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Many people get their first taste of Hong Kong during a layover on a long flight. With a bit of luck (or good planning), you can spend a day or two exploring the city. That was my experience as well. Sixteen years ago, I missed a connecting flight and suddenly found...
Many people get their first taste of Hong Kong during a layover on a long flight. With a bit of luck (or good planning), you can spend a day or two exploring the city. That was my experience as well. Sixteen years ago, I missed a connecting flight and suddenly found myself in a very warm Hong Kong for a day. But Hong Kong is more than just a stopover; it’s also an amazing destination for a longer city trip. That’s why I recently flew to Hong Kong for my first ‘real’ visit. I spent 5 days here, which was perfect for a first introduction to the city. In this post, I’ll share in detail what I did each day, where I ate, and some useful tips. Hopefully, my 5 day...
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Yes, I did it again. Well, let's say I tried it again, because this whole vlogging thing still feels super awkward. But I always enjoy watching other people's vlogs, so it's time for me to get on board, stop feeling so self-conscious, and start talking to my phone on...
Since I already shared several posts about New York, I decided that this time I would do something different. Actually something that I love doing most: street photography. Just me and my camera, walking around a city without a plan, and capturing whatever catches my...
Chelsea is one of my favorite neighborhoods in London. Great shops, beautiful houses. But when it comes to food or coffee, I often struggle to find something nice. Maybe it's because everyone who can afford to live here has personal chefs to cook them a perfect...
I needed a break. Starting a new role at work, moving into a new apartment, travelling and the constant flow of visitors. It was all great... But now I needed a break. So where can I fly to in Europe for the weekend without spending too much money?...
When you find yourself in Prague in December to experience a very special hotel, you could decide to stay in all day. Sleep, eat, drink cocktails and have a massage at the spa. But if you're like us, you probably want to make the most of your stay in one of the most...
In the Netherlands there's this eternal rivalry between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. They're the two largest cities in the country, but completely different. It's North Holland versus South Holland, Ajax versus Feyenoord, canal houses versus modern architecture. It...
A monastery and a luxury hotel doesn't sound like an obvious combination, but it turns out to be a match made in heaven Prague. With secret passageways, beautiful courtyards, an astronomy tower with 360º views, friendly monks and an old library, I wouldn't...
Things that will make you feel uncomfortable in New York: walking around the city with a selfie stick while talking to yourself on camera. Yes, I've done it. I was that person. The things you'll find yourself doing as a travel blogger... But even though I was...
There's something to be said for exploring a city unprepared. You don't know what to expect, what's waiting for you around the next corner, and you'll be more excited when you stumble upon that hidden gem. I'm afraid I'm not that kind of person. I often wish I...
Bloggers love breakfast. Just look at their Instagram feed and you'll see more eggs benedict than steak frites. Why? Well, to start with we prefer daylight to take our photos and you're not going to get much daylight during dinner when sunset kicks in around 4.30pm....
The biggest challenge for a travel blogger is to write about a place you know very well. That might sound strange, but it's because you lose the ability to see what makes it so special for someone who's seeing it for the first time. That feeling of...
There was one building that I really wanted to visit during the Open House London weekend: The Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Last year I'd seen Kelly share pictures of the building on her blog and it looked amazing. Since I had a million other things to...
No, the Eiffel Tower was not one of my new discoveries in Paris. I just liked the photo. But just as I'm discovering so many new places in Amsterdam this weekend, I also always find something new when I'm in Paris. Despite the rain, I loved walking around the...
With the current real estate prices in London you can't have too many demands when you're looking for an apartment. More space, a view of the city, a roof terrace...Maybe when you win the lottery? But a girl can dream, right? So I love looking at apartments that I...
In a city as obsessed with fashion and beauty as Paris, the importance of a good beauty sleep should not be underestimated. So where do stay when you're visiting the city for the weekend? For my recent trip I was looking for a modern, luxurious hotel in an...
The great thing about Paris is that it's close to London. The downside is that the weather will be just as unpredictable. Sure, Paris is always a good idea. But do you still think so when you're walking around the city in the pouring rain? A couple of weeks ago, when...
When was the last time a hotel elevator ride made you laugh? At Story Hotel in Stockholm they've thought about all the little details, including how to tell on which floor you are. Second floor: 'My name is Luka, I live on the second floor' (remember this song)....
When we started planning our trip to Stockholm there was one thing that everyone I asked agreed on: visit during summertime. And they were right! Stockholm might make a pretty postcard with ice and snow, but it comes alive when the sun is out and temperatures are high...
I’m in Stockholm! This city is just as fun and beautiful as I’d hoped, I love it! One of the reasons I got so excited about visiting Stockholm is that Sweden - or Scandinavia in general - is hot in London. No longer associated with IKEA and Swedish...
Now that's an entrance designed to impress! Even though the history of Eltham Palace goes back centuries (it was an important royal residence between the 14th and 16th century), it were the millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who in the 1930s turned it into...
London is a city full of temptations when it comes to food. And if it were up to me, I would eat it all. I love the food scene in London, but after two years of indulging in afternoon teas, brunches and eating out, I'm now really trying to live a healthier life. I'm...
Until recently the only way I knew Osterley was as one of the many stops on the Piccadilly line to Heathrow. It's when you know you're not in zone 1 or 2 anymore because you're above the ground (and can use your phone). I never thought any of these stops would be...
So it turns out that when you move to a new city, after two years you'll need a separate bookcase for all the books you've collected about your new hometown. You'd think I'm doing a PhD on London...I'm not. Writing a blog post also doesn't require a lot of research....
Despite my fear of heights, I can't deny that London looks incredible from up high. I'd already faced my fears when I visited The Shard. But for a spectacular view of London including The Shard, you need to be at London's latest panorama attraction: the Sky...
Something that still surprises me, is that you can be in the busiest, most touristy part of London - you turn the corner - and all of a sudden you're in what looks like a small, pretty village. I love exploring these London 'villages', each with their own unique...
Looking back on my years at the University of Amsterdam, I was pretty lucky to study in interesting historic college buildings. I spent most of my time in the East India House, which was the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century....
Whether I'm traveling for work or for fun, I never leave home without my camera. But on a business trip it's not always ideal to also carry a heavy DSLR camera with you. So I've been thinking about maybe getting an extra camera. One that wouldn't be as bulky, but...
With all the traveling I've been doing lately, you'd think I want to sleep in my own bed when I'm in London. True...But then, I don't get breakfast in bed when I'm at home. And even though I've been living in this apartment for over a year, my bedroom just doesn't...
Once upon a time there was a politician / writer - also known for being the son of Britain's first Prime Minister - who wanted to build a summer villa in London. Not just any villa, but a Gothic castle that would be a theatrical experience to visit. Sir...
I'm not gonna lie. When I travel I appreciate a bit of luxury. Well, let me rephrase that, I like to travel in style. I love design boutique hotels and they often come with a certain price tag. But at the same time I don't want to spend my entire travel budget on a...