Diaries of a Backpacker

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Diaries of a Backpacker Are you avid traveler looking for the next destination? Do you dream of traveling? Check my Diaries!

Diaries of a Backpacker is a website dedicated to adventure travels, following the steps of Daniela Zavala as she crosses the world in search of extraordinary stories and experiences. Daring to go where many people don't, Daniela offers a deep insight of the places and cultures she visits through her diaries, feature stories, photos and video reports, all while providing useful travel information.

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20/01/2025

During my trip to Central Asia, I spent a few days in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, which is one of the ten largest countries in the world and one of the most developed in the region.

Initially, I didn't have high expectations for the city; I envisioned a place primarily reflecting its Soviet past. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Almaty is a beautiful, modern city. It features numerous parks, contemporary developments, and stunning snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains as a backdrop.

Watch this video to explore the main attractions and must-see sites in Almaty!

12/01/2025

One of my New Year's resolutions is to catch up on editing the videos from my adventures over the past two years. Although I'm a bit behind, I'm excited to start with my solo trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Watch my Kyrgyzstan Diary to experience what traveling in this amazing Central Asian country was like. You'll also learn more about this former Soviet republic, which is well-known for its majestic mountains and rich nomadic culture.

For travel tips and a complete suggested itinerary, visit https://diariesofabackpacker.com/asia-1/f/kyrgyzstan-tips-and-itinerary.

06/01/2025

I enjoyed this white Christmas and European adventure more than what I imagined.

Spending time with my boys and making memories with them was undoubtedly the best Christmas gift.

While this adventure ends, another family adventure is not far on the horizon.

Èze is another charming hill town close to Nice, with beautiful sea views and an old town.We visited without much of a p...
05/01/2025

Èze is another charming hill town close to Nice, with beautiful sea views and an old town.

We visited without much of a plan, just getting lost in the narrow cobblestone lanes and taking in the amazing views.

A short 30-minute train ride from Nice is Monaco, a sovereign city-state known as one of the wealthiest and most expensi...
04/01/2025

A short 30-minute train ride from Nice is Monaco, a sovereign city-state known as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world.

Since it was so close and an easy day trip, we decided to see what the buzz is all about.

It’s a great place for people and expensive boat watching 😂

We also enjoyed visiting the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco—pretty cool even if you are not into cars—, and just walking around.

03/01/2025

A stunning sunset in Nice from a Ferris wheel 🌅

02/01/2025

Charming Nice ❤️

01/01/2025

As 2025 begins, I reflect on what 2024 has been: a year filled with incredible world adventures and memorable road trips.

Whether I traveled with my family, my son, or solo, each experience—both abroad and at home—has been fun, but mostly enriching.

Those who know me and have followed my trips know that for me, traveling is more than just visiting places or taking cool photos. It’s about exploring the beautiful planet we live on, while learning and growing along the way.

The only reason why I do Diaries of a Backpacker is to inspire and empower people through travel. I hope that by sharing these experiences with you, you have learned about these amazing places, and enjoyed the adventures.

Thank you for your love and support and for being a part of my journey.

Let’s explore even more together in 2025! I hope you’re ready because I certainly am.

#2025

After a white Christmas and days of skiing, we headed to the south of France to warm up.Nice is another charming town in...
01/01/2025

After a white Christmas and days of skiing, we headed to the south of France to warm up.

Nice is another charming town in France, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, beaches, and old churches.

Chilly in the morning and sunny and pleasant weather during the day, this was a great destination to visit during this European adventure.

31/12/2024

Good morning from Nice!Wishing everyone an amazing 2025 ❤️🤩

30/12/2024

Montenvers - Mer de Glace: Memorable!

29/12/2024

La Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ❤️⛷️

The advantage of coming to a place like Chamonix-Mont Blanc is that many ski resorts are around the town. One day, you c...
28/12/2024

The advantage of coming to a place like Chamonix-Mont Blanc is that many ski resorts are around the town. One day, you can be skiing in France, the next in Switzerland, and the following in Italy.

The ski resort of Les Houches is only 6 km down the valley from Chamonix, or about a 10-minute drive, and is exceptional!

It is so beautiful with Mont Blanc in the backdrop, and the ski runs are wide and bumpy, making them fun for beginners or “conservative skiers” like me.

At one of the blue ski runs we did, we saw the valley below us covered by deep fog while peaks rose above it. Truly spectacular!

While not a pro or a big skier like my husband, I would love to come back here.

For those who may think that skiing in the European Alps is more expensive than in the USA, you will be shocked to know that it is WAY cheaper here than in Telluride, Colorado, or Salt Lake, Utah, where we have skied in previous years.

For instance, during the holiday peak, a ski lift per day in Telluride costs $260, while one in Chamonix per day costs $87.

A ski-in-and-out Airbnb in Telluride costs about $900 per night, and one in Chamonix costs $1000 for three nights!

If you have miles to get your flights for free to Europe and have the time off to travel here, it is worth the trip. Better skiing for a better price.

Stay tuned for more tips, which will be published on my website, DiariesofaBackpaker.com, in the coming weeks.

I am not into cakes or cookies, but ice cream and chocolate are my weaknesses. These chocolate-based desserts were piece...
27/12/2024

I am not into cakes or cookies, but ice cream and chocolate are my weaknesses. These chocolate-based desserts were pieces of art and delicious!

While the weather (high winds) didn’t allow us to go all the way to the Aiguille du Midi—the highest mountain peak serve...
27/12/2024

While the weather (high winds) didn’t allow us to go all the way to the Aiguille du Midi—the highest mountain peak served by an aerial lift system—at 3842m, we were able to get to the Plan de l’Aiguille (2,317m), which was one of the stops to the top.

It was cold and windy, but the panoramic views were breathtaking!

No wonder why this is one of the biggest attractions of Chamonix Mont-Blanc.

While Tom (my husband) explored some slopes, Danny and I visited the famous Mer de Glace and its ice cave.We climbed abo...
25/12/2024

While Tom (my husband) explored some slopes, Danny and I visited the famous Mer de Glace and its ice cave.

We climbed aboard a red cogwheel train to get there, and the ride was breathtaking!

Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is the third largest glacier in the European Alps, extending for 3.5 miles on the northern side of Mont Blanc.

When you get to the viewpoint, the altitude is about 1900 m above sea level.

To get to the ice cave carved into the glacier, you have to go down some steep stairs, but it is so worth it!

It was incredible to walk inside the glacier, touch the ice formed hundreds of years ago, and learn about glaciers.

When you visit, buy your ticket in advance (we had the unlimited Mont Blanc) and make sure you arrive at 9:30 a.m. at the latest to take the first 10 a.m. ride. Otherwise, be ready for a long line and wait.

I am not a big skier; my husband is, and skiing in the Alps was his dream, so we came here. But Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has ...
24/12/2024

I am not a big skier; my husband is, and skiing in the Alps was his dream, so we came here. But Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has won me over.

⛷️🚠❄️ Unbelievable views, fresh powder to ski, and a charming town. Food and wine, just wow.

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Videos

Exploring Almaty: The Largest City in Kazakhstan
Exploring Almaty: The Largest City in Kazakhstan

During my trip to Central Asia, I spent a few days in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, which is one of the ten largest countries in the world and one of the most developed in the region. Initially, I didn't have high expectations for the city; I envisioned a place primarily reflecting its Soviet past. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Almaty is a beautiful, modern city. It features numerous parks, contemporary developments, and stunning snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains as a backdrop. Watch this video to explore the main attractions and must-see sites in Almaty! #Kazakhstan #Kazakhstantravel #almaty #bigalmatylake #centralasiatravel

Kyrgyzstan Diary
Kyrgyzstan Diary

One of my New Year's resolutions is to catch up on editing the videos from my adventures over the past two years. Although I'm a bit behind, I'm excited to start with my solo trip to Kyrgyzstan. Watch my Kyrgyzstan Diary to experience what traveling in this amazing Central Asian country was like. You'll also learn more about this former Soviet republic, which is well-known for its majestic mountains and rich nomadic culture. For travel tips and a complete suggested itinerary, visit https://diariesofabackpacker.com/asia-1/f/kyrgyzstan-tips-and-itinerary. #Kyrgyzstan #Kyrgyzstantravel #travel #solotravel #travelCentralAsia #travelblogger

I enjoyed this white Christmas and European adventure more than what I imagined. Spending time with my boys and making memories with them was undoubtedly the best Christmas gift. While this adventure ends, another family adventure is not far on the horizon. #familytrip #familytravel #travelphotography #traveltheworld #travel #travelblogger

A stunning sunset in Nice from a Ferris wheel 🌅
A stunning sunset in Nice from a Ferris wheel 🌅

A stunning sunset in Nice from a Ferris wheel 🌅#nicefrance #travelblogger #travelphotography #travel #travelwithme #worldtraveler

Charming Nice
Charming Nice

Charming Nice ❤️ #nicefrance #francetravel #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelwithme #travel #worldtraveler

2024 Travel Recap
2024 Travel Recap

As 2025 begins, I reflect on what 2024 has been: a year filled with incredible world adventures and memorable road trips. Whether I traveled with my family, my son, or solo, each experience—both abroad and at home—has been fun, but mostly enriching. Those who know me and have followed my trips know that for me, traveling is more than just visiting places or taking cool photos. It’s about exploring the beautiful planet we live on, while learning and growing along the way. The only reason why I do Diaries of a Backpacker is to inspire and empower people through travel. I hope that by sharing these experiences with you, you have learned about these amazing places, and enjoyed the adventures. Thank you for your love and support and for being a part of my journey. Let’s explore even more together in 2025! I hope you’re ready because I certainly am. #travelphotography #travelgram #traveljournalist #travelwithme #travel #2024recap #newyear #newyearsresolution #2025

Good morning from Nice!
Good morning from Nice!

Good morning from Nice!Wishing everyone an amazing 2025 ❤️🤩 #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelwithme #newyear #happynewyear #nice #france

Montenvers - Mer de Glace: Memorable!
Montenvers - Mer de Glace: Memorable!

Montenvers - Mer de Glace: Memorable! #montblac #chamonixmontblanc #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelwithme #icecave #glacier

La Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ❤️⛷️
La Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ❤️⛷️

La Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ❤️⛷️ #travelblogger #travel #travelwithme #travelfrance #chamonixmontblanc

Christmas time in Luxembourg
Christmas time in Luxembourg

Christmas time in Luxembourg is magical, and the chocolate here is irresistible! #luxembourg #christmas2024 #travelblogger

Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake

A magical morning in the Big Almaty Lake, an alpine reservoir 2500 meters above sea level, located not so far from the city of Almaty. #Lakes #Alpinelakes #travel #travelwithme #travelphotography #worldtheworld #Almaty #nature

Drinking horse milk
Drinking horse milk

As part of the meal and experience in NAVAT Chaikhana, the restaurant serves all guests “Kumis” or horse milk. This traditional fermented milk—which is slightly alcoholic—is popular in Central Asia and, according to locals, good for health. What did you think about it? Check this out! #food #foodie #foodstagram #travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #worldtraveler #centralasia #almaty #restaurants #kazakhstan #travelwithme #travelstories #kumis #horsemilk

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