Ideas for exciting adventures

Ideas for exciting adventures

Travel as a Lifestyle: Your Guide to the Road Less Travelled
Discover authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures and cultural deep-dives since 1997

Travel Tips

Even though we have been flying everywhere for at least the last decade, when we started with our first trips those were made by car.

Destinations

Our European Odyssey: A Continent Explored, An Adventure Shared As passionate European travellers, we’ve made it our mission to explore this incredible continent in all its diversity. We’re thrilled to say we’ve stepped foot in...
Sicilian coast

About Us

Travel as a Lifestyle: Your Guide to the Road Less Travelled

road during low tide
Road during low tide
round fountain
Round fountain

We truly hope you enjoy reading these stories and find something that ignites your own wanderlust. For more, please dive into the travel articles, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow my photographic journey on Instagram.

Travel and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!

A Southern Italian Detour

Road trip around Puglia. We landed at Brindisi Airport in the province of Bari. Trulli houses in Alberobello area were built in centuries ago. Read More "A Southern Italian Detour"

Trip to Rome, Umbria and Vesuvius

Central Italy. Grotte di Frasasi cave is located in the Nord-East about 250 kilometres away from Rome. Getting there is possible using local roads. Read More "Trip to Rome, Umbria and Vesuvius"

Croatian Road Trip: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Dalmatia & Lika

Road trip to Croatia. Road trip to Croatia. Discovering nature of Dalmatia and Lika. Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes are two of several national parks in Croatia. Read More "Croatian Road Trip: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Dalmatia & Lika"

Road trip around Dubrovnik: A Croatian Adventure

Road trip to Croatia. We visited the city of Dubrovnik, called the pearl of the Adriatic, which is one of the most impressive cities in Europe. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Read More "Road trip around Dubrovnik: A Croatian Adventure"
Palace of Versailles

Western Europe

Welcome to Western Europe & Scandinavia: A Traveller’s Treasure Map

So, you’re dreaming of European adventures? You’ve come to the right place! This corner of my blog is your ultimate guide to the incredible diversity of Western Europe and the breathtaking beauty of Scandinavia. From the sun-drenched rivieras to the dramatic fjords, this is a region that promises unforgettable journeys.

Ready to explore? I’ve penned travel tales and insider tips from the following countries:

For the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean or the fascinating cultures further east, don’t forget to check out my separate sections on Southern and Eastern Europe.

A Region of Epic Scale & Stunning Contrasts

Ever wondered how big this part of the world really is? Western Europe is a compact yet mighty collection of nations, home to around 252 million people across a landmass of 1.7 million square kilometres.

To put that in perspective, its total area is larger than Mongolia and almost the exact size of the US state of Alaska! In terms of population, it’s a vibrant hub slightly smaller than Indonesia.

The powerhouses of Germany, France, and Spain dominate the map, accounting for over three-quarters of the territory and more than 80% of the people. France wears the crown for the largest territory, while Germany boasts the highest population.

But here’s where it gets fascinating if you venture north to Scandinavia. While Sweden and Norway have territories larger than Germany, they are lands of wild, open space. Imagine this – Germany has a population density of 240 people per square kilometre, while Norway has just 14. This is your destination for epic road trips where you can truly find yourself surrounded by nothing but nature.

Statue in Versailles
Statue in Versailles

More Than Just Facts: The Pulse of the Region

Majestic Landscapes:

The mighty Alps are the continent’s spectacular spine, carving through eight countries. They are home to Europe’s rooftop, where you’ll find legendary peaks like Mont Blanc (France/Italy), Dufourspitze (Switzerland), and Grossglockner (Austria). Whether you’re an avid hiker or a scenic train enthusiast, the Alps will leave you awestruck.

Aiguille du Midi
Aiguille du Midi

Seamless Travel:

One of the greatest joys of travelling here is the ease of movement. Thanks to the Schengen Area (which includes 29 countries as of 2025), you can often wander from France to Germany to Switzerland without a single passport check. It’s a traveller’s dream! While not all countries use the Euro, the single currency across much of the region makes budgeting a breeze.

A Continent of History in the Making:

This is where modern Europe was shaped. The European Union began with the Treaty of Rome in 1957 and was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. Though the UK left the EU in 2020, the spirit of cooperation makes this a fascinating region to explore.

Kings, Queens & Capitals:

Prepare to be captivated by history and glamour. France is the world’s most visited country, and its iconic capital, Paris, is Europe’s number one city destination. Not far behind is the charming canal-laced capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. And for a touch of fairy-tale royalty, look to Scandinavia, where Denmark, Norway, and Sweden remain constitutional monarchies.

Your Adventure Starts Here

Inspired to start planning? Dive deeper into my personal travel stories, practical guides, and hidden gems by exploring the countries below. Your next great adventure is just a click away.


Browse my West-European travel articles by country:

Moroccan scenery

Morocco

About Morocco: A Gateway to Adventure and Ancient Culture

Nestled in North Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco is a land of breathtaking contrasts. While geographically African, its soul is a captivating tapestry woven from Berber, Arabic, and European influences. I often say that travelling to Morocco isn’t just a trip to Africa. It’s a journey into a world where ancient medinas sit alongside art deco cafés, and the call to prayer echoes over French-inspired boulevards. For a European traveller, it feels fascinatingly familiar yet thrillingly exotic, all at once. And this is all elevated by legendary Moroccan hospitality – a warmth that ensures you might just feel more welcomed than you do back home.

Up until the global pause in March 2020, Morocco consistently ranked as a top holiday destination for Europeans, with millions of visitors from France, Spain, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands flocking to its shores each year. The iconic cities of Marrakech, Fez, and Ouarzazate top the list, closely followed by the imperial capital of Rabat, the windswept charm of Essaouira, and the coastal resort of Agadir.

The deep historical links with Europe are undeniable. For centuries, the Moors, who came from this very land, shaped the culture, architecture, and knowledge of Spain, leaving a legacy that still defines much of Southern Europe today. It’s a shared history that makes every visit feel like uncovering a piece of a grand, interconnected story.

Scenery neat Paradise Valley
Scenery neat Paradise Valley

A Modern Kingdom with Ancient Roots

Morocco is a unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy, proudly led by King Mohammed VI. As a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and the nation’s commander-in-chief, the King is a revered figure who embodies both the spiritual and secular leadership of the country.

With a population of over 36 million people, predominantly Sunni Muslim, Morocco is a nation of vibrant community. In size, its 466,000 square kilometres (excluding the Western Sahara) makes it slightly larger than Iraq and a touch smaller than Spain, while its population sits comfortably between that of Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Moroccan goats
Moroccan goats

Practical Insights for Your Journey

  • Language: The most widely spoken language is Moroccan Arabic (Darija). While French is not an official language, it remains a lingua franca for business, government, and education. You’ll also hear Berber (Amazigh) languages and Hassaniya Arabic. Fear not, though – in major tourist centres, you’ll find many who communicate well in English.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While many guesthouses and shops in tourist areas will happily accept Euros, it’s always wise to have local currency for smaller purchases and souks. ATMs are widespread in cities and towns, though it’s advisable to use those affiliated with major banks in more remote locations to ensure card compatibility.
  • Landscape: Morocco’s geography is as diverse as its culture. Its western border is defined by the wild Atlantic Ocean, while its northern coast kisses the calm Mediterranean Sea. Inland, the mighty Atlas Mountains carve through the country, offering some of North Africa’s most spectacular scenery. Here, you’ll find Mount Toubkal, the region’s highest peak at 4,167 metres, and surprisingly, even ski resorts where you can ski in the morning and be on a sun-drenched beach by the afternoon!

This is just a glimpse into the magic that awaits. From the labyrinthine souks and aromatic spice stalls to the vast, silent expanse of the Sahara desert, Morocco is a country that captures the heart and ignites the imagination.

Ready to explore further? Dive into my detailed travel articles to start planning your own unforgettable Moroccan adventure.