Blog

Benvenuto! Questo blog parla principalmente di viaggi economici e con lo zaino in spalla. È un luogo dove trovare consigli ed ispirazione per viaggiare in modo indipendente. In questa pagina trovi tutti i post che ho scritto in ordine cronologico. Se cerchi la raccolta di tutti gli articoli organizzati per categoria allora visita la pagina inizia qui.


Philippines Travel Guide

The Philippines is a tropical paradise in Southeast Asia comprising over 7,000 islands. They are known for breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters, some of the best diving sites in the world, and the hospitality of the people with whom it is really easy to communicate since English is one of the official languages. The country also has a rich history and culture influenced by its Spanish colonial past.

Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is often snubbed in favour of other Southeast Asian destinations, but the country has more than a few exciting destinations. Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and the most visited archaeological site in Southeast Asia, paradise islands in the south of the country, pristine forest, and a lot of recent history that unfortunately concerns one of the worst genocides ever. The government has a lot to offer.

Singapore Travel Guide

Clean, organized, futuristic. The prosperous city-state of Singapore truly feels like another world compared to other Southeast Asian countries. It is a fascinating and easy destination to explore, perfect for anyone who does not want to deal with the chaos that often characterizes other countries in the region, at the expense, however, of a fairly high cost of living. In fact, Singapore is by no means a cheap destination, especially compared to the countries that surround it.

Tenerife Travel Guide

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is often associated with beaches, resorts, and nightlife, which initially didn’t appeal to me. However, the island surprised me: the otherworldly landscapes of Teide National Park, the lush forests of Anaga Park, the dramatic cliffs of the Teno Massif, and numerous towns boasting colonial architecture.

Morocco Travel Guide

Morocco is an affordable and accessible destination, perfect for anyone who wants an introduction to the Arab-Islamic world just a stone’s throw from the old continent. The lively markets, architecture, quaint old towns but also the variety of landscapes-from the beaches to the Sahara Desert via the High Atlas Mountains, with peaks of more than 4,000 meters-make Morocco a truly interesting destination.

Gran Canaria Travel Guide

Gran Canaria is an island that is unbelievable because there really is everything: colonial-style villages, beaches, almost desert-like parts and, further inland, mountains and forest that create an alpine landscape in stark contrast to what is the coast, only a few kilometers down. 

Majorca Travel Guide

Majorca, the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Spain and the entire Mediterranean, thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous activities. I visited the island with my sister during an eight-day road trip, during which we covered most of the island. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, a road trip, or an all-inclusive vacation, you’ll find plenty of useful tips and insights in this guide to help you plan your trip to the fullest.

Canary Islands Travel Guide

I visited the Canary Islands archipelago during a two-month trip, during which I explored all the major islands of the archipelago except for El Hierro.  Whether it’s a backpacking adventure, a road trip or an all-inclusive vacation, you’ll find plenty of valuable tips and insights in this guide to help you plan your trip to the best of your ability and choose the island or islands that are best for you. 

La Palma Travel Guide

La Palma is a mountainous island that offers excellent trails for all hiking enthusiasts, lush forests, colonial towns, and a more authentic atmosphere than other more popular Canary Islands. 

La Gomera Travel Guide

A short distance from the far more popular Tenerife, La Gomera is the exact opposite: small, with a population of about twenty thousand, it is largely unspoiled and offers a unique opportunity to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature and in particular in the fascinating laurisilva forest that characterizes the Garajonay National Park located in the center of the island.

Lanzarote Travel Guide

Lanzarote, in many ways similar to neighboring Fuerteventura, is characterized by volcanoes and lava fields that give rise to “Martian landscapes” but also beautiful white and golden beaches. 

Fuerteventura Travel Guide

Fuerteventura, thanks to its many beaches, excellent year-round weather and great surfing and windsurfing conditions, is undoubtedly one of the best known and most popular islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. 

The best apps for traveling

In this article, I have strived to present a comprehensive and informative list of the most useful travel apps that I have used regularly, have used in the past, or have tested for the purpose of this article. Some apps are indispensable, while others may seem unnecessary but are still enjoyable and practical to try.

Solutions for obtaining visas and traveling with a one-way ticket

Here’s the thing: technically, many countries require proof that you’re gonna leave the country at some point (called proof of onward travel), either when you apply for a visa or when you arrive. But let’s be honest, most travelers don’t have a day-by-day itinerary or a return flight planned out. So, what are your options?

Laos Travel Guide

Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the least explored and snubbed countries in all of Southeast Asia. Despite being the only landlocked country in the region, and lacking globally renowned attractions like Myanmar’s Bagan or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, this country still boasts hidden gems well worth discovering.

Myanmar Travel Guide

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has avoided mass tourism for years and is now slowly gaining popularity for many good reasons. Fortunately, it still retains a great deal of authenticity! With its temples, spectacular scenery, and an extremely friendly population that will overwhelm you with smiles, Myanmar has become one of the countries that has stayed closest to my heart.

India Travel Guide

India, the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the most populous, stretches from the majestic Himalayan peaks in the north to the beaches and jungles of the south. It is a land of extreme geographic and cultural diversity, truly one of a kind, offering endless travel possibilities for all interests and tastes.

Pakistan Travel Guide

From the incredible hospitality of its people to the second-highest mountain range in the world, the Karakoram, Pakistan is an amazing country that, unfortunately, does not have the best reputation. However, I assure you that after visiting it in person, you will definitely change your mind. I spent about a month backpacking and exploring mainly the northern regions of the country. In this guide, you’ll find a wealth of information and advice on how to best plan your own backpacking trip, away from the main tourist circuits, all while keeping an eye on your budget.

Nepal Travel Guide

This small, landlocked country located between Tibet and India contains eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest. It is also home to the city of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and boasts a rich cultural heritage. I spent nearly two months backpacking in Nepal, completing several treks and visiting major tourist attractions. Whether you are planning a mountain-focused trip or a cultural journey, this guide provides all the tips and information you need to organize your trip in the best possible way, always with a focus on budget.

A guide for Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal is undoubtedly a dream for anyone who loves mountains and trekking. For some, it is a true Mecca. There are several options to complete this beautiful experience, from the classic flight to Lukla to less traveled starting points where flying is not necessary, such as Salleri/Phaplu and Jiri. In this guide, you will find all the relevant information, including variations such as the Three Passes trek and Island Peak. I personally completed the trek without a guide or porters, accompanied by my not-so-young dad. In this blog, you will find all the information and advice you need to best organize your DIY trip to Nepal and complete the trek to Everest Base Camp.

A guide for Trekking Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill

I have personally completed all the treks, just mentioned, independently, without a guide and without porters, in the company of my dad! Whether you are a DIY-loving independent traveler or you are simply gathering information and then relying on some local agency or guide, in this blog you will find all the information and advice to do so. But first, as promised, let’s have some clarity:

New Caledonia Travel Guide

This archipelago, a “French overseas territory,” is considered for all intents and purposes to be part of France. It lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. This country, unknown to many but definitely among the most beautiful in the world, offers not only stunning beaches and lush rainforests but also an extremely diverse culture. Additionally, it is home to the third longest coral reef on the planet! I spent a couple of weeks exploring this beautiful archipelago while backpacking. In this guide, you will find a wealth of useful information and tips to help you better plan your trip.

Australia Travel Guide

Australia, with its vast unspoiled spaces ranging from beautiful beaches to deserts, rainforests, the famous “outback,” and the Great Barrier Reef, is a paradise for nature lovers. Having lived in Australia for two years and traveled for about six months, I’ve explored all the most popular destinations and some less touristy places. Whether planning a backpacking trip, an epic road trip, or simply gathering information to organize a more comfortable tour, you’ll find everything in this guide.

Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand was likely the first country in Southeast Asia to welcome travelers, and it has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, some regions have perhaps become overly touristy, but if you are looking for an exotic, affordable, and safe destination, Thailand is the perfect place to visit. Precisely because millions of tourists visit Thailand every year, traveling within the country is really easy—even for less experienced travelers. From Buddhist temples, markets, and beautiful beaches to delicious cuisine, Thailand has something to offer for everyone. I spent several months backpacking through the country. In this guide, you will find a lot of useful information and tips to better plan your trip to Thailand.

Patagonia Travel Guide

Divided between Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a unique place in the world. Here, you will find the majestic Andes, glaciers, waterfalls, and glacial lakes, creating some of the most beautiful and wild landscapes on the planet. I spent six weeks backpacking through both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. In this guide, you will find a wealth of useful tips and information to help you plan your own trip to the far south of the American continent.

Backpacking Central America

I traveled across all of Central America, backpacking from Panama City to Mexico City, over the course of four months, moving overland on a limited budget. Whether you’re planning a two-week trip or a multi-month adventure, to a single country or the entire region, this article provides plenty of useful information, itineraries, costs, and tips to help you plan your trip to Central America effectively.

Backpacking South America

I personally traveled in Latin America backpacking for more than 8 months starting in Colombia, going down to Patagonia and then up to Brazil. All by land and on a limited budget. Whether it’s a two-week or multi-month trip, you’ll find plenty of useful information and tips in this article to help you better plan your backpacking trip to South America.

How to Choose a Travel Card for Backpackers

When traveling, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the costs associated with managing your money. Many people use cards or accounts that, aside from fixed fees, impose substantial charges. For international cash withdrawals, many traditional accounts and cards often levy fees of 5€ or more on each withdrawal. Additionally, foreign currency payments can incur a 3% markup on the exchange rate. Clearly, these fees can significantly impact your budget, especially for long-term travel. This article outlines which solutions to choose and why it’s essential to minimize these costs. I strongly recommend reading the entire article to understand why I recommend specific accounts and how to avoid various fees, which can extend beyond simply having the right card.

Mexico Travel Guide

This giant North American country covers about 2 million square kilometers and over 10,000 km of coastline. It is among the 10 most visited countries in the world and has something to offer for every taste: Caribbean beaches, mountains, deserts, ruins, colonial cities and much more. I spent more than a month traveling backpacking in the interior of the country. In this guide you will find a lot of tips and information to better organize your trip.

Guatemala Travel Guide

Guatemala is one of the most popular destinations in Central America, likely second only to Mexico (technically part of North America) and Costa Rica, which has been a favored destination for years. It is a country rich in culture, colonial architecture, volcanoes, lakes, dense forests, and some of the most impressive Mayan sites in the region, especially Tikal. It can be easily visited in a single trip or even combined with neighboring Mexico and Belize.

El Salvador Travel Guide

El Salvador is the smallest but also most populous country in Central America. Often skipped even within a long trip to the region, in truth it has much to offer in every respect, pristine forests, beaches and archaeological sites. Similarly to neighbouring Honduras, it is labelled as “too dangerous,” but the situation has improved a lot in recent years and the local people are among the kindest and most hospitable in the region. 

Honduras Travel Guide

Honduras, often overlooked due to its reputation for safety concerns, has nonetheless established itself among travelers, primarily thanks to the captivating Caribbean islands of Utila and Roatan, part of the Bay Islands archipelago. However, Honduras offers far more than its idyllic islands. The country boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, along with some of the most impressive and well-preserved Mayan ruins, all at incredibly affordable prices, making it undoubtedly one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Central America.

Nicaragua Travel Guide

Nicaragua was without a doubt my favorite country during my backpacking trip to Central America. Volcanoes, colonial cities, paradise islands and one-of-a-kind activities, all at bargain prices. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture or adventure, Nicaragua has something to offer for everyone, and in this guide you’ll find plenty of information and tips to help you best plan your trip to Nicaragua.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Costa Rica has historically been one of the most visited countries in Central America. It is a nation rich in flora and fauna, featuring beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and truly hospitable people. Additionally, it boasts one of the oldest democracies in the world, setting it apart from other countries in the region. In short, Costa Rica has been a popular destination for mass tourism for years. Travel is extremely easy, and the tourism infrastructure is well developed. However, the other side of the coin is the cost; for those traveling on a small budget, Costa Rica is notoriously the most expensive country in all of Central America. Despite this, it remains an impressive destination.

Panama Travel Guide

I think many people associate Panama with just the canal and high finance, but the truth is that the country has much more to offer and is undoubtedly one of the emerging destinations in Central America in terms of tourism. In just a few days, you can go from ocean to ocean, visit mountains and rainforests, learn about indigenous culture, and enjoy one of the most modern cities on the continent.

Brazil Travel Guide

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest globally. It is a place where diversity reigns supreme: from metropolises such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which, as everyone knows, is home to the world’s most famous carnival, to the unspoiled nature of the Amazon rainforest, throwing in dreamy beaches, colonial cities, an unbridled passion for soccer, and incredible people—in short, there is something for everyone!

Argentina Travel Guide

Argentina has always been one of the most popular countries to visit in South America. From the vibrant atmosphere of Buenos Aires, to natural wonders like Iguazu Falls and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, and culminating with the vineyards of Mendoza and delectable meat dishes, the country offers something for everyone.

Paraguay Travel Guide

Paraguay, along with Bolivia, is one of the only landlocked countries in Latin America. Rich in natural resources, it is home to the world’s second-largest aquifer, the Guarani Aquifer. Paraguay shares the second-largest dam in terms of hydroelectric production with Brazil and is the world’s fifth-largest soybean exporter, as well as a renowned meat producer. Despite these assets, it remains one of the poorest countries on the continent. The country lacks must-see attractions comparable to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia or Machu Picchu in Peru. Consequently, it is often overlooked even on long backpacking trips, and tourism is generally underdeveloped, making access to potentially attractive areas difficult. However, Paraguay retains its authenticity, and if you find yourself in the region with time to spare, it is definitely worth a visit.

Uruguay Travel Guide

Uruguay, the second smallest country in South America, boasts some of the continent’s most beautiful beaches and is known for its avid consumers of yerba mate and asados. Often visited as part of a longer trip to the continent, Uruguay is certainly worth considering as a standalone destination as well. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a low-cost trip to Uruguay.

Chile Travel Guide

Chile is an extraordinary country. From north to south, it measures more than 4,000 km, and at its widest point, it barely reaches 240 km. This vast expanse means it traverses at least seven distinct climates, ranging from the driest desert in the world to the extreme cold of Chilean Patagonia, making it truly unique.

Bolivia Travel Guide

When I think of Bolivia, I recall its rugged streets, average food, and the poorest internet connection I’ve ever experienced. However, it’s also a nation abundant in natural beauty and culture.

Often dubbed the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is regarded as one of the most isolated countries in the region because, like Paraguay, it’s landlocked. Compared to other countries in the Americas, Bolivia boasts the highest proportion of indigenous people, with approximately 60 percent of its population being of pure Native American ancestry.

Peru Travel Guide

Many people know Peru only for Machu Picchu, but in reality, there is so much more to explore. Similar to Thailand in Southeast Asia, Peru has been South America’s top tourist destination for years. As a result, many destinations are quite crowded and, in some cases, have become tourist traps. However, many other places remain uncrowded yet equally fascinating.

Ecuador Travel Guide

Many people associate Ecuador only with the Galapagos, but this small country, situated between Colombia and Peru, has much more to offer. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the Amazon rainforest and several colonial towns, you are spoiled for choice!

Colombia Travel Guide

Colombia is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations of the moment. Associated for years with guerrillas and drug trafficking, it has made such strides in security that Lonely Planet named it the second-best country to visit in 2017.

21 Useful tips for solo travellers

Traveling alone can be unsettling. In this article you’ll find lots of tips for going off on your own and enjoying it to the fullest.

Top 10 Tips for Traveling Light

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably experienced the “Why did I bring this?!” moment after cursing yourself for carrying half of your luggage, thinking “just in case.” Maybe you even paid more for your airline ticket because of checked baggage and extra weight. Whatever the reason, traveling light is easier than you think. It can be summed up simply: carry as little as possible. Easy, right? Let’s see how to do it in practice.

Backpacking Safely – Tips and Tricks

“Do you feel safe when you travel? And when you’re alone, aren’t you afraid?” These are common questions I get when people discover my passion for solo travel. I’ve met individuals from all corners of the globe who share this same passion. Many are women who have ventured out alone, backpacking to explore new horizons. Interestingly, many have told me that they often felt safer in destinations deemed “dangerous” by most than in their own countries. Indeed, it is possible to travel safely, even when backpacking in developing countries, not speaking the local language, or traveling alone.

40 Budget Tips for Backpackers

What keeps many people from traveling is a lack of money. However, you don’t need to be rich to travel. With the right planning, spirit of adventure, and discipline, it’s possible to travel far while spending very little. 

Backpacking for Beginners: How to Plan an Affordable Adventure Step-by-Step

Are you a first-time backpacker unsure where to begin? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of planning an affordable backpacking adventure, from pre-trip preparations to your triumphant return home, with a special focus on budget-conscious travel.

Travel insurance, which one to choose?

Travel insurance is the most important thing to have before going on a trip, with the hope of never having to use it. It covers medical expenses in case of illness or injury, theft, canceled flights, lost luggage, and, in extreme cases, it will pay for the repatriation of the body. If a family member dies, it will reimburse you for the cost of returning home.

Backpacking Packing Guide: What to Bring & How to Pack It

When packing a backpack for travel, prioritize items that are both lightweight and versatile for maximum comfort and efficiency. Unless you have special needs, do not exceed 15kg. Doing so will avoid unnecessary pain, airline surcharges and the temptation to take a taxi instead of walking. The duration of your trip, whether it’s a week or a year, shouldn’t affect your packing strategy. Clothes can be washed during your travels.

How hostels work – Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about hostels. Answers to frequently asked questions and tips on how to best experience hostel life.