Quixoticguide

Quixoticguide

Hi, I’m Maarten Van Den Driessche, a human, aviation enthusiast, vexillophile, world traveler, and food lover with over 14,000 days of life experience.

About me

  • What Was Expo 2020 Dubai?

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    📍 Venue & Architectural Highlights 🚀 Notable Innovations & Programs 🔮 Legacy: Expo City Dubai 🧭 Visiting Today? Expo City Dubai is now publicly accessible:

  • Topophilia: The Places That Live in Us

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    Some places don’t just show up in your passport—they stay with you. They echo in your memories, tug at your heart long after you’ve gone, and resurface in the most unexpected moments. That feeling has a name: topophilia—the love of place. It’s not about glamour, perfection, or checklists. It’s about the feeling. And more often…

  • Why We Travel: A Quixotic Pursuit of the World

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    There’s something undeniably quixotic about travel. To leave the comfort of home in pursuit of the unfamiliar—sometimes chaotic, sometimes breathtaking—is both a personal rebellion and a quiet act of curiosity. At Quixotic Guide, travel isn’t just about ticking countries off a list. It’s about stories told over street food at midnight, border crossings that feel…

  • ✈️ The World’s Funniest Airport Codes (And Yes, They’re Real)

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    Let’s face it—air travel isn’t always glamorous. But one thing that does make flying a bit more entertaining? Airport codes. Those three-letter abbreviations stamped on your boarding pass might seem random, but some are downright hilarious, bizarre, or oddly poetic. Here are my favorite airport codes that prove aviation has a sense of humor. 🏝️…

  • Nida

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    Nida: Where the Dunes Whisper Stories of the Baltic Tucked between a pine forest and the glittering Curonian Lagoon, Nida feels like a secret kept by the wind and the sea. This peaceful Lithuanian town on the Curonian Spit is more than just a beach destination — it’s a serene blend of nature, history, and…

  • City Evaluation Process

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    beta Country City ChatGPT Belgium Bruges 4,8France Paris 4,8 Italy Rome  4,8 USA New York 4,8 Japan Tokyo 4,8 Netherlands Amsterdam 4,7 South Africa Cape Town 4,7 South Korea Seoul 4,7 Austria Vienna 4,6 Brazil Rio de Janeiro 4,6 Denmark  Copenhagen 4,6 Hungary Budapest 4,6 Netherlands Utrecht 4,6 Poland Krakow 4,6 Spain Madrid 4,6 Sweden …

  • The Top 20 Most Boring Destinations in the World (According to ChatGPT)

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    When it comes to travel, one person’s paradise is another person’s snore fest. Some places dazzle with energy and history, while others… well, they test your patience. In a moment of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT: What are the most boring travel destinations in the world? And the results are in. Of course, this list is…

  • International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Why March 21 Still Matters

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    Every year on March 21, people around the world observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—a solemn reminder of the work still needed to end systemic racism and promote racial equality. While it’s easy to assume that racism is a thing of the past, this day challenges us to confront the reality…

  • Karbala: A Journey to One of Islam’s Holiest Cities

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    Few places in the world hold as much religious and historical significance as Karbala, Iraq. As one of the holiest cities in Islam, Karbala attracts millions of pilgrims each year, especially during the commemoration of Ashura and Arbaeen. But beyond its spiritual magnetism, the city offers a deep sense of history, vibrant markets, and an…

  • Why the A380neo Is Still a Brilliant Idea

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    When you think of the Airbus A380, phrases like “world’s largest passenger aircraft” and “flying hotel” often come to mind. Its double-decker design, luxurious onboard amenities, and sheer presence have captured the public’s imagination for years. But with ongoing shifts in the airline industry and advances in aviation technology, many enthusiasts and analysts have wondered:…

Dream destinations



Finding the perfect travel destination involves considering a variety of factors to ensure the trip meets your expectations and desires. My destinations

Research Destinations

  • My Travel Blogs and Websites:
  • Social Media:
  • Books and Documentaries:
ed-Deir (“The Monastery”) in Petra, Jordan

My Travel guides

  • Travel guides are invaluable resources for planning and making the most of your trips.
  • They provide detailed information on destinations, attractions, accommodation, dining, and local culture.
  • Providing practical tips and itineraries with a focus on cultural experiences.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” –

Ibn Battuta

Maghrebi traveller

  • The Essence of Traveling: Beyond Destinations

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    Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Every trip begins with the courage to step outside our comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. It’s about immersing ourselves in cultures, meeting people with different perspectives, and finding beauty in the unexpected. The places we visit tell stories. Standing…

  • Exploring the Hidden Gem of the Horn: A Guide to Djibouti

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    Nestled between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti may not always be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of travel destinations, but this small country is packed with unique experiences for adventurers. Djibouti is a gateway to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Horn of Africa, offering…

  • Nicaragua: Top Things to Do

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    Nicaragua, a land of lakes and volcanoes, is an incredible destination for adventurous travelers and those seeking cultural depth. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this Central American gem offers stunning landscapes, colonial cities, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or someone who just wants to unwind on…

  • The Rich History of Coffee

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    From Mystical Origins to Global Culture Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a global cultural phenomenon with a history as rich and complex as the brew itself. Whether you’re sipping a strong espresso in an Italian café, enjoying a traditional Turkish coffee, or savoring a frothy cappuccino, coffee connects us across time and…

  • Top Things to Do in Windhoek: Culture, History, and Nature

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    Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is a charming city that offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some things you can do in Windhoek: 1. Christuskirche (Christ Church) 2. Independence Memorial Museum 3. Alte Feste (Old Fortress) 4. Katutura Township 5. Parliament Gardens 6. National Botanic Garden 7. Namibia Craft Centre…

  • Discover Burundi: Africa’s Hidden Gem

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    Burundi, though often overlooked as a travel destination, offers unique attractions for adventurous travelers interested in nature, culture, and history. Here are some compelling reasons to visit Burundi: Burundi provides a unique blend of nature, history, and culture, ideal for travelers looking to experience something different and off the beaten path.

  • 5 Compelling Reasons to Visit Qatar

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    Modern Architectural Marvels: Qatar’s capital, Doha, boasts a stunning skyline with futuristic buildings, including the iconic Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. The combination of modern design and traditional elements makes the city architecturally unique. Rich Cultural Heritage: Qatar has a deep-rooted history, from ancient archaeological sites like Al Zubarah Fort…

  • 8 Unforgettable Destinations for Unique Travel Experiences

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    The World’s Most Interesting Destinations: A Journey to Unique Experiences Travel has a way of expanding our minds, allowing us to experience different cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. While popular cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo may come to mind when planning a trip, there are some truly unique destinations that offer a one-of-a-kind experience.…

  • Exploring Santander: What Should I Not Miss?

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    Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region in northern Spain, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and fresh seafood. Here are some must-see spots and experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting Santander: 1. Peninsula of La Magdalena 2. El Sardinero Beach 3. Centro Botín 4. Cabo Mayor Lighthouse 5.…

  • The Nansen Passport

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    A Lifeline for Stateless Individuals In stark contrast to the restrictive nature of some national passports, the Nansen passport was a groundbreaking document that provided a beacon of hope for stateless individuals in the 20th century. Named after Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer and humanitarian, this document was issued to refugees who had no national…