I will not lie, when I tell people that I am going to countries they have never heard of, like “North Macedonia,” they give me this weird look followed by a warning – “Please don’t die.”

Going to unknown places is scary. It actually scares me all the time. Will I die there? Is it safe? Will I be held there by Immigration? Will I be kidnapped?
You don’t think that I don’t think I have thought of that? 🤣

But as I complete country number 87, that number is a badge of honor I am very proud of.

Having traveled to over 87 countries is more than just collecting passport stamps; it represents a commitment to adventure, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world. Each of my journey reflects my willingness to step outside comfort zones and engage with diverse cultures.

This badge of honor signifies resilience and adaptability, courage to face challenges. Did you know I am afraid of planes and elevators?

I hope that in sharing my journeys, i inspire others to embrace curiosity and embark on their own adventures.

I hope that somehow, my search for adventure inspire others to value experiences over things.

If you’re considering a vacation at the Grand Sirenis, I urge you to read this before making any decisions. My stay at this resort was marred by several unfortunate factors that overshadowed what should have been a relaxing getaway.

In my 15 years as a travel blogger, I have never written a bad review for a hotel. This is the first time.

To start with, I paid a substantial amount for my room, expecting top-notch service and amenities. Unfortunately, the service at Grand Sirenis was inconsistent at best. From check-in to housekeeping, it felt like the staff was either overwhelmed or simply uninterested in providing a quality experience. Each request seemed to take an eternity, and communication was often unclear.

Adding to the discomfort, the resort was plagued by a construction project that was in full swing during my stay. The noise was incessant and incredibly distracting. Instead of enjoying the tranquility typically associated with a resort, I found myself constantly reminded of the ongoing work. It was far from the serene escape I had envisioned.

Another peculiar aspect of the Grand Sirenis was the presence of monkeys. While some may find the idea of monkeys roaming freely charming, I found it quite unsettling. They seemed to appear out of nowhere, often too close for comfort. Their unpredictable behavior made me wary, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being on high alert during my stay.

To make matters worse, the shuttle service that ferries guests around the resort was painfully slow. I found myself waiting long periods just to get to various locations on the property, further aggravating my frustration.

Perhaps the most disappointing moment of my stay was the mishandling of a promised refund. After an unfortunate incident that warranted a refund, I was assured it would be processed on the spot. However, three months later, I am still waiting. I have documented proof of their approval, yet they are now backtracking on their promise. This lack of accountability is not only frustrating but also unacceptable for a resort that charges premium rates.

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In summary, my experience at Grand Sirenis was far from the paradise I had hoped for. With inconsistent service, distracting construction, alarming wildlife encounters, and a painfully slow shuttle system, I cannot recommend this resort. Save your hard-earned money and look for a destination that truly values its guests. Your vacation should be a time to relax and unwind, not a source of stress and disappointment.

In my opinion, Rio de Janeiro stands out as the most beautiful city in South and Central America, distinguished by its majestic mountains, scenic coastline, and charming islands set against turquoise waters.

The city’s streets showcase majestic trees with orchids flourishing on their trunks, accompanied by artistic mosaic-paved walkways. Its pleasant weather, beautiful people, and exceptional cuisine make it a magnet for tourists.

Rio is very tourist friendly – you dont need a car because they have a very efficient Uber and taxi system, train, and everything is walkable.

Prices are fairly inexpensive compared to the US (but definitely more expensive than Asia and most of South America). On average, a meal would run you from $10-16. Cocktails are inexpensive and service at restaurants are great.

If you’re shopping for clothes or accessories, this is not the place for that. Their malls are modern and beautiful, however, it is very expensive. The locals love American-made products hence everything is 20% more expensive than the US.

As far as safety, locals are generally kind, hospitable and friendly (and absolutely gorgeous too). Petty crimes do happen, so stay within the touristy areas and use common sense.

• Notes to remember:
  Most businesses accept credit credit cards, including all the cabanas/bars on the beach.
• Most people do not speak English so make sure you download a translation app.
• It is easy to make friends here because the locals are very genuine, friendly and hospitable.
• Exercise caution and don’t veer off to non-touristy areas. It is not the place to be super adventures.
• Uber is very reliable here. Taxis are safe too, just make sure the cabs are marked with an official name.