Photo credit: Istanbul MIR travel
On the Road with MIR
Hear Directly from MIR Travel Experts as They Share Stories, Discoveries, and Inspiration from the Road
At MIR, we believe that the best journeys begin with personal experience. That’s why our team of travel experts regularly sets out to explore the destinations we offer, uncovering the rich histories and distinctive experiences that define each place. From the enchanting highlands of Poland’s Tatra Mountains to the ancient archaeological wonders of Türkiye, our travels fuel our passion and sharpen our expertise. Follow us to discover what it truly means to be on the road with MIR.
Whether it’s savoring local delicacies in Croatia, marveling at architectural feats in Azerbaijan, or experiencing the vast landscapes of Mongolia, our recent adventures are filled with the insights and encounters that will shape your next remarkable journey. Join us as we share the stories and discoveries from our latest travels, designed to ignite your wanderlust and help you imagine your next great adventure.
1. Joanna’s Polish Odyssey
This July, my extended family and I visited Kościelisko in the Tatra Mountains of southern Poland. We rented a traditional Highlander-style house, embodying the unique Zakopane architecture. This style is inspired by the folk art and architecture of Poland’s Podhale region. It was conceived in the 1890s by architect Stanisław Witkiewicz. Zakopane style blends wooden framing with reinforced stone structures, typical of Polish Highlander (Górale) homes. It also incorporates traditional folk motifs with elements of Art Nouveau.
The Górale culture in Zakopane and the Podhale region is truly unmatched. The Górale have a strong sense of community, speak a unique dialect, and proudly wear traditional dress on holidays and Sundays. The regional cuisine is equally distinguished, shaped by the hardy mountain fields. Local favorites include moskole (boiled potato pancakes), sheep cheeses like oscypek, hearty stews, and fresh trout from the mountain rivers. While the High Tatras are across the border in Slovakia, we were able to enjoy the most breathtaking views of the Tatras from Zakopane and the surrounding areas. The scenery is truly stunning.
I chose the Podhale region for our family vacation for another reason: my daughter has developed a deep interest in Polish folk culture. There is no better place in Poland to experience this rich tradition in every aspect of life than the Zakopane region.
You can experience rich traditions and landscapes of Poland on trips like Christmas Traditions of Poland, Essential Poland, or Design Your Own Trip.
2. Doug’s Journey Through Turkiye
I recently spent a few days in Turkiye as an invited guest of Turkish Airlines to attend a dinner hosted by the chairman of the airline, and also to see some new cultural sites that the Department of Tourism is excited about and which were new to me. Turkish Airlines business class service was outstanding on the Seattle-Istanbul non-stop route. I found it far more comfortable than some other European carriers flying similar duration flights. The Mandarin Oriental hotel on the Boshphorus was magnificent as well.
The main highlight of the journey was the day we flew down to South East Turkiye to Sanlurfa, near Gaziantep. We went to see Gobekli Tepe, a prehistoric archaeological site featuring massive stone pillars arranged in circles, dating back over 11,000 years. Incredibly, this ancient marvel predates even Stonehenge! I also visited the Bozdag Film Studio in Istanbul. Türkiye’s film industry continues to flourish, with more productions appearing on platforms like Netflix. This working film production facility offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.
Touring the sets of popular historical dramas (as pictured above) provided a unique perspective on this burgeoning cultural export, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking. Every time I visit Türkiye, I marvel at the blend of the new and the timeless. No matter how many times I return, there is always something new to discover and yet another reason to appreciate the layers of history and culture that make this country so captivating.
For your own chance to experience Türkiye’s timeless blend of past and present, join us on our small group trip Eastern Türkiye & Georgia, custom trip Essential Istanbul, or Design Your Own Trip.
3. Lisa’s Croatian Adventure
I just got back from my annual trip to Croatia this June. I attended an intensive Croatian language course, but still had some time to explore. After leaving the island of Rab, I was able to do some exploring in Istria. Istria, a peninsula in the northern part of Croatia, is one of my favorite areas and is famous for its charming hilltop towns, truffles, and vineyards. This time I visited Aura Distillery. This distillery produces brandies, liqueurs, and gins from local wild herbs and fruits. It also has a beautiful tasting room near Buzet. My friend and I enjoyed visiting the tasting room so much that we returned on our way back to Zagreb from the countryside. The Aura Distillery also has a charming Rakija Museum in the nearby town of Hum, which merits a visit.
Another highlight of the trip was having dinner with a local family in Dubrovnik. Anita, Jere and their family have been hosting guests in their home for a traditional Croatian meal for years. This local family has a house in the outskirts of Dubrovnik in an area where tourists seldom visit. I enjoyed a warm welcome of homemade rakija (traditional brandy) followed by a delicious dinner of local specialties. Anita, who also works in Dubrovnik’s oldest wine bar, enriches every encounter with her encyclopedic knowledge of local wines. She and her son served one of the best meals I have ever had, featuring their own homemade goat cheese and freshly caught fish. They also prepared one of the most delicious regional specialties: peka. Peka’ refers to a traditional Croatian cooking method, where a heavy bell-shaped cast iron vessel (the peka itself) is heaped with hot coals and embers in an open fireplace, to cook a mix of meats and vegetables. There is no better way to end a trip than with new friends and a very full belly.
Drawn to Croatia’s rich traditions, distinctive flavors, and warm hospitality? Discover more on trips like Balkan Odyssey: Crossroads of Cultures, Essential Croatia, or Design Your Own Trip.
4. Dmitry’s Expedition Across Azerbaijan
The last time I was in Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center was built but not yet open. Even from the highway, its design was striking – Zaha Hadid’s work never disappoints. This time, I got up close and went inside, which was even more impressive. Standing before the building, surrounded by open space, you feel its beauty. The interior is equally stunning. Our guide mentioned that Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress might have inspired the design — a fun story, true or not!
The exhibits inside were modern, interactive, and well-presented, with a mix of permanent and temporary displays. The permanent exhibits were fascinating: carpets, traditional dress, musical instruments, and detailed models of Azerbaijan’s landmarks. Although we moved through the building in under an hour, I could have easily spent a few hours exploring.
On this trip I also visited Lahij Village, the Shemakha Mosque, Mud Volcanoes, and the new museum in Gobustan. But what truly amazed me was how much Baku has transformed in the past decade. The skyline now features modern buildings like Deniz Mall and the Kempinski Hotel. At the same time, it preserves the charm of the Old City and historical structures from the oil boom and Soviet eras. For instance, Villa Petrolea, once surrounded by a grass field, is now part of a vibrant new neighborhood with apartments, playgrounds, and roads. One surprising moment was seeing the president’s convoy – traffic halted, no photos allowed, creating a spectacle that felt almost bizarre.
To see Azerbaijan’s striking mix of modern design and deep tradition for yourself, explore our journeys such as Village Traditions of the South Caucasus, Essential Azerbaijan, or Design Your Own Trip.
5. Suzanne’s Exploration of Mongolia
Mongolia has been on my travel wish list since I was a child. I remember devouring National Geographic magazines with a strong desire to learn about other cultures. I longed to visit places so very different from home. My recent trip to Mongolia fulfilled a lifelong dream and exceeded all my expectations. It is one of those places that is even better in person and the photographs cannot do it justice. There is no way to capture on paper what your senses will experience.
Mongolia is a land of contrasts. From the densely populated and traffic congested city of Ulaanbaatar surrounded by mountains to the vast open steppe, dotted with more livestock than dwellings; from the modern high-rise developments to the traditional ger camps; from international cuisine and karaoke bars to local dishes and homemade alcohol (fermented mares’ milk); from working in technology to working the land; and from the polluted urban haze to the dark sky of the Gobi, a celestial wonder beheld by few. I went from wearing a winter beanie to wrapping a scarf in a sandstorm. Pack for the unexpected, and be prepared for an exceptional adventure of a lifetime.
If Mongolia’s vast landscapes and contrasts call to you, join us on adventures like Mongolian Explorer: The Gobi & Beyond with Naadam Festival, Essential Mongolia, or Design Your Own Trip.
