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Em's Globetrotting Gems

Em's Globetrotting Gems

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  • Em’s Globetrotting Gems
  • Destination Guides
    • Southeast Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Vietnam
    • Europe (UK, Greece, Portugal, Romania)
    • Balkans
    • Solo Female Travel
  • Books about Travel
  • Travel Guides
    • Albania, Unlocked
    • Vietnam, Unlocked
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Em standing on a cliffside path with the Church of St. John at Kaneo and Lake Ohrid stretching out behind her under a sunny sky.
Destinations: Europe North Macedonia

14 Best Things to Do in Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

Explore Lake Ohrid’s top activities — boat to Sveti Naum, visit the Bay of Bones, enjoy a sunset cruise, wine tasting, and more.

updated on January 6, 2026August 26, 20254 Comments on 14 Best Things to Do in Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
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Em in a tropical-print dress sitting on a stone ledge at Berat Castle, overlooking the winding Osum River and green hills in the distance.
Balkans Albania

Things to Do in Berat, Albania: Complete Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Berat, Albania. Explore castles, cobbled streets, wine tours, and local culture in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

updated on January 6, 2026August 22, 20258 Comments on Things to Do in Berat, Albania: Complete Travel Guide
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Em overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, with boats docked along the coast, showing why it’s a must-visit for lakeside relaxation and scenic villages.
Balkans Albania Montenegro North Macedonia

Why You Should Visit Albania, Montenegro & North Macedonia Before Everyone Else

Uncover why these underrated Balkan gems—Albania, Montenegro & North Macedonia—should be your next trip. Affordable, beautiful, and still crowd-free.

updated on January 6, 2026August 19, 20259 Comments on Why You Should Visit Albania, Montenegro & North Macedonia Before Everyone Else
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A grand white mosque with a large central dome and two slender minarets rises against the soft hues of a sunset sky. Surrounded by palm trees, the mosque is a peaceful landmark in a city served by Albania buses.
Destinations: Europe Albania

How to Travel Albania by Bus (Without Losing Your Mind)

Traveling Albania by bus? This honest guide shares real tips from 6 weeks of travel — routes, stations, prices, booking issues, and tour alternatives.

updated on January 6, 2026August 15, 20256 Comments on How to Travel Albania by Bus (Without Losing Your Mind)
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View of the old town in Prizren, Kosovo, with a prominent white-domed mosque and tall minaret surrounded by red-roofed buildings nestled into a green hillside. This colorful and historic setting is a highlight of a Kosovo day trip from Tirana.
Destinations: Europe Albania Kosovo

Kosovo Day Trip from Tirana: Tour Review, Tips & What to Expect

Read my first-hand review of a guided Kosovo day trip from Tirana in 2025, with stops in Pristina and Prizren. Is it worth the time and cost?

updated on January 6, 2026August 12, 20256 Comments on Kosovo Day Trip from Tirana: Tour Review, Tips & What to Expect
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Traditional white Ottoman houses with brown tiled roofs climb up a hillside in Berat, Albania, under a bright blue sky, with a mosque minaret standing in the foreground.
Destinations: Europe Albania

Cultural & Historic Day Trips from Tirana – Castles, UNESCO Sites & Hidden Gems

Explore Albania’s culture with day trips from Tirana to castles, UNESCO towns, and historic sites—based on firsthand travel in summer 2025.

updated on January 6, 2026August 8, 20258 Comments on Cultural & Historic Day Trips from Tirana – Castles, UNESCO Sites & Hidden Gems
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Em stands confidently on a castle terrace overlooking the lush valley and traditional homes of Gjirokaster, one of the top things to do in Gjirokaster.
Destinations: Europe Albania

Why I Fell in Love with Gjirokastër, Albania’s Magical Stone City — and Why You Will Too

Is Gjirokastër worth visiting? Explore
Albania’s enchanting stone city with insider tips, must-see spots, and rich history from a real traveller’s view.

updated on January 6, 2026August 5, 20250 Comment on Why I Fell in Love with Gjirokastër, Albania’s Magical Stone City — and Why You Will Too
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Rooftop seating at Monarc Café in Tirana with plush wooden lounge chairs and a stunning panoramic view of the Grand Mosque. Red geraniums line the railing, making this one of the best cafes in Tirana for a scenic coffee break.
Destinations: Europe Albania

The 10 Best Cafés in Tirana (2025): Where to Sip & Work

Discover Tirana’s top 10 cafés for great coffee, remote work, and people-watching. Local tips, prices & coffee culture insights from a digital nomad.

updated on January 6, 2026July 31, 20250 Comment on The 10 Best Cafés in Tirana (2025): Where to Sip & Work
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The sun glows above Pantai Cenang’s long sandy beach, where people lounge and stroll along the peaceful shoreline—Langkawi island vibes at their best during a 3 week Malaysia itinerary.
Destinations: Asia Malaysia

The Ultimate 3 Week Malaysia Itinerary: Peninsular & Borneo

Plan the perfect 3 week trip to Malaysia! Explore beaches, cities, wildlife, and 3 UNESCO sites from Langkawi to Borneo’s jungles with this expert guide.

updated on August 16, 2025July 29, 20250 Comment on The Ultimate 3 Week Malaysia Itinerary: Peninsular & Borneo
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A woman smiles in front of the vibrant red entrance of the Lama Temple in Beijing, with other visitors walking around and incense burning nearby.
Books about Travel Destinations: Asia

15 Fascinating Books About China to Read Before You Visit

Planning a trip to China? Discover 15 must-read books—historical fiction, memoirs, and magical realism—that bring China’s culture and history to life.

updated on October 25, 2025July 25, 202510 Comments on 15 Fascinating Books About China to Read Before You Visit
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Author Bio

Em

Solo travel. Adventure.
I'm a solo traveler in my late 30s with a degree in history and a love for exploring new cultures. I've visited 52 countries since my early 20s. Right now, I’m in the Balkans after a ten-month adventure through Southeast Asia. On the blog, I share tips, guides, and honest insights into solo travel—especially when you're no longer 21!

Some links I share may be affiliate links—this means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting the journey!

More about me

Recent Posts

  • Em sits at a small wooden table working on a laptop inside a cosy vintage style café with warm orange walls, framed photos, and retro decor. This shows the relaxed and characterful café working experience you can expect when choosing between Skopje vs Tirana for digital nomads.
    Destinations: EuropeAlbaniaNorth Macedonia

    Tirana vs Skopje: Which Is Better for Digital Nomads?

  • The richly decorated golden doors of Wat Xieng Thong glisten against mosaic-covered walls and blue skies in Luang Prabang. A highlight of temple hopping during a 7 day Laos itinerary.
    Destinations: AsiaLaos

    Is Laos Worth Visiting for Just One Week? A Slow, Intentional Northern Route

  • A longtail boat cruises along the Nam Ou River at sunset with golden light reflecting on the water and mountains in the distance. One of the most scenic views during a 2 week north Laos itinerary.
    Destinations: AsiaLaos

    2 Weeks in Northern Laos: A Slow, Scenic Itinerary

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Popular Posts

  • A vibrant, leafy outdoor scene at Fern Café, one of the best cafes in Chiang Mai, filled with greenery and hanging plants, where people are seated at tables enjoying drinks and conversation under a canopy of trees and soft lights.
    Destinations: AsiaThailand

    10 Best Cafes in Chiang Mai You Need to Visit in 2025

  • A cozy train cabin with two parallel beds covered in red and yellow bedding, a small table in between with bottled water and a lotus flower, and soft lighting illuminating the space.
    Destinations: AsiaVietnam

    Updated 2025 Vietnam overnight trains: Sleeper Routes, Luxury Cabins & Travel Tips

Em

Find out more

Recent Posts

  • Em sits at a small wooden table working on a laptop inside a cosy vintage style café with warm orange walls, framed photos, and retro decor. This shows the relaxed and characterful café working experience you can expect when choosing between Skopje vs Tirana for digital nomads.
    Destinations: EuropeAlbaniaNorth Macedonia

    Tirana vs Skopje: Which Is Better for Digital Nomads?

  • The richly decorated golden doors of Wat Xieng Thong glisten against mosaic-covered walls and blue skies in Luang Prabang. A highlight of temple hopping during a 7 day Laos itinerary.
    Destinations: AsiaLaos

    Is Laos Worth Visiting for Just One Week? A Slow, Intentional Northern Route

  • A longtail boat cruises along the Nam Ou River at sunset with golden light reflecting on the water and mountains in the distance. One of the most scenic views during a 2 week north Laos itinerary.
    Destinations: AsiaLaos

    2 Weeks in Northern Laos: A Slow, Scenic Itinerary

Destinations

  • Books about Travel7 Post(s)
  • Destinations: Asia66 Post(s)
  • Destinations: Europe42 Post(s)
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