Author: Maarten Van Den Driessche
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Travel Is Not a Reward for Working. It’s an Education for Living.
For many people, travel is something to look forward to at the end of a long year—a reward for working hard, meeting deadlines, and taking only a few precious days off. We save our holidays, count down the weeks, and tell ourselves we’ve “earned” the right to explore. But what if we’ve been thinking about…
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The Beauty of Randomness
Some of the best moments in life are the ones you never plan. A spontaneous conversation with a stranger. A last-minute trip. An unexpected detour that becomes the highlight of your journey. A message that simply says, “I fucking love the randomness.” Travel has taught me that randomness isn’t chaos—it’s opportunity. It’s saying yes to…
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Belgium’s National Day: More Than a Celebration
Every year on 21 July, Belgium celebrates its National Day—a moment that brings together history, tradition, and national pride. While Belgium declared its independence in 1830, the date commemorates 21 July 1831, when King Leopold I swore the constitutional oath and became the country’s first monarch. For one day, Belgium feels different. The streets of…
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Redefining Luxury: The Richness of a Simple Life
In a world where luxury is often measured by expensive homes, designer brands, and exclusive experiences, perhaps we’ve misunderstood what it truly means to live well. Real luxury isn’t always something you can buy. Sometimes, it’s something you simply notice. It’s the first cup of coffee in the morning while the world is still quiet.…
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Why Malta May Not Be the Best Destination for Pregnant Travelers
Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean destination known for its historic cities, crystal-clear waters, and sunny climate. However, if you are pregnant—or planning to become pregnant—it is worth considering one important aspect before booking your trip. Unlike many other European countries, Malta has historically maintained some of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. While the…
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The Best Views Come After the Hardest Climbs
There is a reason this saying has stood the test of time: the best views come after the hardest climbs. Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail, navigating a difficult chapter in life, or exploring a destination far from home, the greatest rewards rarely come without effort. Travel has taught me this lesson over and over…
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Japan Triples Departure Tax as Overtourism Grows
Travelling to Japan just became a little more expensive. As of 1 July 2026, Japan has increased its International Tourist Tax, commonly known as the departure tax, from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per traveller. The fee applies to everyone leaving Japan, including foreign visitors and Japanese citizens, and is typically included in the price of airline…
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Just Let Them
Inspired by: Victoria Horsley’s Instagram Story on the “Let Them” mindset. Thank you for the inspiration. Every so often, a simple idea captures the internet because it resonates with something many of us have experienced. The “Let Them” Theory, popularised by Mel Robbins, is one of those ideas. At first glance, it sounds almost too…
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What Makes a Civilization
When people hear the terms “First World” and “Third World,” they usually think of rich versus poor, developed versus underdeveloped, or even civilized versus uncivilized. But history tells a very different story. The terms were never meant to rank civilizations. They were born during the Cold War. The First World referred to countries aligned with…
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Exploring the 8 Regions of Niger
Despite being one of the largest countries in West Africa, Niger remains one of its least-visited destinations. Covering vast stretches of the Sahara Desert and the Sahel, the country is divided into seven regions and the capital district of Niamey. Each region offers its own landscapes, cultures, and traditions—from ancient caravan cities to fertile river…