But you know what? I  had a real hard time remembering those unsuccessful incidents when I started writing this post.

This morning when I woke up I only remembered the breathtaking sunset in South Africa, the delicious fruit&bread brunch in Copenhagen, the hilarious giggly nights in Portugal and the most romantic kiss that I have ever gotten in the pouring rain on the top of the gorgeous Montjuïc Mountain in Barcelona.

I literally just have too much fun to be able to concentrate on yesterday’s disasters instead of today’s new paths to discover. Stepping out of my comfort zone (and the safety net of my homeland Finland) has taught me more about myself than any lecture that I have ever taken or any book that I read.

Sometimes I seek inspiration to keep traveling and staying positive from quotes. Here are my top 30 inspirational travel quotes. Hopefully they will give you the same energy boost to keep traveling that they give to me. Some of the quotes are from unknown authors.

Remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And there’s nothing stopping you to take that first step today.

30.  “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.”

– Fitzhugh Mullan

 29. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” 

– Roy. A. Goodman

 28. “Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.”

– The Dhammapada

 27. “Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’”  

– Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

 26. “Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” 

– Alan Keightley

 25. “Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God.” 

– Kurt Vonnegut

 24.“A child on a farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse… and thinks of home.” 

– Carl Burns

 23.“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.”

– G. K. Chesterton

 22.“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” 

– Susan Heller

 21. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.”

- author unknown

 20. “He who would travel happily must travel light.”

 - author unknown

 19. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”

― Martin Buber

18. ”Not all those who wander are lost.” 

― J. R. R. Tolkien

 17. “A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.” 

– Gael Attal

 16. ”If at some point you don’t ask yourself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ then you’re not doing it right.” 

― Roland Gau

 15. “The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” 

― Bill Bryson

 14.“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” 

― Danny Kaye

 13. “One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.” 

― Edith Wharton

 12. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.”

- author unknown

 11.“Let your heart guide you. It whispers so listen closely.”

- author unknown

10.“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” 

― Andre Gide

 9.“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” 

― Steve Jobs

 8.“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”  

― Henry David Thoreau

 7.“Heroes take journeys confront dragons and discover the treasure of their true selves.”

- Carol Pearson

 6.“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones  you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

5. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” 

– Rosalia de Castro

4. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” 

- author unknown

– St. Augustine

3. “Travel is about the journey, not the destination. The destination is only the means for the journey to begin.”

- author unknown

 2.“Don’t dream your life, travel your dreams. “

- author unknown

1. “Only as high as I reach can I grow, Only as far as I travel I can go, Only as deep as I look can I see, Only as much as I dream can I be.”

- author unknown

* all text and photos by Rita Maria

North

The Look: Home to some of the city’s priciest property, north London has long held the reputation as the hangout of the fashion pack darlings. Unique, fun pieces like colourful, shaggy furs are mashed up with high-end, high street items and urban classics like denim, leather, Doc Martens and super fresh trainers. And nearly everyone owns a parka. Casual yet noticeable, these ladies know how to carefully put together a look that looks like it was no effort at all.

Where to get it: At one of my all-time favourites, the explosion to your senses that is Camden Market. So many shops, stalls and people to feast your peepers on; so many delicious smells wafting from the steamy, street food stalls. Wander down the High Street lined with pubs and small indoor markets over-flowing into the side streets; explore the Lock market for fantastic gifts and trinkets; then hotfoot it into the depths of the Stables for hours of vintage and alternative fashion findings.

East

The Look: Hello hipsters and welcome to your spiritual home. The vibe here is ‘let’s get creative’ and anything goes. Ironic eyewear is a staple – sunglasses, real glasses, nerd glasses… hell, just get some cute frames and pop out the lenses. Retro t-shirts with slogans (the more obscure the better) teamed with lots of plaid and denim. And don’t forget to accessorize the bejesus out of your ensemble with some iconic headwear or a tin lunchbox instead of a bag. Extra points for customized outfits or anything that gives a nod to your extra-curricular, arty activities.

Where to get it: As the average hipster knows, consumerism is so not cool. Instead, support the independent boutiques and thrift stores that are littered around Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Dalston. The East End Thrift Store, described by Vogue as ‘legendary’, is bound to get the bargain hunter’s pulse racing with two floors bursting with quality, retro clothes that won’t break the bank. Also, try out Spitalfields market – Sunday is the busiest and best day to go and the t-shirts are super cool.

West

The Look: Shiny, glossy and sophisticated. Think of that Chelsea girl formula, the epitome of a charmed, glamorous and somewhat exotic life. Skinny jeans and leather trousers with boots or cream coloured converse; high fashion t-shirts; high quality fabric; decadent, statement handbags… The best in the west is subtle, classic and oh, so chic.

Where to get it: The one, the only, Portobello Market can answer many of your vintage needs but if you’re in the mood for something a bit more ‘ladies who lunch’ then check out the designer second-hand stores in Knightsbridge on Cheval Place. The Pandora Dress Agency stocks pre-owned, designer pieces – occasionally, you can even pick up something unworn… after all, buying that Leger dress in both sizes simply saves time trying them on, right?

South

The Look: Living south of the river gives the vague impression of living free, liberated from the rat-race bondage of city life.  Consequently, the style is all about keeping it real, man. Grandpa style, loafers and little old lady coats epitomise charity shop cool alongside headwear like bobble, beanie or pork pie hats. Stay laid-back in flats or trainers and channel some Brixton cool with a bit of urban sportswear.

Where to get it: Brixton Village has a smattering of good vintage stores and independent boutiques nestled amongst the traditional African stalls and shops that give the place its unique vibe. Try Bella West for retro dresses and accessories; Saloon for mostly modern gems alongside a rail full of vintage pieces; and Rejuvenate for more second-hand swag. Or head over to leafy Greenwich for a pleasant afternoon exploring the eclectic mix of shops on offer around the centre such as the fabulous Emporium, a treasure trove of one-off and specially chosen pieces.

So get yourself on that yellow brick road to your style district of choice. The only question is, which London look’s for you?

Image1 via glamcanyon; image2+8 via Vanessa Jackman; image 3+4+9 via street hearts; image6+7 via The Sartorialist

But this wouldn’t be New York if it didn’t offer another perspective. Besides the streets, the subway, the skyline, and the skyscraper, there is another, seemingly neglected dimension to this multi-faceted place: The rooftop. Thanks to the roofscaping initiatives of the past years, the tops of dozens of buildings have been transformed into amazing outdoor living spaces. A quiet place invisible to the intense urban activity below; a little green oasis to refresh the mind from the monotonous palette of the concrete jungle.

176 Grand St, Little Italy, Manhattan

Soho House New York, 29-35 9th Ave, Meatpacking District, Manhattan

Up on the Roof: New York’s Hidden Skyline Spaces, a recent book featuring the works of American photographer Alex MacLean, pays tribute to New York City’s fifth dimension. A trained pilot, MacLean is best known for his beautiful aerial photographs of the U.S., taken in flight from his lightweight plane. MacLean’s work reveals a stunning urban landscape which is made up of strong contrasts and unexpected findings. Among the top floor installations there are not only the famous water towers, lush gardens, and swimming pools but also cafés, restaurants, and even tennis courts.

230 5th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan

601 W 112th St, Morningside Heights, Manhattan

W 2nd St ET 23rd St, 9th and 10th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan

60 E 8th St, Noho, Manhattan

Kent Avenue Apartments, 175 Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W 53rd St, Midtown, Manhattan

All Photos © Alex MacLean/Schirmer/Mosel Verlag. Photos and Addresses via ZeitOnline and Schirmer/Mosel.

I had no idea what I was in for but I expected it to be fun despite varying reports of cruise liners often being hubs for older folks and families and not necessarily trips targeted at my age group. That didn’t scare me though, I had seen enough photos of fancy pool landscapes on cruise ships to already picture myself relaxing inside some whirlpool, Mai Tai in hand. This image in my head even helped over the fact that the Preziosa wasn’t actually going anywhere during the 48h I was on there, but simply waited at Genoa harbor for Sophia Loren to crash a bottle of Champagne against it.

Walking onto the ship for the first time I swear I could hear the Love Boat theme playing. One look at the sparkly chrytsal-studded staircase and it felt like Capitan Stubing would walk down any minute now greeting me with that charming smile of his.

The way to our room led through a small shopping street, a loungy cafe bar with live piano music and a casino. The hallways for the 1700 cabins seemed endless and perfect for a Madonna music video (you can tell my mind associates real world with TV a lot). Special perk: the red carpet throughout all hallways meant that you could take your heels off even before u finally find your room.

The room was much nicer than I had imagined it would be (mind you, traveling to all those lovely hotels has made me a bit of a snob when it comes to holiday accommodation) with lots of modern features, a wonderfully comfortable kingsize bed and a great balcony with a gorgeous 180° seaview.

We dropped our bags and headed straight for the buffet floor (it’s not actually called that but that’s pretty much exactly what it is) where pastas, pizzas, meats, fruits, sandwiches, burgers, cheeses, cold cuts, salads, international fare and a ton of desserts were waiting to fill our stomachs to the point of no return. Here it’s all you can eat, 24h a day. For those craving a more refined food experience there are different restaurant options, including a branch of EATALY, a fine dining experience that has made a name for itself the world over.

When you’re not eating, you probably are drinking, after all there are 21 bars waiting to fulfill your liquid dreams. My favorite watering hole however was not a bar but the ship’s own nightclub, with DJ’s spinning poppy crowd pleasers and waiters filling your champagne glass until you can’t hold it up any more. Best part of same club: the adjacent entertainment centre complete with pinball and racing machines, a real race car thing and a very, very cool 4-D cinema. (Have you been in a 4-D cinema before? That shit’s unreal!) Other types of sweet evening entertainment included a casino and a highly entertaining nightly show in a theatre that holds 1500 seats.

Now that I’ve covered eating, drinking, playing and partying there is only one thing left you really must do on a cruise – relaxing. Luckily there is no shortage of swimming pool options, everything from 12 whirlpools, 4 proper pools and a delicious infinity pool at the rear of the ship are on offer. If you’re feeling young you do not miss out on the kick ass water slide, even if you might be the only person over the age of 12 to do so – it’ll be worth it.

If all those things still leave open wishes you will find 1370 crew members there to help you navigate around the 18 decks and when you’re not in one of the pools, at one of the bars, inside the nightclub, the theatre or the casino you will surely enjoy the fitness centre, basketball court, tennis court, the mini soccer ground, the shopping centre, the bowling alley and the spa.

We only spent 2 nights on the MSC Preziosa but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I think a cruise like this is suitable for anyone coming here with a great friend or partner who really know how to have a good time as this ship is laying it all out there for you, you just have to make the best out of it.

Thank you MSC for inviting us, we had a blast!

Having recently returned from a trip to Vietnam, I feel like my hearing has just returned. It wasn’t from any hawkers or market sellers screaming advertisements for their goods. It wasn’t from loud pumping offensive music from bars and clubs (the majority of drinking holes were closed by 11pm/midnight). It was from the incessant beeping and horn blowing of the numerous motorists and motorcyclists on the road. The noise was so consistent it got drilled into your psyche and soon faded into a background hum that you didn’t notice until you leave the country and realise the new silence is deafening.

 But the more familiar you become with the roads, the more the beeping makes sense. It is a form of communication between the road hogs to ensure the majority of accidents are turned into just ‘near misses’. So much horning occurs it is crystal clear that it is not only used for the generic “Get out of my way”. By watching the way the traffic flowed, seeing how the drivers survived out there, realising the street signs were for decorative effect and driving through the chaos myself, I figured so much more was being said through the honk of the horn:

“Meep Meep!”  

“Get out of my way!”

“Watch out, you crazy m*therf*cker!!”

“HEY!… I’m behind you…”

“WHY ARE YOU GOING SO SLOW??! O right, you’re texting as you drive.”

“I’m overtaking, by the way.”

“HEY!… I’m still behind you.”

“Woop! I’m on a motorbike! T’is grand.”

“I’m zooming up fast behind you and am going to come within an inch and scare the   living daylights outta ya. Ok? Cool.”

It is quite refreshing, albeit a tad confusing, to hear horns expressing a range of emotions and agendas, and not being used in blind anger, aggression, rude impatience or in a sleazy nature, like they’re used in Western countries.

I was on the back of many bikes before braving one alone and I felt safer being in control, especially after riding a taxi that decided to go nearly the whole journey down a busy one-way street. And my thumb never left the horn. I learnt that other “Meep Meep”’s in Vietnam can be used instead of indicating, going around blind corners at top speed, swinging out onto a main road without checking oncoming traffic, alerting useless bicycle-riding Westerners and warning local kids playing at the roadside that you’re coming but don’t want to be included in an accidental game of dodge ball. Decoding Vietnam’s horns probably takes about a week, and the tooting mobile orchestras might leave you requiring a hearing aid by the time you leave.

It doesn’t help that every motorbike seems to be stacked to the brim with all kinds of exciting and unusual things. They’re an incredible distraction when riding past as it blows the mind how they’re able to perfectly balance their cargo and navigate the traffic. Not only does it make the traffic on the road all that more lively, but can also turn into a perfect game when spending an eternity on or waiting for a bus: ‘Who can spot the most insane cargo on a two-wheeler?’.

Things which can be spied can include everything. I mean it. Absolutely everything. Whether it’s an entire five-person family with the father softly singing lullabies to a hidden baby, a gas tank the size of a small car, live pigs trussed up by their trotters, cages of chickens all in a flap…  we also saw wooden cages of live bats quietly hanging upside. I have even heard of whole water buffalos being transported; alas I didn’t see one or that would have been a winner for sure.

Man, motorcyclists have it tough out there. The symphony of horns blasting in their ears, hulking trucks dangerously cutting them off every few seconds, buses of tourists gawping and pointing… all while trying to get from A to B with whatever outrageous goods they’re trying to transport.  I’ve even seen a giant truck full of cages of bees with bees galore frantically streaming behind, trying to keep up with the rest of the hive whilst inadvertently colliding with every motorist unfortunate enough to be out in the open. Ouch.

The roads look chaotic and wild for the poor moped riders, but they seem to have it down pat. It’s an incredible and heart-attack-inducing sight to see while in Vietnam which will never tire your amazement.

image 1 via Sophie Saint,  image 2 via npr.org , image 3 via Jess Hobbs, image 4 via Sophie Saint, image 5 via Jennifer Aitchison, image 6 via adventuresse travels, image  7 via Tanya Travels, image 8 via Never Ending Footsteps, image 9 via adventuresse travels, image 10 via Jennifer Aitchison.

Sure, you could solve this by settling for comfy tracksuits, but you don’t want to be caught wearing them on every photo from your trip (unless of course you are going for the full-on gangsta look: in this case add mad sneakers, heavy beats and a set of diamond teeth to make your intention obvious). To help you solve this dilemma, here is some inspiration drawn from 8 very different movies, according to the type of road trip that you are planning.

Photo from Death Proof

For an escape through wide open spaces: Double denim

Inspiration: Thelma and Louise

Look: As they embrace the freedom of being on the run, Thelma and Louise ditch their uptight hairdos, flower-patterned dresses and even their bras. If, like them, you are planning to speed through the breathtaking wild landscapes of America, pair high-waisted denim jeans with custom-made cutoff T-shirts… and more denim.

Extra detail: The DIY denim necklace.

For a hot honeymoon: Bright colours and animal prints

Inspiration: Alabama in True Romance

Look: Vintage sheer blouses, hot animal prints (seriously, have you ever seen anything cooler than those pink leopard leggings?) and colourful accessories are the basics of Alabama’s look on the road. Feel more like a lazy hoodie-jeans-Converse day? Like her, twist that basic outfit with a leopard faux-fur coat for an effortlessly cool look.

Extra details: Blue shades and a lunchbox-like pink handbag.

For the great outdoors: Romantic dresses and blouses

Inspiration: Holly in Badlands

Look: While hiding in the middle of nowhere with her multiple-murderer boyfriend, Holly still manages to fabricate some eyeliner (with charcoal) and maintain perfectly curled hair (with a few pins and a scarf). It’s not because you are driving through uninhabited valleys and deserts that you should let yourself go: breezy patterned dresses and cute blouses matched with a pair of shorts make for cute, convenient outfits.

Extra detail: Magazines to leaf through when the landscape is too monotonous.

For a hitchhiking trip: A fifties look

Inspiration: Wanda in Cry Baby

Look: After being kicked out by her parents, Wanda puts down her tiny suitcase (she travels light) on the side of the road and raises her thumb. Thanks to her pin-up hairdo, white high heels and super-tight polka-dot dress, she finds a ride in less than a minute — however it turns out to be an old freak. Well, this might not be the wisest choice of outfit to hitchhike in, but the fifties spirit coupled with the leather jacket (warm + badass) make for a great ensemble!

Extra detail: Flaming red lips and dramatic black eyeliner.

For adrenaline-fuelled car stunts: A cute T-Shirt and red-painted nails

Inspiration: The girls in Death Proof

Look: With their colourful T-shirts, jeans and cowboy boots, these girls are dressed to face whatever comes up: a coffee break at the service station, trying out a 1970 Dodge Challenger, or holding onto the hood of a car launched at full speed. (Note: the cheerleader does look delightful in her yellow dress and pompons, but does not get to come play with the cool kids — not dressed for the challenge.) If you are more of a skirt-wearing kind of girl, choose a comfortable one that you can tuck in if needed — to kick the shit out of a serial killer, for example.

Extra detail: Red nails (nonchalantly resting your feet on the car door looks hot — but only if you have a perfect pedicure).

For a surf trip: Nineties surfer look

Inspiration: Tyler in Point Break

Look: Now, with a surf trip, you could just go for your typical surfer girl look: wavy sun-bleached hair, a tank top and beaded jewellery. But that would be a bit boring, wouldn’t it? Instead, try Tyler’s nineties surfer wardrobe: a colourful over-the-shoulder crop top, denim cutoffs and no underwear (the girl got previously arrested for ‘indecent exposure inside moving vehicle’ — ”Hot, very hot”, comments Keanu.)

Extra detail: A surfboard with a nineties flames pattern.

For a Spring Break trip: Colour block bikinis

Inspiration: The girls in Spring Breakers

Look: Throughout the movie, the girls do not wear much more than flashy bikinis and a pair of Vans or flip-flops  — and sometimes a pair of pastel-coloured shorts. Applicable fashion tips: match your outfit to your vehicle’s colour (or the other way around), put on eye-catching nail polish, and wear waterproof eyeliner to parties (so you will still look great when you get out of police custody).

Extra detail: A hood, for the occasional Chicken shack robbery.

For a music tour: Fur

Inspiration: Penny Lane in Almost Famous

Look: Penny travels with a large collection of lace crop tops, embroidered blouses, heavy rings and mini-skirts. If you are planning to follow a band on tour this summer, there are the few tips you can pick up from her. First, always carry a big furry coat with you; it will keep you warm when partying all night, and makes a great improvised pillow during long bus rides. Second, always have a few costumes handy for spontaneous parties (ah, that giant fur hat). Third, never trust the lead singer.

Extra detail: Oversized sunglasses, to fake looking fresh when leaving the hotel early in the morning after a night of partying.

For romance on the road: Nothing

Inspiration: Marylou in On the road

Look: Hitting the road with her unpredictable ex-husband Dean and his writer friend Sal, Marylou is not afraid to bare it all.

Extra detail: A worn-out copy of Swann’s Way.

And to immortalise your fashionable outfits on the go, remember that a Polaroid makes for the best road-trip pictures!

For an exhaustive packing list, check out 100 things you should pack for a summer road trip.

Photos via The New York Times (Christoph Niemann)

Ingredients for 1 Travel Cake:

For the frosting

1 Backpack

For the filling
2kg of clothes (doesn’t necessarily be a brand product)
200g of inspirational books
1 piece of passport
1 handful of smiles
1 pair of high heels
1 bundle of make-up (Eyeliner, Make-up, Mascara, Lipstick)
a decent functional camera
2 cups of adventure
a pinch of home

Decoration

palm trees, beaches, rainforests, colonial, urban, landscape style

1st step:
When buying the backpack for the frosting you should pay attention that it is robust and durable. Next, preheat your mind to 35°C (sunshine mode).

2nd step: Mix paste for the filling
First stir together all clothing, then add the remaining ingredients and mix them to a smooth paste in order to fit everything into the backpack. Assure that everything is as small as possible so little room for air is left. The process is a bit tricky, but don’t worry, you will manage to fit in everything.

3rd step: Baking
Now it is time to get ready- before putting the cake in the oven- make sure you have added all the essentials- double-check if the passport has been added, as the cake won’t change its form otherwise. Don’t worry if the batter gets shaken up a bit, compared to other baking technologies, such as microwaves, the oven represents the safest option. If the cake is ready, the result is stunning- depending on the decoration you added (tropical, beach, rainforest, colonial, urban, landscape) you will experience a totally different flavour. Now it is time to enjoy the cake and share it with many friends.

Enjoy!!

 Picture via beautifullife.com 

Born in the mountains of Dagestan in Russia, Osmann moved to Moscow where he discovered his skill in photography. 2001 found him in England studying Civil Engineering, but his creative mind kept photography a main feature in his life: “Photography is about capturing things that other people might miss. It is a way to communicate. A way to bring images that I hold in my mind to the surface. I want others to look at my work and see beyond the obvious and explore the imaginary world that I have created.”

Every sight and destination is documented featuring his stunning girlfriend (well, she looks pretty hot from behind) bringing together photography, travel and romance… at its finest. Beautiful images for shared travel passion… and did I mention that her clothes are pretty damn great too? A sure travelette with her devoted and talented man.

And what better time of year to start planning a European getaway than spring? After all, springtime in Europe is a time of cerulean skies and crisp, fresh air; flowers and lambs and new beginnings. It’s also a time when the more adventurous among us are brushing off the cobwebs of winter and feeling the urge to try something new.

So, in the spirit of springtime, let’s set aside the stalwart classic getaways of Europe and take a fresh look at some of the continent’s lesser known hot-spots for 2013. Out with the old and in with the new…

1) Košice, Slovakia – the new city of culture

Nobody knows how to pronounce it, let alone why you should go. But Košice is being touted by those in the travel know as one of the coolest city breaks of the year. This Eastern-Slovakian city showcases a charming mix of Medieval Old Town, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture from its many years of rule under different countries.

photo via Merian

Hang out on the pedestrian-only, Main Street to people watch and check out the street performances. Take a tour of the fairytale palaces and troop up the 160 steps of the gothic cathedral, St Elisabeth’s, for incredible, panoramic views. Check out the State Theatre, painted with famous  Shakespearean scenes and explore the fascinating museums, such as the grisly Executioner’s Bastion. And after all that exhausting, culture cramming, take a sip of the city’s official cocktail, the Košice Gold, and get stuck into the vibrant party scene. Košice, here we come!

2) Adriatic coast, Albania – for those that love to beach

photo via awams

Recently recommended as one of the world’s top, bargain beach breaks by the Guardian, Albania looks set to follow Croatia as the next big stop on the sun-worshipper’s trail. A no go area for years following the collapse of communism, Albania is now slowly gaining a reputation as a top hit for the adventurous beach seeker. White, sandy bays (sigh), turquoise waters and lagoons decorate this stretch of 380 miles of coastline begging to be explored. Stop off in pretty seaside villages, soak up the staggering scenery, discover ancient Roman ruins and chow down on delicious seafood. I feel a road trip coming on…

3) Slovenia – welcome to the great outdoors

With scenery as pristine and postcard perfect as Switzerland and the Alpine areas, Slovenia is the rising star for active, rosy-cheeked, outdoorsy types. Shack up in the country’s picturesque capital Ljubljana to place yourself within a few hours drive of all sorts of delightful pursuits such as skiing and dog-sledding in the glittering mountains or hiking around the gorgeous lakes of Triglav National Park.

The Soča Valley and the gorges of the tributaries cater to those that adore the tranquil side of nature as well as satisfying adrenaline junkies with numerous water sports such as rafting and canyoning. After drinking in all that luscious scenery, drink up at a wine tasting in the famous Podravje region. Cheers to that view…

4) Tomorrowland – for festival frolics

For festival fans, one of the hottest events of the year is the Belgium based spectacle, Tomorrowland. One of the largest electro and dance music festivals out there, Tomorrowland won the Best Major Festival accolade at the European Festival Awards 2012. Headlined by global stars such as David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia, last year saw 400 DJs play for 3 days in July to over 180,000 shape-throwing visitors – mostly musical pilgrims from overseas.

photo via thissongissick

Tomorrowland also won big at the International Dance Music Awards beating off stiff competition like Ultra Music in Miami. Top music and top vibes coupled with incredible stage set ups like the Alice in Wonderland theme which saw lasers shooting out of characters eyes and fully functioning waterfalls along with enough fireworks to blow up Parliament collaborate to secure Tomorrowland’s place as festival of the moment. And if you can’t wangle a ticket this year, get booking for 2014 for sure.

5) Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalucia – for getting away from it all

The southern coast of Spain has embraced the travelling hordes for many a year but don’t totally write off this area as the land of package holidays. There are still gorgeous locales off the beaten path where you can experience some real Spanish culture and get away from the tourist hot-spots. Take Setenil de las Bodegas, a peaceful and stunning Andalusian town with a quirky selling point – houses are built into the large, rock caves lining the River Trejo. Located in the lovely province of Cádiz, this quiet, agricultural village has remained a well kept secret thanks to the efforts of the local tourist board, keen not to lead the economy to become over-dependent on tourism like some of its neighboring cities. With 3000 residents and only two hotels in the town proper, travelers are very much in the minority.

 photo via arownd

Eco conscious travelers will be charmed by the self-sustained community with its renowned meat production from pigs kept in local hills and its valuable exports of olive oil, cupcakes and pastries. Wines from the region’s vineyards are abundant and best served with locally produced cheeses. The bright, white-washed houses peep out of cliffs with olive and almond trees thriving on the hillsides above. This lovely pueblo surely can’t stay a secret for long… but shhhh.

Last summer a friend and I felt spontaneous and decided to hit the road on a whim. That’s so fun and romantic isn’t it? Yes. It’s also the best way to forget about a million little things you won’t notice you need until you do need them. It was a good way of learning this: best make a list of things to bring. Listening to my own advice I thought this is a good time to do a write up for all the essentials needed on a summer road trip, not last to prepare my own road trip coming up in a few weeks time. Ready? Ok, let’s go.

 Photo via Flickr

I AM PACKING MY CAR AND I TAKE WITH ME…

Basics

1. Tent

2. Camping mat

3. Pillow

4. Sleeping Bag

5. Backpack

6. Flashlight

7. Rope (to dry your clothes)

8. Blanket

9. Journal /Notebooks and pens

10. Maps

Picture via Marcusdesigninc

 Documents and Money

11. ID / Passport

12. Credit cards and money (and keep them in different places / divide the money in case you get robbed)

13. Driver’s Licence

14. Car documents (and extra copies)

15. Travel insurance documents

16. A copy of your bank TAN-numbers

Car

17. Oil for the car

18. Sheet/Sarong (great for sleeping in your car to a) keep out the the sun/sleep longer and b) keep out nosy looks from bystanders)

19. HandiRack - After some research I came across this wonderful invention. The Handirack is an inflatible rack for your car, which can be attached to basically any car, also cabrio roofs. And if it is not in use, you can just fold it and store it somewhere in your car

Hygiene & Toilet Bag

20. Toothbrush and toothpaste

21. Sunscreen

22. Lip balm

23. Eco-Shampoo and shower soap, which you can use in a lake or outdoor shower

24. Hair Brush

25. Tissues

26. Toilet Paper

27. Disinfectant Spray

28. Towels

29. Nail Clippers

30. Small mirror

31. Make-Up and Make-Up Remover Pads

32. Deodorant

33. Tampons

34. Razor

35. Ear Plugs

36. Eye Mask

Pharmacy

37. Paracetamol

38. Mosquito Spray

39. Band-Aid

40. First Aid Kit

41. Aspirine

42. Ibuprofen

43. Hand Sanitizer

44. Prescription information in case you need refills along the way

Food

45. Camping cooker

46. (Electronic) Cooling Box

47. Pocket Knife

48. Camping cook gear

49. Spoons, forks, knives

50. Plastic Cups

51. Plastic plates and bowls

52. Lighter

53. Bottled Water (lots!)

54. Wine or/and other spirits

55. Canned Food

56. Cereals

57. Cereal Bars

58. Crackers

59. Fruits and vegetable

60. Pasta and Rice

61. Spices (salt, pepper, herbs)

62. (Olive) Oil

63. Tea bags

64. Zipbloc Bags

65. Plastic Bags

66. Dish Towels

67. Kettle grill - this kettle grill costs 14,99Euro (only online available)

Also check out how to cook food on your car engine and how to bake cookies on your car dashboard

Clothes & Stuff

68. Warm and weather resistant sweater

69. Fleece Sweater

70. Rain Jacket

71. Jacket

72. T-Shirts

73. Pants (long and short)

74. Underwear

75. Swimwear

76. Scarf

77. Socks

78. Pair of Pyjamas

79. Sports wear

80. Dresses

81. Hats

82. Sunglasses

83. Shoes: Sandals, High Heels, Flip Flops, workout shoes – check out our previous article on travel shoes

Electronics

84. GPS

85. MP3 Player + cigarette adapter for charging (for cool music check out our roadtrip songs)

86. Mobile Phone + Charger

87. Camera + Charger + extra SD Cards

88. Maybe a travel notebook + charger and movies

89. USB stick

90. Adapter

Other

91. Small sewing kit

92. Locks (for tent)

93. Playing Cards

94. Emergency Phone Numbers

95. Address Book

96. Duct Tape

97. Beach Bag

98. Shopping Bag

99. A pocket dictionary

100. Books – for inspiration check out our list: 25 travel inspired books to read on the road

Extras

101. A bowl to wash dishes in

102. Table and Camping Seats

103. A waterproof bag for your electronics

104. Wetsuit

105. Surfboard(s), surfing wax and fin keys

106. Skimboard

107. Longbaords

108. Bike

109. Frisbee and balls

110. GoPro + Waterhousing

Other useful information

How to deal with travel mishaps

How to make friends whilst traveling

A Hippies packing guide

Surf Spots along the Altantic Coast of France

Roadtripping through South England

10 safety trips for travelers

Happy travels xxx