Oyggjarvegur, the old mountain road from Torshavn, the tiny capital of the Faroes, towards the northern islands, is spectacular. But then, nothing less is to be expected in the world’s best island-destination. In places, there are no barriers between us and a 1000-foot drop into the chilling waters of the North Atlantic fjord. We edge slowly towards the deliciously dizzying chasm.

Skopje isn’t what leaps to mind when you think of European cities, is it? It’s probably among the lesser known capitals, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mother Theresa. So what can you see and do in Macedonia’s little capital? Here are my notes, from a lazy April Saturday night and a long Sunday morning. Skopje’s Stone Bridge is a major landmark. On one side of the bridge is the modern Macedonia Square, on the other is the old bazaar and Ottoman Skopje.

Taking the train from Hamburg to Copenhagen, I assumed the train would go over a bridge when crossing the Baltic Sea. To my surprise, the train actually goes into a ferry at the port in Germany, and then exits the ferry once it arrives in Denmark. During the scenic ride we saw off-shore wind farms, soaring seagulls and sparkling blue waters.

Nestled between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this little jewel (whose name means “place of the turtles” in Mayan) is just a short colectivo ride from either city. Overpower a small child, take their snorkel gear, and head to Akumal- one of the best day trips we’ve taken thus far.

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that I, Erica, am a huge wuss with a giant list of fears. Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker got annoyed at me a few times as I refused to dive into a lake in Flores, Guatemala (fear of drowning and I can’t hold my breath without holding my nose and a huge fear of water where I cannot see the bottom).