While the Bronze Age is recognized as one of history’s most important phases, it’s been hard for historians to precisely date. The idea of the Bronze Age comes from a three-age system developed in the 19th century, through which archaeologists and historians believe cultures evolve. These three ages are the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, and the concept of the system stems from the simultaneous development of museums in Europe during that time.

Margaret Staples was nine years old at the beginning of 1939 when her father was posted to the British colony of Malta with the Royal Engineers. Swimming every day, with blue skies and balmy weather; Margaret and her siblings thought they were in paradise. Everything changed when the Second World War broke out. Hitler wanted to take control of Malta for its strategic position, right in the middle of the Mediterranean.

For centuries, Christians and Muslims were embroiled in one of the most infamous territorial disputes of all time, viciously and relentlessly battling one another for the Holy Land. In the heart of Jerusalem sat one of the shining jewels of the Christian faith - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Legend has it that this was where their Savior had been buried before his fabled resurrection. What was more, it was said to house the very cross Jesus Christ had died upon.

Shaped by many cultures, the Johanniter left the most impressive traces and gave Malta a golden age in the 17th and 18th centuries. The islands in the heart of the Mediterranean look back on 7000 years of history, which was of fateful importance for both the Orient and the Occident.

I started my backpacking days in my late 20s and have not stopped since. I still feel there are so many new places to discover, people to meet, new food to try. When I was a newbie traveler, I made many mistakes, forgot to take essential items, and just made some bad choices. Over the years, through experience and learning from others, I have learned what you need to do to travel as safely as possible, what essential items to take, how to take care of your health, and how to make the most of your trip.