Isito explores

09/01/2025

✨ Penguin Spotting on Peninsula Valdés 🐧

We spent an incredible day exploring the Peninsula Valdés, where we were lucky to spot Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat! These adorable birds come here to breed and molt, drawn by the peninsula's rich marine biodiversity and safer environment compared to other coastal areas. With fish, squid, and crustaceans aplenty in the South Atlantic waters, it’s an ideal spot for raising chicks.

Sadly, the penguin population here has been declining in recent years due to climate change, oil pollution, tourism-related stress, and even predation by pumas. It’s a reminder of how fragile this ecosystem is and how important conservation efforts are.

At this time of year, the best place to spot large colonies is around Punta Loma near Puerto Madryn, but we decided to skip the tour — after all, we had already seen plenty of their African penguin cousins during our time in South Africa a few weeks ago.

Have you ever seen penguins in the wild? 🐧🌊 Let us know your favorite wildlife encounters below! ⬇️

06/01/2025

Would you cycle across Africa for 3 months? That's exactly what Gerald did last summer. When I travelled to Zimbabwe in September, he told me all about his spontaneous decision to start this dangerous adventure. Curious? Then do not miss our conversation on my blog! 🚴🏿‍♂️

Discover Gerald's spontaneous 3-month adventure by bike across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia - thrills, challenges, and unforgettable memories await!

31/12/2024

Just before 2025 begins, I’m looking back at a year that changed everything. To begin with, 2024 in review was a year when I took the risk and packed my bags to fly to a new chapter. I left behind the stability of employment to become a freelancer; a decision that didn’t only transform my professional life. With this newfound independence, freedom and room for creativity, I explored new countries, crossed continents and made new connections. Thank you to everyone who made this year really special!

Link to the blog post about my 2024 in review in my bio. In summary, I recount my adventures, challenges, and triumphs that made 2024 unforgettable.

31/12/2024

Just before 2025 begins, I’m looking back at a year that changed everything. To begin with, 2024 in review was a year when I took the risk and packed my bags to fly to a new chapter. As a result, I left behind the stability of employment to become a freelancer; a decision that didn’t only transform my professional life. Furthermore, with this newfound independence, freedom and room for creativity, I explored new countries and crossed continents. In summary, I recount my adventures, challenges, and triumphs that made 2024 unforgettable!

2024 in review: an independant traveller closes a chapter of stability to open a new chapter full of insecurity, adventure and cultural exchange.

20/12/2024

Before we fastened our seat belts for a six-week road trip across South Africa, we were bombarded with warnings and well-meaning advice. “Stay vigilant,” lots of friends and family said. Many people painted a picture of a land both unforgettably beautiful and potentially dangerous. So, what’s it really like to drive in South Africa? In this post, I’ll share candid insights, personal stories, and practical tips from our six weeks on the road across South Africa. Let’s hit South Africa's highways and gravel roads together and discover the realities of driving in this incredible country.

Discover the realities of self-driving in South Africa: safety tips, personal insights, and a 6-week road trip guide through this beautiful yet complex country.

13/12/2024

This is how you know you're in Paraguay. 🇵🇾

Tereré isn't just a drink; it's a way of life. Picture this: a shared guampa filled with ice-cold yerba mate, a thermos under one arm, and inspiring conversations under the shade of a tree. 🌿

Whether like us, you're by Ypacarai lake, in Areguá's colourful markets full of christmas pottery, in one or Luque's feligrana silver shops, in Asunción's downtown tasting the traditional chipa guasu, mbejú or some dulce de leche, or just relaxing at home, tereré is always the answer to the tropical heat and a gateway to friendship.

Did you know about this refreshing ritual? Would you like to try? 🧉

05/12/2024

Where am I travelling at the moment?

26/10/2024

Zanzibar often dazzles on social media as an exotic paradise. This Tanzanian archipelago is mostly celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, culture and colonial history. However, our two-week experience this August revealed a more complex reality.

Discover Zanzibar beyond its paradise image: explore beaches, culture, and spice heritage while questioning tourism's sustainability and local impact.

07/10/2024

Most travelers begin their Iraq exploration in Baghdad and then move south, in most cases because of the city’s international airport. However, we had a different plan in mind. Not wanting to miss out on Iraqi Kurdistan or rely on an internal flight after covering the south, we decided to enter Iraq from Kuwait by land. Starting our journey from Basra in the south, we made our way north by car, all the way to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Many thanks to Ali Ghanim for making our trip so unforgettable and to Iraqi Travellers Cafe for connecting us with the unforgettable Ali!

Discover Iraq: 17-day itinerary from Basra to Erbil through history, culture, and nature via Babylon, Lalish the Mesopotamian Marshes and other iconic sites.

18/09/2024

In a Maasai village on the way to Serengeti.

19/08/2024

I could share countless surprises from my time in Iraq, a country often misunderstood and overshadowed by its tumultuous past. Despite its complexities, Iraq is on a path of recovery and transformation, making it an exciting destination for adventurous travelers.

I discovered the unexpected in Iraq! From rich history to warm hospitality, I explored five surprises that make this country a must-visit destination.

08/06/2024

Discover tips, tricks and other revelations from Anna and Chris after their cycling trip from Istanbul to Munich last summer.

WEBSITE: www.isitoexplores.comThis Munich-based couple, Anna and Chris, travelled 3,000 km from Istanbul to Munich by bike - across South-Eastern Europe and ...

29/05/2024

"One of the most amazing adventures ever and we believe (almost) everyone can do it!"

— CHRIS

Join Anna and Chris on their extraordinary cycling journey from Istanbul to Munich. Discover their tips for a once-in-a-lifetime 3,000 km adventure in 6 weeks!

02/04/2024

I'm one of those curious adventurers with ambiguous feelings about the home of Bollywood. My six-month job assignment in extraordinary India was a dream come true. I absolutely loved India for its hospitality, history, architecture, the people's general drive to improve their life, the country's colors, tastes and flavors. But it was also a real challenge.

Captivating stories, unexpected discoveries and profound lessons that emerged from a 10-day journey through the vibrant tapestry of northern India.

26/03/2024

What is your favorite booking platform? My favorite websites are listed in this blog post. Please share your experience in the comments.

An independent traveler shares platforms for the international search the of accomodation, including large portals and alternatives used by smaller businesses.

19/03/2024

A big trip is coming this summer. That's how I start preparing...

This checklist includes all vital documents required or recommended for long-distance travel. You may download the list in printable form here.

21/02/2024

Our day trip to Kruja gave us an impressive introduction during our Albanian discovery tour. We witnessed a beautiful mountain range behind the traditional small town of Kruja, full of history and flavourful food offers. Who also gets attracted by good food?

Kruja is a one-hour drive from Tirana. This small town offers a great introduction of Albania's history, traditions and landscapes.

08/01/2024

In 2023 I worked remotely from Rome for two weeks. It was a wonderful experience of local life in Italy's capital, peppered with smaller and larger joys and challenges. In today's post, I'll deepdive into my two-week work experience abroad, what worked well and what maybe didn't. I'll point out the the pros and cons of workation and summarize handy tips for a successful workation abroad. Hopefully, these lines will help other workationers make the best out of their temorary life living and working in another country.

Workation is a modern type of working, which combines work with vacation. This article provides handy tips for a successful workation abroad.