Countries Reviews

At Daman-e-kah. Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate

Pakistan, Home to the World’s youngest Nobel Laureate

PAKISTAN - HOME TO THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NOBEL LAUREATE

PAKISTAN - HOME TO THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NOBEL LAUREATE

The Islamic Democratic Republic of Pakistan is a country in South Asia. Its capital is Islamabad, however, Karachi is the largest city and Financial Center of Pakistan. Pakistan is from the Indus Valley civilization and is the 5th most populous in the world with a population of over 241.5 million. Moreover, it is the second-largest Muslim population in the world. The country is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the South of the Gulf of Oman, Afghanistan to the West/Southwest, China to the Northwest, and shares land border with India to the east. The name “Pakistan” is both Persian and Urdu and means “land of Paks, the spiritually pure and clean.” “Pak” is ‘pure’ in Persian and “-stan” means “land or place of.”

Love the Pakistani Flag

With regards to the tagline, Pakistan is home to the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Mahala Yousafzai. She was only age 17 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest person worldwide to have received such a prestigious accolade. She was awarded the prize for her work advocating for the education of girls and children in Pakistan and worldwide. The Pakistani economy is reliant on agriculture and services, both contributing to the highest percentage of the GDP. Continue reading to learn more about Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate, and my recent visit.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

Beautiful Sunrise over Islamabad - Pakistan. Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate
Beautiful Sunrise over Islamabad - Pakistan

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A view of the city from High Castle Hill and Gardens. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE 

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

The Potocki Palace. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The Potocki Palace
The University of Life Safety in Lviv . Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The University of Life Safety in Lviv

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Slovakia a Beauty in the Heart of Europe

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE 

The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

The Grasssalkovich Palace - Presidential Palace

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The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY 

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park). Azerbaijan the land of fire

Azerbaijan the Land of Fire

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE 

The (unitary semi-presidential) Republic of Azerbaijan is another transcontinental country in the Caucasus Region, and its capital is Baku. It was also once part of the former Soviet Union and bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, spanning Asia and Europe. It has a population exceeding 10 million and borders Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey (all Caucasus countries). Azerbaijan is a democratic, Muslim-majority, secular state. Moreover, it has an oil and natural gas base economy accounting for over 90% of the total exports. Additionally, it exports food and agricultural products, machinery, metals, and textiles that make up the rest of its revenues. Two things stood out for me most about Azerbaijan, they are; the people and prices. Azerbaijanis are outgoing and super-friendly people, and the country is inexpensive. Please continue reading to learn what it is like to visit Azerbaijan the land of fire (Odlar Yurdu).

The Flame Towers at night. Azerbaijan the land of fire
The Flame Towers at night
at the Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park)

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Solo traveller in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina), informally known as Bosnia, is located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe. It is a mountainous country, once part of the former Yugoslav Federation, and its capital is Sarajevo. Bosnia shares its borders with Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and the Adriatic Sea. Most significantly, it is one country with three ethnic groups; the Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs (Serbian Orthodox), and the Croats (Roman Catholics). Its population is under 3.5 million people, and, similar to Montenegro, it is an ethnically diverse and multi-religious country. Bosnia is famous for its gorgeous mountains, rivers and waterfalls, medieval ruins, unique towns, and the former host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. It is an inexpensive, safe, and developed country. Please continue reading for a vicarious trip with the solo traveller in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Scenic Tivat - Montenegro. Montenegro the land of the black mountains

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

The Republic of Montenegro is a small country along the central Mediterranean and within Southeastern Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslav Federation. Montenegro borders Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and has a  population of less than 700,000 people. Montenegro is a diverse and tolerant country because of its multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious composition. It is a country known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches and resorts, glacial lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Kotor. Montenegro is an inexpensive, safe, and clean country. Please continue reading to see what it is like to visit Montenegro, the land of the black mountains.

A Travel Guide to Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Better Travels
Learn how to Save, Plan, and Travel Alone on a Budget

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the Walking Woman statue @ Ekerbergparken (Ekerberg Park). Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark,  the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.

Frogner and Vigeland Park. Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights
Frogner and Vigeland Park

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Denmark the land of the Vikings. The Little Mermaid Statue (a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen)

Denmark the Land of the Vikings

DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS 

The Kingdom of Denmark is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Copenhagen. It is the smallest and least expensive (but still expensive) of all Scandinavian countries, with a population of almost 6 million people. Its head is a Monarch (Queen Margrethe II), and it has the oldest Monarchy in Europe. Even though there is a monarchy, the Prime Minister is the head of the government. Denmark is not only famous for the popular and iconic Christmas Danish butter cookies but also famous for LEGO bricks. It also holds the title of the second happiest country worldwide and is the land of the Vikings, as the locals proudly refer to it. Please continue reading to find out what it is like to travel to Denmark, the land of the Vikings.

Denmark the land of the Vikings. St. Alban's Church - Kastellet
St. Alban's Church - Kastellet

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Tallinn International airport welcome sign. Estonia is the world leader in e-services

Estonia is the World leader in E-services

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

The Republic of Estonia is a small, developed Baltic country in Northern Europe, and its capital is Tallinn. Estonia is closest to Finland and was previously part of the Soviet Union. The country is famous for its many castles, museums, lush forests, strong family values, e-technology, and its medieval, historic capital, Tallinn. Estonia has over 1,500 islands, 1,000 lakes, and 7,000 rivers. It is a developed, high-income, clean, and safe country. It is closer to being a rich country than a poor one and cheaper than many other European countries. However, what is most prominent is Estonia is the world leader in e-services, plus other digital advancements. Keep reading to see what else Estonia offers.

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali. Estonia is the world leader in e-services
Aleksander Nevski Katedraali

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