One of my favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam Centre to sit and think is the Begijnhof. This beautiful hidden courtyard has recently become a tourist sensation, but it’s a great free place to enjoy while in Amsterdam. I include information about the history of the Begijnhof, where to find the entrance, some great things nearby…
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Off the beaten path Netherlands: 25+ quirky and strange places to visit
As a Dutch resident, I love exploring the Netherlands, but writing about the Grote Markt in a town can get a bit tiresome. For a while, I’ve been pursuing some really off the beaten path places in the Netherlands and these are my favorite quirky places in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket…
Your guide to St. Pete, Florida with the best things to do in St. Pete, Florida
You may be familiar with things to do in Orlando, Florida, where most families spend time during the summer traveling to Walt Disney World, but have you heard of a small town called St.Petersburg, Florida? St. Petersburg, Florida is located in Pinellas County on the west coast of Florida. Today, Amanda, a St. Pete, local…
How to make money on the side: 15 crazy and creative ways to make money
If you’re trying to make travel (or any other financial goal) a priority this year, you’re probably thinking, “I need to make more money.” With a wedding party and travel coming up, I hope that my entrepreneurial spirit will teach you how to make extra money on the side starting this month! Saving money each month is…
Abdij Rolduc: What it’s like to stay in an abbey
I love unique places to stay. After coming across Abdij Rolduc (Abbey Rolduc), I knew that I wanted to surprise my husband and my in-laws with a stay at this impressive abbey, which is the largest abbey in the Benelux region. I’ll include a bit of history about this historic abbey in the south of…
Prince’s Day in the Hague: Events and Tips for seeing the Dutch Royals
As a recent immigrant to the Netherlands, I’m not yet over my obsession with the Dutch Royal Family. They’re so normal yet fascinating. One of the best days of the year as a visitor to the Netherlands or as a resident of the Hague is Prince’s Day as it’s our chance (as plebs) to see…
Visiting Stift Engelszell: Austria’s only trappist monastery (and brewery)
As a collector of rare beers, we had to drive out to the Engelszell Abbey after reading that it was the only trappist monastery in Austria that produces authentic Trappist products. At Stift Engelszell, you can find Trappist beers as well as a stunning church dating back to the mid-1700s. Read what you need to…
How to make new friends as an expat: Tips from 3+ years living abroad
It’s funny: It’s been over three and half years since I moved abroad, however restarting my life last year multiple times in two cities (Paris and the Hague) reminded me how isolating expat life can be. I don’t always write about my personal life, but it’s hard making friends as an adult, especially as an…
Your one day guide to visiting Utrecht, the most enchanting city in the Netherlands
Have you ever visited a place that you fall in love with instantly? From the moment that I visited Utrecht on a day trip from Amsterdam, I fell in love with Utrecht. This beautiful Dutch city has canals that are two stories, unlike Amsterdam, which only adds to the delightful architecture, slow pace, amazing food, and…
One day in Aachen, Germany with the best things to do in Aachen
When we decided to visit Maastricht, the Netherlands, I wanted to visit Aachen. I’m a huge history geek…and Aachen, Germany is a mecca for history lovers. Aachen was the capital of Charlemagne’s empire–and it’s certainly worth a visit for history lovers! In this post, I’ll be discussing the best things to do in Aachen, great seasonal…