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.

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10 Hours to Splash: A General Guide to an Ocean Dip on a Long Layover
You don’t need a beach holiday to touch salt water—just a smart plan. Here’s a general, copy-pasteable playbook for turning a ~10-hour layover into a quick swim without flirting with a missed flight. The Core Math (use this first) Rule of thumb: If the beach is ≤45 minutes from the airport and your bags are…
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Larnaca: Cyprus’ Laid-Back Gateway to the Mediterranean
Larnaca is often the first stop for travelers arriving in Cyprus, thanks to its well-connected international airport. But this coastal city is far more than a transit hub — it’s a blend of ancient history, palm-lined promenades, and slow Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re here for a short layover or a week-long escape, Larnaca offers a…
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Kristiansand Travel Guide: Norway’s Southern Gem by the Sea
By Maarten Van Den Driessche On the southern tip of Norway, where the Nordic coastline softens into white-painted towns and rocky archipelagos, lies Kristiansand — a small city with big character. Often dubbed the “summer capital” of Norway, Kristiansand is more than just sun and sea. It’s a place where locals unwind on urban beaches,…
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Is Flying Really That Safe? The Facts Behind the Fear
Every single day, more than 4 million people board a plane somewhere in the world. Over 70,000 commercial flights take off and land safely—without incident. And yet, for many people, flying still provokes anxiety. “Is it really safe to fly?” they wonder, as they buckle their seatbelt and glance nervously at the wing. The short…
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Sweden Travel FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Sweden? Whether you’re dreaming of Stockholm’s cobbled streets, the midnight sun, or the magic of the Northern Lights, this Scandinavian gem has something for everyone. Below are the most frequently asked questions about visiting Sweden—answered! 📍 Where is Sweden? Sweden is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares borders with…
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Why Do We Still Call It the “Middle East”?
The term “Middle East” is so familiar that few people stop to question it. It appears in news headlines, travel guides, and political discourse — but have you ever wondered whose middle and whose east it really is? A Colonial Compass The name Middle East originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coined…
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:


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