So who is Laura?
A travel enthusiast. A creative director at an advertising agency. A loving and loved wife. A talker. A silence appreciator. Walking the path of mindfulness. Some people say I travel a lot, but I’d respond – compared to whom? :) Every year, I travel abroad at least 3–4 times (one of those trips being a long one, lasting a few weeks).
For me, traveling is both a hobby and happiness, excitement, and necessity. I often joke that I feel most at peace when I have a ticket for an upcoming trip in my pocket.
My journey begins long before the airport – it starts with booking tickets, accommodation, and researching “what to see and do.” Then comes the fine-tuning: figuring out how to get from the airport to the city center, planning local transportation, booking domestic flights, attraction tickets, drivers, guides, and so on. It all culminates in the “where to eat” phase and the technical details – marking spots on Google Maps, organizing everything by day, scheduling according to opening hours, and so on.
By now, you’ve probably realized that I’m a fan of systems :) The search for all the details, the selection process, and scrolling through reviews on Tripadvisor, Booking, Google, and other platforms bring me almost as much joy as the trip itself.
What matters to me when traveling?
To see, experience, and taste. Beyond the main attractions, I always make sure to:
- visit something related to modern art;
- find a spot to view the city from above;
- seek out food that’s popular or unique in that city/country (it could be anything from donuts to sandwiches, steaks, or drinks). I particularly enjoy casual spots where the food is both delicious and fuss-free, but I also appreciate white tablecloths when the occasion calls for it;
- wander through neighborhoods that are simply fun to stroll around.
How do I travel?
Within the country – by plane, bus, with private drivers or guides. If the country is suitable, I choose a rental car. I avoid organized tours unless there’s no other way to reach a particular destination or I don’t find the alternative safe or reliable (for instance, I wouldn’t go to slums in India on my own).
Who will enjoy my plans?
They’re perfect for those who don’t want to waste time researching “what to see,” “how much it costs,” and “is it worth it.” Every place I recommend is one I’ve personally visited, so I’ve already done the legwork for you :) All prices were accurate at the time of creating the plan (they may change as the plans aren’t updated daily), but they’ll still give you a good sense of the costs.
For those who want to see not only the major landmarks but are also curious enough to explore less-known but equally fascinating streets and spots.
For those who already know what kind of hotels suit their needs and budget, as I don’t include hotel recommendations (even though I spend a lot of time researching, checking, and reading reviews about them – I believe this is a highly individual preference).