Snowy postcards from Slovenia

It’s nearly May, but Slovenians face chilly temperatures and snow this week. A little bit crazy considering I was out in my shorts and T-shirts less than a week ago. The cold snap came after a mild winter in which just a couple of light snow showers hit the country. Unlike most of my friends, I’m delighted to see snowflakes again because I haven’t had any chance to photograph the white landscapes in 2016 (thanks, nature!). Fortunately today’s session was a success (even though I somehow managed to get lost in the woods). Bellow are some shots I’ve taken.

Snowy postcards from Slovenia | The Cheerful Wanderer

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Local’s guide to Ljubljana

Ljubljana is getting more and more recognition each year – and for a good reason. This pretty city easily steals anyone’s heart. Before you furiously google how big the capital of Slovenia actually is (278,789 inhabitants), let me tell you that Slovenians consider a city any place with over 5,000 inhabitants. I know most of you would call that a village. It’s different here, everything is small and adorable. Talking about small – one of the main reasons this country is often completely unknown to travelers it’s because of the size. Did you know only a bit over 2,000,000 people live here? No wonder many would struggle to pinpoint the country on a map. Guide books, however, keep naming Slovenia Europe’s hidden gem, which means it isn’t going to remain hidden for too much longer, so pack your bags and visit us as soon as possible!

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The ultimate 1 week road trip itinerary for Ireland

No pictures or information online can really prepare you for the trip to Ireland. It’s hard to believe how much this small country has to offer. One week is far from enough to see it all, but we knew that before coming and I can’t wait to be back.

If you ask me, the best time to travel in Ireland in spring, because of the weather (less rain than in winter) and also, because it’s low-season, so the prices are lower than in summer. You’ll probably have to dress for winter weather, though. Unless you’re British or Irish, then you can use T-shirt and shorts.

DAY 1: Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough

Pick your car at Dublin airport in the morning. We were staying in Dublin for a night and then headed to the airport using the local bus next morning. We had pre-booked a car using a German site.

Ok, time to start the journey. Your first stop is Powerscourt Waterfall. Well, that’s the first one planned, I’m sure you’re going to stop several times before that.

TIP: Pay your Dublin’s M50 (it is a barrier-free toll road) toll fee at petrol station. Tell them your car license number and once you pay, they will delete you off the system.

The ultimate 1 week road trip itinerary for Ireland | The Cheerful Wanderer
Break over. Now you continue using different route to Sally Gap. Read More

How much does one week roadtrip in Ireland cost?

Yesterday me and my boyfriend returned from Dublin, where we eneded our one week roadtrip. Because it’s all still fresh, I thought I could share the expenses with you, so you have an idea how much such roadtrip costs. Please note that I first write down the price we paid together and then calculate how much it was per person.

CAR

How much does one week roadtrip in Ireland cost? | The Cheerful Wanderer
Rent for 7 days: €77
Petrol: €46 + €8 + €42.8 + €10 = €106.8
Toll fee: 3 x €1.9 + €2.9€ + 6.2€ = €14.8
Parking: €4

Expenses per person: €101.3

We did a little under 1500 kilometres.

ENTRANCES (student tickets)

Powerscourt Waterfall: €11
Rock of Cashel: 6€
Prehistoric Fahan Beehive Huts: €4
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden: €18
Guinness Storehouse: €32

Expenses per person: €35.5

Some of them planned, others not. No regrets for any of them.

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5 things to do in Kilkenny

On my first day off, I chose to see the city just one hour away from where I’m staying. Kilkenny is a small city (which makes it very cosy) you can easily walk through in a day (or even less), best known as Ireland’s medieval capital, steeped in heritage. Although it’s supposed to be a very popular tourist destination, I didn’t get that feeling when being there, but this may be because it’s off-season and we visited on Sunday.

1. Walk around Kilkenny castle
The castle is beautiful inside and out. The entrance fee is very reasonable, 7€ per adult (for more info click here), especially since the guides are very knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions. On a nice sunny day, you should take some time for the grounds around the castle too. We had a very pleasant walk around. And it’s free!

5 things to do in Kilkenny | The Cheerful Wanderer

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