Dan Flying Solo | Travel Blog, Tips, Guides & Photography

Dan Flying Solo

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All, Reviews, Technology and Gear, Travel Tips

Best Language Apps for your phone

Sure, it's easy enough to get around most of the world speaking English but where is the fun in that? Do you really want to be the typical tourist just saying it louder and slower. Here are some great, free and easy to use phone apps to learn foreign languages in your pocket.

Dan Flying Solo

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Fraser-Island.jpg" class="wp-image-11748 avia-img-lazy-loading-11748 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Dan Flying Solo" loading="lazy" />

Africa, All, Aruba, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Destinations, Europe, Fiji, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Islands and Beaches, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Oceania, Off the beaten path, Off the beaten path, Photography, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South America, Sri Lanka, The Falkland Islands

Live the island life: 20 unique islands to visit in 2021

If you like your island life served up with more than sandy feet, these must-visit bucket list islands offer unique wildlife and attractions to explore.

Knife-making in Kochi Japan

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Knifemaking-in-Japan-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16864 avia-img-lazy-loading-16864 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Knife-making in Kochi Japan" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, Asia, Destinations, Japan, Kochi

Pilgrimages, blacksmiths, and festivals: Nine traditional experiences you can enjoy in Kochi, Japan

Looking for traditional experiences in Japan? Kochi Prefecture has you covered: from knife-making and cooking the local dishes to temple pilgrimages.

The Falkland Islands

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Falkland-Islands-The-Neck-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16739 avia-img-lazy-loading-16739 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="The Falkland Islands" loading="lazy" />

Adventure, All, Destinations, Islands and Beaches, Off the beaten path, South America, The Falkland Islands, UK, Wildlife and Nature, Winter and Off Season

Reasons to visit the Falkland Islands (as part of your South America itinerary)

Looking for reasons to visit the Falkland Islands? From wildlife to wild vistas, the archipelego is a unique adventure to add to a South America itinerary.

Kochi Castle TeamLab Digital Art

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kochi-Castle-Team-Lab-Cover-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16805 avia-img-lazy-loading-16805 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Kochi Castle TeamLab Digital Art" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, Asia, Destinations, Festivals and Events, Japan, Kochi, Winter and Off Season

Kōchi Castle meets teamLab Digital Art: modern vs tradition in Japan

From the genuis crew behind the now famous digital art installations in Tokyo, teamLab bring their unique digital art to the historic Kōchi Castle.

A sunset amongst the mountains around Salzburg

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Rooftop-sunset-salzburg-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16591 avia-img-lazy-loading-16591 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="A sunset amongst the mountains around Salzburg" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, Austria, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe

The many slices of Salzburg: UNESCO city centre to mountain lakes

Salzburg isn’t just a famous city centre, it’s a region that was once its own country, here's what to do on a long weekend in Salzburg, Austria.

Milano Duomo with a lion statue in the foreground

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Milano-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-14626 avia-img-lazy-loading-14626 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Milano Duomo with a lion statue in the foreground" loading="lazy" />

All, Bulgaria, croatia, Czech Republic, Destinations, Europe, Italy, liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, topposts, UK, Winter and Off Season

Best Places to Visit in Europe this Autumn & Winter

Being back in Europe for winter has its perks. Exploring historic cobbled streets, cool canals and grand architecture without fighting through a selfie stick crowd is well worth the chilly mornings. These eleven places should be making the cut on your agenda right now.

A king penguin colony at Volunteer Point

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Falkland-Island-Penguins-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16742 avia-img-lazy-loading-16742 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="A king penguin colony at Volunteer Point" loading="lazy" />

Adventure, All, Destinations, Off the beaten path, Photography, South America, The Falkland Islands, Wildlife and Nature

My forty favourite photos from The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands surpassed my expectations with their beauty, the landscapes are far more varied than many of the Falkland Island photos I had seen.

Cuenca Spain

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CuencaSpain-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-14895 avia-img-lazy-loading-14895 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Cuenca Spain" loading="lazy" />

Adventure, Albania, All, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, City Breaks, croatia, Destinations, Europe, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Norway, Off the beaten path, Off the beaten path, Photography, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, The Netherlands, topposts, UK, Ukraine

20 Hidden Europe Gems You Need to Visit in 2021

Forgot Paris and Rome for your 2020 Europe trips and discover these incredible 20 lesser-known towns and destinations. If Mantua, Cuenca and Vipava Valley don't sound familiar then this one is for you.

Beautiful mountain and lake views await in Saint Gilgen where a church spire stands infront of a towering mountain

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Salzburg-St-Gili-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16572 avia-img-lazy-loading-16572 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Beautiful mountain and lake views await in Saint Gilgen where a church spire stands infront of a towering mountain" loading="lazy" />

All, Photography, Technology and Gear

Do you need to buy presets? Easy tips for editing and taking photos

So, I guess the question is, do you really need to buy presets to make good travel photos - and when should you use them?

Durham Castle as seen from the riverside

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Durham-Bridge-View-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16544 avia-img-lazy-loading-16544 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Durham Castle as seen from the riverside" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe, UK

Reasons to visit Durham City and County, the quintessential English getaway

The city of Durham is the ideal British escape. A grand UNESCO Cathedral, impressive castles, afternoon tea and interactive museums in the perfect package.

Canals in The Hague

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The-Hague-Canals-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16404 avia-img-lazy-loading-16404 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Canals in The Hague" loading="lazy" />

All, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe, The Hague, The Netherlands

A long-weekend in The Hague, the perfect Europe city-break?

A long weekend in The Hague packs a punch with chic beach clubs, golden sands, Dutch brews, great dining, history, culture, museums and of course, canals!

Man O'War beach on the Jurassic Coast

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ManOWar_JurrasicCoastRoadTrip-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-12674 avia-img-lazy-loading-12674 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Man O'War beach on the Jurassic Coast" loading="lazy" />

All, ByRoad, Destinations, Europe, GB, MCRxLDN, UK

My favourite places to travel in England

Cities, beaches, pre-historic fossils and incredible architecture... don't skip these amazing places in England.

A street in Beamish Museum, with old fashioned shops and tram rails

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Beamish-Museum-Durham-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16545 avia-img-lazy-loading-16545 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="A street in Beamish Museum, with old fashioned shops and tram rails" loading="lazy" />

All, Destinations, Europe, UK

The best museum in England? Why Beamish in Durham is a must-visit

The Living Museum of the North, Beamish is an amazing place where history comes alive in an interactive way. It is hands down the best museum I've visited!

The Peace Palace at night

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Peace-palace-at-night-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16491 avia-img-lazy-loading-16491 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="The Peace Palace at night" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe, Responsible Tourism, Stories & Faces, The Hague, The Netherlands

An eye-opening visit to The Hague during the Peace and Justice weekend

Every year The Hague, known as the city of peace and justice, opens its most important institutions to the public, providing the perfect chance to learn.

Comacchio Emilia Romagna

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Comacchio-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16390 avia-img-lazy-loading-16390 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Comacchio Emilia Romagna" loading="lazy" />

Adventure, All, Destinations, Europe, Italy, Off the beaten path, Wellness, Wildlife and Nature

Exploring Emilia Romagna: Comacchio canals, Po Delta Flamingos, and forested cycling escapes

Explore the charming canals of Comacchio, the flamingos of the Po Delta, or head deep into the forest for a cycling adventure in the Emilia Romagna countryside.

Bolgna

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Emilia-Romagna-2-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-13960 avia-img-lazy-loading-13960 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Bolgna" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe, Food and Wine, Italy

Things to do in Emilia Romagna: 15 must visit places and experiences

Emilia Romagna is a stunning region of Italy where tiny villages of colourful houses, amazing foods, supercars and buzzing cities come together.

Lucknow Mosque

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/KumbhMela_CanonPowershotSX470_25-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-15403 avia-img-lazy-loading-15403 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Lucknow Mosque" loading="lazy" />

All, Asia, City Breaks, Destinations, India, Indian Sub Continent

A quick look at Lucknow: one day in the Uttar Pradesh capital

My one day in Lucknow was completely unexpected but determined to make the most of the flying visit, I crammed a lot into my short time in Uttar Pradesh.

A cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine framed by an art stool on the bottom right

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kyiv-Ukraine-St-Peters-Cathedra-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16276 avia-img-lazy-loading-16276 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="A cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine framed by an art stool on the bottom right" loading="lazy" />

All, City Breaks, Destinations, Europe, Ukraine

One day in Kyiv, Ukraine: the surprising city that deserved more than a stopover

One day in Kyiv was certainly not enough, but it still allowed me time to sample the culture, architecture and leafy vibes of the Ukrainian capital.

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Castel-Valer-Val-Di-Non-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16307 avia-img-lazy-loading-16307 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, Destinations, Europe, Italy, Off the beaten path, Wellness

Apples, aristocrats and alpine lakes: visiting Val di Non in Trentino

Inside the verdant green orchard style valley of Val Di Non, in Trentino, Northern Italy, awaits castles, mirror like lakes and culinary treats.

Mont St Michael France at Night

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FRANCEGUIDE2-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-9089 avia-img-lazy-loading-9089 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Mont St Michael France at Night" loading="lazy" />

All, Destinations, Europe, France

Ten weekend break destinations in France that aren’t Paris

France is so much more than the city of love, so be sure to consider these ten other beautiful destinations for your weekend trip to France.

The white-washed cliff buildings stick out over the blue ocean of Polignano a Mare

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Polignano-a-mare-Puglia-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16131 avia-img-lazy-loading-16131 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="The white-washed cliff buildings stick out over the blue ocean of Polignano a Mare" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, ByRoad, Destinations, DoubleYourJourney, Europe, Food and Wine, Italy

Epic Puglia and Lombardy Italy two week road trip itinerary: South to North

The north and south of Italy both offer diverse and different landscapes and activities. Double your journey to Italy by visiting both Puglia and Lombardy.

A beautiful theatre with stools and balconies in Mantua Italy

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mantua-Theatre-Italy-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16197 avia-img-lazy-loading-16197 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="A beautiful theatre with stools and balconies in Mantua Italy" loading="lazy" />

All, Art and Culture, ByRoad, Destinations, DoubleYourJourney, Europe, Food and Wine, Italy, Photography

Things to do in Lombardy, Italy: a photo guide to this fantastic region

From the stunning nature of Lake Garda and Como, to the art and architecture of amazing city's, the Lombardy region of Italy packs a punch!

Dominica

<img width="710" height="375" src="https://www.danflyingsolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Middleham-Falls-Dominica-710x375.jpg" class="wp-image-16040 avia-img-lazy-loading-16040 attachment-magazine size-magazine wp-post-image" alt="Dominica" loading="lazy" />

Adventure, All, Caribbean, Destinations, Dominica, Islands and Beaches, Off the beaten path, Off the beaten path, Wildlife and Nature

Discovering Dominica, the wild isle that stole my heart

My journey through Dominica was one of mangos and smiles, canyons and black sand, waterfalls and rainforests. The wild side of the Caribbean stole my heart.