LifePart2AndBeyond.com Travel Blog
Visiting Ouidah: Voodoo Traditions, History, and a Very Unexpected Python Moment
After Togoville, I travelled on to Ouidah — a place known both for its deep spiritual traditions and its painful history. It turned out to be one of the most fascinating days of my trip, with moments I absolutely did not expect, such as a python...
Visiting Togoville: A Fascinating Trip Across Lake Togo
I visited Togoville as part of a tour with Undiscovered Destinations, which made the trip very easy because everything from transport to the lake crossing was organised for me. You can visit independently, but you will need to put in a little more...
One Day in Lomé, Togo
Lomé wasn’t a city I knew much about before arriving, but it turned out to be the perfect and surprisingly gentle introduction to West Africa. Arrival and Visa Lomé was the starting point of my West Africa trip through Togo and Benin. Before you go, you’ll need to...
The Best Things to Do in Varese, Italy
I spent two days exploring Varese while I was house sitting nearby and taking care of two adorable rabbits. Getting to Varese from Milan is simple. I took the Trenord regional train on the Milano Cadorna to Varese line, which runs often throughout the day. Trains...
A 2.5-Week Colombia Itinerary
My 2.5-Week Colombia Itinerary: Visiting Medellín, Salento, Bogotá, Villa de Leyva & Cartagena Colombia is full of contrasts: buzzing cities, colourful towns, lush coffee landscapes, colonial streets, Caribbean heat, and incredible food. In 2.5 weeks, I...
2.5 Days in Cartagena
2.5 Days in Cartagena: A Hot, Colourful End to My Colombia Trip Cartagena was the final stop on my two-and-a-half-week trip around Colombia. I arrived just after 2 pm, and the heat and humidity hit me immediately. It felt nothing like Bogotá. I stayed at Casa del...
A Relaxing Weekend Break in Villa de Leyva from Bogotá
If you’re looking for an easy weekend escape from busy Bogotá, the colonial town of Villa de Leyva is a great choice. I spent 1.5 days here and loved the slow pace, mountain views, and relaxed atmosphere. Getting to Villa de Leyva I booked my bus ticket to Villa de...
2 Days in Bogotá: What to See, Do and Eat in Colombia’s Capital
After enjoying the peaceful mountains of Salento in the coffee region, arriving in Bogotá felt like stepping into another world. The city is busy, energetic, and full of contrasts. To make things easy, I pre-booked an airport transfer. I based myself in La...
Two Relaxed Days in Salento, Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia’s coffee region? Salento is a top destination. Its green valleys, colourful balconies, delicious food, and close access to the Cocora Valley make it a great addition to any Colombia itinerary. I spent two relaxed days here, found Salento...
3 Days in Medellín: A Solo Traveller’s First Taste of Colombia
If you’re planning a trip to Medellín and wondering how to spend a few days in the city, this post shares exactly what I did during my own three-day visit as a solo traveller. From exploring Comuna 13 to taking a day trip to Guatapé, here’s an...
How to Take an Easy Day Trip from Salerno to Paestum
If you’re staying in Salerno and want a simple, low-stress day trip, Paestum is an excellent and rewarding choice. With well-preserved Greek temples, a relaxed archaeological park atmosphere, and an excellent museum, it’s one of the easiest excursions you can do by...
Vietri sul Mare in Winter: An Easy Day Trip from Salerno
Vietri sul Mare is often treated as the start of the Amalfi Coast rather than a destination in its own right. In summer it can feel busy and rushed, but in winter it slows down. I visited in January, did the town in the morning and the beach in the afternoon, took the...
Best Things to Do in Salerno
If you’re drawn to the Amalfi Coast but want something more authentic, affordable, and less crowded, Salerno is an excellent alternative. Located at the eastern edge, it offers history, sea views, and everyday Italian life, without the inflated prices or crowds of...
Málaga in One Day
Málaga was the final stop on our six-day Andalusian road trip, which took us through Ronda, Cádiz, and Jerez before looping us back to the Mediterranean coast. I’ve always thought of Malaga as the “airport city,” but spending a day here changed my view completely. You...
One Day in Cádiz: A Slow Coastal Day in Southern Spain
Cádiz was one of our stops on our six-night road trip through southern Spain, and it turned out to be one of my favourites. I visited with a friend, and during the trip we also spent time in Ronda and Málaga. We stayed in Jerez de la Frontera and visited Cádiz for a...
Why I Love Using GPSmyCity When I Travel
Whenever I visit a new city, I love just wandering aimlessly around at leisure. Walking is one of the best ways to discover hidden corners, local cafés, and places I’d never find otherwise. But as much as I enjoy that freedom, there’s always a tiny part of me...
Best Things to Do in Ronda, Spain: A Simple, Real-Life Guide
Ronda was one of those places that caught me off guard in the best way. Within a few hours of wandering around, I found myself thinking, "Oooh, I could live here." Yes, I know I say that about many places, but the mix of dramatic scenery, easy walking streets, and a...
A Day Trip to Hradec Králové
During my house sit in nearby Týniště nad Orlicí, I took a day trip to Hradec Králové — and it turned out to be a real highlight. I hadn’t known much about the city beforehand, but it surprised me with its elegance, calm atmosphere, and wonderful mix of old and modern...
24 Hours in Olomouc: History, Coffee, and Quiet Charm
When most people think of the Czech Republic, they picture Prague’s spires, Charles Bridge, and the crowds that come with them. However, a few hours east lies Olomouc, a smaller city rich in history, charm, and excellent coffee. It’s relaxed, walkable, and full of...
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Northern Pakistan
When I told friends and family that I was going to Pakistan, the reactions were… dramatic, to say the least. Some were horrified, warning me I’d be kidnapped, or murdered. The reality? None of that happened. Instead, I met some of the kindest, most polite, and...
Jon & Sarah
It seemed almost inevitable that we, Jonathan and Sarah, would one day meet: two independent travellers from different corners of the globe, we shared a bond that many travellers experience, a mutual love of adventure and a belief that the planet is a better place when people leave their comfort zones and discover new lands and cultures. So, when our paths finally