D Travels 'Round

Offbeat Attractions in Sofia

Bulgaria is a beautifully diverse country. With places to visit like the magnificent mountain town of Veliko Tarnovo, Black Sea city of Varna, and the capital, Sofia, it’s easy to get wrapped up in everything the country has to offer.

Located in the western part of Bulgaria, Sofia, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, is the most populous city in the country, with more than 1.2 million people.

While there are plenty of tourist highlights to keep a person busy, there are also some seriously fabulous offbeat attractions in Sofia, Bulgaria. Once you’ve checked into one of the many hotels in Sofia, head out the door and explore everything this town has to offer.

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Money Matters: Why You Must Have Money to Travel

Why you don't need money to travel is the worst advice ever. A case for why money is necessary. Part 1 of 2 in Money Matters via www.dtravelsround.com
“Quit your job to travel. Now.”

“Don’t worry about money. It’s OK. You won’t regret traveling.”

“Who cares about the future, you need to enjoy your present.”

Or, “It’s OK to spend all your money on traveling, says science,” according to the Huffington Post. (Hello, click bait! which I refuse to link to.)

Do these statements sound familiar?

I see motivational messages like this all the time. Sure, they are inspiring. They are motivating. But, they are also irresponsible.

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Why I Hate Travel Quotes

A look at the best -- and worst -- inspirational travel quotes. Which is your favorite?

Here’s the deal: I like pretty photos with inspirational photos as much as the next person. Hell, I’ve got a Pinterest board that focuses on nothing but those little gems. But — and this is a big but — those inspirational travel quotes that are circulating nonstop? Can they just stop?

Before you roll your eyes at me, or close this post, hear me out.

Why I Can’t Stand the Inspirational Travel Quotes

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How I Got Fired by My Big Time New York City Book Agent

How I got fired by a Big Time New York City Book Agent
“Hi Diana,” the e-mail titled with the subject “book” read. “My name is Big Time New York City Book Agent [ed. note: obviously, this is not the person’s real name] and I am the Big Time Person at the Big Time Literary Agency [ed. note: again, obviously changing]. I love your site and believe it could be the basis for a great book series. In my [decades] as an agent, I have worked on hundreds of New York Times bestsellers, and have represented a wide array of celebrity and public figure clients, as well as Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners. All that to say, if I am not too late to the party, and you haven’t signed with anyone else, I would love to speak with you about possible literary projects.”

That was August 27, 2014. One year ago.

The e-mail had popped up in my phone as I walked through the sticky jungle heat to work in Chiang Mai. As soon as the words unfolded and solidified in my mind, I froze mid-step. Around me, the smell of Nag Champa hung in the thick air as monks clad in orange robes and barefoot plodded along the rain-soaked roads around the Old City.

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Free Things to do in Athens

Athens is a city incredibly worthy of discovering. It’s loaded with history (hello, Acropolis and Greek mythology), is a hotbed for dining, has some seriously cool off-beat attractions, and offers some amazing Athens hotels. But, there is so much more to the city. Whether you hop on tours or opt to explore on your own, there are plenty of ways to get out and see all this city has to offer.

If you’re on a budget, Athens can still deliver plenty of charm and history. In fact, there are numerous options for people who want to experience the city without spending a dime.

What are some free things to do in Athens? Why, I’m so glad you asked.

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The Best Beaches in Phuket

Exotic food. Exotic beaches. Exotic attractions. In Phuket, exotic is the name of the game. This idyllic seaside town in Thailand is a main draw for tourists, thanks to the paradise it offers. Even the Phuket hotels transport guests to a world very different from what they are used to. But, isn’t that the point of taking a true vacation?

While Phuket Town and the other areas of the city can get crowded and are more gritty, there is a world which awaits outside the main drag where people come face-to-face with sea life, pristine beaches and the jungle. It’s all there; you just have to know where to find it.

Not all beaches are created the same. Sadly, mass tourism to Phuket has made many beaches which were once gorgeous and peaceful into tourist traps. However, if you know where to look, you can find some perfect spots to unwind at some of the best beaches in Phuket.

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Cool Things to do in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most dynamic and cool cities in Europe (at least says I). Thanks to a burgeoning street art scene, embracing of the vegan lifestyle and funky spots to explore, it’s easy to see why it is one of my favorite places in the world.

It’s packed with a fascinating history, friendly locals, and so many things to do that no trip ever seems long enough. So, after checking into your Berlin hotel, I suggest you get out and experience all of the cool things to do in Berlin:

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The Truth About Riding Elephants

I watch, happy tears swelling in my eyes, as the first of two rescued ex-trekking elephants walks off of the truck, backing out slowly and cautiously placing her hind legs, one-at-a-time, on the ground.

It’s pitch black, save for a few flashlights and one camera light. Around us, cicadas, frogs and crickets all compete to pierce the oh-so-still night.

She walks softly, crunching dried grass, as we follow behind her. Slowly, slowly she walks. To freedom. At the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary.

From this moment forward, she will never have to strap a 200-pound bench to her back. From this moment forward, she will never have ropes cutting into her. A bull hook threatening to slash her ear, forehead or neck. She will never have the weight of a person on her. But, most importantly, she will never again be exploited for a human’s need to cross “riding an elephant” off of some bucket list or posing atop her back for a selfie.

Even though I no longer live in Thailand, I receive emails from readers regularly who ask: Should I ride an elephant? What’s the truth about riding elephants in Thailand and the rest of the world?

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10 Tips for Solo Female Travelers

10 tips for solo female travelers, especially first-timers!
Do you want to travel solo but haven’t pulled the trigger yet?

Traveling as a single female is more accessible than ever, thanks to a growing number of kick-ass women who take the plunge and hit the road for their own adventures. Whether heading out on a gap year, taking a career-break or simply going on a holiday, no one says you must have a companion at your side.

In fact, solo travel can open people up to a wide world of experiences that people traveling with others aren’t always so fortunate to have. Solo female travel pushes women to become more adaptive. To have faith that they can do whatever they set their hearts to. That they can be independent and see the world, without needing anyone else.

As a first-time solo female traveler, it can be daunting to book those tickets, make those plans and dive into the world of travel. But, it doesn’t have to be!

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CityLove: The Best Hotels in Florence

A round-up of hotels for different types of travelers to enjoy in Florence, Italy — Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: sherseydc

The gem of Tuscany (and one of the most attractive places in Italy), Florence, is a vacationer’s dream. With gorgeous wine, Italian cuisine, and scenic views, there are so many historic — and offbeat — attractions to explore. Fortunately, Florence is able to accommodate the visitor who comes to experience all this city has to offer, and there many hotels at which to stay that add to the experience.

Before you make your hotel booking, figure out what hotel is right for you:

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