About

about

Rucksack & Road

Rucksack & Road started with a simple idea: to make independent travel easier, more exciting, and a lot more fun — especially if you are travelling abroad for the first time.

This blog mainly focuses on the UK and Slovakia — two places I call home. I’ve lived in London since 1996, and although I know it inside out, I’m always discovering something new. I’m also a regular visitor to Slovakia, where my family and many of my friends live. The country has changed so much over the past 20 years and continues to evolve and surprise me.

Whether I’m sharing a weekend escape in the UK, a hidden gem in Slovakia, or other far-flung adventure, Rucksack & Road is about discovering places with curiosity — not just a camera.

what can you find here?

What to expect from the blog?

Destination

Guides + Itineraries

Budget Travel

Tips + Tricks

inspiring, practical, and educational travel content
ways to see familiar places in unfamiliar ways
ready-made itineraries
smart tips to make trip planning easier
ideas for making travel with kids less stressful — and more fun
resources to help your kids become confident, curious travellers

Work With Me!

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For me, travel is about exploration and learning. It’s about discovering people, cultures, ideas, flavours, and those unexpected moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. And, that’s what I want to bring to everything I create at Rucksack & Road.

about me

The person behind the blog

Hi, I’m Jana — a Slovakian living in London and the founder of Rucksack & Road. I first came to London as an au pair more than 25 years ago. Since then, I’ve earned a degree in Sociology and Mass Media, as well as a Diploma in Learning & Development. I’ve enjoyed working with children just as much as I enjoyed working in the corporate world as a Sales Enablement & Learning Manager – running training programmes, organising events, and helping sales teams learn and grow.

Travel has always been a big part of my life. When I’m not wandering the streets of London or climbing up to secret rooftop gardens, I’m probably hiking or cycling through the Slovak countryside – or planning my next adventure. Over the years, I’ve travelled through Canada and the US, explored the ruins of Egypt, soaked up the rhythms of Cuba and Mexico, and wandered the medinas of Morocco. I’ve visited Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark and Norway, explored Slovakia and the Czech Republic, eaten my weight in mezze in Turkey and most recently swum with sharks in the Maldives.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to create perfect London escapes for family and friends — and even act as their tour guide while they were here. So, I’ve decided to focus on what I enjoy most: travelling, writing, and helping others explore the world with confidence and curiosity.