Slovenia totally captivated me when I visited last summer for a week. The endless mountains, all shades of green and the relaxed atmosphere in the country had my heart stolen.
My expectations were not only met but exceeded. If Slovenia is still not on your radar it should totally be.
Here’s my best advice on how to build the perfect one week itinerary in Slovenia, where to go and all the information you might need to plan it.
The capital of Slovenia is Ljjubljana in the centre of the country, making it the main point of contact with highways. The language spoken is Slovenian. I did not have any problem communicating in English around the capital and all b&b’s /hotels I stayed at.
I found friendly people and even in the countryside when I got lost due to roadworks, finding out where to go with signs and broken languages was not a tedious experience. The currency they use are Euros. There were ATM’s around the main towns and I had no problem paying with credit card in some restaurants or hotels.
How to get to Slovenia
Ljubljana has an international airport, Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, located half an hour outside of Slovenia’s capital. There are different airlines flying in from Europe. If you are like me and can’t find flights from your hometown (Barcelona) to Slovenia, don’t worry! There are other options.
Fly to Venice or Trieste and rent a car there. If you are going to be flying out from there as well it makes sense. You will need to tell your renting company for insurance purposes that you plan to go to another country.
Fly to Venice and get a bus to Ljubljana
Fly to Trieste or Graz and take the train to Ljubljana
Driving rules in Slovenia
Be of legal driving age +18 and have a valid driver’s license
Do not forget to have your lights turned on at ALL times. It is illegal to not have them on
The highway maximum speed is 130km/h
Have your vignette on. It is a sticker that proves you can drive around the country. You can buy it at petrol stations. If you rent a car it will be included
If it’s winter: winter tyres are mandatory and police and fine you if you don’t have them
Epic one week itinerary in Slovenia
Day 1 – Explore the capital: Ljubljana
To start this one week itinerary in Slovenia ideally you want to arrive the night before so once you wake up you have all day to explore the city. Aim to leave your accommodation before 9 to have time to visit the beautiful city.
It is a charming but small capital that can be walked if you are up for the game. Learn the story of why Ljubljana is the city of dragons before you start exploring: it will make the day more interesting!
Drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj taking the 403. If you have time stop at Skofja Loka and stroll the old town. On arrival to Lake Bohinj your breath will be taken away.
Lake Bohinj is an alpine lake surrounded by alpine peaks and the scenery around is spectacular. If you are a mountain person like me, I can assure you it will be one of your favourite visited places yet!
Things to do: Al the activities that you can fit in a day at Lake Bohinj. Where to stay: Rural guesthouse with basic facilities and amazing views.
Day 3: What to do in Lake Bled
For the third day of this epic one week itinerary in Slovenia drive to Lake Bled. This lake was made for fairy tales and everything around it and on it has that princess in castles appeal.
From a castle with amazing viewpoints of the lake to the church in the island on the lake – lake Bled has activities for the whole family, for couples and groups of friends!
Drive to the mountains touching Austria. Here you will be able to follow different hiking trails and scenic roads. Make sure to stop at the different farms for viewpoints of the mountains and to try the local food.
Rise nice and early and drive to Predjama castle for a guided tour of a hanging on a rock castle, get down on the UNESCO Solcava caves and wander the coastal town of Piran. Make sure to end the day with a good seafood delicatessen by the shore.
End your one week itinerary in Slovenia by returning your rental car and flying/taking the bus home or to your next destination.
Want to know where I went next? Took two buses (that were delayed) and ended up in Dubrovnik.
NOTE: you could use Ljubljana as your base, because everything is relatively close to the capital. I would suggest not doing so because you will spend more time than needed commuting and staying outside the capital is wonderful.
Since my mum taught me all those years ago to roll up my clothes when packing them to save space it has become a finely honed skill. I should admit I didn’t enjoy it at first and repeatedly asked for help but over the years I’ve developed such a talent for rolling that my friends ask me to help them pack and when they need tips for last minute tricks they come to me. I have been a minimalist packer for a couple years now, but previously I had used the carry-on suitcase Samsonite Aspire Xlite. Until more recently when I swapped to a carry-on backpack for all my trips.
How to pick the best carry-on backpack for your travels
After extensive (obsessive if I’m honest) research, last summer(2017) I finally selected and bought the Osprey Farpoint 40L and I’ve never looked back (except to admire the Osprey sitting on my shoulders). It’s the perfect fit for local weekends away, long weekends in foreign countries or even 2 weeks of travelling through Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The below packing list is the one I used for my summer trip for 2 weeks last year.
The Osprey Fairpoint has become my go-to backpack. The most important feature of the bag is fact that it is carry-on size, which means every time I’m at the airport I can avoid queuing to check in bags and spend zero time waiting at the conveyor belt on the way out. I love that I have everything with me, significantly lowering the risk of any losses, and being able to use anything in my bag at any time.
You can read a full review of the Osprey Fairpoint 40L here (coming soon! You can subscribe using the right sidebar to receive the monthly newsletter with new additions and more!)
Most important carry on backpack tips
Before we dive head first into the necessary items list, here are some bullet points to keep in mind before you start packing:
Stop packing should-haves: we have all packed a nice dress “in case” we needed it, the forth pair of jeans “in case” we needed it or three day bags “in case” we needed it. I have been guilty of over-packing a number of times. The first time you try to fit everything in a small backpack or suitcase you feel you don’t have enough: clothes, accessories or electronics. If you fight this urge to pack your “just in case” items your back will thank you and you will soon realise you’re really not missing anything.
Bring mix and match clothing items: forget about that great floral t-shirt that only looks cute with the white shorts. And the striped pants also have to stay home, I’m afraid. Pick clothes that are easy to wash (e.g. not delicate) and are easy to combine. Pick t-shirts/shirts that can go with every pair of trousers and shoes that can go with all your clothes. My favourites are one colour t-shirts and jeans/black trousers, but that’s a personal preference ?
Have a try out trip: we’re not born with knowledge. The first couple trips, even if you follow my list, you are still likely to pack one more shirt “just in case” and a pair of amazing shorts that can only be worn with one t-shirt but that’s fine, you will see how you don’t end up using these items and won’t pack them again the next time.
How to pack it
Please keep in mind the laws of balance. Put the heaviest stuff at the bottom of your carry-on backpack as they will sit closer to your back – this makes it easier to carry. The best way to pack is to roll up your clothes: this will avoid wrinkling, free up more space and keep the bag organised. Although I continue to roll I recently splurged on a set of packing cubes, which help me have my already rolled clothing even further organised than before, and makes it very easy to take stuff in and out of the backpack without untidying the rest of my belongings.
Minimalist carry on backpack packing list for summer
Although the basics are the same for every destination and season, this carry on backpack list is specially designed for women travelling in summer.
In the Cederberg mountains of South Africa, on a right turn from the Algeria Campsite gravel road we can find a hidden gem. Gecko Creek is a paradise in the middle of nowhere.
My first impression was of laughter when, after driving through the first gate, the below sign appeared. Arriving around sunset time the sky looked every type of red and pink while I drove.
Quick facts:
Good for: families, couples, friends
Starting from: 370 ZAR per person per night (20€)
Location: Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Accommodation at Gecko Creek
I had booked one of Gecko Creek‘s chalets (they also have tents).The chalets are high on wood decks and have a little area in the front with a hammock and a bench.
The inside is quite tiny, featuring the bed with two bed tables on each side and a box for your belongings.
The chalets overlook the valley and have great views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoying sunset from the deck was one of my favourite things to do.
The hammock just makes for the perfect spot to read a book or just listen to the birds.
The chalets and tents do not have electricity or lights. There are charging points in the kitchen for devices. You have bring your own lanterns to go to your tent/chalet when the sun has set.
Facilities at Gecko Creek
Rules at Gecko Creek are strict around noise. Their motto says “The silence that speaks”. It is a place ideal to listen the mountain sounds. The camp is strictly no noise (no speakers allowed) and the only two areas where you hear people are the communal area and boma (outdoors fire area).
Ablutions are communal and close to the main area. The distances between any tent/chalet and communal area are between 10m-50m.
There is a thatched big room without walls that comprises the kitchen and dining tables. Next to the kitchen and dining area we can find the boma, with braai facilities and bean bags surrounding the fire. There is charcoal available for purchase at the office. They also have a pool.
Although I wanted to explore the Cederberg and Gecko Creek was just a recommended place to stay, the complete silence and the hammock in my chalet were the perfect down time combination after a day of hiking and exploring.
What to do at Gecko Creek
1. Leopard rock:
This rock is located less than 200m away from the main area. There are very watered-down bushman paintings dated of 20.000 years ago and from the top it is a spectacular sunset spot.
John takes groups every day at 18:00 for R10 and tells the story of the paintings.
2. Elephant rock:
This rock is called elephant rock because you can clearly see an elephant on its shape.
There used to be two, one behind the main one you see on the picture below, but the rock cracked. This rock is about 20 minutes away walking from the camp, and can also be reached by 4×4.
3. Scenic Flights:
Those can be organised from the office and take 1 or two passengers at a time. They fly over the lodge and surrounding Cederberg areas.
The tranquillity. It was seriously relaxing to have an atmosphere built around silence.
The lodge can host more than 25 people when it’s full with chalets, tents and safari tents available. It was still totally quiet away from the main area.
Random fact: for those who personally know me and have been with me on any summer night, you all know mosquitos love me. Like they must have an altar with my name. I was sceptical when I read on the website mosquitoes were few, and I can prove I wasn’t bitten once while wearing summer clothing!
As a child I used to come to a summer camp near to Caldes de Boí, and when I was a teenager I attended again as a summer camp leader. The hikes around the area are quite familiar to me and I feel like I belong in those mountains. Today I’m going to be talking about the full hike route to go to Gémena Lakes.
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Caldes de Boí, Catalunya, Spain
Altitude: Starts at 1500m above sea level. Finishes 2257m
Highlights: Views
Fitness level required: Medium
Cost: Free
Estimated duration: 2h30 – 3h depending on shape and stops
We start at the parking lot about 2km past Caldes de Boí. From Caldes de Boí, exit towards the mountains on a tar road for less than 2km. You will leave the Toirigo information house on your right, then turn left to cross the river. After the bridge there’s a parking sign. From there on out it’s all walking.
From the parking lot to Llubriqueto
The first part of the hike is the hardest one. You will climb more than 800m in about 45min-1h. It is very steep and the path goes up in zigzags all the way. I find the start of the hike quite challenging as you literally start and must get into a good rhythm and breathing pace very quickly.
It also allows for most of the hardest effort to be expended at the beginning, which personally I prefer.
This path takes you mostly underneath leafy forest. It is a very shady path and that makes it better than being in direct sun.
The path is clearly marked and you just have to follow the yellow signs and cairns (groups of rocks that previous hikers have left on the path to be followed).
Once you are done with the forest you arrive at a river, which you will cross and turn off to your right and then continue up until you arrive at Pla de la Cabana, where you can find the Llubriqueto Fountain.
This area is very flat and the ideal half way stop. It has fresh water coming from the surrounding lakes and waterfalls.
From Llubriqueto to first Gémena Lake
To continue your ascent you will have to cross the river (wooden bridge) and follow the small path until you see a sign pointing to Gemena Lakes. From this point it goes up on a rocky path.
There is another steep slope where you will have to be climbing big rocks. Once you arrive at the top you will see the first of the two Gémena lakes.
The first Gémena Lake
This one is my favourite. It is breathtakingly beautiful once you see it for the first time. And when you repeat the hike, it gets even better.
The sight of this lake makes my heart sing and my jaw drop – a feeling only places that are close to my soul can give me.
I have spent not more than 5 days here during my life, but it has made a change in how I see nature, how I truly appreciate it and what I do to share my passion with friends and colleagues.
I have slept up here once, on my way to a longer route. Camping is not allowed but if you find yourself here while on a route you might decide to spend the night. It was hands down my favourite sunrise in the world.
The second Gémena Lake
A short hike from the first, the second lake can be found while circling the first lake and going a few more meters up. It is also very beautiful and if you are lucky there will be some leftover snow for you to slide yourself on!
Circling the first lake
If you want to continue the hike you can continue towards the Besiberri Summit.
Recommendations for hiking the Gémena Lake
Sleep the previous night close to the starting point so that you can start very early to have all day to enjoy by the beautiful sight. If you are an eager nature lover you can wake up at night to see the sunrise from the lake, I can guarantee the views are phenomenal.
Once you arrive at the first lake you can follow the river to a waterfall which has panoramic views of the Llubriqueto flat area.
Have you ever done this hike? Drop your favourite hike below!
Most people travel through Eswatini (Swaziland) without stopping or just adding one stop at a cultural village before they continue their journey through South Africa or Mozambique.
During a recent long weekend, I went on a road trip from Johannesburg to Swaziland with a group of friends. I got to see small game (like kudu and zebra) during the first two hours inside the country. On another note, a week after we travelled the King of Swaziland changed the country’s name to eSwatini Kingdom.
Swaziland is a small country in Southern Africa. It’s landlocked by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique on the East. Swaziland is known for its Swazi culture and they are now trying to position themselves as a wildlife destination as well. There are many different National Park and Reserves with diverse wildlife and there has been an effort to increase the wild animal populations.
Swaziland/eSwatini still remains a fairly unknown country that gets overshadowed by its neighbours – established tourism countries in the south of Africa.
FAST FACTS ABOUT SWAZILAND/ESWATINI
Swaziland’s capital is Mbabane, which is also the biggest city
Their currency is the lilangeni (SZL) which has the same value as the South African Rand (ZAR)
English and Siswati are official languages. English is extensively understood, and Siswati is the language used in schools
If you want to explore Swaziland and are curious about their landscapes and people, here’s a list of important travel information you need to know
Getting to Swaziland/Eswatini
There are four main transport options to get to Swaziland:
Airport: There are two airports in Swaziland, although one is only used for the Swaziland Government and specific approved flights. King Mswati III is the International Airport. The airport is located in Manzini, 1h30min away from the capital.
Road/Car: there are different roads entering the country from Mozambique and South Africa. The most used road from South Africa to Swaziland is the N17. From Mozambique the MR7.
By mini taxi: Mini taxis (explained in this Cape Town post) are (usually) 12 people vans. In South Africa and Swaziland they are white. You can hail them and they cover most routes. There are mini taxis departing from Johannesburg Airport for about R200 one way.
Using a bus: There are a couple companies providing a service: Transmagnific or Translux
Entry requirements & health information
Like most countries worldwide Swaziland requires on entry a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months and two blank pages. You can check in this list if your passport needs a visa before entering the country.
The East area of Swaziland is a malaria area, so visit your trusted doctor to talk about preventative pills. Yellow Fever is not a risk in the country so you will only be required a proof of vaccine if arriving from (or having travelled to in the past year) a country with high risk.
We used the Oshoek Border for entrance and exit. It took us two hours of queuing in the sun (arriving at 2pm) on our way in and about 10 minutes on our way out (at 7am to avoid queues). Keep that in mind for when you plan your drive – probably best to avoid peak hours.
They drive on the left. Since we were doing a road trip, we drove everywhere. We found the signage to be excellent, there were signs for major cities, towns and attractions that were easy to follow. The road condition was good on major highways. Some small tar roads had a few potholes, but they were non-existent compared to the ones on the N17 road from Johannesburg.
If you can take 1 thing out of this post should be the following: GPS is not reliable. We mostly visited the Ezulwini Valley, Mbabane and Maguga Dam as general areas. We found ourselves driving up and down the Ezulwini Valley taking the major highway (as per GPS directions) when we had already driven the same route for half the time using another road. If you are there for a couple days you will start recognising routes and roads – follow your memory!
Paying in Swaziland/Eswatini
This one is possibly a biased opinion as from 4 of us, 2 credit card details where stolen during our stay there. We had mostly cash with us as South African currency works in Swaziland and only some establishments like hotels or restaurants have ATM facilities. There are ATM’s everywhere, we saw at least 200 in 3 days.
Safety
Swaziland is a safe country to visit. It is safer to walk around than other neighbouring countries. It is still not advised to walk at night alone.
Culture in Swaziland/Eswatini
Throughout the country there are showcases of its traditional way of living, people can go to the cultural villages to see the structure of a home and learn about some of their histories and values. As someone who is somewhat sceptic about intruding on other people’s way of life (I wouldn’t like it if someone came to where I lived and wanted a house tour) I had never taken one of these tours. I found myself there as one of the waterfalls I wanted to see was right in the cultural village property and I was greatly surprised. Mostly because there are only rural places in Swaziland where people live in this traditional way and it is more of an historic village (no one lives there or has in the last 40 years). It was quite shocking to learn their perspective on different aspects of life, particularly regarding the roles of men and women.
Accommodation in Swaziland/Eswatini
Although the accommodation industry is developing, there are for now only a few options to stay around the country. There are some big hotels and a few smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels that you can find on the usual platforms, like booking.com. I recommend checking out the official Swaziland tourism board to check out accommodations that may not appear on other platforms.
Internet in Swaziland/Eswatini
We found internet in all of our accommodations. It wasn’t the fastest speed but emails and WhatsApp could be checked reliably, and social media was possible in or near the main areas. They have wifi available in some restaurants too but not in all of them.
You will most likely struggle to find WIFI at monuments or attractions – most of them are located in nature so internet is not a priority. You can buy a sim card upon entry to the country (airport or after the border) if you need to stay connected.
Food and water
The typical foods are maize, corn, vegetables and meat is considered a luxury. Goat meat is the most common meat around. They do have a variety of meat available for visitors which I highly recommend, we ate Swazi braai (south African word for barbecue) and tried different animals – all of them delicious together with vegetables!
Water is safe to drink in the main cities and tourist areas like the Ezulwini valley. In rural areas it is recommended to ask for bottled water.
When is the best time of the year to go to Swaziland/Eswatini
Swaziland enjoys different temperatures depending on the altitude. The highveld (in the West) is characterised by a temperate climate with cool nights in winter. The middle veld(centre of the country) has higher temperatures, winter days are warmer and during summer it can get to 40degrees.
Lastly the lowveld (in the East) has warmer temperatures and summer can get unbearable, humid and hot. The coldest months are May to August. The rainy season happens from mid October to April and dry season April to mid October.
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and I’ve never looked back (except to admire the Osprey sitting on my shoulders). It’s the perfect fit for local weekends away, long weekends in 
, which help me have my already rolled clothing even further organised than before, and makes it very easy to take stuff in and out of the backpack without untidying the rest of my belongings.
