An Insiders View on Slovenia

Maja 

Slovenia, very green and diverse country between the Mediterranean and the Alps, boasts all the beauties of the Old World. When you want to learn about Europe in one stroke, come to Slovenia. In just 20,273 square kilometers there are wonderful Alps, charming coastline, pristine lakes, breath-taking crystal clear rivers, thermal springs, beautiful valleys, magnificent Karst cave world, antique castles, medieval cities, ancient villages, and countless vineyards with top quality wines. Here in this small and easily covered area one can find 4 geographic regions, 3 climate regions and 3 wine growing regions. This is Slovenia, compact and astonishing, a diversity of Europe in miniature. More diverse experiences await you all year round.

What makes Slovenia an ideal travel destination for all?

Not many countries can offer such a wide variety of amazing possibilities like Slovenia can. It is an ideal travel destination, among the most biologically diverse countries in the world and stunningly beautiful nature, small distances, one of the cleanest countries in Europe, excellent culinary & wine.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Slovenia? 

Slovenians are respectful of the rules in public places and appreciate the kindness and good manners from others. Slovenians also recycle and try to keep the country clean. Also very important: tap water is clean and drinkable. Most of Slovenians speak English and are kind to tourists.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they are travelling?

To bring euros and some sports shoes because there is a lot of places in nature to discover, especially away from the capital.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Slovenia?

Vintgar Gorge, Velika Planina, Logarska Dolina, Soca valley, Krizna cave, Postojna Cave, Skocjan Cave, Bled.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Locals try to have the best quality of life, working hours are from 8 am until 4 pm or from 9 am to 5 pm which leaves almost all afternoon free for different activities in nature or just to spend quality time with the family and friends. When the weather is nice, locals also like to spend time in the city centre, just having a drink in one of the bars along the Ljubljanica river. During weekends, people like to have a short getaway in one of the different places in Slovenia, because everything is about one hour to two hours away from the capital.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Slovenia?

Local wine in different regions of Slovenia, Kranjska sausage, struklji (composed of dough and various types of filling), Potica (a dessert, rolled dough cake with different fillings, most common is nut filling), Bled cream cake, jota (a stew with sour cabbage and beans).

What are things which one must buy when in Slovenia?

Licitar heart, olive oil from different Slovenian producers, honey from different Slovenian producers, lace from Idrija, salt or chocolate with salt or different products from Piran saltpans, Slovenian schnapps (from blueberry or plum or similar).

Which is the most romantic places to visit in Slovenia?

Bled, Piran.

Which are the local festivals one must come to attend in Slovenia?

There are a lot of culinary events and wine events throughout the year in whole Slovenia. For example, Cherry Festival in Goriska Brda, Fish fest on Slovenian coast, Beer & flower festival in an Eastern part of Slovenia, Ljubljana Festival, Ethnomusic festival in Bled.

The things that guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Some things should remain unpublished for guests to discover them on their own during their visit.

According to you what is the best thing about Slovenia?

That everything is close, you can go to the mountains and to the coast on the same day. There is a lot of nature which gives you a sense of freedom. Water is clean and drinkable. Slovenia is also very diverse and one can do so many different things, there is something for everyone.

Check out our latest package on Slovenia 

An Insiders View on Andaman Islands

By Sherly Jerusha


White sandy beaches separate crystal clear azure waters from lush curtains of rain-forest green: this is nature at its best. With breathtakingly gorgeous coastline, lush forested interior, fantastic diving spots and a boundless location, the Andaman Islands are a perfect place to wander around or simply chill out at the beach side.

Q] One little-known fact that everyone should know when travelling to Andaman’s ?
Andaman has the most fascinating ecosystem – the coral reefs are spectacularly diverse with big crabs, large turtles, vibrant fish and extremely colorful species of butterflies, You will get to see it all.

Q] What is a must buy when in Andaman’s ?
Locally made cane handicrafts, wooden decorative items and accessories made from seashells or pearls are a must buy when in Andaman.

Q] What should one carry when travelling to Andaman’s ?
Loose fitting, light pastel color clothes, and suitable for wearing on the beach. Carry a pair of slipper too.

Q] Where should anyone, definitely get their picture taken when in Andaman’s ?
White sand & rain forest trees lend a tropical vibe to Radhanagar Beach which makes it a perfect spot for taking pictures. It is also one of the best beaches in Andaman.

Q] One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Andaman’s ? Pack a DSLR Camera to capture your memories as Andaman is filled with unexplored places.

Q] One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss.
Diving and Snorkeling! Havelock Island is one of the most famous places for scuba diving and snorkeling in Andaman.

Q] Which are the restaurants to have local food?
All the seafood restaurant have their own specialty, so I would suggest you to explore and try out for yourself.

Q] Your favorite local dish and drink that you would recommend.
Try the local seafood like fish curries, chilly curry and different types of fish fry.

Q] One place only the locals would know.
Kalapathar beach which is situated on one corner of Havelock Island. The beach gets its name from the surrounding village, which is Kalapathar Village and the black rocks (known as Kalapathar in Hindi) that adorn the coastline here.

Q] A local festival you feel more travelers should come and see
Dashera & Deepawali are the festivals one must experience when in Andaman.

Q] The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Andaman’s ?
Andaman is beautiful even when it rains. The monsoon paints a very different picture of nature’s beauty – one that needs to be seen to be experienced.

Q] In one sentence, Andaman’s is ..?
Andaman is a Gift of Heaven, and a bliss to all its visitors.

By Sherly Jerusha