Diaries of a Backpacker

Diaries of a Backpacker Are you avid traveler looking for the next destination? Do you dream of traveling? Check my Diaries!

Diaries of a Backpacker is a website dedicated to adventure travels, following the steps of Daniela Zavala as she crosses the world in search of extraordinary stories and experiences. Daring to go where many people don't, Daniela offers a deep insight of the places and cultures she visits through her diaries, feature stories, photos and video reports, all while providing useful travel information.

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Back in Paris for one final day before heading home, we ended our family adventure with a visit to one of the world’s mo...
07/30/2026

Back in Paris for one final day before heading home, we ended our family adventure with a visit to one of the world’s most iconic museums: the Louvre.

Tom and I had been here before, but experiencing it through Danny’s eyes made it feel completely different. Watching him stand in front of some of history’s greatest masterpieces and seeing his curiosity come alive was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.

More of
07/28/2026

More of

Fun in
07/27/2026

Fun in

If you’re visiting Belgrade, don’t miss Kalemegdan Park and the historic Belgrade Fortress.Perched above the meeting poi...
07/27/2026

If you’re visiting Belgrade, don’t miss Kalemegdan Park and the historic Belgrade Fortress.

Perched above the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, the fortress has stood watch over the city for centuries. Destroyed and rebuilt many times, it reflects Belgrade’s long and often turbulent history.

Take your time wandering through its ancient walls, enjoy the panoramic views where the two rivers meet, and stop by the Military Museum to better understand the city’s strategic importance throughout the centuries.

What a fascinating experience at the Nikola Tesla Museum!I knew Tesla was a brilliant inventor, but I didn’t fully appre...
07/27/2026

What a fascinating experience at the Nikola Tesla Museum!

I knew Tesla was a brilliant inventor, but I didn’t fully appreciate the scale of his contributions until I visited the museum. His work on the alternating current (AC) electrical system transformed the way electricity is generated and distributed, laying the foundation for much of the modern world.

The museum visit is a guided tour of about 30–40 minutes, where you learn about his life, his groundbreaking inventions, and the vision of a man whose ideas were often decades ahead of his time.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find quotes that feel just as relevant today as when he wrote them. This one especially made me stop and reflect:

“We are living in an age of unprecedented technical achievements leading to a more and more complete mastery of the forces of nature, and annihilation of time and space. But this development, while contributing to our comfort, convenience and safety of existence, is not in the direction of true culture and enlightenment. On the contrary, it is destructive for ideals. The real cause for the fall of nation is the inability of mankind to solve social, moral, and spiritual problems.”

More than 80 years after his death, his inventions continue to shape our lives, and some of his reflections on humanity still feel remarkably relevant.

A visit to Church of Saint Sava will leave you speechless. It’s easy to see why it’s one of Belgrade’s most iconic landm...
07/27/2026

A visit to Church of Saint Sava will leave you speechless. It’s easy to see why it’s one of Belgrade’s most iconic landmarks.

One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, its massive white facade dominates the city’s skyline. Step inside, and the shimmering gold mosaics, and soaring dome are just as spectacular as the exterior.

We made it to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital!First impressions? A city full of character. From its grand historic architectu...
07/26/2026

We made it to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital!

First impressions? A city full of character. From its grand historic architecture and charming cobblestone streets to its lively atmosphere and the meeting of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade has an incredible energy.

I can’t wait to share more from our time exploring this fascinating city.

Before visiting Montenegro, I wasn’t sure what to expect in regard to the people. Beautiful landscapes are important, bu...
07/25/2026

Before visiting Montenegro, I wasn’t sure what to expect in regard to the people. Beautiful landscapes are important, but for me, it’s the local people who ultimately shape a travel experience.

While I was in Dubrovnik, I changed our itinerary, canceled our planned day trip to Albania, and decided to spend more time in Montenegro. When I contacted the agency I’d originally booked with to cancel that day tour five days in advance and book a different day tour within Montenegro instead, I received an unexpectedly harsh response with insults. After traveling to more than 100 countries, it was one of the few interactions that genuinely caught me off guard.

For a moment, I wondered if that encounter reflected what Montenegro would be like. Fortunately, it didn’t.

From our apartment host, Radoja, to our boat captain and guide, and especially Milo from 360 Monte Tour Operator, everyone we met was warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud to share their country with us, and super kind and accommodating to us traveling with a kid.

I have to say that Milo’s stories about Montenegro’s history and identity became one of the highlights of my trip. Experiences like that are the reasons why I travel. Yes, I love beautiful places, but it’s the people, their stories, and their generosity that stay with me long after I return home.

Thank you to everyone in Montenegro who made us feel so welcome. This was a reminder that one unpleasant interaction or one person’s behavior should never define an entire country or its people.

One of the things I loved most about this day trip was how much it revealed about Montenegro beyond its stunning landsca...
07/25/2026

One of the things I loved most about this day trip was how much it revealed about Montenegro beyond its stunning landscapes.

From breathtaking mountain views to centuries of history and culture, every stop added another layer to understanding this small but fascinating country.

Our final stop was Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic Royal Capital. We spent about an hour walking its quiet streets with our guide, learning about the city’s role in shaping the nation and admiring its elegant architecture, old embassies, and landmarks that reflect its royal past.

It was the perfect ending to a day that showed us there’s so much more to Montenegro than its beautiful coastline.

🇲🇪

A last-minute road trip to San Diego to close out 2025 🌊Beach vibes, morning runs along the coast, gorgeous sunsets, tim...
01/01/2026

A last-minute road trip to San Diego to close out 2025 🌊

Beach vibes, morning runs along the coast, gorgeous sunsets, time with friends, and making memories with family.🌅

Exactly what I needed to end the year.

❤️

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