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You are here: Home / Blog

A theatrical dinner at the Palco restaurant of Hotel Teatro in Porto

January 30, 2019

I’d done a little research before going to the Palco restaurant at Hotel Teatro in Porto. Both the restaurant and the hotel’s history were interesting, but would the food be any good? There was only one way to find out, and so we awakened our taste buds and ordered diner. Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Tasting heaven at Rui Paula’s the DOP Restaurant Porto

January 25, 2019

dop porto restaurant

Regular visitors of Wonderful Wanderings will already know I’m a huge food fan. I just love to eat (cooking, that’s something else…) and I’m always open to new food experiences. You can only imagine my excitement when the tourism board for Porto and the north Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

Going on a Douro Azul river cruise in Porto, Portugal

January 16, 2019

Douro Azul river cruise

We had such a good time going sailing on the Douro river in Pinhão that we were curious about what it would be like to cruise the waters at the other end of the river, in Porto, Portugal. We were invited to do a Douro Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

The gigantic insider Antwerp guide, full of helpful advice

January 6, 2019

city guide Antwerp Belgium

Antwerp is a city of culture, fashion and a lot of coffee bars. In this guide you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip, including a breakdown of the neighborhoods and tips on where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

A walk along the Rhine river in Dusseldorf, Germany + the best chocolate cafe

December 25, 2018

rhine river in dusseldorf germany

In June my dad and I went to Dusseldorf for a day. After a two-hour drive from Leuven (20 minutes from Brussels), we parked the car in an underground parking lot (I think we paid about €13 for 7 hours of parking) at Carlsplatz, which Read Post

Posted in: Germany

15 of the best cafes and restaurants in Cologne, Germany

December 10, 2018

best restaurant cologne germany

When I went on a city trip to Cologne, Germany, I was determined to find the coolest coffee bars and food places. Here’s a list of 15 foodie hotspots I tested and approved that will leave you drooling for a bite and craving for a sip. Promise :-) Read Post

Posted in: Germany

Pacsafe review: the Pacsafe anti-theft purse

December 10, 2018

pacsafe handbag

Whenever I’m packing for a trip I’m faced with the same question: what bag to take? I’m not talking about my main luggage here, but about the bag I’ll be lugging around during the day. I always used to take a rather big shoulder bag Read Post

Posted in: Travel gear reviews

3 days of fun things to do in the Liège Province of Belgium

November 29, 2018

hike lierneux

I’m always up for exploring a bit more of my home country Belgium but being the workaholic that I am, I often need a kick in the behind to do so. This time, that kick came from the Province of Liège. They’ve put together a Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

7 of the best cozy and trendy Antwerp coffee shops

November 7, 2018

kaffeenini antwerpen

The city of Antwerp in Belgium is known as a hip place. So it won’t surprise that there are tons of cool coffee bars where you can get re-energized, take a break, read a book or grab some cake. The list below consists of the Antwerp coffee bars I’ve already been to. Whenever I visit a new one, I’ll add it here, so make sure to check back! Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Cretan food: A Chania food tour and learning about typical dishes

November 6, 2018

best bakery chania

Crete is not only the largest of the Greek islands, with peaceful beaches, secret swimming spots, historic old towns and mountaintop villages, but it also has a strong food culture. The island’s fertile soil means many different crops are available for use in Cretan cooking. Read Post

Posted in: Greece

The people of Bulgaria. Impressions of a first-time visitor

October 26, 2018

people of bulgaria

When I visited Bulgaria, I did it with my friend Amanda from MarocMama.com and Anita, an ex-colleague of my dad. Anita’s Bulgarian and loves her country so much that she wanted me to experience it. But not only the country, also the Bulgarian people. Now, Read Post

Posted in: Bulgaria

4 days of fun things to do in Utrecht province

October 20, 2018

castle de haar netherlands

I always love visiting the Netherlands. They’re right next door and while so familiar, still feel “abroad”. So when Visit Utrecht Region invited me to come visit some places I hadn’t been to yet, I happily said yes. Below, you can find a range of Read Post

Posted in: Netherlands

Srprs me surprise holidays: What are they and how do they work?

October 16, 2018

srprs me reviews

Gifting experiences, not things, is one of the best ways to show your favorite people you care about them. And you know what’s even better than making someone happy with a present? Making them happy with a present you can enjoy too. Like a surprise Read Post

Posted in: Random

Climbing Porto’s hilly streets

October 8, 2018

Douro river porto

To get to the center of Porto, Portugal from our rental apartment at the Rua Campo Lindo, we had to follow the Rua de Antero de Quental into the Rua de Lapa and then to the Praça the República. At that point, we could just follow Read Post

Posted in: Portugal

A list of famous Belgians (Good to know for quizzes!)

October 5, 2018

Famous Belgians

A list of 60 famous Belgians, including famous Belgian singers, famous Belgian singers, famous Belgian scientists, Belgian sportsmen, inventors and more. Check to see how many of them you know, and if you knew they were Belgian! Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

4 Baden Württemberg cities you need to visit

October 1, 2018

baden württemberg city

While Germany is only a border away from Belgium, my trips to the country have been fairly limited. I’ve been to Cologne as a teenager, spent time in Berlin as a student and made short trips to Dresden and Dusseldorf, but that was about it. Read Post

Posted in: Germany

7 of the best restaurants in Hampi, India for vegetarians

September 26, 2018

hampi special food

Everything in India is either referred to as veg (as in vegetarian), or non-veg (meaning including meat). Historic Hampi is keen on keeping its people healthy and spiritual. As a result, all Hampi restaurants are pure veg. You are not allowed to smoke in public Read Post

Posted in: India

Conquering my fear of heights in the mountains of Québec, Canada

September 22, 2018

conquering fear of heights

I’m afraid of heights. I’ve already mentioned this a couple of times here on the blog, but I’ve never given it much attention. Now that I’m writing about my skiing adventures in Québec, though, I feel like I have to. You see, the reason I Read Post

Posted in: Canada

What to wear in Belgium in fall

September 21, 2018

what to wear in belgium

The weather in Belgium in incredibly fickle. It can rain with temperatures around 17°C one day and be sunny and hot the next. That makes knowing what to pack for Belgium and what to wear in Belgium pretty hard. We don’t have very clear distinctions Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

My first time diving. Highs, lows and a lack of air

August 24, 2018

scuba diving first time

I can’t breathe. My mouthpiece is gone. There it is. Grab it. Put the mouthpiece back on. YUK! Salty water fills my throat. I’m in Egypt and it’s my first time diving. In half an hour I experienced highs, lows and a lack of here. Here’s what happened. Read Post

Posted in: Egypt

Krimml Waterfalls Austria

June 13, 2018

vakantie in oostenrijk zillertal

A few years ago, I visited Zillertal in Austria for the first time to attend an “Almabtrieb”, the descent of the cows from the mountains to the valley for winter. I spent less than 48 hours there and so I was thrilled when the Zillertal Read Post

Posted in: Austria

5 peace exhibitions at museums in Münster, Germany

May 28, 2018

lwl museum munster

100 years ago, the First World War ended. The years 1914-1918 will forever be part of the collective European memory, but did you know that Europe also has another peace to celebrate in 2018? It’s been 370 years since the Peace of Westphalia was signed Read Post

Posted in: Germany

9 of the best restaurants in Munster, Germany

May 8, 2018

restaurants in munster germany

When I was planning my trip to Münster, Germany, I turned to Instagram to find cool food spots in the city. These are the places I ended up eating at, including a little review, practical information and whether they offer free wifi.  Read Post

Posted in: Germany

MeetnGreetMe: personal assistance from locals for travelers – A review

May 4, 2018

meetngreetme review

You’re traveling somewhere and want to make a few restaurant reservations, but have no idea where to go. You’ve recently moved somewhere and are trying to find your way around administration, banking, and all that other practical stuff. You need to go to the doctor Read Post

Posted in: Random

What to do when your flight is canceled or delayed

May 2, 2018

flight cancellations due to weather

When a flight is delayed or canceled, what are your rights? Knowing is half the battle. There are several laws handling airline passenger rights when it comes to things such as flight delays, lost luggage, and overbooked flights. This article tells you what you’re entitled to when, and what you need to do to get it. Read Post

Posted in: Random

20 hip Rotterdam cafes and other foodie hot spots

April 10, 2018

cafes in rotterdam

Rotterdam has plenty of food and coffee hotspots to choose from, but what about nice outdoor spots to have a drink or grab a bite? I went on a search for terraces, balconies and rooftop bars and found 10 (+1!) of them. Here they are. Read Post

Posted in: Netherlands

Timberland Earthkeepers review – Should you buy them?

March 27, 2018

timberland earthkeepers on feet

2018 update: the Timberland Earthkeepers I have don’t appear to be sold anymore but you can find a range of boots similar to Timberland Earthkeepers on Amazon. When I travel I usually go for comfortable. Leggings instead of jeans, sneakers instead of leather boots. Nothing Read Post

Posted in: Travel gear reviews

Visiting the European Parliament Museum – Parlamentarium – Brussels

March 26, 2018

european parliament tour

Which European Parliament sights to visit Most people know about the European Quarter in Brussels, but not everyone knows that you can also visit several of the European Parliament institutions. I went to see the Parlamentarium- the European Parliament museum, and also visited the nearby Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Park Abbey Leuven – One of Belgium’s Most Picturesque Abbeys

March 23, 2018

park abbey leuven

Park abbey is a Norbertine abbey located in Leuven. There’s a small museum and guided tours of the abbey grounds are available upon request. We visited the museum and the parochial church and also went for a walk around the large ponds. Come along? Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Where to have breakfast and brunch in Mechelen, Belgium

November 6, 2017

gamine mechelen

The city of Mechelen in Belgium makes for a great day trip. Start with breakfast or brunch and have a coffee break at one of the many lovely cafes around town. Below you can find the ones I’ve tried so far.   Coffee, breakfast and Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Enjoying a night with the Royal Swedish Ballet at Stockholm’s Opera House

March 8, 2017

Royal Swedish Ballet Stockholm Opera

Enjoying a ballet abroad was on my #Anydaysgood list, so spending a night with the Royal Swedish Ballet at the Opera House in Stockholm, Sweden was a dream come true. I saw two different pieces from the top balcony. Here you can read what that experience was like and whether I liked what I saw… or didn’t. Read Post

Posted in: Sweden

Booking a Mystery Trip with Mystery Travel works like this

March 6, 2017

Mystery Trip Stockholm with Mystery Travel

If you go on a Mystery Trip with Mystery Travel, they’ll book your flights, accommodation and a few activities. I did their Suprise City Trip and was sent clues to figure out my destination and what I’d be doing there. Sounds interesting? In this post I’ll tell you step-by-step how to book a Mystery Trip for yourself or as a gift. Read Post

Posted in: Random

Finding silence at a home away from home in the Flemish Ardennes

October 24, 2016

Duivenbos Herzele

Eyndeveld offers spacious vacation homes in the Flemish Ardennes, a green region in Belgium that’s great for hiking, biking and horseback riding. I spent the night there to try test them and explore the nearby Duivenbos forest. Read on to find out how I liked my stay and what I saw in the woods. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting an award-winning chocolatier

October 19, 2016

centho chocolade duisburg

I tasted the best caramel praline in the world. That’s not a personal verdict, that’s what was decided at the 2013 International Chocolate Awards in London. And I didn’t even have to leave the country to do so. Centho Chocolate can be found right here in Belgium. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

15 fun and free open places to visit in Cologne (-1)

October 12, 2016

places to visit in cologne Rheinauhafen

There are much more places to visit in Cologne, Germany besides the Altstadt. If you love modern architecture and urban open spaces, this list will tell you exactly where to go. All these places (except for one, which is worth the entrance fee) are free as well! Read Post

Posted in: Germany

Loving life at Brewery and bistro De Kroon

September 28, 2016

brewery de kroon neerijse

Brewery and bistro De Kroon both has a protected old brewery and an active new one in which it brews its own beers. It’s also nice for lunch or dinner, outside in the courtyard or inside in the industrial looking bistro. Here’s what I ordered.  Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

A walk in Tervuren park, from colonial palaces to ponds

September 26, 2016

tervuren park

The park of Tervuren in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium offers ample walking opportunities along forest paths, ponds, the Africa Museum and the Colonial Palace. I’d been there many times, but now discovered spots I’d never seen before. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Cycling through the Belgian province of Namur this summer: RAVel des BBQ

June 29, 2016

River Meuse province of Namur Belgium

“Please don’t let it rain”, I thought as I woke up. I was going to participate in the RAVeL des BBQ, a cycling route along restaurants and slow roads in the province of Namur, from the castle of Freyr through the village of Hastière, all the way to Agimont. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Visiting the little-known border town Gorizia in Italy

June 22, 2016

Piazza San Antonio Gorizia

Gorizia is a small town in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy where you can stand with one foot in Italy and with the other in Slovenia, where you can climb up to a castle, visit a palace and have a marvelous lunch. Obviously, I did all of that and a bit more on a sunfilled morning.  Read Post

Posted in: Italy

Food and fun things to do in charming little Grado, Friuli

June 20, 2016

Grado Italy

The Comune di Grado in the Friuli region of Italy is a place to wind down. Also known as “The Sunny Island”, it has a completely southward facing beach, a lovely old town center and a beautiful little harbor with a great fish restaurant. Read Post

Posted in: Italy

A fun night with the Tower Lady of Münster, Germany. A unique visit 300 steps high

June 13, 2016

Munster in Germany still has a tower keeper that climbs 300 steps every night to watch over the city and let it know it's safe. I got to join tower lady Martje on one of her shifts

Martje is the first female Türmerin or “Tower Lady” of Münster since the 14th century. I’m not kidding. Six nights a week she climbs the 300 steps of the tower to keep an eye on the city and this night, I got to join her. Read Post

Posted in: Germany

My first experience glamping: amazing or not so much?

May 30, 2016

what is glamping hub

What is glamping? The word “glamping” is a contraction of the expression “glam camping” or “glamorous camping”. Could I, a lover of comfort, like glamping? Glamping Hub invited me to try it out and so I headed to L’Escargot in Theux to spend the night in a safari tent. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

A weekend away enjoying nature in Belgian Limburg

May 4, 2016

cycling routes Limburg Belgium

The east of the Belgian province of Limburg offers ample walking, cycling and horseback riding routes together with some fun activities for adults and kids alike. I did a cycling tour, attended a chocolate workshop, tasted a local specialty, visited an alpaca farm and wandered through a garden full of sculptures. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

What to see in Düsseldorf, Germany when it rains

February 17, 2016

What to see in Dusseldorf Rhine Tower

Planning a city trip in Europe is alway a bit of a weather risk. Germany can be particularly shaky some seasons, so what to see in Düsseldorf when it rains all day long? This post gives you some ideas to turn your trip into a success anyway. Read Post

Posted in: Germany

Introducing St Davids, Wales: smallest city and beautiful peninsula

September 14, 2015

St Davids Wales

St Davids is both the name of the smallest city in Britain and of a Welsh peninsula. In the city, you find the magnificent cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, as well as some local pubs and afternoon tea options. On the peninsula you can walk a part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Read Post

Posted in: UK

Boldly hiking the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

September 9, 2015

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Wales

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is 186 miles long and runs all around Wales. There are several car parks along the Coastal Path so you can choose where to start your walk. I walked it from Stack Rocks car park to St. Govan’s Chapel. It was absolutely worth it. See why: … Read Post

Posted in: UK

Maasmechelen Village, luxury outlet meets stunning nature

August 31, 2015

Maasmechelen village

Maasmechelen Village is an outdoor outlet shopping located right next to a national park and walking distance from several former mining sites. It boasts famous brands such as Nike and Hugo Buss, as well as some bistros. If you like shopping, it makes for a great day out. Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

The Cost of living in Belgium

June 17, 2015

Cost of living in Belgium

Europe isn’t the cheapest place to travel to and while Belgium isn’t as expensive as the UK, for example, it isn’t exactly a budget destination either. But what’s the cost of living in Belgium like? When you strip away the activities you do as a Read Post

Posted in: Belgium

Having the Vatican Museums all to yourself… at night

June 2, 2014

Vatican

I haven’t been to Rome yet, but it’s been on my list for quite some time now. I think the reason I haven’t gone yet is because I’m afraid it won’t live up to my expectations. How could those not be sky scraper high after reading Read Post

Posted in: Italy

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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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