Quixoticguide

Quixoticguide

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

About me

  • The Transformative Power of Exploring the World

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    🌍 Personal Growth & Mental Well-Being 👥 Social & Interpersonal Benefits 🧠 Cognitive & Educational Impact 💪 Physical Health 🌐 Economic & Global Understanding ✨ Other Intangible Benefits

  • Sichuan, China: Pandas, Peaks & Peppercorns — Why It’s High on My Travel List

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    Meta Description: Sichuan, China, is high on my bucket list — for good reason. From panda sanctuaries and Buddhist mountains to Jiuzhaigou’s turquoise lakes and world-famous hotpot, this province stuns at every turn. 🧭 Why Visit Sichuan? Sichuan has been high on my travel wishlist for years — and for good reason. This southwestern Chinese…

  • Malta in February with Kids: A Family-Friendly Winter Getaway

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    Thinking of escaping the grey February skies with your little ones? Malta might just be the answer. This small Mediterranean island nation offers a surprising mix of sunshine, history, play zones, and coastal charm—even in winter. We visited with our three kids (aged 2, 5, and 8) and found it to be a perfect destination…

  • Belgium’s Shortest River, with the Longest Stories: Exploring the Rupel

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    In a country crisscrossed by rivers, canals, and cobbled history, the Rupel often goes unnoticed. Yet this humble 12-kilometre river in the province of Antwerp offers a surprisingly rich journey through industrial heritage, quirky charm, and reclaimed nature. If you’ve ever wondered where Flanders hides some of its most layered stories, the Rupel might be…

  • The Best European Cities to Fly Cheaply to India

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    India is vast, diverse, and unforgettable — but getting there affordably starts with choosing the right European hub. Whether you’re flying to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, or Bangalore, some cities in Europe consistently offer better prices and more convenient routes than others. Here’s your ultimate guide to flying cheaply from Europe to India. 🇹🇷 1. Istanbul…

  • 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…

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

  • 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…

  • The Meteoric Rise of Dubai: A Global Tourism and Architectural Marvel

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    Dubai, a city that epitomizes the transformation from a humble beginning to a towering symbol of modernity, has experienced remarkable growth over the past few decades, especially in its tourism sector. This expansion is a testament to visionary planning and relentless execution, making Dubai a global icon of tourism and business. Origins and Growth Dubai…

  • Flight Number

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    How Flight Numbers Are Assigned Flight numbers may seem arbitrary at first glance, but there is a method to their assignment. Airlines take several factors into account when assigning flight numbers: Code-Sharing and Flight Numbers Code-sharing is a practice in which two or more airlines share the same flight, but each airline markets the flight…

  • The Travel Generation

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    Redefining the Way We Explore the World In an era where borders are just lines on a map, and the world feels smaller than ever, a new breed of adventurers is taking center stage: the Travel Generation. Unlike travelers of the past, this generation is defined not by wealth or luxury, but by an insatiable…

  • Exploring Manchester: What Should I Not Miss?

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    Manchester is calling! A city renowned for its industrial heritage, vibrant music scene, and rich sporting culture, it’s a destination that’s been on my list for quite some time. Having visited many iconic cities around the world, I’m excited to dive into what Manchester has to offer. But before I pack my bags, I want…

  • New Flag

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    Minnesota recently unveiled a new state flag, which officially replaced its previous design in May 2024. The change came after years of discussion about the old flag, which featured a controversial image from the state seal depicting a white settler and a Native American. The new flag simplifies the design to better reflect Minnesota’s diverse…