by Karen | Jan 30, 2018 | Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, Local Guides, Sustainable Tourism, The Netherlands, Travel
I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share.
In this guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam. Keep reading for information on the interesting things to do in Amsterdam that you won’t read elsewhere as well as a map.
by Karen | Jul 20, 2017 | Local Guides, New York, New York City, North America, Travel, United States
I’m a proud New Yorker. When someone asks me what they should know when visiting New York for the first time, I don’t always know where to start as there’s so many things to do in New York. I’ve decided to take a different approach here with some NYC local secrets to help you navigate your trip better.
Expect some humorous tips for first time visitors to New York (although those on their fifth trip to NYC might find this travel advice helpful). I sincerely hope that these New York travel tips come in handy and help you avoid some of the mistakes that people make on their first trip to New York. 20 Insider tips for New York under the cut.
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by Karen | Jul 18, 2018 | Europe, Russia, Travel
I admit that I was mildly terrified when my friend recommended that we go to the banya outside of his uncle’s house. I’m terrible with the heat, but I was lucky enough to have a good friend happy to explain the ins-and-outs of the Russian banya, one of the most unique experiences to have while you’re visiting Russia. (more…)
by Karen | Jul 16, 2018 | Budget Travel, Europe, Travel, United Kingdom
After booking a cheap fare to London last year, I only had two days in London, including catching a sample sale in Shoreditch. As I didn’t have so much time, I ended up crafting a self-guided walking tour of London’s most famous attractions on foot to cover as much as possible during the only full day that I had in London. Keep reading for my itinerary for one day in London! (Map and printable directions at the bottom.) (more…)
by Karen | Jul 15, 2018 | Local Guides, New York, North America, Travel, United States
If you want to enjoy a relaxing day trip from New York City, consider heading out to the North Fork of Long Island for a relaxing day, great wine, live music, and delicious food. Both my dad and I have been coming out to the North Fork for years and the popularity of this accessible wine region in New York has been growing in recent years.
This miniature guide to the North Fork written by my dad will include insider tips for the North Fork, the best North Fork wineries (according to us), where to eat on the North Fork, and tips for safe transportation without driving. (more…)
by Karen | Jul 15, 2018 | Budget Travel, Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, Local Guides, Netherlands Expat, The Netherlands, Travel, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
After living in the Netherlands for three, I’ve become frugal as I find the Dutch trains expensive. Luckily, I’m here to dish my secrets for how to buy cheap train tickets in the Netherlands.
I’ve divided this post on how to save money on the Dutch trains into two sections: tips for tourists to save money on the Dutch trains and one more suited to residents of the Netherlands who are looking to save on the Dutch trains.
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by Karen | Jul 14, 2018 | Europe, Slovenia, Sustainable Tourism, Travel
In the past years, Slovenia made it to the top of the bucket lists of many travelers and internet is bursting with advice on where to go in Slovenia and what to do in Slovenia. Most guides to Slovenia mention major Slovenian tourist attractions, such as Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Piran and Postojna caves. However, these places to visit in Slovenia are full of tourists during the summer.
For a small country, Slovenia has many beautiful places to visit. After living in Slovenia for seven years and exploring the country, Tereza hopes to show you which Slovenian tourist attractions are worth skipping and some alternatives to the most famous places to visit in Slovenia. (more…)
by Karen | Jul 11, 2018 | Budget Travel, New York, New York City, Travel, United States
A lot of you have asked me if I had any recommendations for clean and cheap hotels in New York City. As a New Yorker myself, I’ve struggled with giving out hotel recommendations as well, I don’t stay at a hotel when I’m in New York. I’ve asked fellow travel bloggers and friends for their picks for affordable hotels in New York City and I’ve provided some insider tips for finding cheap hotels in New York City. (more…)
by Karen | Jul 10, 2018 | Europe, Travel, United Kingdom
Looking for the loveliest day trip from London or a quick day trip from Luton Airport? Hitchin is a lovely historic market town in Hertfordshire that you’ll want to visit for the day. After a disastrous flight denial, I ended up having a day in the Luton Airport, however I chose to leave as we had most of a day to burn. I ended up reading about this picturesque day trip from London and we decided to visit Hitchin. Keep readign for things to do in Hitchin and why you should visit this lovely town!
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by Karen | Jul 8, 2018 | Brabant, Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, The Netherlands, Travel, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
This past month, I visited Eindhoven, the Netherlands for a long weekend. This modern Dutch city is the perfect antidote to the historic cities in the Brabant area as the modern architecture, cool neighborhoods, and great hotspots in Eindhoven make it shine. I used Eindhoven as a base, however I think that one day in Eindhoven is a great way to get a taste of the things to do in Eindhoven. If you’re flying into Eindhoven airport and considering having a day in Eindhoven, keep reading for what to do in Eindhoven…
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by Karen | Jul 6, 2018 | Europe, Russia, Travel
Moscow is a stunning city, however culture lovers cannot miss the stunning Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius in Sergiev Posad. This stunning Russian UNESCO recognized monastery is an easy day trip from Moscow and perfect for those interested in learning about the Russian Orthodox Church. Keep reading for tips on visiting Sergiev Posad from Moscow. (more…)
by Karen | Jul 5, 2018 | Budget Travel, Food and Drink Adventures, Local Guides, New York, New York City, North America, Travel, United States
As a New Yorker, I believe that it’s my duty to inform you about Astoria, a neighborhood in New York City. This charming neighborhood encapsulates so much what is New York: a strong immigrant identity, great food, culture, fantastic museums and gentrification… Keep reading about the best things to do in Astoria NY and why you need to visit this unique Queens neighborhood, which is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens to visit! (more…)
Karen & Jacob. American expats and cat lovers from New York City and Kentucky who lived in Amsterdam.... Then, Paris. (Confusing, we know!) Now, we're living in The Hague, the Netherlands. 