• Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Creative Services
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Bosnia & Herzegovina
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Italy
        • Puglia
      • Malta
      • Montenegro
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Spain
    • North America
      • Costa Rica
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • United States
        • Arizona
        • Nevada
        • New York
        • Oregon
        • Washington
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
      • Uruguay
  • Travel
    • Where to Stay
    • Where to Eat & Drink
    • Spa
    • Retreats
    • Travel Guides
    • Travel Tips & Hacks
  • Contact
  • Prints
  • Puglia Map

Roam and Thrive

"Travel brings power and love back into your life"

Hi, and welcome to Roam & Thrive

Welcome to Roam & Thrive—an image-first travel blog dedicated to bringing you an insider’s perspective on worldwide travel with a focus on accessible luxury, connection, and wholesome experiences.

Through stunning imagery, thoughtfully curated travel guides, and insider tips, we aim to inspire and elevate your journeys. Our philosophy is rooted in slow, intentional travel that combines the best of luxury and wellness, encouraging deeper connections with the places and people you encounter.

Meet Alex Wieteska, Founder & Contributor

Hi, I’m Alex Wieteska—a travel writer, editor, photographer, and designer of bespoke travel experiences. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a deep conviction for exploring the world through a lens of mindfulness, connection, and wonder.

My nomadic lifestyle over the last 12+ years has taken me to over 50 countries, with countless long-term stays that have allowed me to dive deeply into the heart of each destination.

This journey inspired me to create Roam & Thrive— my little space on the internet dedicated to inspiring wonder-filled travel experiences through photography and storytelling that focus on slow, intentional yet luxurious exploration.

Through Roam & Thrive, I share bespoke travel guides, insider tips, and hidden gems, inviting modern travelers to connect more deeply with the places they visit. My work highlights mindful travel, conscious luxury, and the art of designing experiences that nurture both the soul and the senses.

With a commitment to authenticity and storytelling, my writing and photography have been featured in USA Today, Authority Magazine, Expedia, TUI, and published by Assouline.

Now based in Puglia, Italy, during the spring and summer months, I continue to travel and design wonder-filled journeys, documenting unforgettable destinations for Roam & Thrive.

 

Rupestrian churches in Matera Italy

Get to Know More About ALEX

What are your favourite travel destinations?

The Mediterranean, Mexico, Japan, Bali and the US

If you could eat just one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Anything Asian or tacos, anything spicy. 

What  keeps you motivated for work?

Travel, beautiful places and spaces, intriguing conversation and other creatives. 

Beach or mountains?

Both.

How many countries have you been to as a female travel blogger?

Around 50

What can’t you live without?

Movement, travel, my camera, beauty, good books

What has been the best advice you have ever received about your career?

Invest in Yourself, both financially and spiritually.

……..

Never stop learning

woman at a fruit market in Colombia
woman with surfboard on a beach in costa rica

Lets collaborate together

Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? We love to work with like-minded brands and individuals so if you have an idea we might like don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact Us

Follow Along on Instagram

Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. 

Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. 
This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d 

Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯

#materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. 

Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. 
This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d 

Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯

#materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. 

Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. 
This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d 

Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯

#materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. 

Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. 
This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d 

Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯

#materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. 

Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. 
This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d 

Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯

#materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Il Palazzotto Matera @ilpalazzottomatera is the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way possible. Tucked away into the quiet side of the Sassi it blends centuries of history with thoughtful design and a dose of low-key luxury. Staying here is the ultimate cave hotel experience in Matera without giving up any comforts. Suites are serene and stylish and the house wines are genuinely excellent, and dinner at their wine bistrot @radinowine -set in a former church- was easily one of the most memorable meals of my trip. This is Matera at its most intimate and refined. a d Scroll to the end for the most insane tub situation. 🤯 #materaitaly #matera #materainside #sassidimatera #ilpalazzottomatera #radinowine #basilicataturistica #basilicata #volgobasilicata
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. 

Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. 

Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. 

All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com

#splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Just a quick hop from Dubrovnik or Zadar, this Croatian city is a must on any Adriatic adventure. Welcome to Split- where ancient Roman history meets palm-lined promenades, fresh seafood, and island-hopping dreams. It’s the perfect place to rent a car, explore the coastline and soak up that iconic Mediterranean magic beyond the usual tourist trail. Once you’ve done that, board a ferry and head out to the dreamy islands of Hvar, Brac or Vis to complete your trip. All Split guides are a little overdue but now live on roamandthrive.com #splitcroatia #split #splitcroatia🇭🇷 #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiaphotography #croatiaphotos
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
48 Hours in Matera, Italy: A Two-Day Itinerary

After three visits to Matera, I like to think I’ve now crafted the perfect stay in the city. Here’s my itinerary for spending two days in the sassi city. SAVE it to steal it later. 📩

Day 1

* Stroll through Sasso Barisano, the quieter of the two main cave districts
* Take in the panoramic view from Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio
* Step inside Casa Grotta to see how families once lived in the caves
* Visit the frescoed rock churches of Santa Lucia alle Malve and San Pietro Barisano
* Lunch at Baccanti, a contemporary spot serving innovative Lucanian dishes
* Descend into Palombaro Lungo, the city’s vast underground cistern
* Sunset over the ravine from Belvedere di Murgia Timone
* Dinner at Vitantonio Lombardo @vitantoniolombardoristorante a Michelin-starred cave restaurant

Day 2
* Watch the sunrise from Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli, where the light softly touches the stones
* Begin in Sasso Caveoso, the wilder and more dramatic cave quarter
* Walk to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for canyon views
* Hike the trail to Murgia Materana, dotted with ancient cave chapels
* Lunch at Trattoria del Caveoso, rustic and always reliable.
* Explore MUSMA, Italy’s only underground sculpture museum
* Aperitivo at Area 8, part bar, part creative space, all local cool
* Dinner at Radino Wine Bistrot @radinowine a chic, intimate spot with an extensive local wine list

#matera #materaitaly #materainside #basilicataturistica #basilicataphotos #basilicatadascoprire
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
48 Hours in Matera, Italy: A Two-Day Itinerary After three visits to Matera, I like to think I’ve now crafted the perfect stay in the city. Here’s my itinerary for spending two days in the sassi city. SAVE it to steal it later. 📩 Day 1 * Stroll through Sasso Barisano, the quieter of the two main cave districts * Take in the panoramic view from Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio * Step inside Casa Grotta to see how families once lived in the caves * Visit the frescoed rock churches of Santa Lucia alle Malve and San Pietro Barisano * Lunch at Baccanti, a contemporary spot serving innovative Lucanian dishes * Descend into Palombaro Lungo, the city’s vast underground cistern * Sunset over the ravine from Belvedere di Murgia Timone * Dinner at Vitantonio Lombardo @vitantoniolombardoristorante a Michelin-starred cave restaurant Day 2 * Watch the sunrise from Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli, where the light softly touches the stones * Begin in Sasso Caveoso, the wilder and more dramatic cave quarter * Walk to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for canyon views * Hike the trail to Murgia Materana, dotted with ancient cave chapels * Lunch at Trattoria del Caveoso, rustic and always reliable. * Explore MUSMA, Italy’s only underground sculpture museum * Aperitivo at Area 8, part bar, part creative space, all local cool * Dinner at Radino Wine Bistrot @radinowine a chic, intimate spot with an extensive local wine list #matera #materaitaly #materainside #basilicataturistica #basilicataphotos #basilicatadascoprire
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. 

#mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks

Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. 

#mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks

Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. 

#mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks

Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. 

#mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks

Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. 

#mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks

Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Postcards from the Tramuntana mountains. #mallorcaisland #mallorca #mallorcagram #majorca #islasbaleares #serradetramuntana ##cntraveler #tlpicks Mallorca Spain | Mallorca summer | Mallorca travel guide
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Otherworldly sunrises in Matera, Italy. 

Would you get up for this? 

#matera #materainside #materaitaly #sassidimatera #sassimatera #basilicataturistica #basilicata
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Otherworldly sunrises in Matera, Italy. Would you get up for this? #matera #materainside #materaitaly #sassidimatera #sassimatera #basilicataturistica #basilicata
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Late summer scenes from Krka National Park, Croatia, the perfect little day trip from Split. 

Tip: this park is no hidden gem so get here as it opens to avoid the crowds. The park is small, walkways are narrow so when it gets crowded it gets CROWDED 😅

#krkanationalpark #krkawaterfalls #krka #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiatourism #visitcroatia
Late summer scenes from Krka National Park, Croatia, the perfect little day trip from Split. 

Tip: this park is no hidden gem so get here as it opens to avoid the crowds. The park is small, walkways are narrow so when it gets crowded it gets CROWDED 😅

#krkanationalpark #krkawaterfalls #krka #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiatourism #visitcroatia
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Late summer scenes from Krka National Park, Croatia, the perfect little day trip from Split. Tip: this park is no hidden gem so get here as it opens to avoid the crowds. The park is small, walkways are narrow so when it gets crowded it gets CROWDED 😅 #krkanationalpark #krkawaterfalls #krka #croatiatravel #croatiatrip #croatiatourism #visitcroatia
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@roamandthrive
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact

© Roam & Thrive 2025 - All Rights Reserved- Photography and written content cannot be reproduced without my permission Site Powered by Pix & Hue.