Ivankally, travel and more

About Me

A Solo Traveler’s Journey Through Europe

Hi! I’m Ivanka, the voice behind Ivankally, a digital diary born from my love for discovery, storytelling, and the quiet beauty of solo travel.
I’m 29, Swiss-Croatian, and currently based in Ticino, Switzerland, where wine, mountains, and Mediterranean charm meet.

Travel has always been more than movement for me, it’s how I connect with cultures, stories, and people. It’s how I find inspiration, perspective, and sometimes even myself.

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How Ivankally Began

The idea of Ivankally started as a simple wish: to capture moments that felt too beautiful, too fleeting, or too meaningful to keep just for myself.
Over time, it became a space where I could blend all the parts of who I am, my love for languages, culture, history, and visual storytelling, into one ongoing adventure.

I’ve always been fascinated by the layers of Europe: the cobblestone streets that hide centuries of stories, the local cafés where time seems to slow down, the landscapes that change with every border crossed.

Through Ivankally, I want to share that fascination, not as a checklist of places, but as a tapestry of experiences that shape how we see the world (and ourselves).

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My Travel Philosophy

I often travel alone, not because I prefer solitude, but because solo travel gives me the freedom to move at my own rhythm. To wake up without a plan. To linger where I feel connected. To strike up conversations with strangers who become part of the story. Traveling solo taught me how to be present, to notice the smell of morning coffee in a new city, the texture of old stone walls, the warmth of a sunset over rooftops.
It’s not about escaping life; it’s about living it more deeply.

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What You’ll Find Here

Ivankally is a collection of stories, guides, and reflections about Europe, its hidden villages, vibrant cities, and the moments in between.

Here you’ll find:

• Tavel stories that capture the soul of a place

• City guides crafted from firsthand experience

• Solo travel inspiration, with honest tips for making the most of your own journey

• Snapshots of everyday beauty, because travel isn’t only about where you go, but how you see

I focus on the little details: a bakery tucked in a side street, a conversation with a local, the sound of church bells echoing across a square.
Those are the moments that stay with me, and I hope they’ll inspire you too.​

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A Few Things About Me

• I grew up in Italian-speaking Switzerland, with roots in Croatia, two worlds that shaped my love for diversity and connection.

• I work in tourism and digital marketing, creating stories that celebrate places and people.

• My favorite way to explore a new destination is on foot, with a camera in one hand and curiosity in the other.

• I have a black cat named Notte, who keeps me grounded (and slightly covered in fur).

• My travel style? Slow, intentional, and always guided by a sense of wonder.

 

Why I Share

In a world that often celebrates speed and perfection, I want Ivankally to feel like a pause, a reminder that travel can be meaningful, personal, and imperfectly beautiful.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first solo trip or planning your tenth, I hope my stories remind you that the world is wide, welcoming, and waiting to be explored.

So, welcome to my corner of the internet, a space for curious souls, quiet dreamers, and anyone who believes that the best journeys start when you decide to take that first step alone.

 

Let’s go explore, one story at a time.

— Ivanka