Welcome to
The Crowded Planet!

We are Margherita and Nick, a nature
and adventure-loving couple.

marghe nick panorama lake como

About us

We are Margherita and Nick, a writer and photographer from Italy and Australia, long-term travellers and lovers of nature, wildlife and the outdoors.

We created this blog in 2014 to share our passions for nature, adventure, and sustainable travel. To date, our journeys have taken us to over 85 countries – it’s very hard to pick a favourite, but Malaysia, Japan, Iran, South Africa and Mexico will always have a special place in our hearts. 

Over time, our hobbies and travelling style changed. We still love jetting around for months, but we tend to travel for shorter periods of time, and we like to explore Italy, our country, on foot and by bicycle. Our favourite destinations are Trentino, the Italian Lakes, and Emilia-Romagna.

We are also very (un)successful triathletes and marathon runners, and our other passions (in no particular order) include hiking, craft beer, Asian food and our cat Tappo.

Ecotourism

best-cycling-destinations-2024

5 Best Cycling Destinations in 2026

Will 2026 be the year of your first cycling holiday? If the answer is yes (or even maybe), read on to find out about the 5 best cycling destinations in … Read more
t-rex beach nusa penida

8 Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali

Looking for the best things to do in Nusa Penida? We’ve got you covered – read on to discover 8 fantastic places to visit and to discover more about this … Read more

Where to Go Cycling near Parma

Looking for a cycling destination with history, options for flat and hilly rides, and lots of amazing food? Keep reading to find out where to go cycling near Parma! History … Read more

Latest Posts

bellagio city view

15 Great Things to do in Bellagio

Heading to Lake Como for a day or longer? I’m sure you’ll be wondering what the best things to do in Bellagio are – keep reading, we’ll share them with … Read more
best-cycling-destinations-2024

5 Best Cycling Destinations in 2026

Will 2026 be the year of your first cycling holiday? If the answer is yes (or even maybe), read on to find out about the 5 best cycling destinations in … Read more
lake como moody sky

What to Do in Lake Como When it Rains

Are you in Lake Como (or planning to visit) but the weather is not cooperating? We’ve got you! Here’s what to do in Lake Como when it rains – including … Read more

Mondays In Milan

15 Fun Day Trips from Milan 2025

One of the best things about my hometown Milan is that it’s a great base to explore more of Northern Italy and even Switzerland! Find out how on these fun … Read more
lake como in autumn view

Lake Como in Autumn – 7 Things to Do

Are you planning to visit Lake Como in October or November and wondering whether you’ve made the right choice? The answer is yes! Let us show you 7 amazing things … Read more
leonardo last supper

How to Get Last Supper Tickets in Milan

Are you planning to visit Milan? You’ll no doubt be wondering how to get tickets to the Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous artwork in town. Here we tell … Read more