# thetraveltom.com ## Posts - [Vilnius Pink Soup Fest 2026: Europe’s Most Colorful Food Festival (A Solo Traveler’s Guide)](https://thetraveltom.com/vilnius-pink-soup-fest-2026-saltibarsciai/): If you think you have seen all the interesting food festivals Europe has to offer, think again. This past weekend, from May 29th to 31st, 2026, the capital of Lithuania literally turned pink. The city hosted the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest (Šaltibarščių fiesta)—a massive three-day celebration dedicated entirely to the country’s legendary cold beet soup. As a solo traveler always on the hunt for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences for the blog, I can confidently say this event is one of the most photogenic and vibrant festivals you will ever attend. Here are my highlights straight from the heart of the pink […] - [10 Commandments of Smarter, More Affordable Travel](https://thetraveltom.com/10-commandments-of-smarter-more-affordable-travel/): Travel isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how much you experience. After countless solo trips and exploring 12+ countries, I’ve refined a system that allows me to see the world’s most iconic cities without breaking the bank. Forget the luxury brochures—this is the Real Advice for the modern explorer. 1. The “Shoulder Season” Strategy The best deals aren’t found in mid-summer or during the holidays. Travel just before or after the peak to get the best weather at a fraction of the cost. 2. Authentic Stays Over Fancy Hotels I prefer guesthouses and local apartments. They are more […] - [10 Best Checked Luggage for Solo Travelers: Top Picks for 2026](https://thetraveltom.com/checked-luggage-for-solo-travelers/): Traveling solo is the ultimate freedom, but it also means you are your own support crew. Without a travel partner to watch your bags while you check a map, your luggage becomes your most important companion. Investing in the right checked bag is essential to ensure your journey is comfortable, organized, and stress-free. Why the Right Gear Matters for Solo Travel When you’re on your own, you need gear that is reliable and easy to handle. I’ve evaluated these top choices based on the specific needs of solo adventurers: Top 10 Checked Luggage Recommendations 1. Traveler’s Choice Pagosa (26-Inch) – […] ## Pages - [Extra Blog Blocks](https://thetraveltom.com/extra-blog-blocks/): a bit of style Extra Blog Blocks Feel free to copy and paste these styled blocks to your blog posts to make your content stand out. Table of Contents Image Gallery Callout Boxes Image + Text Left Image + Right Text Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean in maximus sapien. Phasellus eu elit ut enim tempus malesuada ut in est. Sed tempus maximus rutrum. In commodo et erat et imperdiet. Cras non odio non lorem vestibulum efficitur nec sit amet arcu. Mauris vel augue ultricies, euismod odio id, elementum ante. Proin euismod ipsum sit amet tellus sodales […] - [Services](https://thetraveltom.com/services/): Work With Me Content that moves people to move I create authentic travel content for brands and tourism boards. Photography, storytelling, and strategy rooted in six years of full-time travel. 47 Countries 85K Readers 120K Social Followers 30+ Brand Partners Services & Pricing Choose What Works for You Every collaboration gets the same care. These packages are starting points — I customize every project. 📸 Photography Licensed images from my portfolio or a custom shoot at your destination. $250/image Custom shoot packages from $1,500 High-resolution digital files Commercial usage rights Professional color grading Web + print sizes included 48-hour delivery […] - [Link In Bio](https://thetraveltom.com/link-in-bio/): Madison Clarke @Wanderlust Travel writer & photographer. 47 countries with one carry-on. Honest guides, real photos, no fluff. FREE RESOURCES LATEST POSTS - [Contact](https://thetraveltom.com/contact/): Get In Touch I’d Love To Hear From You Whether you want to collaborate, have a question about a guide, or just want to say hi — my inbox is open. ⚡ Quick Response I reply to every email within 48 hours, usually sooner. 🤝 Open to Collabs Tourism boards, outdoor brands, and travel companies welcome. 💬 Reader Questions I’m happy to help with specifics. Send a message What’s On Your Mind? Fill in the form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Contact Details Follow Me Common Questions Before You Reach Out Prefer to Just […] - [Blog](https://thetraveltom.com/blog/) - [About](https://thetraveltom.com/about-1/): ABOUT WANDERLUST THE SHORT VERSION Hi, I’m Tomaš (but you can call me Tom). I didn’t start as a professional travel blogger. Like many Lithuanians, I spent time living and working in the UK, gaining life experience and a broader perspective on the world. But my true passion has always been the road. For me, traveling isn’t just about vacations—it’s a way to understand the world and myself. Every year, I make it a point to get away 3 to 5 times, seeking new countries, local flavors, and stories that inspire me to keep moving forward. The Journey: 12+ Countries […] - [Home 3](https://thetraveltom.com/home-3/): featured · Europe Most Photographed Places in Western Europe Madison Clarke · November 14, 2025 featured · Solo Travel The Best Destinations for Solo Travel Madison Clarke · August 3, 2025 featured · GUIDES How Not to Get Lost in a Foreign Country Madison Clarke · November 19, 2025 Destinations View All → 🏯 Asia 15 articles 🏰 Europe 37 articles 🌴 Americas 8 articles 🦁 Africa 23 articles 🕌 Middle East 5 articles 🦘 Oceania 11 articles More Guides View Archive → Hi, I’m Madison Clarke Travel writer and photographer. I quit my desk job in 2019 to explore […] - [Home 2](https://thetraveltom.com/home-2/): FEATURED · SOUTHEAST ASIA Sunrise Over the Temples of Bagan A guide to Myanmar’s temple plains — the best viewpoints, timing, and everything you need to know before your trip. Madison Clarke · November 14, 2025 · 8 min read Editor’s Picks View All → PHOTOGRAPHY Most Photographed Places In Western Europe Madison Clarke · October 3, 2025 SOLO TRAVEL The Best Destinations for Solo Travel Madison Clarke · October 30, 2025 ITALY The Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast Madison Clarke · August 13, 2025 EXPLORE BY REGION Popular Destinations All Destinations → Asia 15 articles Europe 37 articles Americas […] - [Home](https://thetraveltom.com/): Explore the World Smarter Trips. Local Facts. Real Advice. 12+ countries, zero generic tourist traps. Get the essential facts and honest advice you need to navigate the world’s most iconic cities. Editor’s Picks View All → EXPLORE BY REGION Popular Destinations From the temples of Southeast Asia to the coastlines of Southern Europe — find your next adventure by region. 🏯 Asia 15 articles 🏰 Europe 37 articles 🌴 Americas 8 articles 🦁 Africa 23 articles 🕌 Middle East 5 articles 🦘 Oceania 11 articles LONG READ · 15 MIN Discovering Naxos: Beaches, Villages, and Ancient Ruins Naxos offers wide […] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/thetraveltom.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)