How Did Czechia Become the Beer Capital of the World?

When you imagine the world’s most beer-centric country, what comes to mind?

Most people probably think about the UK, Germany, or maybe even the US and Korea.

The latter nations have had prominent beer and brewery cultures that took off in the early 1900s. Since then, distinct brands have emerged to meet local tastes, from IPAs to golden lagers. Today, the US and South Korea are home to craft breweries galore.

But neither has the type of no-holds-barred love of beer as Brits or Germans. The Brits throw back pints like they’ve been at it for hundreds of years. (They have.) And Germans are known for their multi-day, beer-centric saturnalias, from Oktoberfest to German Beer Day.

Between the UK and Germany, locals throw back billions of liters each year. The Germans alone drank an estimated 8.6 billion liters back in 2020. Clearly, the love of beer runs deep.

But what if I told you that neither country was the capital of beer drinking?

That distinction belongs to Czechia. For almost thirty years running, locals have been draining well over a hundred liters of beer throughout the year. In fact, in 2021, that number peaked at 184 liters per beer per Czech.

Want to know more about Europe’s real beer capital? Let’s hop on it. (Pun intended.) Or if you’re here just for the beer tour recommendations, jump straight to the bottom for my top selections.

Clean drinking water, excellent brews

Czechia’s love of beer (aka ‘pivo’) has been around for millennia.

Locals first started refining and trading hops around the 1100s. Some of the most influential refineries and breweries were run by monks at large-scale monasteries. (In fact, this continues today.)

At the time, almost every feudal village and town had its own brewery, responsible for providing the thralls and lords with safe drinking water… with a little extra hops.

Beer remained a staple for hundreds of years. It was practical in that it was safer to drink than water. And nobody complained about that light buzz.

By the 1700s, two of the country’s longest-running breweries had set up shop. There’s Samson Budweiser Bier, then Budweiser Budvar; the former is considered more ethnically Czech. (Neither has any connection to the US’s Budweiser.)

Over the years, Czechs have contributed greatly to the evolution of beer, including crafting the very first pilsners, along with variations of dark and pale lager.

Beer capital culture

Beer is big business in Czechia—not just in terms of cold hard cash, but also culture, tourism, and entertainment. Many towns and cities have worked hard to maintain their beer legacies, including Prague, Žatec, and Plzeň.

Even the Czech government is involved.

First, through the publicly funded Research Institute of Brewing and Malting. It’s been active since 1887 and is one of the first research institutes ever founded in Europe. Second, there’s the Malting Institute located in Brno, which also dates back to the late 1800s.

The goal of these organizations is to maintain the quality of beer throughout Czechia, along with fostering innovation for newer varieties. They also provide a framework for beer production and exportation, which is an important factor on the business end of beer.

Beer in Czechia: by the book

Officially, beer in Czechia is classified based on strength using a ‘degree’ system. (The higher the degree, the drunker you’ll get.)

These are the four main classifications:

Light beer (lehké) 8°
Draught beer (výčepní) 10°
Lager beer (ležak) 11-12.99°
Special beer (special) 13°

These are the most popular beers in Czechia. (If you see them, drink them—kind of like catching Pokémon, except beer.)

Pilsner Urquell
Svijany
Kozel
Bernard
Staropramen

Drink your heart out in Czechia

You won’t be short on places to drink beer in Prague.

Actually, it might be hard to find a place that doesn’t serve up delicious beer alongside popular foods. But if you really want to go into the nitty-gritty of beer culture in Prague, I suggest either going on a beer tour or heading to a beer festival.

Here are some of the best beer festivals from around the country:

Slunce ve Skle Beer Festival (Pilsen, Czechia)
Český Krumlov Baroque Arts Festival (Český Krumlov)
Czech/Prague Beer Festival (Prague) (This event was cancelled back in 2021, but there’s been major efforts to relaunch it—so check back in later this year to see if organizers manage to get this festival back off the ground)

Or, if you’ll be staying in Prague, look into these top-rated beer tours of the city. Many are bundled with other themes, like history and food.

Pubs of Prague Historic Tour (has a nice historical element, which I enjoy)

Prague Foodie Tour (includes plenty of beer, have no fear)

Hidden Beer Gems of Old Prague

Private Boat Cruise – Beer or Prosecco (resist the Prosecco!)

Anti Tour Prague – Self-guided Beer Tour

Beer and Cheese Tasting

Pilsner Tasting Experience (Pilsner Urquell)

Luggage Wrapping: To Wrap or Not To Wrap?

I remember the first time I saw someone wrap their luggage in plastic at the airport.

I had a few pressing questions. What purpose does that serve? How long has this been happening? And—for the love of god—how long does it take to cut through all that tightly wrapped plastic?

The answers are pretty straightforward.

Plastic wrap is usually about security. It’s designed to keep the luggage safe, along with what’s inside. It’s been going on for around twenty years. And, apparently, it doesn’t take too long to undo as long as you’re handy with a sharp implement.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve asked many of the hard-hitting questions about plastic-wrapping luggage. Here’s everything I’ve uncovered, including why you should wrap your luggage, why you might not need to, and other ways that you can keep your luggage secure.

Why you should consider luggage wrapping

These are the main reasons to wrap your luggage:

Your bag has a non-traditional shape and/or many straps. If you’re luggage has a lot of moving parts, then plastic wrap can prevent damage during handling. This is particularly relevant for backpackers, as they usually have straps, belts, pockets, and other dangling parts. Plastic wrap helps you ensure nothing gets caught, snagged, or torn.
Your bag might get wet. Every airport is different—and not all are designed to handle inclement weather. If you’re heading to a very rainy destination and are worried about the contents of your bag getting soaked, then plastic wrap can protect your goods from the elements. Usually, this is a consideration when you’re traveling to/from a small regional airport that doesn’t have as much cover for luggage transport.
Slight security benefits. The main reason most travelers plastic-wrap their luggage is to prevent any sneaky fingers from rummaging around inside. But plastic wrap is a very loose solution to this problem. Those who want to get into your luggage are going to find a way around that plastic wrap, plain and simple. So if it gives you peace of mind to wrap your luggage in plastic, then go for it—but a simple lock works better in securing your goods.

Why you might not need to wrap your luggage

These are the main reasons wrapping luggage isn’t absolutely necessary:

It won’t change anything for the TSA. The TSA will not treat your bag any differently whether it’s wrapped in plastic or not. If they want to get inside the bag, they’ll cut through the plastic easily. From a security perspective, it also doesn’t change what the X-ray shows them is inside your luggage.
It’s a hassle to unwrap. As mentioned above, if someone really wants to get past that plastic wrap—they will. Still, it’s going to take a very sharp blade and a good amount of patience to cut through it. Some people have had to bust out hair dryers and Velcro to help loosen the plastic wrap around their luggage.
A TSA-approved lock provides the same degree of safety. A small TSA-approved luggage lock does a better job of protecting your luggage against thieves than plastic wrap. Although I guess there’s no teeny-tiny key to lose with plastic wrap.

Other luggage safety tips

There are dozens of luggage safety tips that can help you avoid plastic-wrapping in the first place. Here are the most actionable tips:

Invest in a quality piece of luggage that suits your needs. The stronger and more flexible your luggage is, the easier it is to manage—for you, for security, for luggage handlers. The better you know (and trust) your luggage, the less uncertainty you’ll face when the plastic wrappers descend.
Look for luggage that has other features, like charging banks. It’s worth mentioning here that some pieces of luggage are really advanced. Not only do they come with built-in locks (and alarms, in some cases), but they might also include charging banks, specialized shoe storage, and even geo-locators.
Add a luggage tracker. If you don’t have access to a cutting-edge piece of luggage with a built-in geo-locator, don’t fret. You aren’t alone. But if you’re someone who worries about losing luggage, then consider installing a tracker. Use one of Samsung or Apple’s products, like the AirTag.
Carry spare zip-ties for disaster. Zip-ties come in handy far more often than they should. I’ve jerry-rigged a few busted pieces of luggage with zip-ties in my day. They didn’t save my luggage—but they did get me through to my next destination where I could buy a good replacement.

Wooden Barrels, Geishas, & Gangsters: 3 US Tourism Trends from the Early 1900s

I’ve written extensively about tourism trends.

At the moment, a few of the world’s most-visited locations include Portugal, Dubai, and Bali. Travelers from around the world flock to them by the millions each year.

Every hotspot has its own approach to tourism. Usually, it involves improving infrastructure, showcasing culture and/or nature, and delighting visitors with unique spectacles. (It might even involve keeping hordes at bay to prevent over-tourism.)

But has tourism always looked like this?

For centuries, daring adventurers have set off into the horizon with a bag slung over their shoulders. No one knew if they’d return. They might not even be able to point out on a map where their loved ones were heading, precisely.

But all were on the hunt for something exciting—something powerful enough to change their life.

Today, That search for something more remains an important part of the overall travel experience. While most vacations involve a lot more entertainment and relaxation than once upon a time, the core drive to travel remains unchanged.

But what, exactly, were tourists up to back in the day? Would we really recognize what motivated them to hit the road and explore? Let’s jump back to the early 1900s to find out.

Here are three trends in US tourism from the turn of the last century.

Niagara Falls, New York

Admiring the falls… from the inside of a barrel

In 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor decided that admiring Niagara Falls wasn’t enough.

She had another idea: she was going to build a really tough wooden barrel just large enough for her to fit in. And then she was going to stuff herself inside, lock the wooden latch, and ride that son of a gun down Niagara Falls.

To be reasonable, Taylor sent her beloved cat down the falls in the barrel first. The cat survived, which she took as a green flag.

Shortly after, Taylor performed her wooden barrel stunt for a massive crowd. She hobbled away largely unharmed, then went on to pose for photographs along with her daredevil cat.

Taylor’s really daring (and perhaps clinically insane) stunt attracted the attention of others. Soon, it became a bit of a fad for fearless tourists to maneuver down the falls in unique and horrifying ways.

Some, like Jean Lussier, even managed to survive the fall inside a massive rubber ball. In the summertime, the area would see hundreds of thousands of visitors, most of whom were just after views. By 1951, it was declared illegal to go over the falls in any form.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Summertime vacations & street fairs

Fans of Boardwalk Empire need no introduction.

Long before Las Vegas popped up in the desert, the US’s preferred summer resort destination was New Jersey’s Atlantic City.

Its original boardwalk was constructed in 1870, ushering in a new era of Americana summer vacation.

After the boardwalk’s completion, AC turned into a booming summer destination for families. Part carnival, part beach resort, part summer dream, it attracted revelers from across New England.

Soon, its hotels were massive, home to hundreds of rooms that would fill up for months from May to August.

And despite the focus on summertime and sweet treats, AC had a bit of a criminal underbelly. (To put it lightly.)

Much of the city’s construction was funded by organized crime syndicates. These were subject to major investigations from the federal government and involved gangsters as big as Al Capone and Charlie Luciano.

But the millions who passed through the sandy shores of Atlantic City were probably focused on cutting-edge treats like ice cream, rudimentary roller coasters, and summer flings. In other words, AC was the total American dream.

St. Louis World’s Fair, Missouri

An international who’s-who of cultural influence

St. Louis might have a so-so reputation in the US today, but once upon a time, it was one of the most populated and innovative cities in the country.

To celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, the federal government and the City of St. Louis won a bid to host the World’s Fair.

For six months in 1904, the city turned into a non-stop street fair that hosted almost 20 million domestic and international visitors. Performers and exhibitionists from over 60 countries flocked to St. Louis to display their latest technology, most beloved traditions, and share untold new delights.

As a Global Studies major and a St. Louis native, I’m itching to point out the lesser-known and more nefarious legacies of the St. Louis World Fair.

(Ever heard of a man named Ota Benga? Or St. Louis’s tradition of the Veiled Prophet? Y’all… it’s pretty dark.)

If you like, you can follow the little breadcrumbs I’ve left. If not, then let’s round off this article with some of the least controversial coups from the World Fair.

It popularized treats like ice cream cones and Dr. Pepper. It put Scott Joplin on the map and helped pave the way for rag-time music. The fair even had an entire exhibit dedicated to geishas, who had traveled all the way from Japan to showcase their refined traditions.

A Closer Look at Colombia’s ‘Ciudad Perdida’, aka Lost City

Colombia is one of the most mystical and stunning places on earth.

The Sierra Nevada mountains are towering and blanketed in healthy green jungles. The country’s coastlines have clear waters and sandy beaches. Most are rimmed with—guess what—more jungle.

Toss in the added allure of tasty dishes like almohada pastries, the very danceable traditions like cumbia and salsa, and world-renowned artists like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and it’s easy to see why Colombia holds a special place in the traveler’s heart.

But did you that Colombia is also home to ancient ruins—some of which even predate Peru’s famous Machu Picchu?

Ciudad Perdida, or ‘lost city’ in Spanish, was uncovered back in the 1970s.

While the area’s Indigenous Kagi people have been well aware of the ruins for centuries, intrigue quickly spread about the newly rediscovered city. And it’s stayed at the forefront for many visitors to Santa Marta.

Ciudad Perdida: was it ever really lost?

The story of Ciudad Perdida is a long and complex one. Let’s start with its modern history.

As mentioned above, it was ‘rediscovered’ back in the 1970s. Locals often whispered about extensive ruins hidden in the dense jungle, which eventually caught the attention of looters.

And I’m not talking about opportunistic looters. I’m talking about professional and career-level looters who worked together under the title of Los Sepúlvedas. And they weren’t interested in lost cities—instead, they were hunting for tombs to raid.

It didn’t take long for Los Sepúlvedas to find what they were after.

Soon, dozens of groups (many armed) were righting to divest Ciudad Perdida and the surrounding area of all goods—from golden jewelry to metalworks to stone carvings.

It’s believed that during the 1970s and 80s, the remaining ancestral gold belonging to the Kogi and other Indigenous groups was fully divested from Ciudad Perdida.

The fight for Ciudad Perdida

For decades, burial sites and other structures were uncovered, looted, and then sold on the black market.

The most mind-bowing part? That’s actually how archaeologists found out about the newly rediscovered Ciudad Perdida.

A few archaeologists spotted never-before-seen golden urns and similar artifacts being sold on the black market. They rang the alarm bells and descended upon the site. Starting in the 1980s, they got to work carefully restoring much of the ancient city.

Still, looters didn’t give up. For decades, Ciudad Perdida was the site of ongoing archaeology digs, raids from looters, and a slowly incoming number of tourists interested in seeing one of South America’s lost cities.

In 2005, the Colombian government stepped in to prevent fighting and secure the area for locals and tourists. The Army still patrols the area to this day with the goal of preventing looting, monitoring environmental practices, and battling unsustainable tourism.

(Caught your intrigue? I’ll cover how you can visit Ciudad Perdida below!)

Teyuna: Capital of the Tairona

Ciudad Perdida isn’t a great name for this location because it’s not actually a lost city.

Indigenous groups in the surrounding areas, including the Kogi, have been aware of the city’s existence for centuries. How, you might ask?

Because the Kogi are descended from Ciudad Perdida’s original inhabitants: the Tairuna.

And they remember the city’s name as Teyuna.

The Tairona’s descendants haven’t traveled far from Teyuna. Along with the Kogi, the Arsarios, Arhuacos, Kankwamos, and Chimilas retain ancestral knowledge of the Sierra Nevadas where Teyuna is located.

At the height of its reach around 1,500 years ago, Teyuna likely served as a central hub for a vast network of surrounding villages.

The Tairona were a varied people who lived in the Sierra Nevada mountains out onto the beaches of Santa Marta. Modular tribes collected and shared resources—which may have been traded in a larger city like Teyuna.

It’s believed that the Tairona abandoned the city during the time of Spanish colonization. As a peaceful people, escaping further into the jungle was preferable to war against the Spanish.

Modern Teyuna

As mentioned above, Teyuna is popular with adventurous tourists—which is partly why the government works hard to keep this area safe.

The modern site of Teyuna consists of almost 170 terraces that are carved into the mountains. Some wooden structures remain, while others have been renovated. The ancient Tairona tribes laid roads using small tiles and set up circular plazas around the city.

To access Teyuna, visitors must climb 1,200 steps toward the site. But travelers can’t get there on their own. The government requires all visitors to have a licensed guide with them in order to preserve the habitat and the ruins.

And those guides are the modern descendants of the Tairona, which means all visitors are granted permission to Ciudad Perdida based on the discretion of modern tribes like the Kogi.

Visiting Ciudad Perdida, aka Teyuna

Teyuna is accessible from the coastal city of Santa Marta. From there, visitors must travel to the small town of Mamey. There, you’ll meet up with your guide who will take you into the jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Which usually involves a four-day trek through remote jungles and forests.

That’s right—those 1,200 steps that lead to Teyuna are just the cherry on top of a grueling, multi-day hike through a humid jungle. Only the fit will survive. Only the very fit will actually enjoy the experience.

Along the way, you’ll get to meet with local tribes, stay in basic lodgings, and sample some indigenous foods. But keep in mind that you’re very much in their territory. The government established the area around Teyuna as an indigenous reserve back in 1984.

If you want to explore Teyuna, I recommend booking one of these tours. Visitors have rated them highly.

Wiwa Tours

MagicTour Colombia

4WD Tours

Keep These 5 South African Wineries on your Bucket List

You probably don’t think about South Africa when someone brings up fine wines.

However, much of South Africa’s climate is ideal for growing a range of grapes. Just like Italy, France, and Napa Valley, South Africa is dry and sunny for much of the year.

Wineries have been around since colonial settlers touched down in South Africa. But over the last twenty years, more tasting rooms have popped up around the country.

Many brands have received nods from major wine award companies like the DWWA. And visitors heading to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durbin have dozens of options to sample these award-winners at wineries and tasting tours.

In fact, South Africa’s wine scene sounds really innovative and cool.

Visitors can go on wine valley safaris that take you to multiple wineries, explore multi-generational vineyards that date back to the nation’s colonial era, and enjoy horse-racing-wine-tasting hybrid tours.

For now, let’s stick to South African wineries and the locations are worth your time and (well-earned) hangover. My recommendations are based on the quality and number of reviews. After all, the data doesn’t lie.

Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery (Cape Town)

Boutique is the keyword here. This winery isn’t quite like other South African wineries.

Its restaurant and wine rooms deliver on flair—as in, people wearing silver gloves will pass you your glass through a hole in the wall. You can also request a ‘cave’ tasting room. (I’m loving the Willy Wonka vibes.)

The space is also eclectic, harkening back to the goal of Klein Roosboom: to do things spectacularly well and with little regard to boring old tradition. Apparently, the charcuterie plate is especially daring; people can’t get enough of the cheese.

Book your tour with Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery.

Fairview Wine & Cheese (Cape Town)

Speaking of really good cheese, you’ll have options to munch and drink the day away at Fairview Wine & Cheese.

What I like about this winery is its food options. As the name suggests, they specialize in cheese and wine pairings. Apparently, the goat cheese is to die for.

That’s not surprising considering Fairview manages its own small-scale dairy where it sources its milk for cheese. (Yes, you get to interact with the goats!)

Multiple travel agencies in South Africa regularly send their international clients here—which should tell you how well-loved Fairview is.

Take a tour of Fairview Wine and Cheese.

Eikehof (Franschhoek)

The Franschhoek region isn’t short on wineries.

But if you want my opinion, I say you skip all the guided day trip madness and unwind at Eikehof.

This is one of South Africa’s oldest continuously running vineyards. Eikehof’s grape vines have been producing delectable wines for four generations.

You’ll notice the small family-run vibe here, which is something I always appreciate. Family-run spots tend to have more character, a strong vision for their wines, and plenty of experience in pleasing drinkers. Also, the grounds are dotted with very old and charming oak trees.

Book a tour of Eikehof.

Lynx Wine Estate (Franschhoek)

Eikehof represents the old guard of South African wineries—but Lynx Wine is a much younger and leaner project.

By comparison, Lynx Wine takes guests closer to the process of growing grape vines, pressing grapes, and creating delicious award-winning wines.

That’s an important note for Lynx—award-winning. Though they’re younger than most other wineries on this list, management has a serious passion for their work. If you want to get in on the ground floor and maybe even touch a few grape vines, Lynx Wine is your top choice.

Book a tour of Lynx Wine Estate.

Vergelegen Estate (Somerset West)

Similar to Eikehof, Vergelegen was founded centuries ago and claims a 300-year history of producing refined wines and cuisines. In fact, the estate bills itself as ‘a total sensory experience’.

Along with sampling wines and enjoying world-class menus, visitors can also enjoy the grounds. There’s a vast garden with mountain views, which makes this a popular spot for locals who just want to grab a bite to eat. And there’s nothing like a stamp of approval from locals.

Book a tour of Vergelegen Estate.

Enter Białowieża Forest: Home to Europe’s Last Free-Roaming Bison

When you imagine magical forests, what comes to mind?

Despite Europe’s many stunning castles and fanciful fairy tales, it’s not home to many memorable forests. Aside from Germany’s Black Forest, the only one that comes to mind for me is Białowieża National Forest in Poland.

If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone.

The only reason I know about Białowieża is thanks to a trip to Poland. When me and my partner traveled to Poland a few years ago, we heard about Białowieża almost non-stop. (He speaks the language, so I like to think we got a bit of a VIP experience.)

Białowieża is home to Europe’s only wild bison population. It’s regarded as the final stronghold of Europe’s long-lost primeval forests.

it’s also where the grass in Żubrówka bottles comes from. Żubrówka is a delicious vodka that’s traditionally distilled and infused with a single blade of grass that’s preferred by Poland’s bison.

Though it doesn’t often make it onto travel guides for Poland, Białowieża is on my bucket list. Here’s why I think it should be on yours, too, especially if you’re heading to Warsaw or Białystok anytime soon.

Photo by Krzysztof Chrostowski on Unsplash

Białowieża: Kind of a big deal

Białowieża was established back in 1921 as one of the last vestiges of wilderness in Europe. Around the same time, major efforts were being made to protect and rehab Europe’s last native bison species. (They aren’t like ours here in North America.)

By the 1950s, the forest was healthy enough for these re-wilded bison to be released. Following their reintroduction, Białowieża was left to its own natural devices—which you’ll immediately sense when you visit.

Typically, national parks are managed by rural agents who do things like clear underbrush and remove dead logs. However, Białowieża has been left unregulated.

That’s part of its magic—you’ll notice towering oak trees, plenty of growth, and a myriad of animal and bird life.

Białowieża in pop culture

Ecology aside, Białowieża is culturally important to Poland. You can find shout-outs to Białowieża in pop culture, from the spooky and magical forests found in the Witcher series (from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski) to 1:1 scale models of Białowieża in games like Minecraft.

The latter project was designed to preserve the forest digitally after it was put at risk.

In 2018, after almost a century of protection, Poland’s government decided to allow large-scale logging in Białowieża. Though the EU ruled this to be illegal, it’s unclear what’s being done to prevent further logging.

As of 2021, logging has started up once more—though there seems to be a short moratorium on logging at the moment in 2024.

How to visit Białowieża

I doubt Białowieża is under serious threat from loggers—at least, that’s why I like to think.

The forest covers around 2,000 square miles and shelters some 800 wild bison. And given that Białowieża bleeds across Poland’s border with Belarus, much of that 2,000-square-mile stretch is already safe from logging. (Well, Polish loggers, at least.)

If you want to explore Białowieża, you can do so by taking a longer day trip from Warsaw or a shorter trip from Białystok.

There are a few different ways to explore Białowieża—but keep in mind that you’ll need an official tour guide if you want to walk through the forest’s protected zone.

Take a private tour with a guide of your choice. I’ve been on a few different tours with Art. He’s based in Warsaw. I highly recommend contacting him for a private tour.
Book a day trip from Warsaw. This is great for anyone who wants to quickly explore the forest and enjoy the Polish countryside. This will also give you access to the protected zone.
Book a private tour if you’re staying nearby. That way, you can explore the park at your leisure and according to your interests. This also gives you access to Białowieża’s protected area.
- Some tours include all the other cool sites, including the Bison Reservation and Museum.
- Others allow you to focus on building the right trip for your group.
Drive to the main attractions yourself. I recommend checking out the Bison Reservation and the Nature and Forest Museum.