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You are here: Home / Blog

56 Interesting Portugal Facts To Learn About (#26 is surprising!)

May 4, 2021

5 interesting facts about portugal

Whether you’re planning a trip there or just want to learn more about this fascinating country, here are 56 interesting Portugal facts covering culture, economy, history, and more.   56 Interesting facts About Portugal Bookmark the post for later and check out this selection of Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Fun things to do in Newcastle: activities for a weekend away

May 4, 2021

places to visit near newcastle

I’d been wanting to visit Newcastle, the city in the north of England in the UK for a while and so when I was invited there as part of a conference I spoke at, I gladly said yes. The Newcastle Tourism Board sent me a Read Post

Posted in: UK

Xolo review: registering and managing an Estonian company

March 24, 2021

company xolo

If you’re a freelancer, solopreneur or digital nomad working online and internationally, doing your taxes can be somewhat of a headache. After years of painstakingly tracking everything in spreadsheets so that my accountant would know what’s what, I decided to look for a better option. Read Post

Posted in: Blogging, Random

Try making this delicious Waterzooi recipe from Ghent, Belgium

March 16, 2021

waterzooi recipe

Is it a stew? Is it a soup? Is it a chowder? It’s waterzooi! This is a beautiful classic Flemish dish that will warm your soul and impress your friends. A deliciously creamy chicken broth with plenty of veggies. Serve Belgian waterzooi piping hot with Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Check out the Hackescher Markt graffiti alley in Berlin

March 16, 2021

hackescher markt graffiti

Hackescher Markt is a bit of a touristy area close to Alexanderplatz, but the S-Bahn station is simply beautiful, with orange brickwork and steel arches. You can do some great shopping on Rosenthaler Str. and Oranienburger Str. and there’s the coolest little street art alley. Read Post

Posted in: Germany

5 Austria highlights I’ll never forget – and you should try

March 12, 2021

austria mountain

When I started travel blogging in 2012, I would have never guessed Austria would be one of the countries I’d write about most. Ten trips in nine years’ time. I even managed to grab a few days in Innsbruck before COVID-19 hit Europe. The lovely Read Post

Posted in: Austria

77 fun and interesting facts about Hungary (#10 is special!)

January 29, 2021

interesting facts on hungary

Whether you’re just curious about the country or planning a trip there, check these interesting facts about Hungary for a bit of background information. Found something that isn’t correct or know of a fun fact I should add? Please send me an email at sofie Read Post

Posted in: Hungary, Random

17 cool places to see and things to do in Rotterdam in a weekend

January 18, 2021

what to do in Rotterdam in a weekend

Rotterdam in the Netherlands was named one of the places to travel to in 2016 by Lonely Planet and having spent a weekend there, I can see why. This is a city unlike any other European city I’ve ever visited. As Rotterdam was bombed flat Read Post

Posted in: Netherlands

Is the Berlin Welcome Card worth it?

January 18, 2021

berlin pass price

Berlin in Germany is one of those cities where you can’t just do it all in one trip. There are so many museums, shows, and activities that it can be a bit overwhelming not just when you’re planning, but to your budget too. Fear not, Read Post

Posted in: Germany

Marrakech Food Tours review: tasting the real Marrakech

January 17, 2021

food tours marrakech

This is a guest post by my dad, Hans Couwenbergh, about his experience on a Marrakech food tour with Marrakech Food Tours before the pandemic. I must admit I kind of like a Burgundian lifestyle: good food and a nice wine are never far and Read Post

Posted in: Morocco

Review of Cathay Pacific Premium Economy: is the price worth it?

January 14, 2021

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy review

When my ex (then partner) and I decided to head to Australia for a month, we had the chance to work with Cathay Pacific to try out their Premium Economy class. It was a great opportunity as Cathay Pacific has direct flights from Brussels to Read Post

Posted in: Random

Expand Your Knowledge With 6 of the Best Books About China

January 10, 2021

best books about china

If you’re anything like me, part of the anticipation of any major international travel involves a lot of reading and research. Perhaps you’re planning to travel to China in the next year or two and you’re hungry for some books that can help give a Read Post

Posted in: China

Three premium Bangkok hotel experiences for 2022

December 20, 2020

aetas lumpini bangkok

Planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand for when things are hopefully normal again next year? Then these three hotels are worth checking out.   1. Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit – 5 Stars For anyone looking to experience exotic Thailand in the lap of luxury, look Read Post

Posted in: Thailand

C-mine Genk: from mining site to recreational area

November 30, 2020

c mine

C-Mine is a cultural and recreational site located on an old mining site. What makes it interesting is that some of the buildings have been renovated and repurposed, while another part of the site has been restored and turned into a museum about the mining activities that used to take place there.  Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Not so typical London: Canary Wharf and Greenwich

October 9, 2020

Canary Wharf London 2012

Canary Wharf is one of London, England‘s two main financial areas, together with the City of London. It’s located at the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. This used to be a very vibrant port area and the older buildings on site, reminding Read Post

Posted in: UK

Visiting Belgium in October – Top tips to plan your trip

June 25, 2020

what to do in belgium in october

There are many reasons why autumn is a good time of year to visit Belgium. One of them is the fact that the cities and countryside are bathed in stunning autumnal colors. The leaves begin to blush from green to orange, and the low light Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting Belgium in September – What you need to know

June 11, 2020

weather in belgium september

The summer sunshine is still sticking around for a few weeks when you visit Belgium in September and temperatures are generally warm and comfortable. This and the fact that kids are back at school and most Belgians back at work, make it a great month Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting Belgium in August? Here’s what you should know

June 11, 2020

belgium in august

August is peak tourist season in Belgium and it’s not hard to see why. Belgium’s moderate climate means that even in high summer the temperature doesn’t get unbearable. It’s the perfect weather for meandering through cobbled streets, sipping a drink in the sunshine at a Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting Belgium in July

June 5, 2020

belgium weather july

Visiting Belgium in July can be quite wonderful. It’s the time for outdoor dining, sunny cycle rides, picnics in parks, and exploring shady churches. It’s the warmest time of the year and the days are long and slow. The schools close in Belgium at the Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

30 of the best things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

June 1, 2020

best temples in chiang mai

Thailand’s second city welcomes tourists looking for a different sort of adventure. While Bangkok is known for its hustle and bustle, Chiang Mai offers up a wider variety of sights for the more laid-back crowd. As a bonus, you’ll find it easy to rent a Read Post

Posted in: Thailand

Visiting Belgium in June – What you should know

May 28, 2020

mons belgium june

Visiting Belgium in June is a great idea. The summer weather’s just getting into its stride, the days are long, and you can very comfortably sip one of those delicious Belgian beers outdoors in the sun. By June, the country’s not heaving with tourists – Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting the palaces in Sintra, Portugal

February 20, 2020

Castelo dos Mouros - Moorish Caslte, Sintra

This post is currently being updated – it’ll look and read better soon :-)   Palaces in Sintra Moorish Castle While it had been hot and sunny on the day of our arrival in Sintra, Portugal, it was foggy and pretty chilly the next day. Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Fun things to do in Girona, Spain on a day trip

February 11, 2020

girona jewish quarter

Girona is where Ryanair flies to when it goes to “Barcelona’, but the city has its own charming old center, including a Jewish Quarter, that’s worth a visit. We walked the old cobblestone streets and felt like we were taken back to the Middle Ages. Read Post

Posted in: Spain

Visiting the Dalí Museum in Figueres, Spain

January 31, 2020

museum dali figueres

When I was just a kid (no, not so long ago) my parents took my brother and me to the south of France. As my dad is a real Salvador Dalí fan, we did a day trip to the Dalí Museum in Figueres, Spain. Only, Read Post

Posted in: Spain

Here’s where to find awesome street art in Athens, Greece

January 29, 2020

graffiti tour athens

There’s so much cool street art in Athens. Especially the Monastiraki and Plaka neighborhoods have something to offer graffiti hunters. I went for a walk there, took my camera and brought back a bunch of photos for you. Have a look! Read Post

Posted in: Greece

Fun things to do at Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain

January 22, 2020

monjuic barcelona

There’s no better way of experiencing a city than by getting up high and finding a viewpoint. Montjuic, Barcelona is a landmark hill just south of the city center – the perfect place for getting your bearings with some fantastic views. It’s also home to Read Post

Posted in: Spain

A day at the lovely pink Elafonisi beach in Crete, Greece

January 19, 2020

crete greece pink beach

Did you know there’s a pink beach in Crete? With actual pink sand? No? Hold on, let me start at the beginning. You can imagine I was pretty happy when I found out HouseTrip had rented cars for us to use during our stay with Read Post

Posted in: Greece

Visiting the Historical Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium

January 19, 2020

Gravensteen castle Ghent Belgium facts

The Gravensteen Castle in Ghent houses a Museum of Arms and a Museum of Judicial Objects, a.k.a. torture tools. Inside, you learn a bunch about the castle’s history. I went to have a look and snapped some shots while I was at it.  Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Zakynthos, Greece: snorkeling, turtle nests and ashes

January 17, 2020

snorkelling zante

In 2009, I spent eight days on the Greek island of Zakynthos (also known as the island of Zante). Renting a car allowed me to see a lot of the island and to get some Zakynthos snorkeling action. Top tip: Rather not drive around the Read Post

Posted in: Greece

Fun things to do in Vianden, Luxembourg on a day trip

January 13, 2020

things to do in vianden

The country of Luxembourg is home to many castles. once of the most famous can be found in the town of Vianden. While the castle is definitely the most popular attraction, there are a few more things to do in Vianden. Check it out. Top Read Post

Posted in: Luxembourg

Cooking class in Crete: making traditional Greek dishes

January 10, 2020

cooking classes crete

I hate to cook. I really do. But I love to eat and so I somehow found myself in a cooking class while I was in Crete, Greece. What was I thinking? “Abundance of food to eat”, probably. Top tip: Unfortunately, the class I took Read Post

Posted in: Greece

The Belfry of Ghent, Belgium: one the famous 3 Ghent towers

January 8, 2020

Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is one of the three famous towers of the city. Climb up the stairs and learn about the history of the building on the different floor. There you can also meet the dragon who protected the tower and the famous Bell Ronald. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

The Small and Grand Beguinage Leuven: UNESCO World Heritage Site

January 2, 2020

beguinage leuven

Leuven doesn’t have one, but two beguinages. The Small Beguinage is only a street and two alleys big, while the Grand Beguinage of Leuven is a large UNESCO site and a great place to go for a quiet stroll. It’s pretty photogenetic too. Have a look! Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

17 things to do in Ravenna, Italy on a fun day trip

December 19, 2019

ravenna italy things to do

The city of Ravenna in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy is known for its early Christian and Byzantine mosaics. As most of the mosaics of Ravenna can be found inside historical buildings – of which 8 are UNESCO World Heritage sites- Ravenna is a Read Post

Posted in: Italy

Discover a relaxing day at Thermae Boetfort near Brussels

December 15, 2019

Thermae Boetfort in the snow

My mom and I spent a relaxing day at the thermae in Melsbroek. We had two massages, took a sauna, a steam bath, a relaxation bath and went into the jacuzzi. You can definitely say we thoroughly tested this spa, as well as the massage services. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Graffiti in Ghent, Belgium: Werregarenstraatje and more

December 8, 2019

street art in Gent Werregarenstraatje

Ghent is a creative city and street art is part of the city’s look. Some of the coolest graffiti in Ghent can be found at the Werregarenstraatje and the Tweebruggenstraat. Check it out! Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Celebrate Halloween in Romania on a 7-day Transylvania tour

September 29, 2019

transylvania dracula tour romania

Have you ever thought of celebrating Halloween in Romania, at the real Dracula castle? You can! Last year at the beginning of October, an email landed in my inbox. If I wanted to join a G Adventures tour to celebrate Halloween in Transylvania, the birthplace Read Post

Posted in: Romania

Tested and approved: chocolate workshop in Brussels, Belgium

September 21, 2019

During our chocolate tour, we visited some of the best chocolatiers and got to taste different chocolates. We also did a chocolate workshop in Brussels during which we first got to make and then got to taste our own chocolate cookies. It was so much fun! Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Sailing the Douro river in Portugal with Anima Durius

September 16, 2019

boat tour douro river

On our trip through Portugal we had the opportunity to go on an Anima Durius Douro river cruise by sailboat. Our own private captain, a glass of port made by the family and the sun shining bright… Yes, we had a great time! Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Hiking to the Palace Hotel at Mata do Bussaco in Portugal

August 30, 2019

Mata do Bussaco Portugal

Our next “stay the night” stop in Portugal after Coimbra was the Douro Valley, where we would spend one night at Quinta Nova. We didn’t drive directly from Coimbra to the Douro Valley, though, as Google Maps had shown me something interesting along the way: Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Why you need a VPN for travel to keep your data safe

August 29, 2019

vpn for travel abroad

Online privacy and data security have been getting more attention than ever. If getting your data stolen or your accounts hacked while traveling is something that worries you, you might want to consider getting a VPN if you don’t have one already. This post details Read Post

Posted in: Travel gear reviews

Exploring Coimbra, a small university city in Portugal

August 26, 2019

Coimbra Portugal

After having spent our first day in Portugal at the beautiful Quinta das Lágrimas, we set out to visit Coimbra the next morning. Lisa from LL World Tour had told me it was doable to visit most of Coimbra in a day, and so that was Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Fun Hong Kong itinerary options, including the best tours

August 25, 2019

best things to do in hong kong

I realize it’s not the best time to go to Hong Kong now. I hope the situation betters there soon. We made our trip in June and I’m grateful we got to spend time there. That’s the positive story I wanted to share. When we Read Post

Posted in: China

Is Windsor Castle worth a visit? Have a look and see!

June 10, 2019

visiting Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor Castle from London is easy. You can do it by train or by taxi. We made a day trip out of it and had a look inside the Queen’s Castle. Is it worth visiting Windsor Castle? I think it is, but read this post and decide for yourself. Read Post

Posted in: UK

Travel Pony review: a money-saving hotel booking site

May 6, 2019

Search TravelPony Hotel Deals

When I book accommodation for my travels I always pay a lot of attention to the reviews and the price. I usually don’t go for the cheapest option, but I do travel rather budget. So when the new hotel booking site Travel Pony approached me to Read Post

Posted in: Random

Havaianas espadrilles review: when flip-flops don’t work

April 29, 2019

Havaianas espadrilles review

You know when it’s warm, but just not warm enough to walk around in flip-flops? Or when circumstances ask for just a little more fabric around your feet? That’s when you need espadrilles, Havaianas espadrilles. Built in a light fabric but still covering your feet entirely, Read Post

Posted in: Travel gear reviews

These are some of the best places for tea in London

April 24, 2019

afternoon tea deals london

Those of you who’ve been following me for a while, know that I’m a massive tea fan. And what better place to sip this lovely liquid than in London? I’ve been to London plenty of times but somehow haven’t written that much about it, savoring Read Post

Posted in: UK

Things to do in Breda, the Netherlands on a sunny day

April 8, 2019

There are plenty of things to do in Breda on a sunny day. Walk through the Valkenbergpark, have lunch on the Grote Markt, take snaps of the Spanjaardsgat or enjoy the quiet of the beguinage. Not enough? In this post I take you on a walk with me through the city. Read Post

Posted in: Netherlands

Travel photo shoots: Flytographer review (+ flytographer coupon code!)

March 21, 2019

flytographer code

Want some great travel photos of your next trip that you’re actually in as well? Then photo shoot service Flytographer is the solution. Flytographer has photographers all over the world to capture your travel moments. I tried them in Berlin and this is the result. Read Post

Posted in: Travel gear reviews

Leuven shopping hotspots: where to go for fashion and more

February 28, 2019

Leuven City hall

It having been my hometown for many years, I’m well-acquainted with the Leuven shopping hotspots. Want to know which streets you can’t miss? Check out this list of where to go shopping in Leuven.   Where to go shopping in Leuven The Bondgenotenlaan Leuven doesn’t Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

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about this travel blog Hi! I'm Sofie, and on this blog, I share travel inspiration and planning information so that you can go on a worry-free trip.
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