europe

How to visit France on a budget: Thirteen cost-cutting tips for travel in France

May 25, 2019 by Steve 10 Comments

Last Updated on June 19, 2019

If you’re visiting France, you might be wondering how you can afford your trip between the food, the hotels, and the attractions. However, it’s definitely possible to visit France on a budget.

These are tips that I’ve perfected via my time living in Paris, traveling in France, and my dad’s recent trip around France. Traveling on a budget isn’t always about surviving on a shoestring, but cutting back on unnecessary expenses to splurge on the experiences that matter to you. I wrote this blog post together with my dad based on his recent trip to Provence and my travel around France. This post has been updated based on a recent trip to Southern France (April 2019).

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Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local

May 23, 2019 by Karen 25 Comments

Last Updated on June 4, 2019

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 local’s 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.

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The Best Souvenirs to Buy in the Netherlands by a Dutch Resident

January 1, 2019 by Karen 6 Comments

Last Updated on February 20, 2019

If you’re looking for the best souvenirs to buy in the Netherlands, we got you covered. Jacob and I have lived in the Netherlands for several years now and we’ve sent a lot of gifts from the Netherlands to family members! We include lots of tips for buying great gift ideas as well as souvenirs from the Netherlands for yourself!

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25 Essential Travel Tips for Amsterdam From An Amsterdam Resident

December 31, 2018 by Karen 41 Comments

Last Updated on March 13, 2019

I lived in Amsterdam for over three years. These are my tried and tested tips for visiting Amsterdam based on advice for my friends and family visiting me. I’ve structured in the form of 25 tips including some Do’s/Don’ts.

Although I have plenty to write about living in Amsterdam, I’m most often asked for tips about visiting Amsterdam by friends and strangers. I hope that these tips help you plan your Amsterdam trip!

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One Day in Amsterdam: A local’s free self guided walking tour of Amsterdam

December 29, 2018 by Karen 26 Comments

Last Updated on February 12, 2019

I recommend spending more than a day in Amsterdam, however that’s not always possible. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and this is an itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam with insider tips for Amsterdam.

This is a self guided walking tour of Amsterdam by a resident (7miles/11km) or an Amsterdam itinerary for one day with public transit (4 miles / 6km). It includes more than 20 attractions/famous food places in Amsterdam. Keep reading for the perfect itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam (starting bright and early). This guide to one day in Amsterdam includes a free downloadable map of your walking tour of Amsterdam.

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Amsterdam Beer: The best craft beer & best beer bars in Amsterdam

December 24, 2018 by Karen 8 Comments

Last Updated on February 12, 2019

This is a list of the best beer in Amsterdam from our time living in Amsterdam. If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a stag-do or just a normal visit, this is a list of the best breweries in Amsterdam. Before you say Heineken, this is about Dutch beer besides Heineken and where to drink craft beer in Amsterdam with our favorite craft beer bars from Amsterdam breweries with a free map! Proost.

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

December 8, 2018 by Karen 16 Comments

Last Updated on December 11, 2018

Maastricht is one of 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!

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Travel Tips For a Winter Road Trip In Iceland

November 15, 2018 by Karen 29 Comments

Last Updated on December 5, 2018

When we decided to visit Iceland in December, people told us we were crazy to drive in Iceland in winter. However, our Iceland road trip in December was great. Winter in Iceland is fierce, but beautiful. Keep reading for more travel tips for Iceland in winter if you’re considering a self driving tour of Iceland.

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A free self-guided walking tour of the best chocolate in Brussels

November 1, 2018 by Karen 17 Comments

Last Updated on December 4, 2018

If you’re figuring out what to do in Brussels and you’re a chocolate lover, you must try Belgian chocolate—and do a chocolate tasting in Brussels. Here’s some advice for finding the best chocolatiers in Brussels on a self-guided chocolate tour in Brussels, including their addresses!

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Your one day guide to visiting Utrecht, the most enchanting city in the Netherlands

October 30, 2018 by Karen 5 Comments

Last Updated on December 4, 2018

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 the few tourists. Keep reading for my one day guide to Utrecht with what to do in Utrecht in one day and a complete itinerary for visiting Utrecht.

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