Jasmina Zubcic - Travelstride Destination Expert

Jasmina grew up in Rovinj, a small town with a long touristic reputation, situated on the north-eastern coast of the Adriatic sea. People from all over the world and many different languages were something she got used to since she was a child.

That had a deep impact on her, together with the power of connection that only the sea gives to its seafaring people. So she always felt the call of the distance, wherever it might be, across the sea, the sky or behind the mountains. She left home when she was 18 and went to Italy, where she studied at the University of Padua where she still lives.

2007 she had the chance to take part in the World Social Forum in Nairobi and that was her first trip to Africa. This special kind of trip allowed her to get a step closer to the locals, sleeping in locals hotels, eating in local restaurants. Rift Valley was a must! Some shorter trips followed, mostly in Europe: Slovenia, Germany, UK, Ireland, France, Albania and a short self-organized Balkan tour.

Then the Israel-Palestine tour. This trip had a deep emotional impact on her. A group tour but yet she was there alone. That gave her the chance to cut out some extra moments only for herself. History, smells, chatters, Jerusalem, she was instantly hypnotised by the city.  The Dead Sea salt perfumes are still in the air, memories of the smiling faces of the monks at the monastery on the Mount of Temptation in Jericho are still very strong.

Then it was finally the turn of the Caminos. First a part of the Via Francigena in Italy and then Santiago, the English way. Both at the end of August. Definitely the best period. Not so much people around, but still enough in order not to feel lonely. In any case, this kind of experience is very personal. The pellegrinos follow its own way and rhythm. At the end of the day they meet all together in the Albergue.

Jasmina likes nature, has a strong bond with it. Although hiking can be exhausting, she came back home with her batteries fully charged.  Whenever she has a chance, she moves. Even now after many years, whenever she is back home for a weekend, she and her family go on a day trip. She is crazy in love with Istria and it seems she is loved back, because she always finds there some new and amazing things to do and see.

Israel-Palestine was a very exciting trip. I got completely enchanted by Jerusalem. Great people and great food everywhere.

Spain (Galicia) - I took the English Camino with a small group of friends. Amazing!

New Zeland, Mexico, USA, Canada, Azores, Tenerife, Perù, Chile, Germany, Egypt, Norway, Scotland, hiking trail in Croatia - I will probably start with something close. The list is constantly being updated, priorities change.