Lauren Simone Blogs — black and abroad
✨ Summer 2025 Euro-Asia Travel Blog: 7 Countries, 11 Cities, 10 Days ✈️ Tips, Reviews, and Real Talk
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For summer 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable journey across Europe and Asia, exploring seven countries in just ten days—each offering a unique mix of history, culture, and contrast. Having already visited much of Western Europe, I focused this time on Central and Eastern Europe, plus a brief adventure into Asia. From the artistic elegance of Vienna to the natural wonder of Albania’s Blue Eye, every stop had its own story.
Budapest, Hungary was vibrant but marred by the strong scent of urine, visible homelessness, and graffiti. Vienna, Austria, by contrast, was immaculate, walkable, and full of delightful dining. Croatia proved to be a favorite—clean, beautiful, and safe—with stays in Cavtat and Dubrovnik, the latter preferred for its walkable access to historic city walls and Adriatic views. In Albania, I stayed at the MK Hotel and took a day tour to Ksamil, Sarandë, and the Blue Eye, a scenic but slightly overrated natural spring. Still, the “Hand of Ksamil” installation was a fun photo op.
This whirlwind tour not only expanded my country count to 35, but also deepened my appreciation for the contrasts in infrastructure, cleanliness, and culture across regions. Whether reflecting on the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik or the serene beaches of Ksamil, each destination left a distinct impression—making this Euro-Asia trip one for the books.
25 Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
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With these 25 essential travel tips, you can make your journeys more enjoyable and hassle-free. Remember to plan ahead, stay organized, and be prepared for unexpected challenges. Safe travels and may your adventures be filled with wonderful memories!
The Bishops Visit the Olympic Training Center Slovakia
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Madison Bishop, author of Madison explores paint, is a special Olympic gymnast and swimmer. She had the opportunity to visit Slovakia and shared it with us.
Chat and Spin Radio
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Lauren Simone Publishing House debuts on Chat and Spin Radio, UK!
As seen on NBC: Imani Ariana
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On February 16, 2021, our kid author, Imani Ariana was featured on NBC CT as an inspirational kid author. Only 12 years old author, but she published two books: Disco Balls of the Universe and The Golden Life of Sally Sunflower with one soon to be released! She loves STEM so her books cover related topics. She has sold over 1000 books in 2020. She is also the founder of Love of Literature Book Club. Imani hopes to build a community of children who enjoy reading and socializing to discover the world of fun through literature. This was not Imani’s...