Web Banner: Guaita Tower, San Marino, Italy

You are here

LORD OF THE COINS | Where to travel based on your LOTR archetype

15th September 2022

 

Hello there (hobbit? elf? dwarf? orc?) traveller!

Please fasten your seatbelts and make sure you’ve stored your trays in an upright position.
We’re about to journey to your dream destination.

Film stills from Lord of the Rings.

 

This world is vast.
It’s wild and majestic.
And there are as many ways to explore it as there are people.

To help you find a journey that aligns with your personality, we’ve grouped together a few archetypes inspired by Tolkien’s Middle-earth races.

Of course, to make things more interesting, these aren’t all going to be the usual destinations you might expect from a story inspired by medieval Europe, nor will they be based on filming locations in New Zealand – there are a thousand other articles for that (including our Hobbit’s Guide to New Zealand – coming soon!).

And it’s not going to be rigidly canonical either, so settle down there Tolkienite.

This list is 100% based on pure vibe alone, for a little bit of fun on your September afternoon.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Hobbits – Destinations for the cottagecore traveller.

 

The Hobbit Archetype: Playful | Peace-loving | Pleasure-seeking

Ahhh idyllic little hobbits with their idyllic little lives. They have a very important lesson to teach us about appreciating the little moments, finding contentment and peace in the now, and romanticising a simple life lived in harmony with the natural world.

For you cottagecore dreamers, here are two destinations that harness the natural beauty of nature, where you too could live out the rest of your life in blissful contentment:

 

#1 Turf-roofed Village of Mikladalur, Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands

 

Might I entice you with a little grass-roofed home on an island far away from the rat race? 
Between snow-capped mountain peaks and sheer seaside cliffs, little homes with little grass roofs are nestled deep into the lush green valleys of the remote Faroe Islands.  Many of the homes in this Nordic archipelago use the traditional “sod” roofing technique, which protects the charming dwellings from nearly 300 days of rain per year. 

Hobbit-y travellers will love the fairytale villages on Faroe Islands, and for the more Tookish of hobbits there’s much to explore, with dramatic waterfalls, unique wildlife (including cute little puffins!), as well as views of the spectacular Aurora Borealis. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To travel to the Faroe Islands, you can take one of the two currencies used on the islands! The Faroese use both the Danish Krone (DKK) and the Faroese Króna (FOK). We recommend taking and using Danish Krone (DKK) as it’s much easier to exchange, and can be used or exchanged with ease once back in mainland Scandinavia and Europe. Learn more about the Danish Krone here.

 

#2 Canal Village of Giethoorn, Netherlands

 

Rivers > Roads. When I was little, I always dreamed of having rivers instead of roads. It just made sense to me. All I wanted was a world in harmony with nature, filled with crystal clear water and no pollution. Turns out, the brilliant architects and civil planners of the Netherlands were leagues ahead of me, bringing the same dream to life with their canal village of Giethoorn. Little thatch-roofed homes surrounded with flowers are connected by watery routes and picturesque bridges – with most of the village only accessible by foot or by boat.

It’s perfectly charming, and perfectly attuned to a hobbit’s peace-loving temperament.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

Nearby, there’s also the gorgeous medieval port city of Zwolle, and of course no trip to the Netherlands is complete without visiting Amsterdam. You’ll need to stock up on Euros to visit the Netherlands.
Learn more about budgeting for Europe here.

Dwarves – Destinations for the treasure-seeker.

 

The Dwarf Archetype: Strong-willed | Passionate | Dedicated


Tolkien’s dwarves underwent a dramatic character arc from silly, lazy villains to brilliant artisans dedicated to their craft, who possess a deep sense of pride for their heritage and family lineage. There were several destinations dwarves might love – one in particular that came to mind was the Mexico’s Cave of the Crystals in Naica. Unfortunately, the stunning selenite monoliths are not exactly hospitable to humans. The air temp is about 50 degrees Celsius, and humidity at nearly 100% - so humid, in fact, that if you linger too long fluids might condense inside your lungs. Not exactly what we want. 

So, my dwarven friend, instead, might I interest you in these spectacular locations:


#1 Pulpí Geode, Spain

 

In an abandoned silver mine on the northern Almeria coast, exists the largest accessible geode in the world. Geodes are basically the Kinder Surprise of rocks – crack it open and you’ll find a jewelled delight. The Pulpí Geode just happens to be mammoth enough for humans to crawl around inside. If you too love all things crystals and gemstones, this 60,000+ year old cavern of gypsum and celestine is not to be missed. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To visit the Pulpí Geode (located in Mina Rica), you’ll need tickets. It costs €22 euros for admission. In Spain, cash is still king. Find our Spain Travel Money Guide here.

 

#2 Pounamu Country in Hokitika, New Zealand

 

Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, is a beautiful and vibrant gemstone (or technically, several gemstones) found only on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a stone steeped in Māori legend with treasured spiritual significance, and is a strong stone renowned for its beauty. The Māori have been carving this precious gem since as early as the twelfth century for tools, weapons, ornaments and ceremony, and it’s regarded as taonga – a prized possession and an honour to receive.

For the dwarves who seek a more cultural experience, visit the pounamu lapidaries and jade carving studios in Hokitika on New Zealand’s South Island and learn how to create your own design under the guidance of traditional artisans.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To visit New Zealand you’ll need to take New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Both cash and prepaid travel card (like our Currency Pass!) are recommended – while card is widely accepted, EFTPOS can be spotty in the rural areas so it’s always good to have some cash. PS tap and go isn’t really a thing in NZ so make sure you insert your card. Find our Travel Money Guide to New Zealand here

Elves – Destinations for the spiritual voyager.

 

The Elf Archetype: Graceful | Wise | Mystical

Ahhh the ethereal elves. Tolkien’s favourites. As you might know, the Lord of the Rings trilogy came about long after Tolkien wrote his first elvish fairy stories. They embody beauty, wisdom, grace, and basically, perfection and all we should aspire to.

Of course, there are several places steeped in elvish myth to travel to – from the Celtic myths in Ireland and Scotland, to paying homage to the elves of Scandinavia (with a special shout-out to Iceland). You might even consider the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia as having a rather elvish aura. All of course, beautiful destinations.

However, I’d also like to propose the following: 

 

#1 Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal

 

Quinta da Regaleira exists on the eccentric side of mystical. This neo-gothic mansion is as intriguing as it is beautiful – with secret passages, esoteric symbols, and masonry, a Knights Templar initiation well, and a spiral staircase that winds down to a sanctum designed for tarot rituals. 

This romantic and whimsical palace seems fitting for an elf, with moss-covered stone columns embellished with delicate details. The architecture is otherworldly, and ever-so-slightly reminiscent of Rivendell.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

If you decide to visit Quinta da Regaleira on your way to the Undying Lands, you’ll need to exchange your elvish silver for Euros (remembering that Portugal is a cash-centric country). Find our Travel Money Guide to Portugal here.

 

#2 Stargazing at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

 

“But Ancient Egyptian monuments and temples in all their gilded magnificence are far bolder than the subtle, shimmering ethereality of elvish kingdoms,” I hear you cry.

And I hear you, I do. I’m not too proud to admit that Egypt is a peculiar choice for elves - it has a vastly different mythology, climate and culture to what Tolkien envisioned. But hear me out: elves are really old, and they really like stars.

If elves existed in our world, the perhaps they’d be nostalgic from ages of the past – and Egypt is home to the only Wonder of the Ancient World that still exists today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. Elves are also deeply associated with starlight, and Ancient Egyptians had the same reverence of stars – with the three pyramids of Giza representing and aligning with the stars in Orion’s Belt. Egypt is the perfect place for an elf to lose oneself in starlit reverie. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

The national currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), however it’s difficult to come by before you depart. The Great British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR) and United States Dollar (USD) are accepted pretty much everywhere, so we recommend taking one those currencies depending on where you’re travelling from and to – change however, might be given in EGP. Remember, Egypt is a predominantly cash country, just make sure to keep it safe and secured on you at all times.  Learn more here

Man – Destinations for the intrepid traveller.

 

The Man Archetype: Valiant | Honourable | Righteous

Us, but better. If you’ve decided that after all, the race you identify with most is mankind, then here are a couple destinations you might feel a particular affinity with:

#1 GONDOR: Guaita Fortress, San Marino, Italy.

 

While the LOTR films used Mont Saint Michelle as the inspiration behind Minas Tirith, according to a map drawn by Tolkien himself (which was sold for £137,000 by Blackwell’s Rare Books to Bodleian Libraries in the University of Oxford), Gondor was inspired by the Italian town Ravenna. Nearby, in San Marino, is the cliffside fortress Guaita Tower, which one could very well imagine to be the fictional Gondor.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

Italy, of course, uses the euro (EUR). Take both cash and Currency Pass prepaid travel card for your adventures around Italia! Find our Italy Travel Money Guide here

 

#2 ROHAN: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador.

 

Wild horses running free through endless expanse, with snow-capped peaks in the distance? Seems about as Rohan as it could get. The wild horses often graze around Laguna Limpiopungo, and you can also hike up to the summit of Cotopaxi volcano (it is active and last erupted in 2015) – it’s a strenuous hike so make sure you have acclimatised first and have all your safety measures in place.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

You might be surprised to know that Ecuador is one of three countries that uses United States Dollar (USD)! Take cash in small notes, and take a prepaid Currency Pass travel money card for when you’re in larger cities. How much money do you need to travel South America? Find out here

Orcs – Destinations for the thrill-seeking adventurer.

 

The Orc Archetype: Bold | Daring | Adventurous

“But who would identify with an orc?” I hear you ask. Good question. But hear me out.
It’s a hot take, but orcs are kind of jocks, no?

 

They’re a bit brutish, sure, but also very orderly and work surprisingly well as a team to get things done for their coach (Sauron) while also scrambling for power within a hierarchical system. They’re also physically fit and agile, fearless in adverse conditions, and (conveniently forgetting the fact that they’re violently oppressive villains with a terribly tragic backstory), love a good expedition. 

So, treating orcs as jock energy, where would you go if you were brave, strong, ambitious, adventurous, thrive in volcanic climates, and dare-I-say rugged?*  

*Please note, for legal purposes this is a joke.

 

#1 Door To Hell, Darvaza, Turkmenistan

 

The Door To Hell. Aptly named. Located in the Karakum Desert of central Turkmenistan, this fiery chasm has been burning for half a century. This hellish gateway was an accidental man-made creation – Soviet geologists were seeking natural gas reserves, but their equipment was too heavy and the cavernous pocket of natural gas collapsed beneath them. To fix the issue of the gas killing natural wildlife in the area, they set it ablaze hoping to burn it all out. Unfortunately, they didn’t realise just how much gas there was, and it’s been burning ever since. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination; however, earlier this year Turkmenistan’s leader ordered experts to figure out a way to extinguish the Door to Hell, so it won’t look like the gateway to Mordor for much longer.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

The currency for Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistani Manat (TMT). It’s not a readily accessible currency, so if you’re thinking of going off the beaten path to pay Mordor a visit, take brand new US dollars in small denominations.

 

#2 Kīlauea Volcano, Big Island, Hawai’i

 

Feeling daring and adventurous? Another, more accessible fiery expedition for you fearsome, fearless orcs would be seeing Kīlauea Volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s the most active volcano on the planet, and is in a near-constant state of eruption. In 2018, the volcano had a major eruption, but the island’s tourism has bounced back. Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to go on a helicopter tour over the volcano to see the glowing rivers of molten lava flowing from above. The experience is breathtaking, thrilling and surreal. Definitely give it a go if you get the chance. But don’t take any lava rocks as souvenirs, lest you incur the wrath of the passionate volcano goddess Pele. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

Hawai’i became the 50th state of the USA in 1959, and uses the US dollar. Take both cash and your Currency Pass – most places take card, but you’ll want cash for the delicious local fruit stands, beachside stalls, and for tipping. Find our ultimate guide to budgeting for the USA here.

Trolls – Destinations for the hikers and the foodies.

 

The Troll Archetype: Goofy | Foodie | Nature-loving

Ah, loveable hungry oafs. I love them. A bit of comic relief. The depiction of trolls (in the Hobbit, at least), serves for a bit of amusement as well as another challenge for the heroes of his stories to overcome. Of course, not all trolls are the kind depicted by Sir Peter Jackson to have cockney accents and a good sense of humour, but that’s the kind we’re rolling with. 

If you too feel akin to these nature-dwelling foodies, here are a couple of destinations you might enjoy:

 

#1 Trolltunga, Norway

 

Of course, to pay homage to troll culture, it’d be best to visit the Germanic and Scandinavian countries where trolls feature heavily in the mythology. Norway in particular has a number of places named after trolls – from Trollveggen to Trollstigen, and of course, Trolltunga.

Trolltunga has become immensely popular as a hiking destination due to the jaw dropping ledge overlooking the stunning fjords. Trolltunga means “Troll’s Tongue” and it pokes out precariously over a 1km drop. Be very careful if you do bravely venture out- there has been at least one recorded accidental death on this ledge, so make sure to follow all safety precautions and go with a guided group.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

If you’re trekking to Trolltunga, you’ll want to take some Norwegian Krone (NOK) with you on your journey. Learn more here.

 

#2 Bavaria, Germany


 
Of course, I’m not one to judge, but I am really hoping that unlike trolls you prefer not to consume man-flesh as part of your diet. But being troll-adjacent you’ll probably be craving some comfort food! Enter Bavaria: a land of culinary delights. From strudels to pretzels to all manner of schnitzels and sausages, this is the capital of Germanic comfort food that would satiate even a troll’s appetite. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To eat your heart out, you’ll need to pay up in Euros (EUR). Cash used to reign supreme in Germany, but as the years start coming (and they don’t stop coming), card is becoming more widely accepted. Take both! For more info, read our Germany Travel Guide here.

Ents – Destinations for the nature-lover.

 

The Ent Archetype: Nature-loving | Activist | Value-driven

A little bit grumpy, but rightfully so, the ents gave a voice to Tolkien’s love of the natural world. It’s well documented that Tolkien... well, he spent a lot of time describing trees. Humanising them was an act of environmentalism to fight against the industrialism that was rife at the time, and his ents were willing to die for their cause: preserving the wilderness in its wild and natural form.

So if you’re an ent, you probably share these beliefs. And now, more than ever, we need to protect our natural wilderness. 

Here are a couple of destinations where the forests are wild and need protecting:

 

#1 Yakushima Island, Japan

 

Japan has a spiritual heart. The many temples and shrines dotted across Japan’s numerous islands revere deities inseparably linked with the natural world. And when you step into the ancient forests and breathe in the air so rich in mystery, and see first-hand the magnitude of the moss-covered, thousand-year-old trees, it is easy to understand why.

Yakushima is the home of forest spirits, who dwell in yakisugi trees – cedar trees that are at least 1000 years old. The most ancient yakusugi trees are potentially more than 7000 years old. It’s a site of pilgrimage for any wilderness-loving ent.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To travel Japan, you’ll need Japanese Yen (JPY)! Cash is the main form of currency in Japan, but card is becoming more welcomed in the bigger cities. Make sure to take cash for all your day-to-day activities, but load up your Currency Pass with yen for your bigger transactions. Not sure how much Japanese yen to take? Find out here.

 

#2 Rainforests of Borneo

 

Borneo is a nature-lover's paradise. From pygmy elephants to sun bears; the Sumatran rhino and clouded leopards; gibbons, macaques, red-leaf monkeys, tarsiers, and of course the orangutan; Borneo is home to a dizzying array of wildlife. And at 130 million years old, the Borneo Rainforest is one of the oldest forests in the world.

If you’re an ent looking to both travel and leave the world in a better place, perhaps try some eco-volunteer programmes in Borneo. This spectacular island is being devastated by land clearing and deforestation, and could use an ent or two to help!

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

Borneo is part Malaysian, part Indonesian, and part Brunei. As such, you’ll need to take either the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), or the Brunei dollar (BND), depending on where you’ll be going. In all these countries, you’ll want to take cash. Learn more about travelling South East Asia here.

Wizards – Destinations for the esoteric explorer.


The Wizard Archetype: Eccentric | Wise | Spiritual

Wizards are an odd bunch. There are only five of them in the series, and two of them are barely mentioned at all. We have only Gandalf the Grey (slash White), Saruman the White, and Radagast the Brown to go by really, and even then, Radagast is mostly vibing with the woodland creatures. Which leaves Gandalf and Saruman as our archetypical wizards – ancient, a little bit eccentric, very devoted to their respective causes (good or evil), and full of spiritual wisdom.

If you too are an esoteric traveller seeking a more profound experience, here are a couple destinations for you:


#1 Istanbul, Turkey


Istanbul has been a city of many empires. From the Roman and Byzantine period, the Ottoman period, to the Republic period, this magnificent city has seen more power and beauty than most. Turkey itself is a treasure trove of wonders – from architectural gems, to intricate artisanship, to rich culture. While Tolkien was famously Catholic, Sufi mysticism might be of particular interest for the wizardly-inclined. You might have heard of Sufism through philosopher, Islamic theologian and Sufi mystic Rumi’s poems on universal love and divine devotion. For a wizard, a Rumi-inspired pilgrimage from Istanbul to Konya to Cappadocia might be pipeweed for the soul. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

In Turkey, you'll be using the Turkish Lira (TRY). Euros are accepted in tourist areas; however, you'll get a much better deal using Lira. You may also see a lot of prices advertised in USD. If you're joining a tour, many companies will require payment in USD, so be sure to check before you leave. Find our Turkey travel money guide here.

 

#2 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

 

Another ancient site for the wizard to discover is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. From journeying through the Sacred Valley, paying respects to Pachamama (Mother Earth) with an Andean priest, and visiting sacred temples on the holy mountains, this pilgrimage is deeply spiritual in nature.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

In Peru, you'll be using the Peruvian Sol (PEN). You’ll need to take cash if you’re visiting Peru, so either grab some Peruvian Sol, or exchange your Aussie Dollars (AUD) for crispy American Dollars (USD) and exchange to Peruvian Sols (PEN) when you get there. Find our Travel Money Tips for South America here.

Gollum – Destinations for the goblincore escapist.

 

If you’re anything like me, then you probably spend a little too much time daydreaming about going feral in the woods. Or sea cave. Mountainous region perhaps? Anywhere with access to a natural spring or waterfall and I would be happy devolve into a cryptid the townsfolk tell cautionary tales about.

Now, many of you might disagree with my hypothesis that Gollum has goblin energy due to the term “goblin.”  However, I believe that if we’re speaking sheerly in vibe, then Gollum epitomises that goblincore energy – existing on the feral side of the fairy-tale spectrum and obsessed with trinkets and treasures. 

If you’ve decided to forsake modern society and go full goblin-mode, then these are the destinations for you:

#1 Fingal’s Cave, Staffa, Scotland

 

This mystical sea cave is perfect for the gremlin escapist who loves to dabble in a little bit of fantasy. The unique geological structure of the basalt stone, almost hexagonal in shape, is a wonder of ancient Celtic legend in Scottish and Irish mythology. Known as Uamh-Binn, translating roughly to Cave of Melody, the story goes that this cave is part of the bridge built by an Irish Giant who came to Scotland to fight is arch-rival. Cave of Melody is an apt name too, because the unique structure creates harmonic echoes so beautiful it inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s Helbrides Overture, as well as one of Pink Floyd’s early unreleased songs which is named after the cave. 

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency

To travel to this uninhabited island in Scotland, you’ll need Great British Pounds (GBP) in both cash and on your Currency Pass. Fun fact: on the new polymer GBP £20 banknote features Romantic Artist JMW Turner, who painted this cave in his work Staffa, Fingal’s Cave in the 1830s. Find our UK travel money guide here

 

#2 Blue Grotto, Malta

 

For you Gollum-esque creatures who prefer more balmy weather, might I interest you in Malta’s Blue Grotto? Malta is rising in popularity but is still off the well-beaten tourist trails in Europe, and has so many riches to offer. This gorgeous grotto in particular glows vivid azure blue when the sunshine hits the white sandy seafloor, and the cave walls reflect the vibrant colours of the underwater flora. Make sure you visit from morning to noon during summer if you want to experience the full effects of this magical sea cave.

TRAVEL MONEY TIP: Currency
Once upon a time, not too long ago, the chief currency was the Maltese Lira! Now, Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Both cash and card are accepted, so make sure to load up your Currency Pass with Euros and take some cash too! 

No matter where you are adventuring across (middle) earth, we've got you covered with all your foreign cash and travel card needs!

 

Want more LOTR content?

Read the other two blogs in our Lord of the Coins trilogy!

PART I: Everything Money in Middle-earth

PART III: A Hobbit's Guide To New Zealand

 

DISCLAIMER: No hobbits were harmed in the making of this blog. If my hot takes were too spicy for you to handle and I have caused offense to your delicate sensitivities, I apologise. Truly, I meant no ill-will. Tolkien is a king - just take this as an avant-garde interpretation of his works. Of course, none of this blog is Tolkien lore or associated with any of the productions, writings or reimaginings owned by the Tolkien estate in any way - it is purely for humour, parody, and light-hearted entertainment. On a more serious note: This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

REFERENCES

LORE

Dickerson, M and Evans, J. (2006). Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of JRR Tolkien. University Press of Kentucky. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_environmental_sciences/6/
Malespin, Roger. (2018). Lord of the Rings: 15 things you didn’t know about Gondor. Screen Rant. https://screenrant.com/lord-of-the-rings-gondor-facts-trivia-secrets/
Reddit Thread /r/TolkienFans: (2013). What is the significance of stars in the Legendarium? Reddit. Accessed September 2022. https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/1jyhg0/on_stars/

BORNEO

Natural World Safaris. (Accessed 2022). Discover the Unique Borneo Rainforest. https://www.naturalworldsafaris.com/asia/borneo/information/borneo-rainf...
Responsible Travel. (Accessed 2022). Volunteering in Borneo Guide. https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/volunteering-in-borneo/travel...

ECUADOR

Drake, Angela. (2021). A Guide to Discovering Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/ecuador/articles/a-guide-to-dis...
Jared, Jon. (Accessed 2022). Ecuador Currency & Money. Happy Gringo. https://happygringo.com/blog/ecuador-currency/

EGYPT

Betz, Eric. (2021). Are the Egyptian pyramids aligned with the stars? Astronomy. https://astronomy.com/news/2021/02/are-the-egyptian-pyramids-aligned-wit...
Canadian Museum of History. (Accessed 2022). Mysteries of Egypt: Astronomy. Egyptian Civilization Sciences. https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egcs03e.html#:~...
GCTN Africa. (2020). NASA researchers think Egyptian pyramids may align with ancient star. https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/01/09/nasa-researchers-think-egyptian-pyram...
Sparks, Thom. (2019). Travel Hacks: Navigating Egyptian Markets. Travel Money Oz. https://www.travelmoneyoz.com/blog/destination-essentials/travel-hacks-n...

FAROE ISLANDS

A, Adeel. (Accessed 2022). Mikladalur Travel Guide. Guide to Faroe Islands. https://guidetofaroeislands.fo/travel-faroe-islands/drive/mikladalur/
CNT Editors. (2021). 18 Reasons to Visit the Faroe Islands. Conde Nast Traveller. https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/reasons-to-visit-the-faroe-islands
Smith, Ian. (2016). Faroe Island’s Fairy Hourses – The ancient Turf Roof Dwellings on the rainy island are just magic. The Vintage News. https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/01/15/45613/?edg-c=1

HAWAII

Adventure In Hawaii. (2022). Kilauea Volcano Unveiled. https://adventureinhawaii.com/big-island/kilauea-volcano/
Batten, Chelsea. (2019). Understanding the Volcano Tourism Industry in Hawaii. The Manual. https://www.themanual.com/travel/hawaii-volcano-tourism-industry/
Beal, Sheila. (Accessed 2022) Hawaii tips & tricks – keep cash on hand. Go Visit Hawaii. https://www.govisithawaii.com/2018/11/06/hawaii-tips-tricks-keep-cash-on...
Roberts Hawaii. (Accessed 2022). The Legend Behind Hawaii’s Goddess of Fire. https://www.robertshawaii.com/blog/legend-behind-hawaiis-goddess-fire/
Skyline Hawaii Tours. (2022). How Hawaii Became a State. https://www.skylinehawaii.com/blog/how-hawaii-became-a-state

ITALY

The Local Italy. (2015).  Map shows Italian city inspired Tolkien town. https://www.thelocal.it/20151028/map-shows-italian-city-inspired-tolkein...
Tyler, Anna. (2015). Annotated map of Middle Earth reveals Tolkien was inspired by Ravenna. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/annotated-map-of-middle-earth-reveals-...

JAPAN

Japan Guide. (Accessed 2022). Yakushima. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4650.html
Yanagihara, Hanya. (2018). A Real-Life Enchanted Forest. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/17/t-magazine/yakushima-japan-hayao-miya...

MALTA

Malta Uncovered. (Accessed 2022). The Blue Grotto: Getting there and hopping on a boat trip. https://www.maltauncovered.com/best-places-to-visit-attractions/blue-gro...

MEXICO

Mancini, Mark. (2021). Mexico’s Giant Crystal Cave is Beautiful but Deadly. How Stuff Works. https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/mexico-gia...

NETHERLANDS

Atkinson, Kristy. (Accessed 2022). The Truth About Visiting Giethoorn. Tassie Devil Abroad. https://tassiedevilabroad.com/truth-about-visiting-giethoorn/
Kayak. (Accessed 2022). Zwolle Travel Guide. https://www.kayak.com.au/Zwolle.14357.guide

NEW ZEALAND

Text Book Travel. (Accessed 2022). Top 10 Artisans of the World. https://www.textbooktravel.com/top-10-artisans-of-the-world/
Wells, Gordon. (2012). Hokitika Jade Country – Greenstone Capital of New Zealand. Jade Country. http://www.jadecountry.co.nz/
West Coast New Zealand. (2022). Hokitika. https://westcoast.co.nz/visit/about/west-coast-regions/jade-country-hoki...

PERU

Elferink, Jan. (2015). The Inca Healer: Empirical medical knowledge and magic in pre-Columbian Peru. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282353034_The_Inca_healer_Empir...
Spirit of Peru Retreat. (Accessed 2022). Inca Trail Pilgrimage. https://www.spiritofperuretreat.com/inca-trail-pilgrimage.html
Wolfgang von Hagen, Victor. (2021). Inca Religion. Britannica Encyclopedia. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Inca-religion

SCOTLAND

Atlas Obscura. (2011). Fingal’s Cave. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/fingal-s-cave

PORTUGAL

The Crazy Tourist. (Accessed 2022). 15 Best Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal). https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-sintra-portugal/
Sintra-Portugal.com. (2022). Sintra, Portugal; a tourism guide for 2022. https://www.sintra-portugal.com/index.html

SPAIN

Atlas Obscura. (Accessed 2022). Geoda de Pulpi (Pulpi Geode). https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pulpi-geode
Monterrubio, Kevin George. (Accessed 2022). Pulpi Geode or Giant Geode. Andalucia. https://www.andalucia.com/province/almeria/pulpi/geode
Spain Official Tourism Site. (Accessed 2022). Money: How can you pay in Spain? https://www.spain.info/en/travel-tips/coins-banknotes/#:~:text=In%20Spai...

TURKEY

Arcadia Expeditions. (Accessed 2022). Turkey: Rumi and the World of Mystical Sufism. https://www.arcadiaexpeditions.com/expeditions/turkey-rumi-and-the-world...
Cakirtas, Zafer. (2019). The Mystical World’s Capital Istanbul. Global Tourism Forum. https://www.globaltourismforum.org/blog/2019/11/22/the-mystical-worlds-c...
Turkish Travel Blog. (Accessed 2022). The Sufi Mystic Experience and Rumi. https://turkishtravelblog.com/sufi-mystic-rumi-sufism/

TURKMENISTAN

Agence France-Presse in Ashgabat. (2022). Turkmenistan plans to extinguish vast gas crater fire dubbed ‘Gateway to Hell’. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/08/turkmenistan-plans-to-exti...
Blumenkranz, Steve and White, John. (2021). How to visit the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan. Caravanistan. https://caravanistan.com/turkmenistan/door-hell-darwaza-gas-crater/
Geiling, Natasha. (2014). This Hellish Desert Pit Has Been On Fire For More Than 50 Years. Smithsonian. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/giant-hole-ground-has-been-fire-mo...