Bulgaria is Home to an Ancient Womb Cave—Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to European tourism, Bulgaria probably isn’t at the top of your list.

But that might not always be the case. This country is a budding hotbed for unique attractions, including award-winning wineries, beautiful and sprawling forests, and historic cities and villages.

Bulgaria has plenty to offer history fans, in particular. For thousands of years, it’s been a meeting point for Eastern and Western cultures. Religious and cultural sites dot the country, along with historical landmarks.

One of them is a bit farther off the beaten path than others.

Near the town of Kardzhali in southern Bulgaria sits a once-abandoned cave and sprawling spiritual complex that belonged to the Ancient Thracians around 2,500 years ago.

Locals know the cave as Utroba Cave, aka Womb Cave. It’s one of Sofia’s burgeoning new day trips for visitors.

But why, you might ask, are tourists making the trip from Sofia to Kardzhali to see this womb cave?

The short answer: it really looks like a vulva and it’s got a magical vibe. Welcome to tourism in 2024.

The Womb Cave

Utroba means ‘womb’ in Bulgarian. Today, we know that this cave’s function and history are closely tied to fertility.

But back in 2001 when archaeologists rediscovered the cave, they were basing that title on looks alone. Since then, researchers have flocked to the area to study the cave and try to narrow down its specific functions.

Ancient people had carved the cave’s entrance to simulate a vulva. But that wasn’t all. Scientists also discovered that the inner chambers were carved to resemble a womb.

Once a day, sunlight reflects into the cave to form a phallic shape. And one day out of the year, that reflection pierces the cave’s altar and looks to spew light.

The big question: why?

Early studies of Utroba Cave led archaeologists to discover neighboring sites around the forest.

Though there’s no concrete evidence of what happened in the cave, researchers have a few theories. Some believe it could have been treated as a place of conception, maybe for couples who were struggling to conceive.

Others believe the cave served a more spiritual function (rather than a literal one). Utroba Cave might have been used as a ritual area to store items or even enrich poor soil.

We know that the Ancient Thracians lived for centuries in this part of Bulgaria. In fact, archaeologists have discovered remnants of their poetry and music that date back all the way to 3500 BCE.

Unfortunately, however, many of Bulgaria’s ancient burial sites (many of which were in caves) were plundered. Illegal digging teams have been in search of ancient artifacts from the Thracians, Byzantine Empire, Greeks, Romans, and more.

The ongoing battle to preserve and study these sites isn’t going to end any time soon—but it may well be too late for places like Utroba, which were likely plundered years ago.

Though it’s unclear when, precisely, Utroba Cave was constructed and what exact purpose it served, Bulgarians have readily accepted this ancient landmark. In fact, it’s apparently a common destination for local couples who are having trouble conceiving. Stepping inside the cave together is said to improve fertility.

Visiting Womb Cave from Sofia & Plovdiv

Whether or not you’re having trouble conceiving, I’d highly recommend visiting Utroba Cave. It’s located just outside Karzhali, which isn’t too hard to reach from Sofia or Plovdiv.

Cheap trains run frequently between Sofia and Kardzhali—but they can take up to six hours. Busses are faster, though the views usually aren’t that great.

If you’re heading to the smaller Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, you can also take a short train or bus to Kardzhali. You can even rent a private taxi for around $100, which takes around an hour.

Karzhali is a larger town in southern Bulgaria, which means you can find plenty of lodging and activities. Along with Utroba Cave, the area is home to the ancient ruins of the Perperikon Sanctuary and the Stone Wedding rock formation site.

If you’re heading to the Womb Cave in search of archaeological wonders and historical delights, then don’t miss out on Perperikon or the Stone (or Petrified) Wedding site.

Here are a few shortcuts:

Visiting Utroba

Visiting Perperikon

Visiting the Petrified Wedding Site

Scuba in Bali: How to Dive at Bali’s Karang Lestari Bio-Rock Reef

Bali is one of the world’s most beloved tropical hotspots. This island stands out for its lush greenery, colorful coral reefs, and unique culture, which has delighted visitors for decades.

That being said, if you’ve been to Bali you know that it’s tiny.

Like many other islands, it’s home to beautiful yet fragile natural wonders.

As the number of tourists and tourism infrastructure continues to expand in Bali, there’s a stronger focus on preserving its ecosystem. Along with its mountainous rice paddies and unspoiled jungles, supporting the island’s coral reefs and coastlines is a high priority for locals and visitors alike.

In fact, conservation and tourism go hand in hand in some rare cases.

On Bali, you can enjoy one of the world’s most effective and innovative new conservation projects—one that tourists won’t find elsewhere.

The Karang Lestari Bio-Rock Reef Project in Pemuteran on Bali’s northern coast is an underwater sculpture park that’s been steadily regenerating lost coral reefs. It’s not only one of the best places to dive on the island, but it’s actively helping to rebuild long-lost coral.

Want to scuba in Bali? Look no further.

Scuba in Bali: enter the world of BioRock

At their most basic, underwater sculpture parks provide a literal frame for coral to regrow while also providing divers with a cool experience. These dot the world, from Florida to the Mediterranean.

But that’s just the bare minimum.

Pemuteran, on Bali’s north shore, is rich in shallow reefs. But due to problems like bomb fishing and rising ocean temperatures, the reefs were largely destroyed in the late 1900s.

Only 30% of Bali’s original reefs survive, which has placed a great stress on fishermen who rely on the ocean to make their living.

In order to restore their coral reefs, villagers in Pemuteran decided to take matters into their own hands. In 2001, the municipality of Pemuteran partnered with local stakeholders, dive shops, and government institutions to fund a daring new project.

The idea was simple: use a new technology known as BioRock (also an organization) to restore coral reefs. BioRock uses a minute electrical current that spurs faster coral growth for a variety of species.

With the project in place, local sculptors were hired to create exciting pieces of art for the new underwater coral restoration project. In 2005, Karang Lestari was up and running.

Around a decade later, the UN World Tourism Organization handed Karang Lestari an award for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism. Almost 20 years since the sculptures were first lowered into the shallow waters, many of Karang Lestari’s pieces are covered in vibrant and healthy coral, along with the fish and marine life they protect.

Is it worth visiting?

If I sound obsessed, it’s because I am.

First, because the sculptures are well-done and eye-catching. Even if they weren’t covered in lovely sea life, I’d probably check them out at a gallery.

Second, because the coral growing on these sculptures makes each artwork feel co-created by nature—and who doesn’t love mixed media art?

Third, I like the moral of this story. I personally visited Karang Lestari around ten years ago. Multiple locals involved in the project shared their stories with me. There was a palpable sense of pride in what was happening and the project’s progress.

In fact, Karang Lestari’s success has led to other projects from BioRock Indonesia. If you want to scuba in Bali (or just snorkel), I highly recommend doing so at one of the two BioRock locations on the island. Let’s dig a bit deeper into both options.

How to Visit Karang Lestari & Deus BioRock

Along with Karang Lestari, you can also visit Pejarakan Deus Biorock. Both offer sculpture parks that were built using local innovation and BioRock technology.

Karang Lestari is located in the northern district of Pemuteran. You can check it out on TripAdvisor.

Deus BioRock is located in Gili Trawangan in Pejarakan. This project uses the same BioRock technology as Karang Lestari—but it’s run and organized by different entities. Deus BioRock is named after the motorcycle and art studio that helps fund it, along with The Marine Foundation.

If you’re stuck on choosing between them, I’d say go for Karang Lestari. It’s been around a little bit longer, which means its sculptures are slightly more colorful.

Active & Retired Military: Travel Deals for Military Personnel

There are hundreds of resources available to US veterans and active military members. But they’re not always easy to find and use, especially when it comes to travel offers.

But there are plenty of resources out there designed to simplify the process of finding and using military discounts for flights, tours, hotels, and more.

You might be thinking about the Armed Forces Vacation Club or WeSalute Club (both are solid options). But there’s no need to join a formal club to access savings.

In fact, you can find dozens of offers without joining a travel group.

Below, I cover the best travel deals for military personnel.

The focus is on flights and hotels, which are usually the priciest part of booking a trip. These deals are available from official state-sponsored initiatives and informal discounts offered by leading travel brands.

Let’s dive in.

American Forces Travel: Priceline Meets the DoD

The first stop for all active and retired military members is American Forces Travel. This platform works just like any classic booking site, letting users seek out flights, car rentals, and bundled deals.

There are specific experiences available, too, including cruises and events. This makes it similar to a military travel club—aside from one primary difference.

This platform is the brainchild of the Department of Defense and Priceline’s affiliate program. (It isn’t Priceline—just a partner.) As far as I can tell, this makes it the most robust travel resource for retired and active military members, especially when it comes to flights.

But before you dive in, make sure to read the fine print on the FAQ page. Despite the diverse range of options on American Forces Travel, there seem to be quite a few terms.

Airline Discounts

Airlines (like many other US businesses) show their support for the military by offering discounts to active and retired members. You can find these using platforms like WeSalute—or you can explore for yourself using this list.

Here are the US airlines that offer discounts for active and retired military members:

American Airlines: up to 10% off international and domestic tickets
Alaska Airlines: up to 5% off international flights leaving US and Canada
Hawaiian Airlines: up to 5% off economy seats from US to Hawaii
JetBlue: up to 5% off international and domestic tickets and free phone bookings
Lufthansa: up to 5% off transatlantic flights, plus 5% discount with Austrian, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines
Southwest: Lowest fares offered to veterans and active members
United Airlines: up to 5% off international and domestic tickets

Hotel Discounts

Hotel discounts are varied. They change depending on factors like the height of the season and availability. In other words, companies might not be able to offer discounts when they’re fully booked during the 4^th of July or New Year’s Eve.

That being said, retired and active military members do have quite a few options. Here are some of the best:

Best Western: discounts for military and government personnel in US & Canada
Hilton: Hilton offers discounts to active and retired military, and military families
IHG Hotels (Intercontinental Hotel Group): This massive parent company owns brands like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, and many more. There are over 6,000 IHG hotels worldwide—most of which offer discounts to miliary members and even military families
Radisson Hotels: Radisson is part of the US’s Military 1^st Program, which means active and retired members get discounts and room upgrades

Additionally, you might want to look into resorts that are part of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers program. These are easily accessible to families of active and retired military members.

Choose from four locations:

Dragon Hill Lodge (Korea)
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (Germany)
Hale Koa Resort (Hawaii)
Shades of Green (Walt Disney World, Florida)

3 Affordable Islands You Probably Thought Were Too Expensive

Some destinations have an air about them.

That je ne sais quoi is usually closely related to a place’s atmosphere. Whether thanks to ancient history, stunning artisanal crafts, or natural wonders, some destinations are simply more memorable.

Many islands fit this bill.

But given traveling to an island requires buying a flight (or a boat) ticket, these trips are usually clumped with larger and more elaborate international trips. In other words, they don’t come around that often.

Worse, travelers might cross off certain destinations based on that air.

If an island sounds or looks too pricey, then it might get bumped from the itinerary—even if it’s not overly expensive or hard to get to.

If you’ve been dreaming of finding a secluded spot, then keep these three affordable islands on your list. Despite being highly rated and hugely popular, they won’t cost you an arm and a leg—not even on flights.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

For decades, Thailand has been a hotspot for backpackers—and much of that is thanks to its cheap hostels, affordable street food, and jaw-dropping natural wonders.

In Koh Phi Phi, all visitors need to do is find a beach and settle in.

Koh Phi Phi is known for its white sand beaches and its clear waters. Visitors have dozens of hotels to choose from—even luxury options are within reach and cost around $100 a night.

I’m talking beachfront, beach-view, Thai-style bungalows sort of luxury.

Even the flights aren’t too crazy. Because Thailand is a popular tourist destination for travelers from around the world, you can almost always find airline deals. I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn.

I recommend staying at Saii Phi Phi or Zeavola Resort.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye sits just north of Scotland—a place you might know it for its highland cow population.

The island is popular for fans of outdoor activities, golf, and Scottish culture. In terms of the great outdoors, Isle of Skye visitors usually explore Cuillin Hills and Talisker Bay, which offer lovely scenery of the coast.

Culturally speaking, guests can also explore the island’s many storied villages. The capital of Portree is home to colorful homes and charming shops, while Dunvegan Castle and Gardens takes you deep into the past during the reign of the Clan MacLeod.

As mentioned above, golf is also popular on the island. Though players will face a tough go thanks to powerful winds, they’ll be able to play in the sport’s homeland—an opportunity many golfers covet. You can look into golfing at the Isle of Skye Golf Club.

You can find affordable lodging from around $150 to $200 a night. However, flights might be pricier—especially during summer. I recommend focusing on the shoulder season in autumn to save (October and November).

Zanzibar, Tanzania

In Zanzibar, there’s no need to choose between tropical wonders and culture—visitors have access to both.

This area is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, which started attracting tourists en masse in the 1990s. The islands are home to marine life (including whales) and wild bushland that’s perfect for mini-safaris.

Zanzibar is home to two islands, Unguja (typically called Zanzibar) and Pemba.

For centuries, ports in both islands were pivotal areas for spice trade between South Asia and East Africa. The largest port is Stone Town, aka Mji Mkongwe in local Swahili.

This area has been controlled by many colonial forces, from Portugal to Oman to Britain. I suggest checking out sites like the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and Palace Museum—they’ll paint a solid picture of recent history in Zanzibar.

Hotels in Zanzibar cost less than those in Koh Phi Phi or the Isle of Skye, with highly rated and extravagant spots like Kisiwa Hotel & Resort costing around $120 a night.

However, cheap flights not be as easy to come by. Compared to Scotland and Thailand, East Africa is a bit further off the well-traversed paths. Consider booking in summer, when prices are cheapest.

If you’re heading to Zanzibar, I suggest staying at Kisiwa Hotel & Resort or Tembo House Hotel.

Missed a Connecting Flight? Here’s What to Do

Imagine racing through the airport, dodging other travelers while dragging a heavy suitcase behind you.

You’re arms are getting heavy, your lungs are burning.

This is not a relaxing start to your Oahu escape—

But if you don’t make it from Terminal A to Terminal C in the next ten minutes, you’re about to miss that connecting flight to Hawaii.

Unfortunately, the experience of running (or sprinting) to a gate is one of the most stressful situations a traveler can face. Unfortunately, it’s one that they might also be helpless to prevent.

As many people have noticed, airports and airlines seem prone to great delays since the lockdown ended in late 2020. Even customs lines have gotten longer.

Missing connecting flights is a greater risk than ever before, especially as travelers look to cut down on costs by booking flights with multiple airlines.

So what do you do when the worst happens at the airport? Here’s what the experts say you should do if you missed a connecting flight.

Missing a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation

The most common reason that travelers miss connecting flights is due to airline delays.

These are often caused when companies reschedule pilots, look into mechanical problems, and manage air carrier delays.

If you missed a connecting flight due to the airline, buckle up and be patient.

You’ll likely need to wait in line to speak with an attendant who can rebook your flight with the same airline or a partner airline. I recommend burying your frustration deep inside at this time.

First, airline employees tend to face a lot of anger when delays happen, and a little kindness can go a long way in getting you a new flight (and maybe some good seats). They might also hand over a few added vouchers.

Second, (as of June 2024) the US doesn’t legally require airlines to reschedule your flight based on delays that were also outside of their control. The game of appeasement might be your only option.

(This could change soon—keep reading for more information.)

Missing a connecting flight due to weather

If your flight is delayed due to inclement weather, and this leads to you missing a connecting flight, then the airline will once again reschedule your flight.

However, they probably won’t offer any vouchers like they would in case of airline delays.

If you need to stay the night at a hotel, then you’ll be paying out of pocket. The same for any meals bought between landing at the airport and your rescheduled flight.

This is a common reason that travelers purchase insurance for their slights, as those with a policy would have their hotel and meals covered.

Missing a connecting flight due to a mistake

If you fell asleep in a massage chair or booked too tight of a connecting flight, then the waters get a little muddy. Airlines aren’t obligated to help you out, and you’ll likely face added charges when rebooking a flight.

There are a few varying pieces of advice on what to do in this case. Once more, you’ll need to dig deep to hide your frustrations—a smile and an understanding attitude in this case will go a long way.

Some experts advise heading straight to the customer service counter to ask (very politely and with great deference to your mistake) what can be done. At best, you’ll need to pay the ticket difference for the next flight from the same airline.

But, at worst, you’ll need to fully rebook the flight and pay the entire ticket cost up-front. If this scenario has your stomach in knots, then, once again, travel insurance is probably right for you.

Getting compensation for flight delays

As mentioned above, the US has had a real ‘Wild West’ approach to its airlines.

They aren’t legally required to compensate passengers for missed flights—even when the airline caused the delay.

Thankfully, the US Department of Transportation is now proposing legislation that will change this.

The idea is that airlines should be held responsible if they cause major delays for passengers. At the moment, however, airlines are still legally allowed to change their schedules as needed—which gives you little legal recourse.

In the future, US flyers might have more options for defending their rights with airlines. The Biden-Harris administration recently ruled that US airlines must compensate passengers who miss flights with cash—not meal or hotel vouchers.

I’d also like to point out that anyone with a connecting flight in Europe, the UK, and Canada has other rights. In the EU, airlines that cause delays of over three hours must compensate passengers—but passengers must apply for that compensation.

I’ve personally used AirHelp to get compensation for missed and delayed flights across Europe. All I did was send over my tickets, information about the delays, and how it impacted my overall trip. I’ve received hundreds in compensation each time.

If you faced any troubles with delays at European airports, I suggest you look into whether you could have your full or partial ticket price refunded.

Tips on preventing missed flights

Obviously, nobody plans on missing a connecting flight. But if you want to exercise a little more caution, here are a few tips.

Avoid booking flights with multiple airlines. It’s incredibly difficult to get compensation for missed flights, even due to delays or weather.
Give yourself plenty of time to make connecting flights when booking. If you’re using an agent, feel free to push back if they want you to take a short connecting time.
Know your rights with each airline, along with each country.
Have a solid plan when it comes to your luggage. If you need to repack at the last minute or if you go through security too slowly, you could face delays.
If you’re heading to Europe and need to go through customs, give yourself plenty of time. Americans now share this line with UK travelers.

Cajun Recommendations: Honey Island Swamp Tour

Swamps are cool—even if they’re treated like the ugly stepchild of the natural world.

Though not quite as grand as a mountain range or as colorful as a forest in autumn, swamps are endlessly intriguing and ecologically important.

The United States is also rich in swamps—especially the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana’s bayous are habitats for diverse plant and animal species, from alligators to monarch butterflies. Swamps also work overtime to do things like suck up carbon from the atmosphere, filter and purify water, and provide flood control and storm protection.

I’ve even visited man-made swamps that were built to help purify dark water (that’s all the nasty stuff we flush down the toilet). The swamps filter the water, which then flows into wetlands.

These wetlands attract rare birds—enough so that these constructed wetlands have become hot spots for bird watchers.

Have I sold you on the humble swamp yet?

If you’re answer is no, then perfect. I don’t have the time or expertise to change your mind about swamps—but Dr. Paul Wagner of Honey Island does. And he wants to take you from the streets of New Orleans into America’s wildest swamp.

Enter Honey Island

Between the East and West Pearl Rivers lies Honey Island, a stretch of swamp named for its once numerous honey bee population.

Not only is this swamp home to rich fauna, including cypress trees, swamp mahogany, and mangroves but also dozens of animals.

Honey Island visitors have seen creatures like red wolves, deer, alligators (by the thousands), and even something called a Florida cougar. (I guess this one is the only one to make it west of the Mississippi.)

As outlined up top, birds are also really comfortable in swamps thanks to their nutrient-rich waters. For over a century, bald eagles have nested in Honey Island. But that’s just one of hundreds of rare species that await you in the swamp.

I suggest keeping a lookout for egrets, herons, storks, osprey, and more.

Dr. Wagner’s take on Honey Island

Honey Island is a prime spot to experience the wonders and wilderness of a swamp. But it’s accessible to just about anyone who’s heading into New Orleans.

As far as I’m aware, Dr. Wagner’s Swamp Tour is the only one that offers a bus pickup and drop-off from New Orleans.

In addition to the ease of transportation, this tour is popular thanks to Dr. Wagner’s years of experience. Not only is he a qualified ecologist with a (hardcore) passion for protecting this swamp, but he’s been perfecting his tour since it first launched in1982.

Here’s why I think Dr. Wagner’s tour is worth your time and money.

The company uses small boats. This protects the swamp while also offering visitors a very up-close look at flora and fauna.
All guides are licensed, meaning you’ll learn intriguing and memorable facts about Honey Island.
The company meets animal welfare guidelines, so you don’t need to worry about negatively affecting the ecosystem.
There’s a Big Foot factor in there—and who doesn’t love the chance to possibly spot a cryptid?

Reviews for Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tour

Here’s the rub—I don’t think Dr. Wagner hosts any of the tours anymore. That’s not a red flag to me. If he launched the tour in 1982, then he would have been due for retirement a few years back.

I also haven’t been able to find more on Paul Wagner’s doctorate degree, though he’s listed as an ecologist in a few articles.

That being said, based on reading dozens of reviews of the tour, people love Honey Island’s current tour guides. Both the group and private tours are highly rated, with frequent shout-outs to Captain Hunter and Captain Kyle.

I think the better question is, if you’re heading to New Orleans, why wouldn’t you go on the tour? (I swear I’m not being paid by Honey Island—I really do just love swamps.)

If you’re interested, you can book straight through TripAdvisor.

Not only do you get an up-close look at one of the world’s coolest and funkiest environments, but you’ll also get to see prehistoric lizards and exotic birds.