off the beaten path travel

15 Beautiful Slovenian Cities That You Have Never Heard Of

February 18, 2017 by Karen Turner 49 Comments

Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and there are so many beautiful cities to visit. You’ve probably read why quite a few posts about why you must visit Lake Bled, however the best Slovenian cities to visit for me were the ones where we could sit back with a glass of Slovenian wine—and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.

Thanks to some other bloggers and amazing readers, I’m publishing the 10 most beautiful cities that you’ve probably never heard of to inspire you to visit Slovenia! (My amazing readers gave me FIVE more in Eastern Slovenia, so keep reading for a few more reader-suggested gems!)

This includes some cute Slovenian cities surrounded by vineyards, overlooking mountains, and nestled next to the sea. Keep reading for the best places to visit in Slovenia if you hate the crowds (or just love beautiful villages in Europe!)

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What to Do & Eat in Melbourne on a Budget by a Local

March 3, 2017 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

As a born-and-raised Melbournian, I will tell anybody that listens that this is truly the best city! Melbourne has been voted the ‘most liveable city in the world’ by the Economist for 6 consecutive years now. However, Australia is not a budget-friendly country for travelers. With a decent cup of coffee costing between $3-$5, it can be easy to see where all of our money goes (You must have at least ONE world-famous Melbourne coffee!)

This post is the attempt of a local Melbournian helping you navigate my hometown on $20 AUD or less a day. Includes tips for what to eat in Melbourne under $15 AUD and what to do in Melbourne for free. FREE downloadable Google Map that you can use offline at the bottom!

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Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

January 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 20 Comments

If you’re visiting Paris, you might be looking for something unusual to do in Paris besides seeing the Eiffel Tower. Either way, you will not want to miss the arcades of Paris. In my time living in Paris, I loved getting lost in the covered passages in Paris, which retain an air of magic and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour through Paris should give you glimpse into the secret Paris that Parisians know, love, and guard with their lives. This walk through the covered passages of Paris includes some of Paris’ most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas as well as some off the beaten path attractions.

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

April 22, 2022 by Karen Turner 27 Comments

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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Travel tips for Bako National Park and a Bako overnight stay

October 27, 2017 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

Bako National Park is a Malaysian national park close to Kuching on the island of Borneo. It is considered to be one of the best Malaysian national parks. Most people take a day trip to Bako National Park from Kuching, but if you don’t, you’ll miss on the best parts: the animals. Keep reading for my mistakes and what to know before an overnight stay at Bako National Park in this Bako National Park review.

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One Day in Giethoorn, the Dutch fairytale village without roads

April 19, 2022 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

You’ve probably seen photos online of the prettiest village in the Netherlands, Giethoorn. Visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam is a doable day trip from Amsterdam if you’re patient enough to spend two hours getting there independently.

I personally preferred staying overnight at Giethoorn in the picturesque village, so you get to enjoy the sunset over the calm canals without the crowds… Keep reading for my tips for visiting Giethoorn, the Netherlands without a tour. I also include information on how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam!

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19 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam by residents

February 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 46 Comments

As a Dutch resident, I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands that aren’t as well known to tourists as well as the Dutch countryside.

Although you’ve probably heard why you should visit Amsterdam, the prettiest Dutch cities to visit are often peaceful, less crowded, and more memorable. Keep reading for the 19 most atmospheric and beautiful cities/towns in the Netherlands that will help you discover more of the Netherlands.

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Catspotting: A crazy cat lover’s guide to cats in Amsterdam

October 17, 2018 by Karen Turner 21 Comments

I love cats. This is a detailed guide to my beloved Amsterdam with the best places to meet cats in Amsterdam, officially and unofficially, with my favorite cats. If you’re a fan of Catspotting, you’re going to love this guide to Amsterdam. I’m a crazy cat lady and meeting cats when traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.

While living in Amsterdam, my husband and I hunted down the locations of cats in Amsterdam because we are that cat crazy. We found cats living at one of the cat cafes in Amsterdam, roaming the halls of a historic canal house/cat museum filled with cat art, cozying up to potential owners on de Poezenboot (the Catboat), sleeping in various shops, or even breaking into museum gardens.

This also includes coffeeshops with cats…. That said, I was not successful in petting them all. Keep reading for our favorite cat locations in Amsterdam with a map.

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Your neighborhood guide to the 14th arrondissement of Paris

March 20, 2018 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

I often write about travel, but travel is often about enjoying your surroundings. For most of my time in Paris, I lived in the 14th arrondissement. Although this arrondissement isn’t famous in the same way that other arrondissements for its attractions, there are many things to do in 14th arrondissement as well as some fantastic food. I hope that this neighborhood guide to the 14e arrondissement inspires you to stick around to explore a bit of this local neighborhood in Paris.

Shortly after moving to Paris, we found a charming apartment in a historic Haussmannian building in the 14th. It was small and I wasn’t sure what it would be like in the 14th arrondissement. Given how crazy the apartment market in Paris is, we took it although the apartment wasn’t exactly what we thought it would be (“CLEAN ME” written into the blinds). That said, I instantly fell in love with the neighborhood. Most people only visit the 14th for the Montparnasse Tower or the Paris Catacombs, however hopefully this little guide inspires you to find some good food after visiting the catacombs….

Day Trips from Brussels: Vincent Van Gogh in Belgium & the Borinage

October 6, 2017 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

Have you heard of the Borinage region in Belgium? The Borinage region has a fascinating history, a beating heart of the Industrial Revolution. Its industry was part of the reason why Vincent Van Gogh was so attracted to the Borinage. If you’re interested in the letters of Van Gogh and Van Gogh’s influences, it is hard to disentangle the history of the Borinage from the history of Van Gogh. Keep reading to learn about Van Gogh’s life in Belgium.

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