Blog | Irena Grujic

Sahara Desert safari in Morocco

The Sahara desert is a harsh, unforgiving environment and home to several different ethnic groups

By Irena Grujic Location: Morocco10min read

Sahara Desert Safari in Morocco When you think of Morocco, one of the first images that come to mind is likely the Sahara Desert. This iconic landscape has been the backdrop for many movies and the destination of many travelers. In 2019, I had the opportunity to visit the Sahara Desert for three days. It was an experience I would never ...

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Hot air balloon flight over Luxor

Luxor, once known as Thebes, was a center of power and culture for thousands of years

By Irena Grujic Location: Egypt5min read

Egypt, 2021. Hot air balloon flight over Luxor The sun began to rise over the horizon, casting golden light upon the ancient city of Luxor. I stood in wonderment atop the hot air balloon. The views from above were absolutely mesmerizing. From the Nile River to the sprawling temples of Karnak and Luxor, the city's beauty was exceptional. This was not ...

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Cycling Bolivia’s Death Road

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, Death Road is the ultimate experience for you

By Irena Grujic Location: Bolivia6min read

Bolivia, 2018. Cycling Bolivia's Death Road As an avid adventurer, I was thrilled at the opportunity to cycle the infamous Death Road in Bolivia. This narrow, winding road is notorious for its dangerous conditions and has claimed many lives over the years. But despite the risks, I was eager to take on the challenge and experience the thrill of cycling down ...

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The floating islands on Lake Titicaca

Some conquerors considered the Uru people savages, while the Incas believed they possessed supernatural powers

By Irena Grujic Location: Peru6min read

Peru, 2018. The floating islands on Lake Titicaca Have you ever heard of the Indian people called Uru (Uros)? I had the pleasure of meeting these extraordinary individuals during my two-month stay in South America. I visited their floating islands on Lake Titicaca and their way of life amazed me. The Altiplano is home to the largest plateau on the planet after ...

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Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia – tips for visiting

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat

By Irena Grujic Location: Bolivia7min read

Bolivia, 2018. Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia – tips for visiting Salar de Uyuni is a must-see destination when in Bolivia. It is the world's largest salt flat, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes they will never forget. However, to make the most out of your trip, there are some essential tips that you should know before visiting Salar de Uyuni. GETTING THERE If you come ...

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Hiking to Rainbow Mountain in Peru

The mountain represents the Apus, or sacred peaks, important in Andean spiritual beliefs

By Irena Grujic Location: Peru8min read

Peru, 2018. Hiking to Rainbow Mountain in Peru Have you ever heard of a mountain that looks like a rainbow? Well, such a wonder exists in the Andes Mountains of Peru, and it’s called Rainbow Mountain. Hiking to Rainbow Mountain was one of my life's most challenging yet rewarding experiences. As an adventurous traveler, I have always been drawn to the Andes ...

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The Atacama Desert in Chile

Atacama Desert in Chile is home to the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere

By Irena Grujic Location: Chile11min read

The Atacama Desert in Chile, 2018. Do you dream of embarking on an unforgettable adventure to the stars? Look no further than Chile's Atacama Desert. It has the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere, offering over 300 clear days per year for stargazing under open skies. But the Atacama Desert isn't just any desert. It's a breathtakingly unique plateau that fills with ...

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Christ the Redeemer in Rio

Beyond its impressive size, the statue holds a significant place in Brazil's history and culture

By Irena Grujic Location: Brazil5min read

Brazil, 2018. Christ the Redeemer in Rio Perched atop the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro is the Christ the Redeemer statue. With its open arms invite visitors from all corners of the globe to marvel at its magnificence and take in the stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. I had the chance to visit this new wonder of ...

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Lake Titicaca – the birthplace of the Sun

The Sacred Lake is an enchanting place where the mythical and the mundane intermingle with ease

By Irena Grujic Location: Bolivia, Peru4min read

Bolivia, 2018. Lake Titicaca - the birthplace of the Sun While the cool breeze brushed against my skin, I felt like I'd entered a different world altogether. Welcome to Lake Titicaca, a magical body of water between Bolivia and Peru! It is perched at over 3800 meters above sea level. The Sacred Lake, known to the Andean people, is an enchanting place where the mythical and ...

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Taj Mahal – a symbol of eternal love

Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece that took over 20 years to complete

By Irena Grujic Location: India6min read

India, 2019. Taj Mahal - a symbol of eternal love Imagine walking through a grand entrance gate. Catching a glimpse of a white marble monument that takes your breath away. Its magnificence and grandeur leave you speechless. This is what it feels like to visit the Taj Mahal, a world-renowned mausoleum in Agra, India. I am a passionate traveler, and visiting ...

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First impressions of India

Explore a country with a still-existing caste system

By Irena Grujic Location: India7min read

First Impressions of India, 2019. "You see, we cannot draw lines and compartments and refuse to budge beyond them..." I started daydreaming of India long before I stumbled upon Mistry*, who has brought me closer to (for most people) inconceivable poverty and that sensitive, almost imperceptible line between dignified life and basic survival. In a country with a still-existing caste system, privileged ...

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Religious ceremonies at the Ganges River

Haridwar- India's Gateway to God is nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas

By Irena Grujic Location: India6min read

India, 2019. Religious ceremonies at the Ganges River India is a land of spirituality and devotion, where prayer and religious practices are deeply ingrained in the culture. The country is home to countless holy shrines and revered beliefs. One of the most beautiful rituals is the Ganga Aarti, a Hindu religious ceremony. It is performed every evening on the banks of ...

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Holi Festival in India

The Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil

By Irena Grujic5min read

Holi Festival in India, 2019. Attending the Holi Festival in Pushkar in India was truly a memorable experience of my life as a travel enthusiast. Not only do I love to explore new cultures and traditions, but this colorful and vibrant festival was also something I had always dreamed of attending. It was an explosion of color, music, and joy, creating ...

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High Tea at Pera Palace in Istanbul

Nestled amidst the art-nouveau masterpieces, Pera Palace stands tall as a beacon of luxury and history

By Irena Grujic Location: Turkey4min read

High Tea at Pera Palace in Istanbul, 2022. As a lover of tea and iconic hotels and restaurants, visiting the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul for a High Tea experience was on my bucket list for years. This historic hotel has welcomed guests for over a century and certainly lives up to its reputation for grandeur. Nestled amidst the shimmering art-nouveau masterpieces, ...

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Chefchaouen – the Blue city of Morocco

One of the most eye-catching features of Chefchaouen are the blue-painted buildings in the town

By Irena Grujic Location: Morocco5min read

Chefchaouen - the Blue city of Morocco, 2019. If you're looking for a unique travel destination that will take your breath away, then Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City of Morocco is a perfect place for you! Nestled in the Rif Mountains in the northwest of the country, Chefchaouen is a picturesque town known for its striking blue buildings, rich history, ...

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Tips on how to travel safely

Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it's important to prioritize your safety

By Irena Grujic8min read

Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to prioritize your safety while on the road. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is essential to be cautious and research travel safety. Tips on how to travel safely can help protect you and your belongings while traveling, allowing you to fully experience the adventure of traveling ...

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How to avoid altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a common concern for people traveling to high altitudes

By Irena Grujic3min read

How to avoid altitude sickness Altitude sickness is a common concern for people traveling to high altitudes and travelers visiting South America, especially those heading to the Andes mountains. The high altitude can cause various symptoms, from headaches and nausea to difficulty breathing, and can put a damper on your trip if you're unprepared. Here's a guide on how to prepare ...

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How to organize an independent trip

Valuable tips for successfully planning your trip and keeping yourself safe while traveling

By Irena Grujic10min read

How to organize an independent trip Traveling solo or without a travel group/agency often sounds scary. Still, once you try it, you will realize it is challenging and adventurous. Here are some valuable tips for successfully planning your trip and keeping yourself safe while traveling. START YOUR PLANNING – FIRST STEPS Check your finances and plan a trip you can afford. Do ...

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How to get to Machu Picchu – guide

Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel considered one of the world's most significant architectural sites

By Irena Grujic Location: Peru8min read

How to get to Machu Picchu – guide Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel considered one of the world's most significant cultural and architectural sites. The name “Machu Picchu” translates to “old mountain” in the Quechua language, and it is believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The site’s construction is a testament to the ...

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Machu Picchu – the iconic wonder of Peru

Machu Picchu remains a powerful reminder of the Inca's rich culture and traditions

By Irena Grujic Location: Peru6min read

Machu Picchu - the iconic wonder of Peru In 2018, I finally had the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, a marvel of engineering and architecture that has captivated travelers for centuries. The ancient ruins, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, are considered one of the world's most significant cultural and architectural sites, and it was on my bucket list for as ...

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4-day cruise along the Nile in Egypt

Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Nile's landscapes

By Irena Grujic Location: Egypt9min read

4-day cruise along the Nile in Egypt, 2021. Embark on an enchanting voyage along the Nile, where ancient Egyptian history comes alive, breathtaking landscapes astound, and delectable cuisine tantalizes the taste buds. As an avid explorer, I had the privilege of embarking on a remarkable 4-day journey from Aswan to Luxor, and I am elated to share my awe-inspiring experience with ...

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