Mark
@markstravels.bsky.social
I like to travel 🛫🌎🌍🌏🛬
📍 Washington DC
📍 Washington DC
Trip planning while on my way to Minneapolis for a LDW getaway ✈️
Has anyone been to the Caucasus? Would love some hidden gems/recommendations for #Armenia #Azerbaijan and #Georgia!
Has anyone been to the Caucasus? Would love some hidden gems/recommendations for #Armenia #Azerbaijan and #Georgia!
August 30, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Trip planning while on my way to Minneapolis for a LDW getaway ✈️
Has anyone been to the Caucasus? Would love some hidden gems/recommendations for #Armenia #Azerbaijan and #Georgia!
Has anyone been to the Caucasus? Would love some hidden gems/recommendations for #Armenia #Azerbaijan and #Georgia!
Sorry for being MIA - holiday/end of year craziness got the best of me.
But 2025 is off to a great start…just got back from a little warm weather escape to the Bahamas 🇧🇸
Now back to the cold temperatures & real life 😞
But 2025 is off to a great start…just got back from a little warm weather escape to the Bahamas 🇧🇸
Now back to the cold temperatures & real life 😞
January 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Sorry for being MIA - holiday/end of year craziness got the best of me.
But 2025 is off to a great start…just got back from a little warm weather escape to the Bahamas 🇧🇸
Now back to the cold temperatures & real life 😞
But 2025 is off to a great start…just got back from a little warm weather escape to the Bahamas 🇧🇸
Now back to the cold temperatures & real life 😞
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 8 - #CaboSanLucas #Mexico
Traveled to Cabo during Covid in November 2020 because Mexico was one of the few countries still open for tourism.
Did a little scuba diving, sailing, and ATVing in addition to just resting and recharging.
Traveled to Cabo during Covid in November 2020 because Mexico was one of the few countries still open for tourism.
Did a little scuba diving, sailing, and ATVing in addition to just resting and recharging.
December 8, 2024 at 11:20 PM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 8 - #CaboSanLucas #Mexico
Traveled to Cabo during Covid in November 2020 because Mexico was one of the few countries still open for tourism.
Did a little scuba diving, sailing, and ATVing in addition to just resting and recharging.
Traveled to Cabo during Covid in November 2020 because Mexico was one of the few countries still open for tourism.
Did a little scuba diving, sailing, and ATVing in addition to just resting and recharging.
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 7 - #Tunis #Tunisia ✈️🗺️
Spent a long weekend in Tunis in October ‘23 after a 2-week trip to Morocco.
Relaxed beachside but still managed to visit Carthage & Dougga.
My favorite part of the city is the Sidi Bou Said neighborhood—so quaint & charming!
Spent a long weekend in Tunis in October ‘23 after a 2-week trip to Morocco.
Relaxed beachside but still managed to visit Carthage & Dougga.
My favorite part of the city is the Sidi Bou Said neighborhood—so quaint & charming!
December 8, 2024 at 10:44 PM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 7 - #Tunis #Tunisia ✈️🗺️
Spent a long weekend in Tunis in October ‘23 after a 2-week trip to Morocco.
Relaxed beachside but still managed to visit Carthage & Dougga.
My favorite part of the city is the Sidi Bou Said neighborhood—so quaint & charming!
Spent a long weekend in Tunis in October ‘23 after a 2-week trip to Morocco.
Relaxed beachside but still managed to visit Carthage & Dougga.
My favorite part of the city is the Sidi Bou Said neighborhood—so quaint & charming!
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 6 - #Cardiff #Wales ✈️🗺️
Spent a couple of days in the Welsh capital in Aug ‘24 & it didn’t disappoint!
I’d recommend booking a bike tour - it was the highlight of my time there.
And you can spend hours meandering through the shopping arcades, bar hopping, and eating!
Spent a couple of days in the Welsh capital in Aug ‘24 & it didn’t disappoint!
I’d recommend booking a bike tour - it was the highlight of my time there.
And you can spend hours meandering through the shopping arcades, bar hopping, and eating!
December 8, 2024 at 12:22 AM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 6 - #Cardiff #Wales ✈️🗺️
Spent a couple of days in the Welsh capital in Aug ‘24 & it didn’t disappoint!
I’d recommend booking a bike tour - it was the highlight of my time there.
And you can spend hours meandering through the shopping arcades, bar hopping, and eating!
Spent a couple of days in the Welsh capital in Aug ‘24 & it didn’t disappoint!
I’d recommend booking a bike tour - it was the highlight of my time there.
And you can spend hours meandering through the shopping arcades, bar hopping, and eating!
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 5 - #Cartagena #Colombia ✈️🗺️
My second trip to 🇨🇴 but my first trip to CTG in May ‘23.
It’s a quick trip from the US if you’re looking for warmth and humidity. The bright colors of colonial buildings, delicious food, amazing coffee, and creative cocktail scene are a bonus!
My second trip to 🇨🇴 but my first trip to CTG in May ‘23.
It’s a quick trip from the US if you’re looking for warmth and humidity. The bright colors of colonial buildings, delicious food, amazing coffee, and creative cocktail scene are a bonus!
December 8, 2024 at 12:01 AM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 5 - #Cartagena #Colombia ✈️🗺️
My second trip to 🇨🇴 but my first trip to CTG in May ‘23.
It’s a quick trip from the US if you’re looking for warmth and humidity. The bright colors of colonial buildings, delicious food, amazing coffee, and creative cocktail scene are a bonus!
My second trip to 🇨🇴 but my first trip to CTG in May ‘23.
It’s a quick trip from the US if you’re looking for warmth and humidity. The bright colors of colonial buildings, delicious food, amazing coffee, and creative cocktail scene are a bonus!
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 4 - #Vaduz #Liechtenstein 1 year ago today ✈️🗺️
Planned a day trip to the micro state for a friend’s birthday & checked off another country.
Enjoyed the beautiful scenery, strolled through the capital, visited the postal museum & had lunch at the princely wine cellars 🍷
Planned a day trip to the micro state for a friend’s birthday & checked off another country.
Enjoyed the beautiful scenery, strolled through the capital, visited the postal museum & had lunch at the princely wine cellars 🍷
December 5, 2024 at 11:27 AM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 4 - #Vaduz #Liechtenstein 1 year ago today ✈️🗺️
Planned a day trip to the micro state for a friend’s birthday & checked off another country.
Enjoyed the beautiful scenery, strolled through the capital, visited the postal museum & had lunch at the princely wine cellars 🍷
Planned a day trip to the micro state for a friend’s birthday & checked off another country.
Enjoyed the beautiful scenery, strolled through the capital, visited the postal museum & had lunch at the princely wine cellars 🍷
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 3 - #Bratislava #Slovakia ✈️🗺️
Extended a trip to Vienna to visit the Slovakian capital this April. A day is enough to sightsee but I’m glad I spent the night because the cocktail scene is quite impressive.
My favorite was Mirror Bar - the presentation of the drinks was 👌🏽
Extended a trip to Vienna to visit the Slovakian capital this April. A day is enough to sightsee but I’m glad I spent the night because the cocktail scene is quite impressive.
My favorite was Mirror Bar - the presentation of the drinks was 👌🏽
December 4, 2024 at 1:45 AM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 3 - #Bratislava #Slovakia ✈️🗺️
Extended a trip to Vienna to visit the Slovakian capital this April. A day is enough to sightsee but I’m glad I spent the night because the cocktail scene is quite impressive.
My favorite was Mirror Bar - the presentation of the drinks was 👌🏽
Extended a trip to Vienna to visit the Slovakian capital this April. A day is enough to sightsee but I’m glad I spent the night because the cocktail scene is quite impressive.
My favorite was Mirror Bar - the presentation of the drinks was 👌🏽
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 2 - it’s pretty cold in DC so here are some snaps from my trip to #Aruba in Jan ‘24.
While it was sunny and warm I was underwhelmed. It’s overrated, expensive, and I think there are much better options out there.
What’s your favorite #Caribbean island? ✈️🗺️
While it was sunny and warm I was underwhelmed. It’s overrated, expensive, and I think there are much better options out there.
What’s your favorite #Caribbean island? ✈️🗺️
December 3, 2024 at 12:07 AM
#TravelAdventCalendar Day 2 - it’s pretty cold in DC so here are some snaps from my trip to #Aruba in Jan ‘24.
While it was sunny and warm I was underwhelmed. It’s overrated, expensive, and I think there are much better options out there.
What’s your favorite #Caribbean island? ✈️🗺️
While it was sunny and warm I was underwhelmed. It’s overrated, expensive, and I think there are much better options out there.
What’s your favorite #Caribbean island? ✈️🗺️
Also, since we’re talking about #Frankfurt, here’s an early Christmas present I bought for myself there 🎁 Another #Rimowa to add to the collection…the Hybrid Cabin Carry-On & harness. My favorite luggage brand! The European pricing + VAT refund make it so advantageous to buy abroad ✈️🗺️
December 1, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Also, since we’re talking about #Frankfurt, here’s an early Christmas present I bought for myself there 🎁 Another #Rimowa to add to the collection…the Hybrid Cabin Carry-On & harness. My favorite luggage brand! The European pricing + VAT refund make it so advantageous to buy abroad ✈️🗺️
December 1st - starting off the #TravelAdventCalendar strong with a Christmas market.
These pics were taken this week on an unexpected, but fun flight delay in #Frankfurt #Germany, which coincided with opening day of the market.
I love Europe around Christmas 🎄 - have you been to any markets? ✈️🗺️
These pics were taken this week on an unexpected, but fun flight delay in #Frankfurt #Germany, which coincided with opening day of the market.
I love Europe around Christmas 🎄 - have you been to any markets? ✈️🗺️
December 1, 2024 at 1:18 PM
December 1st - starting off the #TravelAdventCalendar strong with a Christmas market.
These pics were taken this week on an unexpected, but fun flight delay in #Frankfurt #Germany, which coincided with opening day of the market.
I love Europe around Christmas 🎄 - have you been to any markets? ✈️🗺️
These pics were taken this week on an unexpected, but fun flight delay in #Frankfurt #Germany, which coincided with opening day of the market.
I love Europe around Christmas 🎄 - have you been to any markets? ✈️🗺️
Back from my trip to Africa 🌍 —will post about #Tanzania after I sort through all of my pictures.
Since it’s December, I thought it’d be fun to post a different country/ city every day leading up to Christmas.
A travel advent calendar if you will! Join along & tag me so we can share inspo!
Since it’s December, I thought it’d be fun to post a different country/ city every day leading up to Christmas.
A travel advent calendar if you will! Join along & tag me so we can share inspo!
December 1, 2024 at 1:11 PM
Back from my trip to Africa 🌍 —will post about #Tanzania after I sort through all of my pictures.
Since it’s December, I thought it’d be fun to post a different country/ city every day leading up to Christmas.
A travel advent calendar if you will! Join along & tag me so we can share inspo!
Since it’s December, I thought it’d be fun to post a different country/ city every day leading up to Christmas.
A travel advent calendar if you will! Join along & tag me so we can share inspo!
Raves about #Ethiopia & why you should visit ✈️🗺️:
•limited travelers mean you have a lot of attractions to yourself
•Ethiopian airlines is well-connected, making it easy to visit as a stopover on your way to other parts of Africa
•adventurous & spontaneous plans are exciting
•inexpensive!
•limited travelers mean you have a lot of attractions to yourself
•Ethiopian airlines is well-connected, making it easy to visit as a stopover on your way to other parts of Africa
•adventurous & spontaneous plans are exciting
•inexpensive!
November 28, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Raves about #Ethiopia & why you should visit ✈️🗺️:
•limited travelers mean you have a lot of attractions to yourself
•Ethiopian airlines is well-connected, making it easy to visit as a stopover on your way to other parts of Africa
•adventurous & spontaneous plans are exciting
•inexpensive!
•limited travelers mean you have a lot of attractions to yourself
•Ethiopian airlines is well-connected, making it easy to visit as a stopover on your way to other parts of Africa
•adventurous & spontaneous plans are exciting
•inexpensive!
Rants about #Ethiopia & why you shouldn’t visit ✈️🗺️:
•service, food, & hotel standards require you to temper your expectations, not for high maintenance travelers
•limited current resources for trip planning make it a challenge, have to be spontaneous
•some places don’t accept cards max cash is king
•service, food, & hotel standards require you to temper your expectations, not for high maintenance travelers
•limited current resources for trip planning make it a challenge, have to be spontaneous
•some places don’t accept cards max cash is king
November 28, 2024 at 3:04 PM
Rants about #Ethiopia & why you shouldn’t visit ✈️🗺️:
•service, food, & hotel standards require you to temper your expectations, not for high maintenance travelers
•limited current resources for trip planning make it a challenge, have to be spontaneous
•some places don’t accept cards max cash is king
•service, food, & hotel standards require you to temper your expectations, not for high maintenance travelers
•limited current resources for trip planning make it a challenge, have to be spontaneous
•some places don’t accept cards max cash is king
I didn’t see recent/current info online—below is what you can expect to pay for a 1 night trip to #Lalibela #Ethiopia ✈️🗺️
Notes:
• There’s only 1 flight in/out—you have to spend the night
• Hotel Maribela is the nicest hotel, but there are cheaper options
• Tour price includes the $100 entry ticket
Notes:
• There’s only 1 flight in/out—you have to spend the night
• Hotel Maribela is the nicest hotel, but there are cheaper options
• Tour price includes the $100 entry ticket
November 28, 2024 at 12:55 PM
OK…if I was given the opportunity to “redo” my trip to #Ethiopia and keep most of the same itinerary, this is what it would look like.
I would completely cut out the Lake Tana boat trip—not essential. This would save 2 nights to maximize time off/travels elsewhere.
I would completely cut out the Lake Tana boat trip—not essential. This would save 2 nights to maximize time off/travels elsewhere.
November 23, 2024 at 2:16 PM
OK…if I was given the opportunity to “redo” my trip to #Ethiopia and keep most of the same itinerary, this is what it would look like.
I would completely cut out the Lake Tana boat trip—not essential. This would save 2 nights to maximize time off/travels elsewhere.
I would completely cut out the Lake Tana boat trip—not essential. This would save 2 nights to maximize time off/travels elsewhere.
My #Ethiopia itinerary ✈️🗺️:
1) 21:20 ADD arrival
2) Addis Ababa
3) AM flight to Lalibela, PM sightseeing
4) Lalībela
5) AM flight to Gondar, PM castle tour
6) Day trip to Simien Mountains
7) Drive down to Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls in PM
8) AM Lake Tana boat tour, PM flight to ADD & overnight
1) 21:20 ADD arrival
2) Addis Ababa
3) AM flight to Lalibela, PM sightseeing
4) Lalībela
5) AM flight to Gondar, PM castle tour
6) Day trip to Simien Mountains
7) Drive down to Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls in PM
8) AM Lake Tana boat tour, PM flight to ADD & overnight
November 23, 2024 at 5:21 AM
My #Ethiopia itinerary ✈️🗺️:
1) 21:20 ADD arrival
2) Addis Ababa
3) AM flight to Lalibela, PM sightseeing
4) Lalībela
5) AM flight to Gondar, PM castle tour
6) Day trip to Simien Mountains
7) Drive down to Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls in PM
8) AM Lake Tana boat tour, PM flight to ADD & overnight
1) 21:20 ADD arrival
2) Addis Ababa
3) AM flight to Lalibela, PM sightseeing
4) Lalībela
5) AM flight to Gondar, PM castle tour
6) Day trip to Simien Mountains
7) Drive down to Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls in PM
8) AM Lake Tana boat tour, PM flight to ADD & overnight
Would anyone find it helpful/interesting if I posted about my musings on #Ethiopia? Maybe my itinerary and what I would change, raves/rants, cost breakdowns, and/or just general commentary…✈️🗺️
November 22, 2024 at 12:11 PM
Would anyone find it helpful/interesting if I posted about my musings on #Ethiopia? Maybe my itinerary and what I would change, raves/rants, cost breakdowns, and/or just general commentary…✈️🗺️
#TravelTip download the “Ride” app in #AddisAbaba #Ethiopia. It’s the easiest & cheapest way to get around the city. Make sure you get a SIM card with data + talk because the driver will call you every single time to confirm the pickup location even though you select the starting point ✈️🗺️
November 22, 2024 at 7:16 AM
#TravelTip download the “Ride” app in #AddisAbaba #Ethiopia. It’s the easiest & cheapest way to get around the city. Make sure you get a SIM card with data + talk because the driver will call you every single time to confirm the pickup location even though you select the starting point ✈️🗺️
I’m a big fan of Chef Marcus Samuelsson so I was excited to go to his restaurant Marcus Addis in #AddisAbaba #Ethiopia — great food and ambience 47 floors up! #foodsky ✈️🗺️
November 22, 2024 at 7:09 AM
I’m a big fan of Chef Marcus Samuelsson so I was excited to go to his restaurant Marcus Addis in #AddisAbaba #Ethiopia — great food and ambience 47 floors up! #foodsky ✈️🗺️
Another thing to do in #BahirDar #Ethiopia is take a boat trip on Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile. We headed to the Zege peninsula and saw a couple of monasteries before trying to spot hippos. Unfortunately, they’re only around when the water level is low…bummer! ✈️🗺️
November 21, 2024 at 4:09 PM
Geladas in the #SimienMountains National Park! These baboons are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands and were the highlight of the day #Ethiopia ✈️🗺️
November 20, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Geladas in the #SimienMountains National Park! These baboons are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands and were the highlight of the day #Ethiopia ✈️🗺️
Took a day trip to the #SimienMountains National Park. It’s about a 3hr drive north from Gondar and well worth it. We had to hire an armed guard to hike with us, which was interesting. But the views were incredible #Ethiopia ✈️🗺️
November 20, 2024 at 1:28 PM
Took a day trip to the #SimienMountains National Park. It’s about a 3hr drive north from Gondar and well worth it. We had to hire an armed guard to hike with us, which was interesting. But the views were incredible #Ethiopia ✈️🗺️