once.

This particular pickleball set suitable for beginners and intermediate players is currently at a 15% discount and costs $73.94.

6. Mermaid tail

From Disney‘s enchanting “The Little Mermaid” to binge-watching “MerPeople” on Netflix, it seems that swimming in fins is everywhere. Why would you dive like a mere human, when you can unleash your fish half with one of the hottest summer must-haves?

Mermaid monofin with a realistic scale design will make heads turn faster than a spinning whirlpool. Once you get the groove with the dolphin kick, you’ll move through the water gracefully, effortlessly, and efficiently as if you were born like a sea siren.

Available in children and adult sizes, Sun Tails monofin ensures that merfolk of all ages can take part in the fun. It also comes in a variety of colors, from the shimmering Aurora Borealis to the vibrant Bahama Pink.

Mermaid tails cost between $69.95 and $79.95.

7. Supersized water mat

Floaties have been a true summer craze in recent years, but most of them serve one up to several people only. If you’ve got a crew of water-loving adventurers, you’ll need something bigger, bolder, and more buoyant to double the fun.

The solution is called an Aqua supersized floating water mat. Its outstanding buoyancy and stability extend the weight capacity up to almost half a ton. The floating playground has mooring loops so you can easily anchor it to a boat or a shore, without worrying about drifting off into the sunset.

Made from material that’s 60% thicker than average pool floats, the supersized water mat can withstand quite a few people. And as it comes with built-in zippers, technically you can order as many mats as you want and safely connect them to a floating island. Or a continent, depending on your budget.

This expandable XXL floatie can be yours at a 24% discount these days, or more concrete: at a price of $134.29.

8. Fruit-infuser water bottle

Staying hydrated during scorching summers can be a challenge, and plain old water can get boring really fast. Hydration can still be an adventure with fruit-infused water that provides much more delightful refreshment.

But you don’t have to buy overpriced and questionably healthy products from a local store. Brimma fruit infuser water bottle allows you to create your very own flavored water, with fruit of your choice.

As an inspired mixologist, you can add luscious berries, zesty citruses, tantalizing kiwis, or even a touch of mint or veggie magic to your fruity elixir. The flavors will meld into a hydrating symphony! This fancy-schmancy product will motivate you to drink more and stay healthier.

The fruit-infuser water bottle is a Prime deal that can be delivered to your doorstep free of charge, and the price is ripe with savings – just $13.89, half the usual cost. Now, that’s one fruitful investment!

9. Cooling towel

You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant, stay at a high-end hotel or fly with top airlines to get a refreshing towel when you need it. Why wouldn’t you have your own set?

These cooling towels by YQXCC are made of microfiber material that is hyper-evaporative and breathable. It’s softer than a cloud and more absorbent than your average sponge.

All you need to do is soak it in water, give it a little wring, and when you drape it around your neck, it will magically work like a portable air-conditioner.

Prevent heatstroke and protect yourself against the sun on hot summer days with these chilly towels, wherever you go.

Sharing is caring, so at the moment, the 6-pack of these amazing cooling towels is discounted by 23%, making it an absolute steal at $16.14.

10. Portable neck fan

Warm weather is more often hot weather in this age of climate change, and spending time outside in the sweltering inferno is not always the most pleasurable. When the temperatures soar as if you have stepped into Hades itself, the following product will help you stay cool as a cucumber.

The innovative portable neck fan by DGLK cools you down while practically hanging around your neck. There are no blades and no fear that it would entangle your hair or beard.

With a fully charged battery, the nifty fan will blow your mind and your sweat-drenched face with a continuous stream of refreshing air for anything between 3.5 and 16 hours (depending on the wind speed you choose to use).

The 360°heat dissipation and hands-free design that adjusts to any neck size make it a convenient summer product that we don’t know how we lived without before.

Get your personal super strong battery-operated neck fan for the low, low price of $19.99! If you can’t find your wallet, it’s probably somewhere nearby, performing a little happy dance.

11. Mister stand

No, that’s not some dapper gentleman standing next to you, but a stand that produces mist – a great method for colling yourself down in the heat of summer, when even the most composed among us can melt faster than an ice cream cone in a sauna.

The Cobra misting cooling system by Pocket Panda will be a great add-on to your garden, backyard, pool area, or even greenhouse. Anyone from birds to dogs, from plants to humans, can enjoy some refreshment when temperatures become unbearable.

The freestanding wonder is as flexible as a contortionist on a yoga retreat. With its adjustable design, the snake-resembling device can cover the area of your choosing, whether you prefer a 120°, 240°, or even a full 360° angle range.

The mister stand, one of our top summer must-haves of 2023, is currently discounted by 8%, and it can be yours for only $23.99.

12. Reusable water balloons

Another way to refresh oneself during the summer heat is to incorporate a playful activity such as water balloon throwing. Instead of polluting the world with disposable water bombs like there’s no tomorrow, opt for the reusable magnetic water balloons by Smasiagon.

These latex-free silicone water toys guarantee a fantastic summer party where nobody will stay dry or worry about allergies.

They will last for the entire season because, unlike traditional water balloons that are one-hit wonders, these ones can withstand at least 1,000 throws. That’s more splash for your cash!

The environment and wallet-friendly solution can improve your pool fun while you create your own version of the Songkran Festival, without spending on a ticket to Asia.

This 16-pack deal of reusable water balloons currently comes with a 15% discount and costs $33.99.

13. Dog pool

Don’t forget your furry friend! Your four-legged pal also deserves an enjoyable summer play, and the anti-slip dog pool comes to the rescue.

This dog splash pad by Peteast is made from durable PVC that can handle the heat of the sun and your pal’s claws.

Getting the fun started is as easy as a wag of a tail. All you need to do is plug the sprinkler pad into your garden hose, and pool playtime can begin.

There are different sizes available, and the largest dog pool is currently splashing onto the scene with a cool 18% discount, making it a steal at just $32.99.

14. Cat hammock

Your purring pet might not be a fan of water-based adventures, but that doesn’t mean you cannot surprise it with, for instance, a little sunbathing terrace.

The cat hammock by Pefuny can be mounted on any window, providing your feline friend a front-row seat to all the thrilling outdoor action.

This cat perch will surely serve not only as a VIP birdwatching platform, a squirrel surveillance deck, and a luxurious sunbed but also as the ultimate stop for those after-lunch napping siestas. Your kitten won’t want to leave the super soft flannel mat.

With a solid but removable frame, the cat hammock/lounge saves space in your flat, but also gives a sense of familiarity if you take it on the road.

The cat hammock is currently available for $21.99, which includes a 15% discount.

15. Camera drone

To keep all your fantastic memories of summer 2023, you should consider capturing them with a drone. Every destination looks better when seen from the bird’s territory – the skies.

Bwine‘s professional-grade drone with a 4k video camera is a toy for adults. It is equipped with a high-sensitivity sensor and night vision capabilities and provides a total of 75 minutes of flight time per trip.

Resistant to 6-level winds, it will provide ultra-clear and stable videos and pictures even in the thin air of the high mountains.

Learning to fly a drone can be a bit daunting, but you can start with a beginner’s mode, ensuring you can take to the skies with confidence. With its nifty follow-me feature and auto return home, if it ever loses a signal, you can be relaxed while learning. Even if you damage the drone, there is a 2-year warranty, so you can really enjoy advancing in aerial photography with ease.

Check out the Bwine F7 drone that’s currently discounted from $699.99 to $423.99.

Summer Must-Haves 2023 – Conclusion

Summer is a time for sun-soaked adventures, spontaneous road trips, and endless fun. Hopefully, this list of 15 must-have products for this summer has inspired your vacation plan.

These summer must-haves are your ticket to a fantastic holiday at equally fantastic prices

Whether you’re looking into basking in the sun, embarking on a road trip, or enjoying outdoor activities, there are ways to make your sunny escapades more convenient and comfortable.

Amazon summer sale 2023 is promising a season of affordable opportunities. If you’re looking to protect yourself from the sun, refresh with outdoor gear, stay connected while on the go, or entertain yourself with offline games and downloaded books or movies, this sale offers a plethora of products at discounted prices. Take advantage of the savings and snag these deals while they are hot!

Even if you miss some of the deals, these summer must-haves can still be your ticket to a fantastic holiday at equally fantastic prices. As the temperature rises, let these products be your trusted companions that will upgrade the function and magic of your adventures.

Enhance your summer experience and happy shopping!

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The cover image of this article was sourced through Depositphotos, my go-to platform for high-quality licensed stock images. They have great photo deals, so check them out!

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Thousands of people experience something similar on a daily basis. Uber taxi lost property is more common than you might imagine. On the 5th of April 2022, forgetfulness reached its peak in the United States. Almost a thousand Americans filed lost item reports to Uber in a single day!

Uber lost and found inventory grows the most on weekends. On Saturdays, we lose passports, on Sundays – groceries

April seems to be a cursed month, as the second most forgetful day of the year falls on April 9th. The bronze goes to New Year’s Day when, as expected, our boozed minds cannot think clearly. Waking up with a hangover and a complete lack of memory results in a holiday of absent-mindedness and lost belongings. 

In general, weekends erase our mental connection with our stuff the most. On Saturdays, we lose the most passports, and on Sundays – groceries. As for the time of day, 11 pm turns out to be the witching hour when our brains just can’t handle the overload.

We know all of this juicy data because, for the past seven years, the ride-hailing company has been publishing its annual Uber Lost & Found Index, shedding light on the most commonly lost possessions.

In today’s article, we share insights from the latest Uber lost and found list of items, but also advice on how to retrieve your forgotten property.

If you often experience disorientation and confusion in a foreign country, you might be suffering from travel fogginess! Learn more about it!

What is the most commonly forgotten item in Uber?

According to official 2023 data, the most commonly forgotten item in Uber is… Drumroll, please… Clothing! That’s a wild jump to the top of the Uber lost and found list, from last year’s seventh place. Should we blame the unpredictable weather? The car’s misleading AC? Or do things in the backseat just get heated when traveling with a partner? On a serious note, the top clothing items left behind were – shawls. 

Other most commonly forgotten objects on Uber’s lost & found leaderboard are phones, backpacks and purses, wallets, headphones, jewelry, keys, books, laptops, and watches.

On the bright side, it seems we’ve made some progress since the last year. We’re not losing as many glasses and IDs as we used to. Or are they missing from the top 10 just because now we keep them in those already lost purses and wallets?

The most unique items at Uber lost and found office

The fun starts when looking at less conventional, if not the weirdest things people lose in Uber cars. These are my personal favorites among the things Uber drivers were looking for in the backseat in different countries:

1. Bathroom shelf (Canada)
2. Gift box resembling an egg yolk (Taiwan)
3. Jet washer (UK)
4. Breast pump (France)
5. Tons of corn (Mexico)
6. Three packages of chicken (Brazil)
7. Large diamond earring (Saudi Arabia)
8. Scooter (Costa Rica)
9. Unicycle (USA)
10. Printer and remote-controlled vibrator (USA) – that was from the same ride

The x-rated findings do seem to be a part of a trend. In 2023, passengers were leaving condoms, an entire pack of sexy underwear, as well as some sex toys.

Among other frequently found items at Uber, there has been a significant number of lost pets (dogs, turtles, hamsters, and even a rat), fantasy props (Harry Potter magic wands, lightsabers, and Minnie‘s ears), gaming devices (more than 70 Nintendo Switches), false dentures and teeth (more than 40 of them), egg packages, and bags of weed. 

If that’s not bizarre enough, people have also filed eyebrow-raising requests for: a fog machine, ankle monitor, fake blood, a pin of Jesus holding a slice of pizza, small camping stove and funeral pamphlets, bidet, lotion and chicken wings, rash cream, a feather, and “an important pregnancy test”.

Among those whose lost items have not been found, there has been one lost girlfriend and one self-respect. What would’ve we given to see that driver’s face while he was tracking down someone’s lost dignity!

Is Uber responsible for lost items?

The short answer is – no. As much as we’d like to think Uber drivers are also part-time nannies who will make sure we don’t forget our security blanket, it’s not their job to babysit us.

Neither Uber nor Uber drivers accept any responsibility for the items left in a vehicle after a trip ended. As drivers are independent contractors, Uber cannot guarantee the delivery of forgotten goods. 

However, that doesn’t mean that Uber handles lost and found without any care and that you have to say ultimate goodbye to your lost belongings once you leave the vehicle. Uber has a lost and found system in place for those who misplace their belongings in a driver’s car.

If you thought losing an item in a taxi is the worst nightmare possible, read the number four on my list of the biggest WTF travel moments!

What to do if you lost something in an Uber?

First, take a big breath and resist the urge to panic. Secondly, congratulations – googling this question, and finding this answer was the right thing to do.

If you’ve lost an item in an Uber car, the quickest way to find it and get it is by calling the driver. That’s easy if the lost item is not your phone.

If you’re suddenly phoneless, access the app through someone else’s phone or log in on the site through any computer. Just don’t tell us you keep your login details written down in that lost phone. 

Once you are in, open the main menu, navigate to ‘your trips’, and find the ride where your precious belongings got legs. Then hit ‘find lost item’, and ‘contact driver about a lost item’. You’ll then have the option to call the driver, hopefully confirm the lost object was found, and arrange an Uber lost and found drop-off time and location. Have patience while the Uber driver works on returning your lost item. After all, their primary job is to drive customers around.

If your driver is unresponsive for more than 24 hours after the trip ended, don’t fret. Reach out to the Uber customer service team, and they will step in.

Does Uber charge for lost items?

If you go through the process of retrieving the item forgotten in your Uber car, the company will charge you for that. Uber lost and found fee is 5 euros, and you’ll be sent a receipt once you get your belongings back.

Uber lost and found – Conclusion

Whether you lost your phone, wallet, or your grandma’s dentures in Uber, it’s encouraging to know that you’re not exceptional. Passengers lose their beloved items every single day. Equally, many of the lost items get quickly reunited with their rightful owners.

Lesson learned: always double-check for your belongings before leaving the Uber vehicle

When analyzing the Uber Lost and Found Index, we could easily conclude that the rideshare giant’s offices are practically a museum of weird forgotten treasures. And these are only the lost items people were willing to admit to losing!

While your driver may act friendly, they should not be held accountable for items left behind. From priceless to worthless, from mundane to bizarre, once you get separated, your stuff has a life of its own. Maybe someone else is already joining the circus with that unicycle.

The moral of the story: check, double-check, and triple-check for your belongings before exiting the Uber car. Or else, risk losing your flat’s keys, your favorite sweater, and, as we have seen, your dignity too, forever. Well, they might show up in next year’s Uber lost and found hall of fame.

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Life on the road exposes us to all sorts of cultures, customs, and characters. We can meet people whose manners, psychology, and life habits don’t always align with ours. These encounters can range from surprising to outrageous. Some of them leave us shocked, others leave us cringing, and some just leave us questioning our sanity.

The sheer number of jaw-dropping, eye-popping, eyebrow-raising, and stomach-churning WTF moments from my travels could probably fill a small book

However, I believe they always contribute to the uniqueness of our travel experiences, becoming unforgettable anecdotes that make the journey extraordinary. They remind us that life is never scripted, but a chaotic and unpredictable adventure, enriched with often unimaginable plot twists.

Throughout my world wanderings, I came across anything from Couchsurfing horror stories to getting trapped in a Crazy House overflowed with some certifiably insane guests. I’ve seen people licking penis-shaped lollipops in the name of religion, rubbing statues’ intimate regions in the name of good luck, or stimulating children to beat bleeding adults as a fun Easter ritual.

But for the purpose of this article, I wanted to share the surreal WTF moments that haven’t made it to the Pipeaway pages yet.

As I rummaged through my most bizarre travel memories, I realized that the sheer number of jaw-dropping, eye-popping, eyebrow-raising, and stomach-churning anecdotes could probably fill a small book.

But since it’s our sixth anniversary, I’ll settle with the six of the most mind-blowing travel tales, and leave the rest for some future date.

Enjoy the 6 biggest WTF moments I experienced while traveling, and if you have some outrageous WTF travel episodes of your own, spill the beans in the comments below!

If you want to read some rather bizarre testimonies from the world hotels, check out this curated list of the greatest 'Do Not Disturb' betrayals!

6 biggest WTF travel moments

1. When plastic bags delayed our bus ride for half an hour.

Our night bus was hurtling towards the coast of Istria, Croatia. It was one of those rides during which you pray to every deity known to man for your survival. Most of the souls saved themselves by earlier disembarking; the only remaining passengers were me and a girl headed to her supermarket job in Rovinj.

Just as we thought our hearts couldn’t possibly race any faster, the bus screeched to a halt in the middle of nowhere. The GPS would tell me that we were near a small coastal village of Funtana, half an hour away from our final destination.

And then, like a polite thief, the driver asked if he could just quickly drop off some bags of stuff to his family. There was no waiting for our approval, it’s not as if we really had a say in the matter. He took his plastic bags and disappeared into pitch darkness.

The two of us waited by the side of the road, rubbing our eyes not out of sleepiness, but out of sheer disbelief at this WTF moment. We waited and waited. And waited some more. When we thought we’ve waited long enough, we waited a little longer.

Half an hour later, when we should’ve already arrived in Rovinj, the driver casually entered the bus, unfazed by leaving us stranded. To make up for a lost time (now an impossible feat anyway), he hit the gas like a maniac, putting our lives on the line again.

The girl asked if she could be dropped off at a gas station along the way, to make her walk to work a little easier. The merciless driver rejected the idea of losing additional time (sic!) on letting her out before the final stop. He was happy with dodging the rules only when it suited him.

Instead, he stepped on it, and with hearts in our throats and stomachs in knots, we continued this mad Croatiabus ride towards the central bus terminal in Rovinj.

It was a journey for the books – the WTF books, that is.

For Pipeaway's seventh anniversary, I shared the seven most dangerous situations I encountered during my journeys. Learn how to avoid major travel risks!

2. When a footing fiasco turned into a kinetic karaoke.

If you thought the exceptional bus adventure in Southeast Europe couldn’t be topped, buckle up because there’s always Southeast Asia. Frequent travelers already know they should expect the unexpected when it comes to transport in this region, and my ride on the sleeper bus from Nha Trang to Hoi An was no different.

Things started off on the wrong foot as soon as we boarded. A passenger behind me decided to rest his naked feet on the top of my headrest. If you remember my article on the benefits of sitting at the back of a plane, you could easily conclude that Vietnamese people just cannot help this habit of a) traveling barefoot, and b) sticking their legs in a personal space that’s not theirs.

I politely asked the man to put his feet back where they belonged. Unhappy with my request, he complained to the driver about it, demanding a new seat, probably because my head was invading his legroom space.

Misbehaving passengers are even more common on planes. Check out these troublemakers!

But the biggest WTF moments of this bus ride would happen during the night, and the main actor would not be a discomforted passenger, but another very relaxed driver.

First, he made a pit stop at a random shop, to buy himself a beer. That already builds trust, doesn’t it?

At his next stop in the middle of nowhere, at 1:30 am, the driver had a quick teeth brushing session. It was his sleeping time. Beer does that to people.

Thankfully, a new driver took over, starting it off with manic scrubbing of the steering wheel and gear shifter with wet tissues. This was all in the pre-Covid era, but his hygiene standards were quite high.

He did all of that while driving, as caring for personal hygiene and 40+ passengers in a moving vehicle is multitasking that Vietnamese drivers do single-handedly.

To keep himself awake, he drank a can of coffee and started gargling loudly, spitting thick globs of saliva through the window. Well, hello, passing vehicles!

At 2:10, he was again at a manic episode of steering-wheel cleaning. It was dinner time. He pulled out some spring rolls and used both hands to eat them. For a good two minutes, he didn’t even touch the wheel. Okay, maybe a few times, with his elbows.

At 2:30, the driver turned on a small TV with karaoke and started singing duets with the lady from the video. He would occasionally spit out the window again, maybe to mark the mileage.

Then at 4:17, his mobile phone rang. And he talked. Those calls in the middle of the night are always urgent, you have to pick them up.

At 4:40, he turned on another karaoke DVD. He was percussing the wheel, in the rhythm of the music, occasionally honking for emphasis.

With this substantial collection of WTF moments, I never truly understood why they call it a sleeper bus. For anyone who accidentally dozed off, the driver flashed the bus lights before the final stop. Good morning, Vietnam!

3. When friendliness came with a price tag.

I had an unforgettable experience on an African bus too, but that episode in Bahir Dar could be primarily classified as disturbing. It was a part of the framework that formed my perception of the people of Ethiopia, which would become the basis of the following WTF story.

By the time I was leaving Debark for Shire, I had already spent three weeks in Africa, learning about my magnetic whiteness on a daily basis. Sadly, it was mainly attracting people who wanted to sell me something or steal from me. It was disheartening that the sequence of unpleasant experiences was enforcing prejudices.

While thirsting for a normal person who would approach me with curiosity, and not with some hidden plan of how to demonetize my wallet, I finally met a young man at Debark bus station. Daniel would ignite hope that human connection was possible. Between all those sketchy salespeople, this ray of sunshine decided to stick around to practice talking in English.

It was a long half-an-hour wait for the bus, securing a plentiful time for the conversation with Daniel. I knew how many sheep he had, how many sisters he had, and soon I considered him a friend. He even wrote some words in Amharic on a piece of paper, telling me it meant “welcome”.

At some point, he also subtly involved financial information in his stories. The sheep cost 150 birrs, he explained. The Taekwondo cost 150 birrs. Everything he mentioned cost 150 birrs. But I tried to focus on other parts of the conversation that seemed genuinely normal and friendly.

When the bus finally arrived, Daniel was kind enough to instruct me that I needed to pay the baggage handler. The handler asked for 20 birrs. I already knew how it functioned, so I asked Daniel if he had received his half, to which he responded with a smile.

And just then, when I had to board the bus, and a sensitive soul could even find a tearful shine in his eye, Daniel broke my rebuilt trust in thousands of pieces.

“Can you now pay me for my service?”, he asked.

I dramatically gave him back that piece of paper with “welcome” in Amharic, told him I didn’t feel like that, and that I thought we were friends.

I left with a disappointment I didn’t see coming, but also with a WTF lesson learned: in Ethiopia, even the friendliest conversation can come with a price tag.

4. When the taxi driver tried to abduct me.

The next contender for the biggest WTF moments during my travels brings us back to the wacky world of Asia, more precisely to Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines.

My plane arrived quite late, and the airport was bursting at the seams with travelers, all desperately searching for their ride into the city.

The lines for taxis were extremely long, and I decided to try my luck with Grab, the Asian version of Uber. I already had the app, and it worked like a charm in places such as Bali or Vietnam.

You choose the pick-up point, so it shouldn’t be the greatest mastery to find passengers. But my allocated driver messaged me to come to the airport’s departure level. What the heck? Then I assumed cars needed to pay arrival level fees, so he wanted to save some cash.

Oh well, I started walking to the new meeting point, but then he called me to say something about making a U-turn to get to the arrival level. It was extremely confusing, and I asked if he could just pick me up normally.

He was yelling on the phone, waiting at some unknown location. “12 o’clock”, he barked directions at me as if he was seeing me, which was strange enough because I didn’t see anyone looking at me.

“Sir, this is impossible. If you can really see where I am, and direct me by clock hands, then just come over and get me”, I pleaded.

But he insisted I should come to him, not the other way around. Soon I would realize why – he was waiting in the forbidden taxi lane, where he was not allowed to be, so he didn’t want to exit the car and get noticed.

Even when I entered the car, he continued yelling at me, berating me for my supposed lack of intelligence. I wanted to leave this disaster in progress, but the doors were locked. He wouldn’t let me go, and instead of driving away, he continued quarreling about my navigation skills.

We made literally two meters in his car, and the cop showed up and blocked his path. Now he needed to pay some fine. “See what you did?”, he yelled at me again.

The policeman asked him: “Grab?”

My crazy driver stayed silent, but I jumped in: “Yes, this is Grab. And I’m locked in. Please tell him to let me go, I want out of this lunatic’s car!”

He ignored my request, but the strict policeman’s gaze made him press something. However, my door still wouldn’t open.

Then he yelled that I was so stupid that I didn’t even know how to open the door.

Somehow, finally, I did get out and ran away. To wait for another hour at the metered taxi lane.

Believe it or not, this WTF moment was not the last time a driver in Manila attempted to abduct me. On the second occasion, I wasn’t lucky enough to be saved by an unexpected police officer, but that’s a story for another day.

The Manila episode taught me that sometimes, especially when landing in a foreign city at night, a pre-booked airport transfer service could be a treat one should take without second thoughts.

5. When the B&B owner showed me his secret foreskin.

Surprising travel moments wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t cover the accommodation adventures too.

On this particular trip, my friend Anita and I were traveling through eastern Cambodia, and we decided to visit Banlung, not the hottest tourist destination on the map.

We booked a simple B&B at the Happy House, run by Mr. and Mrs. Puthe, and assisted by their cheeky toddler, Ton-Ton.

The first night, we walked back to our room, navigating through dark alleys full of barking dogs on the loose. What an ominous thriller intro that was!

At home, we found Ms. Puthe wrapping their puppy in lemongrass leaves, like it was a sushi roll, claiming the little guy was “broken”. The toddler said that the dog fell off something, but the leaves treatment looked like a dog-soup preparation to me. Would the poor thing be cooked for dinner? It wouldn’t be the first time I witnessed Cambodians eating alternative sources of protein.

The next day, nobody mentioned broken legs anymore. Mr. Puthe’s theory was that the puppy ate the toad eggs, and was going to die in the next days. He explained that lemongrass wrapping was meant to heal the dog’s stomach.

But later, black magic entered the diagnosis. There was no more mention of broken legs or spoiled tummy; the dog became the victim of some evil witchcraft.

Dogs in Banlung protect houses against black magic, Mr. Puthe explained, and now, our first-night walk through the town made us feel like evil intruders. Were these dogs protecting their homes, or attacking the demons?

Our host explained that nothing was left to chance for people who had to leave home for work. He pulled out his belt, and in the hidden pocket, there was a dried piece of the foreskin of a black dog. His mother had given him this lucky charm to ward off ghosts while he was out of town, working with “black people”.

We didn’t understand their beliefs completely, but their actions and stories definitely raised our eyebrows. If someone had told me I’d be once renting a room from a man hiding an extra foreskin in his pants, I would have thought they were joking.

6. When someone didn’t press flush in the hotel elevator.

You never know what kind of crap you’ll encounter on your travels. The last on this limited list of my biggest WTF moments happened in Riga, the capital of Latvia.

I was staying at Grand Palace, a sophisticated and elegant 4-star hotel in the historic center.

One should never miss a free breakfast in a hotel, but I also assume one would think that missing one’s own room is an even more extreme omission.

I woke up, and headed down to the dining room, only to find out that someone used the hotel elevator as their own personal toilet. In the corner, there was this giant smelly pile of poop.

Now, I understand that nature calls and sometimes you have to answer. But who in their right mind chooses not to relieve themselves in their own pants, but instead take a less embarrassing solution (?) of squatting in the corner of an elevator, while not knowing who they’d encounter once the door opened at their chosen floor?

I concluded it was human feces, because well – it was there. Certainly, I couldn’t imagine anyone with a dog not having the decency to clean up after it messed up the hotel elevator. The fact that the culprit just ran away was telling me he or she was running on two legs.

People can be truly disgusting, and surprise you with their surreal choices when you least expect a surprise. I wanted an all-inclusive, but that was certainly not the best appetizer for the breakfast I had in plan.

Biggest WTF moments in travel – conclusion

We travel to be surprised. Usually, we hope for those surprises to be positive. We don’t normally expect surreal experiences to haunt us in our nightmares.

People with different habits, beliefs, and circumstances than ours can leave us feeling shocked, bewildered, and sometimes nauseous.

WTF moments make me cherish travel as a one-of-a-kind, almost addictive adventure

During my global gallivanting, incentives for getting surprised were plentiful. From fellow passengers feeling the wind between their toes to drivers behaving like possessed, from room renters that give you too much information to friendships that break before they have the chance to start, it’s a fine line between pleasantly memorable moments and those that you’d rather forget as soon as possible.

Funny turns into bizarre, bizarre turns into shocking, and the next thing you know: shocking turns into downright disturbing or even dangerous.

When life prepares such scenarios, my jaw drops like a barbell. On the other side, these surreal experiences make me cherish travel as a one-of-a-kind, almost addictive adventure. It’s the thrill of the unknown, the unexpected, and the downright weird that keeps me coming back for more.

I don’t know if these are the biggest WTF moments in the history of WTF moments, but if you have your own crazy travel experience with a twist, contribute to the discussion below. Thank you for traveling with Pipeaway for six years already!

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