Český Krumlov: Picture-Perfect Small Town You Must See

Although less visited than capital cities, small towns often provide more authentic insights into local culture. Wandering down the cobblestoned streets with quick stops at unique shops and charming coffee shops could easily be listed as one of my favourite hobbies. No wonder why I got really excited when we made the decision to stop by Český Krumlov on our way to Prague, Czech Republic!

Český Krumlov: Picture-Perfect Small Town You Must See | The Cheerful Wanderer

This Unesco World Heritage site with a stunning castle above the Vltava River was first mentioned in documents in 1253. The castle, built in Gothic style in the 13th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style 3 centuries later, managed to stay intact all this time. How incredible is that? Read More

Where We’re Headed Next

If you’re following me on Instagram, you might have noticed we visited Prague last weekend. It was a compulsive, last-minute decision and since none of us has ever been there, it wasn’t even a bad one! More about that soon.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the changes I want to make on this blog in 2017. One of them was to keep you more up-to-date on our plans. It often happens I get some amazing recommendations when we are already on our way back home. That, of course, gives me a good excuse to return (my guilty pleasure), but it’s always nice to find out about the fun activities beforehand and add them to your itinerary the first time around.

To cut it short: WE ARE GOING TO MADEIRA!

Where We're Headed Next | The Cheerful Wanderer

Photo credit: Tiago Aguiar

Yes, I’m talking about that tiny Portuguese island I always have on my list of goals. I’ve never seen Portugal before, so I’m over the moon about the whole trip. The best part is we have two long layovers in Lisbon! I am well aware we’ll have to return there because let’s be honest, 24 hours are not nearly enough – I already know that. However, when you get an extra bonus trip offered, you must never say no (it’s an unwritten rule!).

If you have ANY recommendations for either Madeira or Lisbon, please let me know in the comments below!

Couchsurfing Experiences and Tips

On a cold evening in February 2009, I was trying to waste some time without internet at my grandparents’ house. I had three choices that night: vampire-themed fantasy romance novel New Moon, TV or a new magazine titled Joy I found in my mailbox earlier that day. I chose the third option and enthusiastically began to read the fashion magazine, which was nothing special, but one article caught my attention. It was on a new phenomenon called couchsurfing (also referred to as CS). The following day, when back at home, I curiously typed the URL address listed into a browser. You had to register to see more than a homepage, something that hasn’t changed til this day. I didn’t do it, but I cut the article out of the magazine and put it into a secret folder I owned.

It was only in 2013 that I decided to make a step forward and register. I still knew nobody who was using it, but more and more people were aware of it. Two years later, I had my first CS experience and it was wonderful. No, let me rephrase that: it was so good that I no longer wanted to travel any other way.

What is couchsurfing?
It is the world’s largest social travel network. Founded in 2003, it has a very simple concept. Many people have a couch in a living room that a stranger could crash on. This website lets you offer yours to a fellow traveller. What you get in return is a new friend and some company. Read More

24 Hours In Wintery Zagreb

Nothing says Christmas like the smell of baked goods and a stroll through a Christmas market. Preferably with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate in one hand and cinnamon donuts in other. In December, we decided to check why has Zagreb been chosen as the best Christmas market the second consecutive year.

24 Hours In Wintery Zagreb | The Cheerful Wanderer

We headed to Croatia on December 23 and stayed there for one night. Not much, but enough to see a glimpse of Croatia’s capital city while getting into a Christmas spirit. Read More

Travel Goals for 2017 (and Recap on 2016)

Setting goals has always helped me to work harder towards achieving them. While I am often too ambitious and fail to complete the whole list, I’m also very competitive and in this case the competition is between me and myself. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing a task off your list, don’t you agree?

Slap Virje, Slovenia

Slap Virje, Slovenia

Last year, when starting the blog, I published a very optimistic post titled 16 Travel Goals For 2016. I remember how my boyfriend told me it was going to be hard to achieve all, but I think the final result is surprisingly good. Read More