But to be fair, the Greek Islands in general are a dream place for many travelers seeking azure waters and sandy beaches. Winters are mild, especially in the island groups dotting the heart of the Mediterranean. It’s hard to choose a favorite island. (That’s why I chose 7!)

Traveling to the Greek Islands is a good choice to skip the cold winters in other parts of Europe. However, reaching these places is not always so easy. During summer, busy ferries work all day long to reach some of the remotest islands of the archipelagos.

How Many Greek Islands Are There?

There are about 6,000 islands in Greece, but only 227 have people living on them. In a nutshell, the numerous Greek Islands are divided into seven groups:

1. The Saronic Gulf Islands that dot the waters near Athens’s bay.
2. The Cyclades that are in the middle of the Aegean Sea.
3. Crete is a singular island but the biggest one among the numberless scattered Greek Islands.
4. The Dodecanese that border the Turkish sea-coast.
5. The Northeastern Aegean Islands that sit near Mount Athos in the Halkidiki Peninsula.
6. The Sporades near Athens that count less than 10 islands, with picturesque sceneries and shallow waters.
7. The Ionian Islands that stand along the west coast of mainland Greece, in the waters of the Ionian Sea.

My Favorite Greek Islands

1. Santorini Island

The most iconic island among the Cyclades, Santorini is known as one of the best Greek Islands for couples due to its romantic sunsets. Practically you can watch the sunset alone with your partner from almost anywhere along the island’s cliff edge.

The traditional towns of Fira and Oia feature picturesque whitewashed houses, built on the steep slopes of the caldera. In this vibrant and bustling places, the churches’ domes are painted in blue to mimic the color of the sea and sky.

The black-sand beaches and the wineries of the island are only a few of the highlights of Santorini. You can easily spend one week on the island and still not see everything.

Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios beaches are packed with lively bars, traditional Greek tavernas, and a wide range of water sports. The historic site of Akrotiri attracts not only historic lovers but also romantic couples who are curious to discover the Minoan architecture.

Anafi and Sikinos are two small islands located at a stone’s throw from Santorini. Venturing to these places, you will discover quiet and remote sites, off the tourist radar. Maybe this will become one of your favorite Greek islands too?

2. Thassos Island

Thassos is maybe the most popular island for summer holidays in the Northeastern Aegean Sea. The green island is very close to the mainland port of Kavala so the ferry ride takes less than one hour to reach Thassos.

The road that goes around the island stretches approximately 90km so you can easily drive the whole island in one single day. However, there are so many stunning and hidden places in Thassos, that you can stay on the island for many days and still not have seen all its hidden gems.

On the northeastern shores of the island, the Golden Beach and the Marble Beach are the most popular places for families with children. On the flip side, Cape Salonikos hides surprising coves with wild beaches on the southern shoreline.

Moreover, don’t underestimate the charm of the mountain villages of Maries and Theologos. Tucked away in the heart of the mountains, Theologos was the first Ottoman capital of the island during the Middle Ages and features well-preserved old houses built of stone.

3. Rhodes Island

Rhodes is the most accessible island from the Dodecanese group. Only 40km away from the Turkish port of Marmaris, Rhodes Town (the capital) can be visited on a one-day trip from Turkey.

The old town has narrow winding streets, a Turkish and a Jewish quarter as well as the Knights Quarter with the impressive palace of the Grand Master.

Circling the island by car, you will discover a tempting chain of beaches on the eastern shores of the island. Lindos is the second town of Rhodes and it features an acropolis perched atop a historic center packed with white-washed houses.

On the western side of the island, the ruins of the castle of Monolithos imposingly stand on a clifftop and remind of the times when the Ottomans ruled here.

4. Crete Island

Without any doubt, Crete is the biggest island among the Greek Archipelagos. Standing in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea (very close to Turkey and Egypt), Crete has a delicious cuisine, lively coastal towns, and remains of ancient civilizations.

Crete also has its own international airport and many low-cost companies run direct flights to Heraklion and Chania.

Heraklion is the bustling capital of the island, a mixture of modern architecture with strong local imprints. Near Heraklion, the archaeological site of Knossos recreates the days of the grand capital of Minoan Crete and features a big palace built of Cyclopean masonry.

The coastal old towns of Chania and Rethymno are the most enchanting ones of the island and definitely worth a visit.

But if you really want to explore the wild corners of Crete, then the Samaria Gorges are one of Europe’s longest canyons and can be hiked along a 16km-long trail through the gorges.

5. Corfu Island

Sitting at the border between Greece and Albania, Corfu is the perfect getaway for travelers seeking lush sceneries, pristine beaches, and traditional architecture.

Tourism resorts have developed particularly close to Corfu Town but other parts of the island have successfully escaped the crowds. Small Greek villages are scattered throughout the island while tempting beaches hidden in remote coves dot Corfu’s coastline.

Corfu town features world-class museums, medieval fortresses, and a genuine mix of Venetian, French, and British architecture.

12km south of Corfu Town, you must stop and visit the classic architecture and terraced gardens of the Achilion Palace. While exploring the western shoreline, don’t miss the resort area of Paleokastritsa. There you can discover an Orthodox monastery, swim in picturesque bays, and hike to delightful hilltop villages. 

6. Samothraki Island

A small island in the Northeastern Aegean Group, Samothraki is full of ancient history, wild beaches, and narrow canyons.

Most of the beaches in Samothraki have pebbles but this doesn’t make the island less attractive for visitors. The island can be easily explored even in one or two days. However, for a deeper insight into the life of the island, plan to stay there a few more days to get a good opportunity to discover its deep gorges.

Standing at the foot of the mountains, Hora (the capital) is maybe the most developed settlement in Samothraki. Nearby, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods is the place where the famous Victory of Samothrace (now displayed in the Louvre Museum) was found.

But what makes Samothraki one of my favorite Greek islands is the great number of canyons which are interspersed throughout the island. The Fonias Canyon and the Xiropotamos Waterfall are easily accessible and don’t require special gear to explore the lower sections. So this is a great reason to actually go and discover their beauty without making any excuses!

7. Naxos Island

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades group and is my favorite Greek island for families.

A 45-minute flight from Athens or about a 4-hour ferry ride will land you on its colorful shores. Naxos’ Old Town is beautiful and iconic with many narrow winding streets and interesting shops. There are plenty of places to stay near the Old Town such as Mike’s Studios (cheap and cheerful for larger families).

There are beautiful beaches such as Mikri Vigla Beach (one of the best Greek Island beaches around with some infrastructure but still quiet), Plaka Beach (a sandy beach gem), and Kastraki Beach (a 3km long sandy beach, quiet and good for walks).

In Naxos you have the option of doing a sailing tour, which offers you the chance of seeing dolphins, tiny magical beaches (one highlight is Paros), and of course, beautiful scenery. You could even jump off the boat and go for a swim!

Moreover the food on Naxos is incredible, with Yasouvlaki Naxos (Greek cuisine located in Naxos Town) and Glyfada Naxos Restaurant (beautiful Mediterranean/Greek cuisine located on Glyfada Beach) being particular highlights.

So if you’re looking for the best Greek Islands for families, Naxos is definitely the place to go!

What do you think of my favorite Greek islands? Do you agree with my list or not? Feel Mykonos, Symi or Zakynthos deserved a place? Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts! Happy Greek holidays!

Suggested next reading: How To Travel Santorini & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget

The post 7 Very Best Greek Islands You Need To Experience appeared first on Modern Trekker.

I had always wanted to travel to the Islamic countries, but—to be completely honest—my mental association between Muslims and terrorist attacks didn’t encourage me at all. However, after a short visit to the Arab Emirates, I decided to set aside my assumptions about other Islamic countries too.

Morocco had a good reputation as a tourist country and seemed a safe choice for a woman traveling by herself. I was still afraid and felt uncertain when I started my journey, but I was prepared mentally and had backup plans, which made me feel more comfortable.

Here are my top 11 tips for female solo travel to Morocco. I hope you will find them useful and that my own experience here will show you how to travel as a woman in Morocco.

1. Plan The First Days In Advance

Venturing without plans into the unknown of a foreign country might be a great challenge and a good way to boost your self-confidence—if this is what you’re hoping to get out of travel—but you will have plenty of time to do that and be more flexible after you first get used to the local customs and atmosphere.

Travelers especially enjoy Morocco for the cultural shock they have to face and for the different traditions they’re not used to. During the first days in Morocco, you won’t understand what’s happening around you, so it’s better to plan the first few days of your itinerary beforehand.

When I landed in the city of Fes, a taxi driver waited for me at the airport and drove me directly to the accommodation that I had booked beforehand. This way, I avoided unpleasant incidents at the beginning of my trip and allowed enough time to adapt to the new Moroccan lifestyle.

2. Ask For Advice From The Local Women

The local women will admire your courage to venture by yourself to a new country. Many of them have never traveled, so their traveling experiences are a bit different than ours (in fact, many of them will have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives).

Despite this difference, they will be sincerely willing to help and assist you in any problem you might have.

Ask the local woman how to stay safe in their country. Before I left Fes, the town where I had landed several days before, I asked the landlady of my guesthouse if there were places I should avoid because of the fact I was doing female solo travel to Morocco and, obviously, wanted to remain safe.

She said that I was safe in Morocco and that I could go anywhere—I felt such a sense of relief at that moment.

3. Go With An Official Guide In The Desert

Obviously, you cannot go by yourself everywhere (for example, a camel desert trek!) Search for local trips, always negotiate the price or book a trip on the internet.

For more information, you can read the article I have written about everything you should know about desert tours in Morocco.

When I went to the desert, I used a local guide, and out of the huge range of travel companies, I preferred the one recommended to me by a friend. I had the pleasant surprise to discover a humorous, good-hearted Berber, who knew each sand dune of the desert like the back of his hand.

4. Book A Riad (But Read The Reviews Beforehand)

When you book accommodation on the internet, carefully read the reviews from other travelers (e.g. on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or Google Maps) before completing a reservation.

Remember to not miss the local accommodation called riad or dar. The term designates a traditional palace or a house, elaborately decorated with zelij (local colorful mosaics), with a spacious patio, and in most cases, with a rooftop terrace from where you can have terrific views of the surroundings.

5. Stay Only With Local Women Hosts

If you plan to find local hosts on internet platforms (i.e. Couchsurfing, BeWelcome, or even Airbnb, etc.), you should only send requests to women hosts who have positive references from other guests.

VERY IMPORTANT: male hosts have been known in the past to have had sex with women visitors, so it is very important to remember that you are in a country where this subject is viewed differently. So stay only with local women hosts!

Finding the right hosts on internet platforms was a long process for me. I sent all my requests before arriving in Morocco, got several answers back, and had more time to enjoy myself when I arrived instead of searching for ‘safe’ hosts.

6. Wear A Wedding Ring

This one is already a cliché but I will still mention it because it is very useful for female solo travel to Morocco.

When men ask you if you are alone, be quick to mention ‘your husband’ and show them your ‘wedding ring.’ Even if they don’t really believe you, they will still most likely be too concerned about where your husband is and so won’t focus on you. If a man seemed too interested in me or just stared at me, it was enough to make my wedding ring visible.

In the worst-case scenario, a man insistently approached me when I stopped the car at the traffic lights. I had to be a bit aggressive and mention the police. After that, he disappeared right away. Everybody understands the word “police.”

7. Dress Modestly

In the bigger towns like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, you will see women wearing jeans and no scarves covering their heads. However, I didn’t see women wearing shorts or mini skirts, so if you do that, realize that everybody will have a good reason to look at you.

In the more religious towns and in the countryside, women wear long overcoats and cotton headscarves even when outside in over 40℃ / 104°F heat. They hide every aspect of their female figure and they will also hide their face if you take pictures of them. Make sure to respect their culture and religion.

8. Avoid Walking Alone At Night

Don’t go out by yourself at night, especially if your accommodation is situated in a medina (the old part of town) where the winding narrow streets create a real labyrinth.

I always planned to come back ‘home’ before dusk and simply enjoyed my evenings talking with other guests, planning my next days or just thinking about what a beautiful day I’d had.

Like solo travel elsewhere, female solo travel to Morocco comes with a few compromises.

9. Do Not Drink Alcohol In Public

Avoid drinking alcohol in public places unless you are at the restaurant of your hotel where they serve alcoholic drinks for tourists.

For all the Muslims, alcohol is prohibited, and most of them respect this rule very strictly. You won’t find alcohol in the local shops and eateries, so you’ll experience what life is like without this ‘magic liquid.’

During my six-week trip through Morocco, I didn’t drink alcohol at all. I discovered I can have even more fun without drinking beer or wine.

10. Be Aware Of Fake Guides

In the medinas (the old part of the towns), you will often hear young boys pointing to you in the direction that you’re heading while saying, “It’s closed. Don’t go there.” In actual fact, nobody has closed the medina, but the local people know that the Moroccan medinas have a maze of winding, narrow streets where a visitor can easily get lost (even with a GPS).

This is their chance to be your local guide in exchange for a little money.

During my first days in Morocco, I was fooled by some fake guides and had to follow them to ‘save’ me out of the medina. In the evening, my landlord confirmed to me they were just taking advantage of confused visitors and taught me how to turn them down, saying “La, la, shokran” (No, no, thank you).

11. Negotiate Everything You Buy

Negotiate everything, especially all the prices in the medinas (old towns) and souqs (covered markets). Moroccans have a long history and experience in trading goods.

Usually, the prices are not displayed so it is better to ask in several places and figure out what the average price might be. Nobody will push you to buy something but keep in mind that bidding while sipping a glass of mint tea is part of the selling process in Morocco.

If you haven’t traveled there yet, female solo travel to Morocco is a safe and realistic option. In fact, it’s possible you could even start here to gain experience traveling solo. After visiting Morocco on my own for six weeks, I became more confident in myself and many other solo trips soon followed. Nothing is as bad as it seems.

Suggested next reading: 8 Top Sights In Morocco That’ll Make You Want To Visit ASAP

The post 11 Super Important Tips For People Who Are Traveling Solo To Morocco appeared first on Modern Trekker.

In here, I’ve gone for Tavče Gravče, Srpska Salata, Kebapci, Mămăligă, Byrek, Pleskavica, Štruklji, and Mekici. I’ll be explaining more about each one just below! But first…

What Counts As “Balkan”?

The Balkan region itself covers mainly the countries of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia) as well as the post-communist countries of Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. While from a geographic point of view, only parts of Romania, Croatia, or Slovenia are part of the region, many records nonetheless consider these countries as Balkan.

Some records also include Greece and the European part of Turkey (including half of Istanbul) in the Balkan region. From a gastronomic point of view though, Greece’s gastronomy is mostly related to Mediterranean food while Turkey has influences from the Middle East.

This debate of whether somewhere is Balkan or not can be infinitely discussed. For the sake of some common features though, I’ll focus on the traditional Balkan dishes that historically and genuinely represent the essence of the Balkans. This is mainly because, until two hundred years ago, most of the countries in this region were part of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore many traditional dishes in the Balkans have Ottoman influences, use similar types of ingredients, and similar recipes.

The Best Balkan Food

Here are 8 of the most popular and best Balkan foods that you will find throughout the region. Some of them can be found in a variety of forms in multiple countries, whereas some are popular only in a certain region. Make sure you’ve eaten before reading this article!

1. Tavče Gravče

Tavče gravče is oven-cooked white fresh beans, in a sauce flavored with dry red pepper and bay leaves. The dish has a special taste if cooked and served in special earthenware. It’s a classic comfort-food and simply one of the best foods in the Balkans.

Tavče gravče is a national and staple dish in Macedonian cuisine (and popular in the Northern part of Greece too), but it is also a staple of Serbian food and Bosnian cuisine as well.

2. Srpska Salata

Srpska salata is very popular in Serbia and it is made of raw peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed with oil, vinegar and sometimes even hot chili.

A similar, more widespread variant is the Šopska salata, which is made of tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, topped with grated or diced white brine cheese (sir or sirinje). This is the traditional Bulgarian salad and also the national Macedonian salad, so you will find it extensively in these two neighboring countries.

Šopska salata is very similar to the traditional Greek salad, but this last one is served with diced feta cheese which gives a slightly different taste.

3. Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi

Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi are some of the favorite foods in the Balkans. They are spicy minced meatballs of lamb, beef or pork, well grilled. Usually served in groups of five to ten pieces, they can be paired with fried potatoes or simply with bread (in some regions flatbread) and often chopped onions, kajmak (a special type of sour cream), or ajvar (a pepper-based condiment made from red bell peppers and oil).

Kebapci have their origins during the Ottoman period and this is why they are so popular in southeastern Europe (which was under the Turkish rule for quite a long time).

They are easy to find especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, but can also be ordered on menus in Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania…not to mention this is also a Croatian food too. You can’t miss this food in the Balkans!

In Romania, mici are similar to kebapci, but they are bigger in size and the recipe and taste are slightly different, so you should try both of them to accurately experience the difference. Which one is the best Balkan food? We’ll let you decide!

4. Mămăligă Cu Brânză Şi Smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is one of the national Romanian dishes. It is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush served with white sheep cheese and fresh sour cream. Polenta is usually hearty and fills your stomach, but just be on the safe side, you can also order it topped with fried eggs and paired with scallions or chopped red onion.

You can find polenta with cheese as a main dish in many restaurants throughout Romania, but simple polenta is also popular as a side dish for other courses. It is also cooked a lot in family homes and, if you hike in the mountains, stop at a sheepfold and ask for their polenta—it has a special flavor when cooked on a wood fire.

Be curious and read more about different variants of serving polenta and other Romanian foods here.

5. Burek / Byrek

Burek or byrek is a delicious filo-pastry pie stuffed with cheese, spinach, potato, minced meat or even mushrooms. Byrek is traditionally prepared in a large pan, then cut into smaller pieces after baking and served as individual pastries (usually they have the form of a triangle).

This ubiquitous snack is mostly served cold or hot with yogurt for breakfast. It’s so hearty that you can eat it for lunch too if you’re in a hurry.

Byrek is originally from Anatolia (a province in current Turkey) and it is widely found in the cuisines of the Balkan countries. In the former Yugoslavian countries, stop at the shops with pekara (this means “bakery” in Slavic languages) written on the street-front and snack cheaply on a burek or two. If you try a burek of each type, you’d have to be very hungry as they are quite filling and nourishing.

Burek can be also found in Albanian cuisine in different variants. It is usually stuffed with cheese, ground meat, spinach and eggs, as well as with tomato and onions, peppers and beans, potato or pumpkin.

6. Pleskavica

Pleskavica is spiced meat patty made of pork, beef or lamb, which is well grilled on both sides. It is a hearty main course, usually served with chopped onions, a big spoon of kajmak (a type of very tasty, clotted milk cream), French fries or simply with bread (in some regions it is popularly paired with a big flatbread, like a hamburger). When stuffed with cheese it’s called pleskavica sharri, and the melted cheese has a special taste that can’t be compared with anything else.

The origin of this Balkan food is Serbia, but this spicy hamburger is easy to find in one form or another throughout the Balkans. You can find it in all of the former Yugoslavian countries, but it’s popular mostly in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo.

It is big enough to fill your stomach for half a day, and sometimes even for a whole day. So keep that in mind when you order it and don’t choose anything for the dessert until you have eaten the big pleskavica in your plate!

7. Štruklji

Štruklji are rolled pastries that are either baked or cooked and, depending on the filling, can be sweet or savory. Particularly popular in Slovenian cuisine, it was once a Balkan food reserved for special occasions but now is one of the most featured foods in Slovenian homes.

Zagorski Štrukli is its traditional Croatian relative since Štruklji itself goes all the way back to the 16^th Century and probably beyond. However, it is in Austria that it first makes its definitive appearance in history in a recipe left behind by a chef in Graz, Austria’s second largest city, in the year 1589.

Fillings that are typical for Štruklji include tarragon (this was actually used in the aforementioned chef’s original recipe), poppy seeds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and apple.

8. Mekici

Mekici are soft, traditional Bulgarian donuts, with the kneaded dough made with deep fried yogurt. In Serbian cuisine they are called mekike. The best way to describe them is perhaps to compare them to a British Yorkshire pudding, although Mekici are usually eaten in the morning, whereas Yorkshire puddings are eaten for lunch or dinner.

The risen dough is torn into pieces, then fried in oil and, once fully fried, powdered with icing sugar. Jam is usually garnished on the top. If you’re looking for the best Balkan food for dessert or a snack, this is a great contender.

They are quite similar to lángos, which is a deep-fried dough popular in Hungarian cuisine. However, lángos are usually served with ketchup or mayonnaise, whereas mekici are not since they tend to be sweet. Despite this, sometimes mekici are garnished with sirene (brined white cheese).

 best Balkan food comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout the whole region…did we miss any on our list? Comment below if you know of other authentic Balkan foods, or want to share your impression of eating these foods with us!

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 8 Best Balkan Foods That’ll Make Your Mouth Water appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If most of the Moroccan cities have a traditional feel (especially when you enter the old part of a town—the medina), then Casablanca stands out mostly as a cosmopolitan city. Standing on the Atlantic Coast, the economic hub of Casablanca is one of its most prosperous cities and features elements from many different parts of Morocco, and even from Europe.

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Casablanca deserves to be explored at a slow pace as it has some terrific places that should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Morocco.

The Top 5 Things To Do In Casablanca Are:

1. King Hasan II Mosque
2. Ancient Medina
3. Quartier Habous
4. Cathédrale Sacré Coeur
5. Colonial Architecture Of Casablanca

1. King Hasan II Mosque

Built by the end of the 20^th Century, the Hassan II Mosque sits on a rocky outcrop reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the world’s largest mosques and its 201m-high minaret is the tallest in the world. The mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshipers inside and 80,000 more in the courtyards around. Additionally, the compound houses an Islamic media center and a library.  

The Hassan II Mosque is the only mosque in Morocco that is open to non-Muslim visitors. Once you arrive there, go down to the basement floor in the courtyard and buy your ticket. Every two hours (except on Friday mornings), guided tours take place inside the mosque. You’ll be required to respect the Muslim dressing code and remove your shoes when you enter their holy place.

The tour will take you to the main prayer hall, decorated with traditional tile-work (zellij) and stucco molding. When I visited the mosque, I was lucky to see the retractable roof gently open up. The guide told us it was a unique occasion in honor for the King Mohammed VI of Morocco who was planning a visit that day to the mosque.

Further on, the tour goes to the underground floors where you can see the rooms for ablutions and even a hammam (public bath).

Before leaving the mosque’s compound, don’t forget to tour the grounds too. There are many courtyards and the exterior of the mosque is impressively decorated in white marble and colorful mosaics.

2. Ancient Medina

You may think that going to a modern city such as Casablanca would mean that you won’t find traces of the old city center. However, Casa (how Casablanca is dubbed by locals) has a small medina built in the 19^th Century and located between the modern part of Casablanca and the old port.

The walled medina features many of the authentic elements of a Moroccan old town, such as mighty fortification walls, narrow winding lanes, and storefronts lining the streets. Enter the medina next to the Place des Nations Square and you’ll see the old clock tower—a good landmark to ask for in case you get lost in the medina (which is pretty likely to happen).

On the boulevard facing the port, an old bastion of the medina’s fortifications has been refurbished as the Skala Restaurant. If you dine in the garden of the restaurant in the shade of the trees while listening to the water fountains, you will notice the complex fortification system of the old medina.

The ancient medina is also one of the top things to do in Casablanca at night since you will not be hounded by salesmen, and moreover, it will look slightly eerie and spooky!

3. Quartier Habous

The gentrified market district Quartier Habous is also called the Nouvelle Medina (meaning the New Medina). The picturesque quarter was built by the French to resemble the traditional architecture of an old Moroccan medina using modern colonial elements.

The quarter features streets with shops, bazaars, and cafés and it’s definitely more sanitized than the ancient versions of Moroccan medinas.

Habous is located 1km from the city center and it’s pretty easy to walk throughout the quarter once you get there. The imposing Muhammadi Mosque with its minarets stands in the heart of the quarter, surrounded by a park with palm trees and fountains. Nearby, the magnificent Royal Palace features whitewashed towers and high walls of stone.

4. Cathédrale Sacré Coeur

On the northwest edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Cathédrale Sacré Coeur is a good example of modern architecture with neo-Gothic elements. The graceful cathedral was designed by Paul Tournon and built at the beginning of the 20^th Century as proof of the French Colonization in Morocco.

The surrounding park also features colorful arches built to resemble a portico of a Christian monastery. Visiting a Christian place in an Islamic landscape is one of the more unusual things to do in Casablanca, but this impressive cathedral features an austere interior, with tall white pillars and colorfully stained glass windows in the altar.

One of the highlights of this landmark is the possibility to climb up one of its bell towers and have expansive views of the modern part of Casablanca. If you carefully look toward the ocean, you’ll even be able to spot the imposing minaret of the above-mentioned King Hassan II Mosque.

5. Colonial Architecture Of Casablanca

Casablanca has a rich architectural heritage dating back to the beginning of the 20^th Century. While local motifs had a powerful influence and led to the so-called Mauresque style, colonial architecture can be found in abundance in Casablanca. Due to its high architectural value, the city center was even suggested as a tentative addition to the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The grand centerpiece of the French building scheme spreads out between Mohammed V Boulevard and Mohamed V Square. Most of the buildings are hotels or administrative offices built during the French protectorate under the signature of some of the most famous French architects of the time, Robert Marrast and Henri Prost.

Moreover, the main Post Office, the Law Courts, or the old Police Headquarters are also fine examples of modern colonial architecture in Casablanca. Wander the streets of this neighborhood and admire the art déco paneling or the colonial motifs on the buildings.

Once you get to Mohamed V Boulevard, look out for the Petit Poucet bar and pavement café. The place was once frequented by important names such as Édith Piaf and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Here were our top 5 things to do in Casablanca, Morocco, but we could have listed a few more such as La Corniche, Mahkama du Pacha, Notre Dame de Lourdes, and even the Morocco Mall!

Let us know how you get on and please feel free to share any of your own tips or ideas in the comments below!

Suggested next reading: 11 Super Important Tips For People Who Are Traveling Solo To Morocco

The post Top 5 Things To Do In Casablanca, Morocco appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Each area covers large ski domains, which sometimes span over several valleys, glaciers, and mountains. If you are a beginner, it’s not so important where you choose to go since each resort has easy ski pistes where you can learn the first steps. The big challenge, though, comes when skiing is one of your biggest passions—you’re a ski aficionado, and you want to go to a ski region that offers you as many possibilities as possible.

I’ve heard many of my Romanian friends say that after you ski in Austria, you don’t want to ski in Romania. It is so true. Austria has such a countless diversity of ski slopes, spanning to the infinite, that you’ll truly fulfill all your winter holiday’s desires in one week of skiing all day long.

There are many ski regions in Austria, each of them with their own unique scenery and charm. Here are some of the best ones to consider that also contain the best ski resorts in Austria:

1. Zillertal Valley

The Zillertal Valley is a vast region of no less than six separate ski resorts linked together within the same ski pass. It consists of approximately 550 kilometers of ski slopes and, if you stay in the valley, you can ski in a different place each day.

When you enter the Zillertal Valley from Jenbach town, the ski resorts succeed in this order: Fügen-Kaltenbach, Zell-Gerlos and Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen-Hippach, and tucked away at the end of the valley is the Tux-Finkenberg with its Hintertux Glacier.

If you want to have easy access to all of the ski resorts, it is better to stay in the center of the Zillertal Valley—in Zell am Ziller village. One of the highlights of Zillertal is than you can go by ski bus to Gerlos Pass in the morning, ski half day in the area, traverse by ski lifts to Zillertal Arena, and ski the rest of the day in a different area. The idea is that you start in a place in the morning and, come afternoon, you’ll be down on the other side of the mountain after a full ski day.

To pique your curiosity, when I discovered the Zillertal Valley, I went skiing there for three consecutive years. As a ski lover, I very much appreciate being able to ski with the same ski pass in a different resort each day. If the ski areas are interconnected at higher elevations, that’s even better!

2. Sölden

In the Ötztal Valley (near the border with Italy), Sölden features a vast ski resort with a total of 144 slope kilometers. Ski lifts and gondolas whisk skiers up to 3000 meters of altitude from where you can choose a different route and continuously ski down for almost one hour.

Sölden features two breathtaking glaciers—Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, where ski aficionados can have fun from October to May. While skiing on the glaciers, the wild alpine scenery is jaw-dropping, with hundreds of snow-capped mountains and tiny restaurants refurbished in cozy wooden huts.

However, the disadvantage of Sölden is that if the weather is not good. The mountain lifts that go up to the glaciers sometimes don’t work and you have to limit to half of the ski slopes—and this may happen for several days in a row.

3. Zell am See–Kaprun

Zell am See is idyllically situated on the shores the Zeller See Lake. The ski domain totals approximately 140 kilometers of pistes, which spread over three mountains. The Schmittenhöhe lies high above the Zell Lake, while Maiskogel Family Mountain in Kaprun village is a good opportunity for beginners. The icing on the cake is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which offers skiing opportunities from October to May.

Free ski buses run between the ski resorts and the advantage is that you can choose to ski in different scenery every day during your holiday. Staying in Zell am See offers not only a good location close to the ski pistes but also a charming and historical mountain town that is so typical of Tirol. This really has to be one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

4. St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton am Arlberg is a vast holiday region that spans over five ski resorts where you can enjoy your winter holiday with the same ski pass—the Alberg Card. Ski Arlberg has been officially nominated as the largest connected ski area in Austria. The region summarizes approximately 305 kilometers of marked ski runs, meaning a wide range of choices for ski lovers who want something different each day.

The ski resorts that are part of this region are St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu-Schnann am Arlberg, St. Christoph, Flirsch am Arlberg, and Strengen am Arlberg. St. Anton is the gateway to the Alberg ski region, which spans over the mountains to Warth-Schröcken, near the border with Germany.

St. Anton and the nearby St. Christoph are definitely the most popular places to stay. However, if you want to be at an equal distance to all of the ski resorts, it may be a wise decision to choose the less popular but more picturesque villages of Lech Zürs or Stubenbach. As an additional little help, Lech Zürs am Arlberg is among the twelve Alpine villages which have been voted as the “Best of the Alps”.

5. Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental

Skiwel Wilder Kaiser is one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski areas in Tirol. No less than nine villages provide direct access to a wide range of ski pistes, consisting of more than 284 kilometers. The villages that make up the Wilder Kaiser ski area are Itter, Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going (on the left side valley) and Kleschau, Hopfgarten, Westendorf, and Brixen im Thale (on the right side valley).

The most popular and convenient choice for passionate skiers is to stay somewhere in the heart of the region—in Söll village, thus having easy access to both sides of the ski region.

One of the highlights of Skiwelt is than you can go by ski bus to Going in the morning and then ski all the way back to Söll, Iter or Hopfgarten while also taking ski lifts. If you do this grand traverse, it’s practically impossible to ski twice on the same routes. You can ski wherever you like and have more fun exploring the countless ski runs high in the mountains and, as the ski pistes begin to close, get down to the nearest village. This flexibility is a great feature which passionate skiers appreciate very much.

Moreover, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser has the largest night skiing area in Austria, so if you haven’t skied enough during the day, you have the chance to consume all your energy during the night run.

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Absolute Best Places For Sandboarding Around The World

The post 5 Best Ski Resorts In Austria That Are Perfect For This Winter appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Besides its glorious past, the City of Music has a lot more to offer in terms of cultured spots: modern architecture, a rich cultural scene, and classical music.

One of the advantages of Vienna’s rich cultural scene is that even if you experience it during bad weather (as I did), the city has so many museums that you can easily spend one week hopping from one museum to another without complaining of cold, rain, or snow.

Here are the 10 most important cultural things to do in Vienna that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

1. Stephan’s Dom Kirche

The iconic Gothic cathedral stands right in the city center of Vienna. It is one of Vienna’s landmarks and you can take it as a point of reference to finding many other cultural monuments within the city center.

Inside the dome, you can see a huge organ with 125 pipes, five medieval stained glass windows, mosaics with the Habsburg’s coat of arms, and an enormous Baroque altar with a scene of St. Stephen (the protector of the cathedral).

To explore more of the hidden corners of the cathedral, keep in mind that in the basement you can discover a tangled network of catacombs that were built as a burial place for the citizens of the town during the 18^th Century. Additionally, from the bell-tower, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Austrian capital and the enormous bell called the Pummerin (20 tonnes in weight).

2. The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is the oldest imperial palace of Vienna and it features a vast complex of buildings erected in the heart of the city. The original medieval castle was gradually extended and the Habsburgs added many modern buildings of their time to the old core of the residence.

The Royal Apartments (Kaiser Apartments) are housed in the Amalia Wing and they are preserved exactly as they were during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elisabeta. The world’s most important Treasury is housed in the oldest part of the Hofburg and contains two of the magnificent imperial crowns.

You can also visit the Imperial Chapel (Burg Kapelle) in one of the oldest parts of the palace, the Imperial Collection of Silverware, and The Ethnographic and Ephes Museums in the new wing of the Hofburg (the Neue Burg)

3. The Austrian National Library

With more than 8 million books, the Austrian National Library is one of Europe’s oldest libraries. Housed in a back wing of the Hofburg Palace, the National Library displays nine special collections and parts of them are on UNESCO’s Memory of the World List.

Built under Emperor Charles VI and designed by the famous baroque architect Johann Bernard Fischer von Erlach, the State Hall is considered one of the most beautiful library halls in the world and you shouldn’t miss visiting it during your stay in Vienna.

4. The Spanish Riding School

Also hosted in a secondary wing of the Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School offers an insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders.

Regular performances take place every week and each morning, the curious can witness the exercises riders and their horses practice on a daily basis. The training of the Lipizzaner stallions is accompanied by classical Viennese music which creates a specific atmosphere of the representation.

5. Mozart’s House (Mozart Haus)

The only surviving apartment in Vienna inhabited by Mozart stands a few streets back to the main cathedral of Stephan’s Dom Kirche. While living here between 1784 and 1787, Mozart composed some of his most important works, such as The Marriage of Figaro opera.

On several floors, the Mozart Haus displays informative panels about Mozart’s life and the years he spent in the Imperial Capital. In Mozart’s apartment, you can find out how the family lived, while the second basement floor contains the event room where concerts are held.

6. Schonbrunn Palace

The Schonbrunn Palace is the former summer residence of the imperial Habsburg family. Built in the 17^th Century by the famous architect Johann Fischer von Erlach, the luxurious palace with Baroque gardens also comprises the oldest zoo in the world. In the 18^th Century, Empress Maria Teresa has refurbished the whole interior design of the palace in the Rococo style.

The Baroque gardens were designed for the imperial family to stroll and they feature a Gloriette building on top of a small hill, Roman ruins, and of course, water fountains and mythological statues.

You can easily plan a whole day to explore this monumental complex, situated on the outskirts of Vienna.

7. The Museum Quarter

This cultural district features a wide range of modern arts and culture and it is one of the world’s largest cultural complexes. You will find some of the best examples of visual art, architecture, theater, dance, and music, as well as art and culture for kids and young adults, digital culture, and fashion.

In the courtyard of the Museum Quarter (also called Quartier 21), one can find numerous museums, exhibitions, and cultural events. For example, Leopold Museum focuses on the masterpieces of Egon Schiele (1890-1918) but it also encompasses other Austrian Expressionists.

In addition, the Mumok Museum is one of the largest museums in Central Europe for art.

8. The Belvedere

The Belvedere’s two magnificent palaces—the Upper and the Lower Belvedere, were built in the 18^th Century as the summer residence for the general Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palaces with their extensive gardens are one of the world’s finest Baroque landmarks.

The Upper Belvedere houses the collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. At the heart of the display is the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection (including the famous The Kiss and Judith as Klimt’s golden pictures). Other works of French Impressionism and Viennese Biedermeier are also some of the museum’s highlights.

The Lower Belvedere houses the former staterooms, with the Marble Gallery and the Golden Room. In addition, the Orangery was refurbished as a venue for temporary art exhibitions focusing on Austrian art in an international context.

9. The Winter Palace

Part of the Belvedere complex but sitting in a separate location, the Winter Palace once hosted the winter stately residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. You will walk through the staterooms and cabinets of the royal residence and see elaborately carved ceilings, walls adorned with mirrors or tapestries, and Oriental original porcelain.

The Winter Palace is now a center of art and culture and offers more information about the imperial capital.

10. The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum of Vienna is a challenging place where one can encounter, confront, and better understand Jewish history, religion, and culture. The first Jewish museum in the world was founded in Vienna in 1895 and the original collection focused on the culture and history of the Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nowadays, the museum in Judenplatz Square (the square of the Jews) also features the excavations of a medieval synagogue and a monument dedicated to the 65,000 Austrian Jews murdered during the Shoah.

Have we missed any great things to do in Vienna that you feel should be included? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: 15 Astonishing Mountain Towns In Europe Worth Visiting

The post 10 Essential Things To Do In Vienna For Culture Lovers appeared first on Modern Trekker.

A normal meal in Romania comprises two courses: a warm soup as the first dish (especially during the cold season), and then a cooked meal or a barbecue as the main course. Of course, there is also the dessert if you can eat more.

Beware that Romanian cuisine has warm and hearty dishes, meant to satisfy and fill your stomach. So don’t overate your capacity to eat three dishes for a meal.

Some of these traditional Romanian dishes have borrowed certain recipes and ingredients from neighboring or occupying cultures (such as Saxon, Slav, Hungarian, and Turkish) but most of them use pork meat in some form, paired with potatoes, polenta, or cooked vegetables.

Now that you are already hungry, let’s see what to order and what to expect from the Romanian dishes.

1. Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush with salty sheep cheese and fresh sour cream.

This is maybe the most unusual Romanian recipe but very quick to cook. I cook it a lot because it’s hearty, easy to prepare, and also tasty if you add the right proportion of ingredients.

ÊIt can be also topped with fried eggs and paired with onion (spring onion or chopped red onion). Polenta is cooked in family homes and households as well as in inns and restaurants.

Another version of polenta with cheese is the bulz ciobănesc. Bulz is traditionally made in a sheepfold and is the everyday food of the shepherds. A medium-sized ball made of hot boiled polenta is filled with bellows cheese (one of the oldest Romanian foods), which melts inside and becomes very tasty.

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2. Sarmale or sărmăluțe (it means smaller sarmale)

Sarmale or sărmăluțe are rolled cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with spiced meat, rice, and herbs. They are usually cooked with pork meat but in different parts of Romania, you may find them filled with sheep meat, chicken, or even fish (in the region close to the Black Sea).

In order to be tasty, sarmale have to be well boiled for several hours. They are served three to four pieces per portion and traditionally paired with simple polenta (just the maize mush), sour cream on top, and maybe a red hot pepper.

This is the national Romanian dish, although the recipe was imported from the Ottomans who ruled the south and eastern part of the country for centuries. For similar reasons, you can find sarma in different sizes throughout the Balkan region, in the Slav neighboring countries.

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3. Mici or mititei cu muștar

Mici or mititei cu muștar are grilled rolls of spiced minced meat. The mixture can have pork or beef but you will also find mici made with sheep meat. They are always served with mustard or a hot horseradish cream.

You can find mici as a street-food option and in this case, they simply come with a few slices of bread and two toothpicks to grab them. Restaurants serving Romanian food always have mici on their menus and you can serve them paired with French fries or simple polenta.

This is one of the Romanian delicacies and during summer, many people go out for a picnic and make a barbecue with mici. Of course, they go very well with beer!

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4. Ciorbă de burtă

Ciorbă de burtă means tripe soup and it is a common dish throughout the Balkans.

In Romania, parts from the stomach of a cow are sliced and boiled with vegetables for almost three hours. The result is a creamy yellowish soup, which is served with a welcome dollop of sour cream and a hot pepper.

Some restaurants bring a small cup of hot garlic sauce too but this is not a rule. All Romanian restaurants have tripe soup on their menu, especially for lunch. In the evening, it is possible you won’t find it because we usually eat soup only as the first dish for a lunch meal.

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5. Salata de boeuf

Salata de boeuf is a salad made of boiled root vegetables, eggs, and finely chopped beef meat, all of them mixed with a lot of mayonnaise. The salad turns out very colorful and it is garnished with thin slices of pickled vegetables or eggs.

Even if the name seems French (boeuf is the French name for beef meat), this is actually among the traditional Romanian dishes that are perfect to eat during winter. It is usually cooked for the winter celebrations and festive meals (i.e. for Christmas and the New Year’s Eve).

You will never find it in restaurants. It is prepared only in family homes so if someone invites you to a Christmas dinner, say “yes” in order to taste this delicious salad.

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6. Papanași

Papanași are fried or boiled pastries, doughnut-shaped, topped with sour cream and different kinds of fruit jams.

The dough is prepared with flour, eggs, and sweet soft cheese (usually cow cheese or urdă—cheese made of cow, sheep, or goat milk). As additional ingredients, some women add cinnamon or vanilla powder to give a special flavor to the papanași.

Besides crepes and a wide assortment of pies, this is the most popular dessert in Romania. They are made in family homes and many households in the rural area but also in the restaurants throughout the country.

In a Romanian restaurant, a normal portion comprises two big papanași so keep this in mind when you order them at the end of your meal.

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This is just a limited number of our traditional Romanian dishes but I assure you that if you step into a Romanian restaurant, you will be overwhelmed and won’t know what to choose from because of the wide range of courses.

Many restaurants have “the special dish of the house” and this is usually a combination of many traditional Romanian dishes and will be the chef’s best invention. So it’s always good to ask what they recommend and you might have a great surprise.

Don’t forget the beer or the vine, and maybe also try small shots of țuică or palincă (flavored fruit alcoholic drink…very strong though, so be careful how much you drink!)

In 2019, the Sibiu county is going to be a European Gastronomic Region and culinary events will take place in towns and villages in Sibiu throughout the year—so it will be an ideal time to visit!

Many old recipes will be reinvented and this is a good chance for foodies to try a wide range of various traditional Romanian dishes.

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 6 Authentic Romanian Dishes That’ll Send Your Tastebuds Soaring appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Planning your trip without knowing the basics on how to see the Northern Lights may mean you miss it altogether. Knowing some of the best places to see the Northern Lights is a step forward in this process.

If you plan a short trip to see them, you must choose places that are very far north.

Among different places where you can enjoy the Aurora show (if the conditions are right), I have chosen spots located in Kp=2 regions (closer to the earth’s poles). These places get much Aurora activity and there are high chances to enjoy the lights here even when the Auroras are weak and the solar activity is low.

More on this you can find in the article I have written about everything you need to know about chasing the Northern Lights.

In addition, keep in mind that the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in the Kp=2 region is between September and April. (In summer, the midnight sun prevents the Aurora even if there’s solar activity).

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a paradise for Aurora hunters. The country is located in the Kp=2 zone and this means there are high chances to see the lights even if the solar activity is not so strong. As a traveler, it may be best for you to go to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. You have plenty of activities to do there during the day and you can then plan to chase the lights away from the city (and light pollution) at night.

From Reykjavik, you can easily get to other parts of Iceland, especially if you rent a car.

The small country is sparsely populated and is ideal for viewing Aurora shows away from light pollution. Snæfelsness Peninsula, Jökulsárlón, or Reynisfjara black sand beach are very good spots for admiring the green Aurora-filled skies.

However, if you don’t want to venture to these places and are on a short-term Aurora chasing mission, then reaching out to a local tour company is the best choice.

2. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Very similar to Iceland, Greenland is even less populated and sees very few tourists. The immensity of frozen scenery, glaciers, waterfalls, and scattered villages define this land.

In western Greenland, Kangerlussuaq area has a good microclimate for seeing the Northern Lights as it is tucked away at the end of a deep fjord. The town’s airport is also the main flights’ hub for Greenland.

A stylish arctic metropolis, in Kangerlussuaq you can enjoy museums, ice-calving events, or walks in nature while waiting for the evenings’ light shows. But no matter how well you might plan to see the lights show, nothing can be compared to watching the Aurora from a plane, while you are flying over Greenland, for example from the U.S. to Europe.

3. Murmansk, Russia

This town is ideally located above the Arctic Circle and is easily accessible by plane. However, due to light pollution, you will need to get out of town and venture into nature to enjoy the dazzling displays.

Of course, you don’t have to do that on your own and can book a tour with an agency. They definitely know their way around and you can find amazing places such as the coastline of Teriberka or the remote surroundings of Kirovsk.

In addition, before deciding to head to Russia, check if you need a visa to go there as it may be much easier to fly to any of the other Northern Lights spots mentioned in this article.

4. Tromsø, Norway

Northern Scandinavia is another favorite spot for Aurora hunters.

Tromsø is among the most accessible places for light shows in the northern part of Norway, located around the Auroral Oval (approximately 70° North latitude). The small town has an airport with good connections to Oslo and so is easy to get there without driving hundreds of kilometers along the snaky fjords of Norway.

Also, besides chasing the Northern Lights, museums and other winter activities (dog sledding, reindeer farms) can be enjoyed there while you are waiting for the best time to see the Aurora.

5. Rovaniemi, Finland

The capital of the Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see the dancing displays in the northern part of Finland. Also known as the hometown of Santa Claus, the town is located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi has its own airport with good connections to the big capital of Helsinki, or even to London.

In addition to hunting the Northern Lights in the evenings, you can experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas in places such as Santa’s Village or Santa’s Park. Many reindeer and husky farms are run in the area and so this, alongside experiencing the Sami culture and tasting a traditional meal in one of their tents, makes for a truly authentic experience.

6. Abisko, Sweden

Located in the Sweedish Lapland, Abisko is the most northern place that you can get in Sweden. For this reason, it is the preferred outpost for Aurora spotters who often enjoy its practically permanently cloud-free skies full of green light shows.

In the nearby surroundings, Abisko National Park’s “Aurora Sky Station” is the best spot to experience the lights. A chairlift whisks curious visitors up to the mountaintop. There, you will find an exhibition dedicated to the Northern Lights and a café to enjoy the greatest light show on Earth.

In addition, Abisko has many other winter activities in the area, such as skiing, dog sledding, snowmobile, or Nordic walking tours.

You can try any of these activities as well as sleeping in one of the world’s most famous Ice Hotel. Everything is made of ice and snow there (even the plates and glasses). This could be the ideal complementary experience for you to enjoy while watching the Northern Lights!

Suggested next reading: Chasing The Northern Lights: Everything You Need To Know

The post 6 Best Places In The World To See The Northern Lights appeared first on Modern Trekker.

But it’s not so easy to see them. In fact, this is the reason why trying to see the Northern Lights is called “chasing the Northern Lights.” Commonly referred to as the Aurora Borealis, this phenomenon occurs only in the northern hemisphere of the globe. Its sister, the Aurora Australis is a similar phenomenon that occurs in the Southern hemisphere.

There are many places where you can go and see the Auroras but not all of them provide the same odds of actually being seen. While the Aurora Australis is very difficult to see (Antarctica, and occasionally the south of Australia and New Zealand), North America or Europe are the best places to see the Aurora Borealis.

Here is everything you need to know before chasing the Northern Lights.

How The Aurora Occurs

In a nutshell, the Aurora (Borealis or Australis) is a light show created when the atmosphere of the sun opens and charged particles flow out. The electrically charged particles from the solar activity enter the atmosphere of the earth’s magnetic poles. At the pole’s, the magnetic field is weaker and particles released from the sun can collide with gaseous particles and thus emit light.

There needs to be a large opening in the atmosphere of the sun so that lots of charged particles flow out and eventually collide with gases in the atmosphere of the earth. This is called a “solar wind” or a “solar storms” and it happens only when there is strong solar activity. This is the moment when vivid Auroras appear in the sky and can be clearly seen.

If the particles from the solar activity collide with oxygen molecules, the color of the lights in most cases are perceived as green. Variations of the color may appear if colliding with nitrogen particles—these create pink or purple colors, or hydrogen—blue colors.

The Aurora Strength

The strength of the Aurora can be measured with the Kp index, which depends on solar activity and geographic position. The Kp number shows the solar activity and indicates the strength of the Aurora seen from different locations.

Some of the Auroras are called “weak” and this means that you can witness them in the sky only in a few geographic locations. Others are “strong” and there are high chances to watch them in many places.

Getting closer to the magnetic poles rapidly increases the odds of viewing the Aurora. The further North you go, the higher the chance you’ll see the Aurora even if there’s not strong solar activity (i.e. a low Kp).

A Kp=2 zone means you can see the Aurora in that region even when the solar activity is not so intense. But the Aurora will be pretty weak. In order to see a strong Aurora, you’ll need to wait for a night with high levels of geomagnetic activity (usually one particular night every 5 – 6 days, but it’s not a strict rule).

To know the Kp index, you can consult many Northern Lights apps or Aurora Forecasts, some of them are even specialized for a certain region (i.e. the Norway Lights App is one of the most accurate ones).

When I was chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway (a Kp=2 zone), I planned to stay two weeks. During this time frame, there was intense solar activity (Kp=5/6) coupled with a clear sky only twice—so it was only then that I witnessed a strong and unforgettable Aurora.

Other similar best spots in Europe are in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland (near the Arctic Circle).

The Best Time For Chasing The Northern Lights

To chase the Northern Lights means coming to terms with the fact that you can only see them at night! In addition to a favorable Kp in the northern regions, long winter nights are a good setting to view the Northern Lights. September to April are the best times throughout the year because of the so-called polar nights, where there’s more night than daylight.

Also, Auroral displays can only be seen on clear nights away from light pollution. If you stay in a town located in the proximity of the magnetic poles, you will have to drive around 30 minutes away into the darkness of nature.

Besides clear and pollution-free skies, it is important to stay and wait for the Aurora in an open space, where you don’t have the horizon obscured by mountains or other natural obstacles. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to see the Aurora show when it’s right above your head (only in the far Northern regions) and this means you’ll miss it at first.

In the higher Kp regions, you’ll never see the Aurora directly overhead but only lower at the northern horizon.

How To Actually Chase The Aurora

Seeing the Aurora doesn’t happen each night, although there’s always solar activity. There is a high chance you could go to a Northern region for three days, for example, but not see the Aurora. This can happen due to weak solar activity (unfortunately, none of us can control the universe!) Or perhaps because you don’t exactly know where to go to see it properly.

If you live in one of the areas close to the magnetic poles, then you should try to find the best spots during strong solar activity. It may take a long time though until you see your first Aurora and are able to take pictures of it.

If you are heading to Northern regions (i.e. Kp=2) and your only goal is to watch the Aurora, then booking a Chasing Aurora Trip with an agency is the best option.

Their advantage is that they know the best places to see the Aurora. They also know how to correlate the index Kp with the skies’ visibility. If necessary, they can even go several hundred kilometers to find the best spot.

Perhaps now you can understand why it’s called “chasing the Northern Lights”! These agencies really do chase the lights and help you return with the best memories.

Dress With Many Layers Of Clothing

Since winter nights and Northern regions are the best conditions to see the Aurora Borealis, dressing properly in as many clothes as possible is a must in order to resist the cold. You will wait for the Lights in the middle of nowhere and be surrounded by snow. The temperatures will definitely drop below 0°C / 32°F.

If you want to take photos, set up your camera for long exposures on a tripod and wait…and then wait some more.

Good gloves, boots, spare batteries, and a remote control for your camera are also musts. If possible, add hot tea or coffee in a thermos and heat patches for hands and/or feet. When you’ll see the Aurora, you won’t want to leave from there—especially if it’s a Dancing Aurora.

The post Chasing The Northern Lights: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Trekking the Himalayas

Nepal is perhaps the country with the most breathtaking treks in the world. Wherever you decide to hike in the Himalayas, the gigantic pyramid-shaped peaks stand imposingly as a backdrop. Nepal’s most popular regions for trekking are the Langtang Valley, the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the Sagarmatha National Park (where Everest is located). Many other less popular, remoter areas such as Nepal’s Far West, Mustang, or Dolpo, are a good choice if you want to trek away from the tourist crowds.

The duration of the treks varies widely as they may last from a few days to one week, two weeks, or even a whole month. Whatever you choose, keep in mind you also need to have a moderate physical condition and acclimatize gradually during the ascent. If you don’t have time for a multi-day trek, the Kathmandu Valley features day-hikes in the surroundings of Kathmandu. When the monsoon is over, you’ll be lucky and see the serrated ridge of the Himalayas even from Kathmandu.

2. Sightseeing

If you are a passionate trekker and are traveling to Nepal only for that, then maybe you could consider at least visiting some of the UNESCO listed sights in Nepal. Kathmandu has seven world heritage sites within the city and surrounding area—Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa, Bodnath Tibetan community, Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, Patan and Bhaktapur medieval towns, and the temple of Changu Narayan. In addition, despite being a bit far from Kathmandu, Lumbini is, according to Buddhist tradition, the Birthplace of Gautama Buddha and the most sacred place of Nepal. Also, Pokhara is the second biggest tourist town in the country and sits at the foot of the Himalayas.

While wandering around Nepal for two months, I couldn’t help but explore all of the above-mentioned sites of great cultural value. However, the smaller, remoter, and hidden gems impressed me more. Most of the times, I was the only traveler there. The small medieval town of Bandipur has wooden houses, Hindu temples, and red flowers in front of the windows. Gorkha is a pilgrimage place where locals hike to sacrifice a goat or chicken to one of their goddesses called Khali. Kirtipur and Chobar are two villages tucked in the Kathmandu Valley and venturing there will mean you’ll witness the Nepalese countryside lifestyle.

3. Biking

Biking may not be as popular as trekking in Nepal but there are plenty of steep, challenging descends that might be a thrilling experience for a passionate rider. Sometimes it makes more sense to rent a bike and explore the villages near Kathmandu instead of taking a crowded bus. The Kathmandu Valley has a few routes, among which the loop via Nagarkot and Namobuddha passes cultural sights while offering views of the Himalayas too. Near Pokhara, a bike trail leaves from the Lakeside neighborhood and goes up to Sarangkot, one of the best Himalayan viewpoints. Bike rentals are available in many places but you will have to pay attention to the chaotic traffic if you leave or enter bigger towns.

4. Jungle Walking

The most popular places where you can experience jungle walking in Nepal is Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park. Closer to Kathmandu, Chitwan has a rich wildlife. If you are heading there, you will have the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, rhinos, and tigers. The small village of Sauraha is the base camp for many day-trips into the nearby jungle. Consider yourself lucky if you see a tiger during your jungle walk because most of the time they hunt at night. Even when we saw fresh tiger footprints in the jungle, we waited in total silence for one hour, but the tiger never showed up.

5. Meditation Retreats

Nepal features a syncretistic blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. You will see people worshiping at a Hindu temple and the next day, the same people walking around the Buddhist stupas and spinning prayer wheels. Usually, visitors are forbidden to enter the Hindu temples but the Buddhist monasteries are more open to travelers. They welcome whoever wants to learn more about Buddhism.

The birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini has a huge religious significance and pilgrims come to worship at the temple built to commemorate this. A whole range of monasteries have been constructed in town and that offer a broad selection of monastery retreats to choose from.

During my stay in Nepal, I went to some of the monasteries in Lumbini but eventually, I chose to stay at the Kopan Monastery, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There, I took part in an Introductory Buddhism Course and learned the basics of Buddhism. While I haven’t chosen to continue this spiritual path, I am grateful for the experience.

6. Rafting & Kayaking

If you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, it’s impossible not to notice the many rafting camps set up along the Trisuli River. These are the best choice if you are looking for an introduction to rafting on a budget. The river has world-class rapids made for white-water rafting and if you venture during the monsoon, you might experience wild waters too. Several other rivers such as Bhote Kosi, Upper Sun Kosi, and Seti Khola offer good alternatives for raft trips and camping overnight in a unique setting.

7. Shopping

Maybe you don’t equate traveling to Nepal with shopping. I assure you though, once you will get to Thamel (the touristy neighborhood of Kathmandu), it will be impossible to not buy mountain gear and all sorts of Asian products at a fairly good price. The other two big touristy towns of Nepal, Pokhara and Patan also are home to a wide range of shops. I enjoyed most of Patan’s fair-trade local shops, where I bought a top—a dress that Nepalese women wear over their trousers.

8. Cooking Classes

Dal bhat (steamed rice dressed with cooked spicy lentil soup), momos (steamed dumplings), and chowimen (noodles with meat, onion, and celery) are only a few—but the most popular—dishes in Nepal. However, taking part in a cooking class might help you better understand what ingredients are used to cook those spicy sauces and why. For example, Panauti small village has developed a community homestay project. This way, it is possible to stay in traditional houses overnight while also learning how to cook local dishes directly from Nepalese women.

Ready to start traveling to Nepal? It’s well worth it!

Suggested next reading: Hiking Into The Clouds With The Hill Tribes Of Northern Vietnam

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