Ivankally - get to know me

I’m Ivanka — born and raised in Switzerland, where I still live today. My roots, though, stretch across the Adriatic: my family is Croatian, and I grew up bilingual, a Croat in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.

Why a Blog?

I’ve always been endlessly curious. I love learning about places, cultures, and people, and I truly believe that travel is one of the best ways to understand the world. You can read all the guides you want, but once you’re there, living and breathing the local rhythm, you realize how much more there is beyond what’s written down.

That’s where blogs come in.

From Top 10 brunch spots to hidden parks or new local cafés, blogs have always been my favorite way to find inspiration, not just from travelers passing through, but from the people who actually live in the places I’m dreaming about.

I’ll admit it: I’m a bit of an anxious traveler, especially when I visit somewhere for the first time. I worry I’ll miss something important or forget to try that one local specialty everyone talks about. That’s why travel blogs have always been my safe haven, they help turn that pre-trip anxiety into excitement.

And that’s what I hope to do with Ivankally: share honest, first-hand stories, practical tips, and maybe a few little details that make your next trip smoother and more fun.

How I Travel

Here’s how I usually plan my adventures, a mix of curiosity, spreadsheets, and way too many saved posts:

• Read travel blogs and follow official tourist boards for inspiration

• Check local guides and learn a few words of the language

• Book key activities and accommodation in advance

• Create a personal map of restaurants, sights, and shops

• Keep an Excel sheet for the budget (because I love a well-organized trip!)

  
  

About Me

I studied Multilingual Communication at the University of Geneva - a degree that blended my love for languages, cultures, and people.

When I’m not working or traveling, I love hiking in central Switzerland, reading, and rewatching Agatha Christie’s Poirot (not an obsession - but very close).

💡 10 Fun Facts About Me

1. I share my home with Notte, my calm black cat, also known as the old lady, Gorbachev, Sua Altezza Imperiale. She runs the house, I just pay rent.

2. My favorite mountain is Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains.” I never get tired of its views, or the train ride to the top.

3. I invented my own go-to cocktail, the Zadar Fizz, lemon gin, maraschino liqueur, and tonic. It’s basically summer in a glass. People really like it (yes, I am people).

4. I’m currently learning Swedish, because why not add another language to the mix? (Also, “fika” culture speaks to my soul.)

5. My favorite era is the Belle Époque, all the elegance, travel posters, and dreamy Art Nouveau vibes I can’t get enough of.

6. My favorite train is the ÖBB Railjet - sleek, smooth, and the definition of travel comfort.

7. I’m a huge Eurovision fan, and I actually got to see it live in Malmö in 2024 and Basel in 2025. Yes, it was as chaotic and magical as you’d imagine.

8. I could reread Agatha Christie’s Poirot stories any day.

9. I work in tourism - marketing & social media - which means I’m always thinking about destinations, even on my coffee breaks.

10. I’m a planner at heart: I love a good map, a color-coded spreadsheet, and finding those underrated spots that make a trip feel special.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

You’ll find a mix of travel guides, stories, and reflections, always written with honesty, curiosity, and a dash of humor.

Here’s an example:

The Day I Accidentally Turned Vienna’s Cemetery into a Maze of Adventures

Once, while trying to explore Vienna on a budget, I ended up spending an afternoon at Zentralfriedhof, the city’s massive cemetery, which, as it turns out, is home to some of Vienna’s most famous “residents.”

There I was, wandering through endless paths, accidentally turning my thrifty sightseeing plan into a star-studded treasure hunt. Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, even Falco! Vienna’s legends, all gathered in one place.

By the time I found my way out, I’d learned more about Vienna’s cultural icons than I could’ve from any museum — and had a good laugh about how my “free day out” turned into a cemetery crawl.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re ever in Vienna and want something peaceful yet fascinating, a visit to Zentralfriedhof is surprisingly worth it (and completely free!).

So, now that you know a bit about me, I hope you’ll stick around — to share stories, get inspired, and maybe discover your next favorite place.

Ciao ciao, e al prossimo viaggio!

Ivanka