# thetraveltom.com > Travel blog ## Posts - [Dubai: A Local's Guide to the City of Superlatives](https://thetraveltom.com/dubai-a-locals-guide-to-the-city-of-superlatives/): Everyone arrives in Dubai with the same three photos already planned: the Burj Khalifa from below, the Palm from a plane window, and a camel silhouette at sunset. Get them. They’re worth getting. But if you leave after that, you’ve seen the postcard and missed the city. I’ve been coming back to Dubai for years now, long enough to have a barber I trust, a shawarma guy I argue with about extra garlic sauce, and a mental map that has nothing to do with the metro line colors tourists memorize. What follows isn’t a “top 10” you could find on any […] - [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 madness! […] - [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 comfortable, […] - [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) – The […] ## Pages - [Disclosure](https://thetraveltom.com/disclosure/): Affiliate disclosure thetraveltom.com is a participant in affiliate programmes, including the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising programme designed to let sites earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that when you click certain links on this site — for example in our gear and packing guides — and go on to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Why this matters We only recommend products and services we would genuinely suggest to a friend planning a trip. Affiliate commissions never influence which products we cover or how […] - [Privacy Policy](https://thetraveltom.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: August 2026 Who we are This is the Privacy Policy for thetraveltom.com (“we”, “us”, “our”), a travel blog operated by Tomas Jalovik, based in Vilnius, Lithuania. This policy explains what personal data we collect from visitors, why we collect it, and what rights you have over it. If you have any questions, contact us at thetraveltom.com@gmail.com. Personal data we collect Comments When you leave a comment, we collect the data shown in the comment form, plus your IP address and browser user agent string to help detect spam. An anonymised string created from your email address (a hash) may […] - [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 Follow […] - [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 and […] - [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 Temples & street food 🏰 Europe Festivals & food culture 🌴 Americas Wild landscapes 🦁 Africa Safaris & coastlines 🕌 Middle East Desert & skylines 🦘 Oceania Islands & reefs LONG READ · 15 MIN Dubai: A Local’s Guide […] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/thetraveltom.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)