Laura Pattara

laurastraveltales

  • Hidden Camargue: France’s Wild Wetlands

    Wild horses and wetlands aren’t normally associated with the French Riviera. The Cote d’Azur typically elicits images of designer boutiques and impossibly stylish women in high heels rather than windswept horizons, wildflowers, and pink flamingos. But there it is, just 70 miles west of Marseille (the unofficial end point of arguably the most famous stretch […]

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  • Guide to Caminito del Rey: One of the Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

    Nicknamed the “Walkway of Death” by intrepid rock climbers for decades, Spain’s most thrilling walk, the infamous El Caminito del Rey, is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. This suspended walkway stands over 300 feet above the spectacular El Chorro Gorge. It hugs the dramatic rock face pretty much the way I […]

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  • What Instagram Doesn’t Tell You About Vanlife

    Spend a few hours swooning over images of #vanlife on Instagram, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking that life on the road is all about jaw-dropping camping spots, breathtaking sunsets, and luxurious camper vans that eerily resemble the Royal Penthouse Suite at the King George V Hotel in Paris. That’s right, folks. Instagram has a […]

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  • The World’s Most Epic Trails for the Thrill Seeker

    Conquering a mammoth trail through some of the world’s most astonishing landscapes isn’t only about bragging (although it certainly can be), but primarily about facing your fears, testing your endurance (both physical and mental), and achieving something you never thought you could in a truly spectacular part of the world — and who wouldn’t brag […]

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  • A Self-Guided Barcelona Walking Tour of Gaudi’s Magic City

    Few cities in the world can be swiftly summed-up with just the single name of a local artist. Yet when it comes to Barcelona, Gaudi certainly does the trick. As the embodiment of the Catalan Modernist architectural movement, Antoni Gaudi isn’t just a part of Barcelona, he is Barcelona. His fantastical designs greatly influence not […]

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  • Mountain Peaks That (Nearly) Anyone Can Conquer

    Some may call this the cheater’s collection of mountaineering feats, but we prefer to think of it as sensational bucket-list challenges that are totally within everyone’s reach. It’s important to note that not all of these ‘easy mountain peaks’ are a total breeze. Some are darn hard work. But what they have in common is […]

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  • Tropical Destinations to Escape the Winter

    Looking for stunning tropical destinations that won’t break the bank? Join the club. It seems like a truly Utopian dream: a tropical paradise that offers all the trimmings — minus all the exorbitant prices. Well, I’ve spent the last decade of my life chasing the dream (of living in a sarong on an idyllic stretch […]

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  • The Best Cities To Ring in New Year’s Eve 2023

    There’s no denying that some cities around the world have a thing for NYE. Usually, a sensational backdrop and tons of fireworks do the trick, but there’s more to it than that. The best cities to celebrate NYE in style offer that little something extra, be it the brightest fireworks display, the most unusual traditions, […]

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  • 5 Off the Beaten Path Travel Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind

    Contrary to popular belief, there are still plenty of truly kickass destinations all over the world that aren’t overrun with tourists; stunning countries filled to the brim with awe-inspiring highlights (not busloads of visitors) and glorious corners of prominent travel hubs that have yet to be discovered by the crowd. Dream of getting off the […]

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  • The World’s 5 Most Bizarre Foods to Try

    Fancy a culinary travel challenge? Then pack your bags and your sense of adventure and join us on a crazy yet rewarding journey of the world’s top 5 most bizarre foods. Imagine experiencing instantaneous gagging at the mere mention of a dish you tried abroad? Well, that’s where we’re at today, sharing our own unforgettable culinary travel experiences. But not the […]

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  • Northern Lights: 4 Epic Ways to See Nature’s Wonder

    Luxurious arctic winter adventures may seem like an oxymoron, we admit, yet with these epic ways to see the Northern Lights, you’ll view all the action (without all the freezing!) Read on to discover how. The Northern Lights rate highly on most globetrotters’ bucket-list, yet if you’re anything like me (infected by serious wanderlust yet […]

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  • Festivals in Latin America: The Region’s Finest Fiestas

    It’s no secret that Latin Americans love themselves a good paaartay, with the continent’s yearly calendar filled with more events than days. Their love of a good time is, indeed, the stuff of legends, yet what’s even more endearing is their fervent desire to drag even the most reluctant of spectators to come along for […]

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  • 5 Hot Air Balloon Rides That Are Worth Every Penny

    Hot air balloon rides are at the core of luxury travel and have earned their firm place on our collective bucket lists. As cool as they can be, hot air balloon rides are also known for being pricey and many travelers simply discount them for being ‘just not worth it’. Although we agree that throwing […]

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