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It’s been 30 minutes since we left our car and anything that reminds us of our hectic city life behind. Carrying a backpack that hasn’t been used in years. And pulling a folding wagon filled with food and drinks for the coming days. Any doubts about whether it’s still...
It’s been 30 minutes since we left our car and anything that reminds us of our hectic city life behind. Carrying a backpack that hasn’t been used in years. And pulling a folding wagon filled with food and drinks for the coming days. Any doubts about whether it’s still possible to find quiet and remote places in The Netherlands, fade with every step and every disappearing signal bar on my phone. With the coordinates that we received from Cabiner, we’re trying to find our destination in the woods. Going ‘off-the-grid’ also means that there are no signs along the way to point you in the right direction. Back to nature in style with Cabiner If you’re looking...
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There's this famous study about the 'paradox of choice' that shows that too many choices (in this case varieties of jam at a supermarket) will lead to decision-making paralysis and unhappiness. So far I've managed to buy jam without getting depressed,...
Once upon a time, not so long ago, there were these three London girls who were obsessed with a hill. Not just any hill. No, this hill had reached Instagram fame. Seriously, if this hill had its own Instagram account, it could make millions (#ad #spons)....
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...
After a couple of minutes of unsuccessfully not trying to stare at the two ladies in the corner of the room, Jess takes the initiative to walk up to them. Of course they'd seen us looking and whispering and it was getting a bit awkward for all of...
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....
Blenheim Palace is a bit of a movie star. It starred in The Royals (with Elizabeth Hurley as queen of England), in The Young Queen Victoria, Cinderella, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Just to name a few. Add the fact that Sir Winston Churchill was...
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)....
Back in March, a friend suggested to get tickets to visit Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey. I knew Downton Abbey was serious business in (and outside) the UK, but being among friends I thought I could speak freely, saying that I would love to join...
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...
Trying to see more of the UK this summer, I jumped on a train and went to a town that's famous for its picturesque cobbled streets: Rye. Rye is one of those places you've probably never heard of if you're not from the UK, but look up any online article about...
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....
We arrive in Saint Martial Entraygues in the afternoon and I'm instantly smitten. I'll be sleeping here? In my own tree house?! Not just any tree house, but one in the middle of a forest with an incredible view over the Dordogne river. And with a comfortable...