I travel earth

06/02/2026

OUT AND ABOUT: POINT PIZZA — IS THEIR FOOD ANY GOOD?

When you are looking for a great meal in Sarandë, Albania, Point Pizza quickly earns its place at the top of the list. It easily became our number one spot to visit for a casual lunch or dinner, specifically for their excellent pizza and fresh salads.

The standout feature here is the ex*****on of the pizza crust. Unlike many places where heavy toppings leave the center doughy, Point Pizza balances their ingredients perfectly. The pizza always arrives fast, and the crust comes out consistently thin and crispy because the toppings are light enough to let it bake properly. Their standard Margherita comes with fresh basil, olives, and peppers. While Scot loves the olives, we share the same views on the peppers, so I normally order mine without either. The menu selection offers many great choices! There is something to suit everyone's taste.

The salads are equally impressive. They are plentiful, just the right size, and made with fresh ingredients, including large chunks of cheese. One practical tip: they use whole olives that have not been pitted, so you will need to spend a moment doing the job yourself if you prefer them pitted.

Beyond the food, the hospitality is what truly sets this place apart. The staff takes amazing care of you from the moment you are seated until your drinks are managed. The pizza lady has a beautiful, infectious smile that brightens the room. We absolutely love everyone who works here, to the point where we wave madly whenever we are out walking past the restaurant. If you are visiting Sarandë, I highly recommend stopping by.

POV Question: When it comes to a great pizza, are you a purist who prefers a light, crispy crust, or do you prefer your pies completely loaded with toppings? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!



Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

06/01/2026

TRUE NORTH: NEW AND IMPROVED ORGANIZATION

As iTravel.earth grows, I want to make sure this page stays clear and easy to navigate. To help you find exactly what you need for your next journey, I am organizing our content into four distinct pillars.

First is STOPOVERS, where I share the destinations themselves, including the sights, cultures, and activities I experience on the road.

Next is OUT AND ABOUT, which is dedicated to honest business reviews. This is where you will find my recommendations for hotels, restaurants, tours, and cruises.

Third is SOMA AND SPA, a space focused on health. I will share how I maintain my fitness while traveling, along with my favorite spa and recovery discoveries.

Finally, TRUE NORTH is where we are right now. This category is for my personal updates, business thoughts, and unfiltered reflections.

This new structure ensures you always get consistent, practical insights whether you are planning an itinerary or looking for inspiration.

Poll: Which of these four categories are you most excited to see on your feed? Drop your choice in the comments!



Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/31/2026

TRUE NORTH: DESIGNER GOODS IN SARANDË, ALBANIA

Cruising down the stunning Albanian Riviera toward the vibrant beaches of Ksamil—famed for their Caribbean-like turquoise waters and pristine white sand islands—the coastal views are mesmerizing. But our immediate focus shifted when our iPhones desperately needed a charge. We pulled into a chaotic roadside parking lot, a classic multi-purpose Albanian pitstop where a fast-food joint, a hotel, and a souvenir shop all shared the same patch of asphalt.

While hunting for a car charger, Scott spotted a rack of sunglasses. Knowing I collect them, he held up a pair to distract me like a child, keeping me busy while he sneaked off to look at things only he cared about. It’s a clever trick you develop after 30 years of togetherness. I do the same to him, using double reverse psychology by asking him to compare long food labels just to buy myself some space. Normally, passive-aggressive behavior is strictly outlawed in our house because my mother is a literal professor of the art, and we are quick to call each other out. That makes these silent, mutual distractions hilariously poignant.

In Sarandë, the market for "designer goods" is wild. You can buy "Ray-Bans" for 2,000 LEK ($20 USD) displayed right next to bags of potato chips and shot glasses, while the real ones fetch $250+ online. Could they secretly be the real deal? Let’s talk stats. While the OECD notes counterfeits make up 2.3% of global trade, local market reports show that up to 90% of luxury items in these unregulated coastal stalls are replicas. With Albania's industrial property applications spiking 16.8% recently as brands fight back, the statistical probability of these being genuine factory overstock is exactly 0%. They are total knockoffs, but the thrill of the hunt is entirely real!



POLL: Would you rock $20 "designer" shades?

A) Absolutely!
B) No way!

🗺️ If you are seeking cultural immersion and heritage travel, I provide practical online travel planning.

Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/31/2026

STOPOVERS: A VISIT TO LUKOVA BEACH, LUKOVA, SARANDE

We loved this place so much last week that we just had to drive another hour back today! Lukova Beach has officially stolen our hearts, but we had two completely different experiences just 500 meters apart.

Week 1: The Budget Find (La Onda Tavern)
We paid 500 LEK (€5) to a guy who suddenly appeared from an olive grove, then 1,000 LEK (€10) for 2 loungers and an umbrella on a cozy slice of beach. It was a simple, pleasant experience that made us immediately want to return.

Week 2: The Premium Upgrade (NALU Beach Bar)
Today, we drove 500 meters further down the road. NALU charged 2,000 LEK (€20) for both parking and our beach setup. At double the price, it felt a bit steep initially. But once we settled into the extra-thick padded loungers under pristine, brand-new umbrellas, we were completely sold. It was a night-and-day contrast to the basic setups next door or our visit to Lori Beach a couple of weeks ago. The pricetag was well worth it!

The Views & Pro-Tip
The landscape here is unreal—you are sandwiched between lush green mountains and the stunning blue Adriatic Sea. Today’s bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds made everything look picture-perfect. My photos don't even do it justice!

Just remember to pack water shoes if you want to storm this beach like you own it. I watched prepared folks walk right in, while the rest of us did the "oh-ing and ouch-ing" dance across the shoreline pebbles. Once buoyancy takes over and you're floating, the rocky seabed isn't an issue at all.

Between the premium comfort, extraordinary views, refreshing water, and effortless parking, Lukova completely exceeded my beach-going expectations. I’d return in a heartbeat.
📍 NALU Beach Bar: 39.9926° N, 19.9025° E

POV: When hitting the beach, are you team budget-and-basic or team premium-upgrade?



Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

TRUE NORTH: WHAT DOES iTravel.earth DO?

As I rebuild my Instagram presence, I want to strip away the digital noise and share exactly how I serve you.

The travel landscape has shifted completely. While AI algorithms and DIY booking engines are everywhere, they can never replace lived experience. True, deeply immersive travel still requires a personal, human element. That is why professional travel planning is enjoying a massive resurgence—it is an ever-evolving craft.

I have positioned iTravel.earth in the sweet spot between a traditional travel agent and the independent DIY traveler. There is an entire community of people who want the autonomy of booking their own trips, but still need expert guidance to finalize their plans, choose the best routes, and curate meaningful things to do.

Our process is simple and collaborative. We schedule a Zoom consultation, clear a small planning fee, and map out your ideas, budget, and travel style. We address the critical details like passport, visa requirements, and travel insurance. Then, I do the heavy lifting—the exhaustive research and strategic design. I present a custom blueprint, we refine it together, and the finalized details are handed over to you to execute.

If you eventually decide you do want booking assistance, I can walk you through it, or introduce you to a dedicated Travel Advisor who handles commission based bookings. I can even coordinate on-trip assistance plans so iTravel.earth is available to support you while you are actively on the move.

Navigating the world solo, looking for the right cruise, or seeking cultural immersion and heritage travel, I provide practical online planning for independent travelers, expats, and business partners alike.

You keep full control of your journey. I hand you the perfect map.

POV Question: When planning a major trip, do you love the initial inspiration phase but find yourself getting completely bogged down by the hours of logistical research? Let me know your thoughts below!



Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/30/2026

🇵🇱 THE ROUTE BRIEFING: WE ARE GOING TO POLAND!

Poland is my father’s ancestral home. Growing up, Polish culture was woven into the fabric of my life—hearty comfort meals, deeply observed religious holidays, the omnipresent legacy of Pope John Paul II, and the vibrant energy of the Polish neighborhoods in New York. I can still vividly hear the echoes of that beautiful, foreign language spoken during childhood visits to my Grandmother’s house.

But it wasn't until I began actively tracing my roots that I discovered the immense weight of what my family endured. During WWII, they were marched off their land, torn from their daily lives, and forced into slave labor making munitions in concentration camps. Yet, our story holds a triumphant chapter: after the war, my family courageously and forcibly reclaimed the farm that had been stolen from them. They still live there to this day! I’ve written to them, and very soon, I will be visiting them to retrace our origins. I couldn't be more excited for this deeply meaningful chapter.

🗣️Language
In preparation for our trip to Kraków, I am diving headfirst into the language. I’ve been using Duolingo for a while, but after reaching level 17, the main result is that I can point at random objects and loudly blurt out their names. Apple! Meat! Mouse and spider! If you actually ask me my name, I still have to pause and scramble for the answer.

Realizing I needed reinforcements, I signed up for a 3-month private tutoring program once we arrive in Kraków. My first 1:1 online lesson today wasn't a total disaster, but let’s just say there is a lot more to this beautiful language than knowing how to shout "Na zdrowie!" over a glass of vodka.

Wish me luck on this incredible endeavor! If you've ever been curious about heritage travel or exploring a country defined by an unbreakable spirit, deep history, and stunning architecture, Poland is an absolute must visit.

🗺️ If you are seeking cultural immersion and heritage travel, I provide practical online travel planning.

Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/29/2026

🗺️ THE ROUTE BRIEFING: A TIME FOR MAKING CHANGES

For the past 2 years, I’ve been working hard on making personal changes—mentally, physically, and financially. It’s been a difficult road filled with intense challenges, but my goal is a life reset. This isn't because anything was wrong with my old life; in fact, I’m incredibly proud of the chapters I've lived. Every single experience has created exactly who I am today.

It brings to mind La Cage aux Folles and its poignant anthem: "I am what I am!" It is a moment that sends shivers down your spine while at the same time steeling that spine with the idea that no matter how fu**ed up things may be, I am this beautiful creature who deserves everything I see! I don't need your permission. God, how I love that song!

Lately, I’ve been preparing myself and Scott for our upcoming move to Europe. While the "wheres" and "hows" have shifted a few times, our resolve to change never has. The journey has been pure character-building: endless sleepless nights, losing some hair, turning a bit grayer, and going without a pet cat or dog for the first time in my life. I’ve also been in the ongoing process of trying to learn Greek, Italian, Polish, and now Albanian (and let’s be honest, I haven’t even mastered English yet!).

The time has come for us to pivot. Our lives are so perfectly in sync that doors are closing and opening similarly for both of us. It’s a beautiful alignment, especially since on May 31st, we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary together. I wouldn't be able to make any of these shifts without Scott's full awareness and partnership. I am thankful for him every single day.

If you are feeling like the time has come to "lipsynch for your life"—do it! I hope you feel empowered to step up and make the necessary changes in your own life, no matter what.

🗺️ Plan Your Journey. I provide practical travel planning for expats and business partners, specializing in the Balkans and South Pacific.

Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.

05/28/2026

🦅 THE ROUTE BRIEFING: THE ALBANIAN EAGLE VS POLISH EAGLE

I’ve worn a Polish Eagle necklace for just over a year, a token from researching my ancestry to reclaim my family history and make a case for Polish citizenship. Around that time, I also began going by my Polish name, Grzegorz [Gzheh-gosh], instead of Gregory.

My family went through hell navigating Poland's wars. They came to the U.S. dreaming of a home no longer ravaged by war and famine—a beautiful place to be proud of. In the past 30 years, Poland has transformed from one of the poorest EU members into one of the world's most dynamic nations. Rebuilding, Modern, Strong, Beautiful, and Proud describe today's Poland. Driven from their home after centuries, my family would be amazed, but not surprised. Poles are fiercely determined.

Reclaiming my name and planning a return to Poland is my way of paying homage. It’s a romantic, challenging proposition; thousands are returning every day. Each morning, putting on my necklace, I affirm: "Now I am Polish." I was never not Polish, but now I am actively reclaiming that identity.

Arriving in Albania, I discovered they also hold the eagle in high esteem. The black double-headed eagle is centered on their blood-red flag, representing valor and sacrifice. Albanians are a fiercely proud people who, like Poles, overcame communism. The Albanian Eagle has two heads—a Byzantine legacy of vigilance over East and West—while the white Polish eagle has its head turned right, traditionally symbolizing justice and honor.

When locals here notice my necklace, a few comment that it’s not the "real" Albanian eagle.

"No, it’s not. It’s a Polish Eagle, and I am just as proud of mine!"

So when you see my necklace, know that "I am Polish"!

Grzegorz Bessmer | Earth Specialist | iTravel.earth
Citizen of the world. Traveler of the earth.