We are two avid travelers who first met at university and discovered our shared passion for exploration during an exchange year in Canada. Since then, we have been successfully carving out time for adventure within the constraints of our 9 to 5. Our annual journeys have become a cherished tradition, allowing us to disconnect from the daily grind, create lifelong memories, and gain new perspectives on the world and our place in it.

Our travels have taken us to Eastern Europe, Central and South-East Asia as well as West Africa. Over time, we have developed a particular interest in the former Soviet bloc, captivated by its rich history, grandiose architecture, and arrestingly friendly people. Nature has also played a major part in choosing our destinations, as no trip of ours is complete without a series of hikes and wildlife encounters.

Who this blog is for

Maximize Your Vacation

If you’re someone who craves authentic and unique experiences but operates within the constraints of limited vacation time: this blog is for you. We aim to strike a balance between off-beat experiences but sufficient structure to make the most of our limited annual leave. This isn’t about all-inclusive resort stays where, at best, you’ll experience a highly sanitized and completely scripted version of ‘local culture’. Nor is it primarily for those who can afford the luxury of traveling indefinitely in a camper van or enjoying their sabbatical, drifting wherever the road may take them over months or even years.

Balancing Authenticity and Structure in Travel

Our trips are designed to create lasting memories without needing to quit our jobs or embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. We hope that this can serve as a blueprint for others for a trip that balances cultural exploration, breathtaking natural environments, and meaningful personal encounters, without the need for weeks or months away.

Time-Efficient, Deep Travel Experiences

If this sounds like you, join us as we discover stunning landscapes, wonderfully hospitable people, and local histories not covered in our high schools.