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The world in my pocket

WELCOME TO MY WORLD

I’m Joanna, the author of The World in My Pocket and the voice behind the blog. I consider myself to be an explorer, a keen photographer, a seeker of stories, a passionate foodie and a cat lover. And this is the space where I share all of these passions with you.

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ABOUT ME

The World in My Pocket takes you along on my journeys. I share my knowledge, my experiences, the world through my eyes. I don’t travel to see; I travel to discover, to explore, to be a better storyteller. With every trip I take, I create new friendships with those I meet. This is precisely what The World in My Pocket is: showing the wonderful world in which we live and the captivating people who live in it! Afterall, my belief is most people are good, and kindness should be promoted in media more than we currently see.

Latest posts on the blog:

Cash or Card in Marrakech? Do You Need Cash in Marrakech?

I keep coming back to Marrakech. Over the years, I visited the city so many [...]

29
Jan

The interior of an apartment with an open plan living and panoramic windows overlooking the sea.

Luxury Apartments on the Costa del Sol: Premium Stays and Refined Lifestyle Experiences in Marbella with Alfresco Stays

Renowned for its stunning coastlines and opulent lifestyle, the Costa del Sol offers an exquisite [...]

28
Jan

A view over the Cathedral and the skyline of Santiago de Compostela on a sunny day

Why Walking the Camino de Santiago is Such a Special Journey

Some trips stay with you long after you get home, and not because of the [...]

26
Jan

A close-up of a hand holding an Icelanding hot dog

What To Eat In Iceland: A Guide to Traditional Icelandic Food

I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, but never thought I would book a trip there [...]

20 Comments

24
Jan

A mountain scenery with a small hill top village surrounded by vegetation

Tenerife at a Slow Pace: A Route Away from The Crowd

Travelling doesn’t always have to mean ticking destinations off a bucket list or visiting the [...]

19
Jan

2 people hiking on a slope covered with snow, on a mountain. You can see snowy mountain peaks in the background.

Reasons Why Austria Should Be Your Next Ski Destination

If you’ve ever dreamed of sliding down powdery slopes with a backdrop of dramatic Alpine [...]

14
Jan

A small village at the bottom of a ski slope, covered in snow. There is a cable car going up the mountain.

How to Prepare for a Ski Trip to Val Thorens: What You Need to Know

Val Thorens is synonymous with spectacular snowy landscapes, an enormous ski area, and unforgettable high-energy [...]

07
Jan

One of the main streets in the city centre of Helsinki, with a tram line going through the middle

How to Take a Day Trip to Helsinki From Tallinn

My first encounters with Finland began around twenty years ago, through a postcard exchange website. [...]

5 Comments

02
Jan

A panoramic view of the old town of Tallinn

My Perfect 2 Days in Tallinn in Winter Itinerary

It’s been a few years since the Baltic countries quietly climbed their way up my [...]

1 Comment

27
Dec

A very small city located on the shores of the water. Behind you can see a mountain covered with snow. The houses are small, and they have red rooftops.

Why Reykjavik Should be Your Next Holiday Destination

Reykjavik is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve flown home. [...]

09
Dec

The entrance to the Christmas markets in Budapest, with a beautiful garland covered with red decorations. Behind, you can see the Basilica and the Christmas tree in the middle of the square

A Guide to Visiting the Christmas Markets in Budapest

I didn’t plan on going to Budapest to visit the Christmas Markets this year, in [...]

25
Nov

A stall selling bonbons. They are arranged in nice piles, each in a different colour and flavour.

My Budapest Christmas Markets Food Guide

Little did I know a few months ago that I will be visiting the Christmas [...]

11 Comments

24
Nov

STAYCATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM:

Staycations in the United Kingdom have become very popular, especially during the past year. In this section you will find magical places that I’ve explored around the United Kingdom, castles and palaces, gardens and royal grounds, beaches and lakes, and much, much more. England is my home and I love exploring its beautiful historical towns and its dreamy landscape.

A tower of mash potatoes, haggis and turnips at the top, in a pool of whiskey sauce on the plate

What to Eat in Edinburgh – Traditional Scottish Dishes You MUST Try

When I booked flights to Edinburgh I got really excited about all that local food [...]

A view of Edinburgh at sunset, with an orange glow light around the old Georgian buildings

The Best Free Things to Do in Edinburgh, in Rain or Sunshine

I lived in the UK for over 10 years before finally deciding to visit Scotland. [...]

A view of the lit angles hanging over Regent street at night

The Most Stunning Festive Things to Do in London in December 2025

There’s something truly magical about Christmas in London. The city transforms into a sea of [...]

Exhibitions and Retro Game Museums in the United Kingdom That Leave a Lasting Impression

Once considered mere living-room pastimes, video games have evolved into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. In [...]

The lighthouse at Beachy Head seen from the top of the cliffs. You can see the white chalk cliff on the left hand side, and the lighthouse, in the water, on the right. The lighthouse is red and white.

How NOT to Be THAT Tourist When You Visit Birling Gap – An Idiot’s Guide

Birling Gap is one of the most beautiful places in England. With its iconic chalk [...]

A photo of Belfast by night, with long exposure on lights.

Fantastic Coastal Destinations In the UK With Their Own Airports

With the cost of commercial flights soaring and UK holiday destinations becoming more and more [...]

A photo of the building where Harry Potter the musical is taking place

The Best One Day London Itinerary for Harry Potter Fans

When you only have one day to explore London’s Harry Potter-related attractions, every minute counts. [...]

How To Visit Tulleys Sunflower Festival – My Experience

Picture this: endless fields of golden sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see, [...]

70000 Britannia locomotive in Victoria station on platform 2, with white steam underneath it

A Train Journey Like No Other Aboard Steam Dreams Sunset Express

A plume of white steam spread into the air, as 70000 Britannia, pulling the 1950s [...]

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RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING:

I think that it’s more important than ever to realize how much our traveling decisions impact our planet. Learning to be socially and culturally aware of the places we are visiting and understanding what footprints we leave in the world will help minimize the negative impact of tourism and can actually improve the wildlife, communities and health of our planet.

Things to Do in Whitstable – A Responsible Travel Guide

Escape to the Countryside: The Most Beautiful Day Trips from London by Train

Ethical Volunteering in Tanzania – Hostel Hoff Review

Take a Kilimanjaro Coffee Tour in Moshi: Marangu Coffee Plantations

Exploring Moshi With a Local Woman – Empowering Women in Moshi

What to Expect From a Homestay in Tanzania

SPOTLIGHT DESTINATION: Tanzania

Tanzania was the first country on the African continent that I visited. It was the first time I ever went on a safari and slept in a tent, in a National Park, hearing the roars of the tigers at night. I have done so many different things in Tanzania and learned so much about the local cultures spread along the country. Tanzania left such a big mark on me, and I hope to return as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I have written quite a few Tanzanian travel guides, as planning a trip to Tanzania is not that straight forward.

A pack of zebras drinking water from a watering hole. Around there are a few wildebeest as well as some birds

The Best Safari Locations in Tanzania

Having no less than 32 national parks, which cover almost one-third of the country’s total [...]

A group of women dressed in colourful clothes, dancing in a garden in a village in Tanzania

Solo Female Travel in Tanzania: Is It Safe to Explore Alone?

Tanzania is no doubt a beautiful country. The culture is rich and the landscapes are [...]

A group of Maasai women wearing very colourful traditional attire, standing in a line, smiling at the camera. Behind, you can see the typical Maasai mud houses. The sky above is very cloudy.

10 Amazing Things to Do in Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and so, if you are venturing [...]

A sand bank with green-ish clear water flowing into the turquoise sea. On the left bank there are palm trees. There are white fluffy clouds on the blue sky.

The Most Beautiful Islands in Tanzania

Tanzania is a very diverse country, with the most varied landscape, ranging from the blues [...]

Complete Guide to the Tribes in Tanzania and How to Visit Them

Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and is home [...]

7 Comments

Unique Things to Do in Tanzania That Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

Tanzania is a fascinating country, but most visitors go there for three things: to climb [...]

11 Comments

The Best Things To Do In Zanzibar

You’ll find no shortages of things to do in Zanzibar! Tanzania is a popular destination [...]

14 Comments

A Guide to the Tanzania Safari Prices

Tanzania is one of the best countries to go to experience your first safari. The [...]

17 Comments

Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Serengeti National Park

If you have booked a budget safari in Tanzania, you will probably be staying overnight [...]

19 Comments

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FOOD GUIDES:

I am a foodie at heart so I often create food guides and write restaurant recommendations for the places I travel to. Under this section you will find a collection of tried and tested places to eat but also my favorite recipes from my trips around the world.

A Delicious Traditional Maltese Food Guide – What to Eat in Malta

Post Pandemic Eating Out Habits

The Chequers Inn at Rowhook Review

MICHELIN Four Hands at SO|LA: California meets Malta

What to Eat in Rome to Make Your Soul Happy

The Secret London Supper Club – Dining in an Old Victoria Line Tube Carriage

See more food guides here

SPOTLIGHT DESTINATION: SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka is another country that has a special place in my heart. I was amazed on how kind the locals were and how beautiful the country is. For such a small island, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka, from exploring the highlands to enjoying the paradise looking like beaches, from visiting about tea plantations to seeing elephants in the wild, from learning about the Ayurveda lifestyle to experiencing the local way of life in the villages and temples in the heart of the country.

A close-up of a beautiful Sri Lankan Leopard sitting on a branch, in the forest.

The Most Fascinating Animals In Sri Lanka You Will See On A Safari

When talking about iconic wildlife destinations, nature lovers usually think about heading to Africa or [...]

9 Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

The small island country of Sri Lanka is home to some of the most incredible [...]

11 Comments

The Best Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The sacred city of Kandy, a former kingdom of the 16th century Kandyan Kings, is [...]

22 Comments

The Best Places to Visit in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is one of those surprising destinations in Sri Lanka, with everything a traveller could [...]

30 Comments

Top 12 Most Beautiful Beach Resorts in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country known for its high-quality touristic hospitality and experiences. The beaches [...]

31 Comments

The Best Beaches in Southern Sri Lanka

Beaches are probably nature’s most surreal gem. When it comes to beaches, Sri Lanka is [...]

54 Comments

All the Things You Should Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is well deserving its nickname of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, with [...]

10 Comments

Highlands of Sri Lanka – A Three Days Itinerary

Nestled in the center of Sri Lanka lies a region of cool climate and lush [...]

22 Comments

Sri Lankan Food Guide: Amazing Sri Lankan Dishes You Must Try

As a foodie, I was on a quest to find which is the best Sri [...]

31 Comments

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TRAVEL TIPS:

There are a few things I’ve learned during my years of extensive traveling. It’s never pleasant when you encounter hiccups on your holidays, especially when you can avoid them. In this section I’m sharing with you my travel tips that will make your trip flawless. Like how to breeze through an airport security, for example.

The suitcases next to each other, on a cobbled street

My Level8 Luggage Review: Is It Worth the Money?

A cruise ship on azure waters, photographed by drone, from above.

The Best eSIM for Cruise Ships: Why I Used GigSky to Stay Connected on My Last Cruise

A laptop with a pair of hands working on it. Around the laptop there are pink flowers, a hat, a make-up palette, make-up items

3 Key Elements to Start A Successful Travel Blog

A seafood platter with two glasses of white wine in the background, against a sea background

The Flavours of the Mediterranean You’ll Never Forgive Yourself for Skipping

The back of a woman sitting on a chair, holding a tablet with a blue screen and VPN written on it.

Travelling to Countries with Restricted Internet? Here’s How to Stay Connected and Informed

A close-up of a jet with the open door which has stairs on it.

Different Types of Private Jets: What to Know Before You Hire a Private Jet

See more tips here

SPOTLIGHT DESTINATION: SPAIN

Having lived for two years in Spain, I do have a soft spot for this country, especially when it comes to the Andalucia. I have written many insightful articles about hidden gems in Spain and places that you will not find in any guide book. For more Spanish travel inspiration, check out my blog dedicated to Andalucia, by clicking here.