Karen

About Karen

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

The Tips for renting an apartment in Amsterdam for first-timers

January 13, 2020 by Karen 33 Comments

Last Updated on January 13, 2020

I LOVE Amsterdam and I’m so glad that I moved to the Netherlands. Finding expat housing in Amsterdam is hard. When I moved here, I didn’t know how to find an apartment although I’m past apartment #3 already. Hopefully, this helps fellow expats find a room or an apartment to rent in Amsterdam! I include tips for finding an apartment in Amsterdam, rental housing information that you need to know, a free download to keep track of applications, the best neighborhoods to look in, and strategies for finding housing.

…

A Couple’s Guide to Amsterdam: 30 Romantic things to do in Amsterdam

January 7, 2020 by Karen Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 8, 2020

I’m a romantic at heart and this cold weather is making me sentimental. Jacob and I moved to Amsterdam about three and a half years ago. We got married in Amsterdam and although Amsterdam has a certain reputation, I find it to be one of the most romantic cities in Europe. I’ve included in my insider tips for my favorite romantic things to do in Amsterdam, cozy romantic hotels perfect for a couple’s weekend, and the best romantic meals in Amsterdam.

…

Magical Maastricht: Tips for visiting Maastricht’s christmas market

January 7, 2020 by Karen 2 Comments

Last Updated on January 7, 2020

Maastricht is such a lovely city and it’s always delightful to have an excuse to revisit Maastricht. After finding a steal on NS last year, we packed our bags for a weekend to explore Maastricht’s Christmas market, Magical Maastricht. Needless to say, our weekend in Limburg enjoying Maastricht and Valkenburg was just what we needed. I recently returned back to Maastricht to revisit Maastricht during the magical Christmas season and I’ve updated this post with more tips for visiting Maastricht during the Christmas season.

…

First Time Guide to New York City 5 Day Itinerary by a native New Yorker

January 7, 2020 by Karen 72 Comments

Last Updated on January 8, 2020

I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. I’ve made a five day itinerary for NYC with advice on what to see and eat mostly in Manhattan for all budgets.

This is a local guide, so although I cover the famous sites, I encourage you to see the smaller neighborhoods/places that make New York special. The Big Apple has so much to offer year-round, so most of these tips can be also used over the holidays. There’s a FREE downloadable map with all the best places to see in New York City in 5 days.

…

Things to do in Maastricht, the most beautiful city in the Netherlands

January 6, 2020 by Karen 16 Comments

Last Updated on January 6, 2020

Maastricht is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and it can be easily explored in a weekend. The city is perfect for a slow, romantic weekend away from Amsterdam spent exploring a beautiful cathedral bookstore, strolling the tangled streets, touring historic caves, and eating/drinking delicious regional cuisine at affordable prices. For architecture and food lovers, Maastricht is a city that you will not want to leave off any trip to the Netherlands. Read the best things to do in Maastricht!

…

The Best 20 Day Trips from Amsterdam by a Dutch resident

January 2, 2020 by Karen 20 Comments

Last Updated on January 2, 2020

I’ve been living in Holland for over four years now. One of the best parts of the Netherlands is how easy it is to take day trips within the Netherlands! I include insider tips from my time living in Amsterdam for the best day trips from Amsterdam to other gorgeous Dutch cities, including Gouda, Leiden, and Giethoorn. I include easy day trips from Amsterdam as well as off the beaten path day trips from Amsterdam.

…

Insider Tips for NYC during the Holidays by a New Yorker

January 1, 2020 by Karen 32 Comments

Last Updated on January 8, 2020

The holidays in NYC are the best time to visit New York City. As a New Yorker born and raised, I’ve written tips for the holidays in NYC, the best things to do in New York at Christmas, tips for the Christmas windows in NYC, tips for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, and how to survive Times Square New Year’s Eve. Keep reading for insider tips for New York during Christmas!

…

30+ Free and fun things to do in New York by a native New Yorker

December 30, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on December 30, 2019

New York can be quite expensive. In trying to help friends enjoy the best of New York City on a low budget, I’ve pulled together the best things to do in New York City on a budget. I grew up in New York City and although New York can kill you with its costs, there are definitely things you’ll love that don’t cost a cent. Save your money for great food–and enjoy New York!

…

Belgium in 4 days: Beer, Chocolate, & Castles

December 16, 2019 by Karen 9 Comments

Last Updated on January 15, 2020

The beginner’s guide to Belgium’s best sights! Includes travel tips and top 5 sights for visiting Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Includes chocolate, beer, and castles! Read more for the best tourist sites to visit in Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges as well as travel advice for visiting Belgium in a quick 4-day itinerary.

…

Secret New York: 30+ off the beaten path spots in New York City to love

November 28, 2019 by Karen 2 Comments

Last Updated on January 8, 2020

New York City is full of the weird and the wonderful. As a native New Yorker, I’ve given up on seeing every corner of this city as it’s impossible. However, you don’t need to look that hard for off the beaten path spots in New York city if your eyes are open and your Metrocard is topped up. Together with Moeima Makeba, we’re here to show you 30+ secret spots in New York City that you’ll be hopefully fascinated with.

…