City Trips

Wie heeft er niet van gedroomd? Wonen in het charmantste Londense huisje van Notting Hill met de beroemde blauwe voordeur. Het liefst ook mét Hugh Grant erin. Notting Hill uit 1999 is inmiddels een echte klassieker en ik durf wel te zeggen dat ik dit de meest romantische romcom aller tijden vind. En nu is er bijzonder nieuws voor iedereen die bij het zien van de film het liefst direct een enkeltje naar Londen zou boeken: dit huis staat te koop! 'I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.' Sommige filmzinnen vergeet je nu...

A weekend in Paris? Yes, please. Enjoying the terrace, with a café crème in one hand and a croissant in the other. Then a little wandering through the streets of Le Marais, diving into vintage shops, walking past beautiful facades, and of course taking lots of photos for social media. The only thing that sometimes holds me back is the price of a train ticket these days. Fortunately, starting mid-December, there will be a new option for those who want to travel to the French capital more affordably: GoVolta. This train connection takes you, just like Eurostar, directly to Paris. And that sounds like music to my ears...

Paris is one of those cities where you can make a hundred lists of hotspots and still think at the end: have I done enough? That's why I've gathered my favorite spots for you, but in a slightly different way. Not a list of twenty separate restaurants and coffee shops where you then have to create a route yourself, but simply: you go along the way and I tell you what to do and when. Because a weekend in Paris doesn't have to be complicated at all. You need good coffee, a bit of vintage, delicious food, a few drinks, and of course a place where you can...

Rome, if there is a city perfect for a weekend trip, it is the eternal city. As far as I’m concerned, you can leave me there for a year, I love it so much. The nice thing about Rome – but I am the president of the fan club – is that it is enjoyable all year round. There is so much to do that you can have fun even when it’s pouring rain. I have gathered all my Rome knowledge (I lived there for six months and have been there at least twenty times since) for you in the perfect weekend Rome overview. Here we go. [gallery...

Paris is Paris, but you've probably been there already, I think. Many people find it too busy and too expensive now that the Olympic Games are being held there. The little hotel you always booked (these are 4 nice and original hotels in Paris) may have become three times as expensive. If you still want to get away for a bit, it might be a good idea to consider Lille. It's only a three-hour drive and it's the second-best shopping city in France (that would be Paris, the boss of bosses). Here are a few reasons why you should...

Nothing is as charming (and expensive) as Paris. You have to be willing to pay for it, but not everyone wants to spend seven hundred euros for a night away. However, it can be cheaper; you just need to know where to go. Some cities really resemble Paris in terms of charm, bustle, buildings, and atmosphere. Here are the best affordable options: Budapest, Hungary Budapest is known for its beautiful architecture, romantic atmosphere, and vibrant culture, similar to that of Paris. However, the city generally offers lower prices for accommodations, food, and attractions, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tighter budget....

What comes from afar is tastier, they say. But let's not forget that the best can also be close by. Knokke, for example, is a solid three hours by car from Amsterdam. No hassle with customs, waiting times, and polluting airplanes. Just by car (also polluting, but a lot less) or by train and you're in paradise. Why? Uh, do you have a moment?   1. The shops I used to shop after a weekend in Antwerp in Knokke where the shops are also open on Sundays. You can find all layers there: Essentiel Antwerp, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Verso...

Okay, I finally understand why Croatia is being called the new Ibiza. I only found this out a bit later. You heard some good stories here and there, but whether it would really surpass my old trusted holiday country Spain seemed unlikely to me. Still, I have to admit: Croatia is so underrated. Last summer, I flew to the southern city of Split with three friends and since then I recommend it to everyone. Whether you go with your family, your group of friends, or your partner; it is a place for all ages. So in a row: the things you must do...

Barcelona is and remains the ultimate getaway. Whether it's with your girlfriends, your mother, your daughter, or your partner: it's always fun there due to the perfect combination of beach and city. And when you're in such a beautiful city, you can't help but watch the sunset from a towering terrace with a cocktail in your hand. Barcelona is full of rooftop bars, and I would love to share my best tips with you. Bet you’ll spontaneously want to book a return trip to Barça because of this? 1. RoofTop Ohla Barcelona You can compare it to the W Lounge in...

Finding a more fun city than Barcelona, Paris, or London? We know where you want to be. And, not entirely unimportant, it's a lot more affordable. Sunny, a cool city vibe, and a thousand things to do and see. We're talking about the coolest city in Europe. Rampampam... The Spanish Sevilla. A must-visit, as far as we're concerned. What you definitely shouldn't miss? - Alcázar of Sevilla: This royal palace, originally built by Moorish kings, is a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The beautiful gardens and rich history make it a must-see. - Plaza de España: This impressive square, built...

So definitely don’t go there: save yourself the trouble. Because this is absolutely the ugliest city in all of Europe: Brussels. Brussels has a rich historical heritage, with beautiful architecture, medieval squares, historical buildings, and sights such as the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the Royal Palace. At least, that’s what you think. That it is beautiful. Because it is a serious city. The administrative center of the European Union: you would think there would be something beautiful there? Well, it’s a huge disappointment. It’s hideously ugly. Brussels: no charm, just concrete When you think of the capital of the European Union,...

Valencia is a lot; you can shop and eat fantastically there, but it is also the gem for families who want something more than just eating paella and lying on a beach bed. If you love the Spanish life – who doesn't? – Valencia should really appear on your radar. It's also wonderfully close: just under two hours flying. And that's just the beginning of a long list of unique selling points. Like cycling through the lush Jardín del Turia, where squirrels jump in orange trees. If you're going for that hearts record at...

Do you know that feeling when you just have to sit on a terrace because the sun is shining, your legs are tired from shopping (or just from existing), and all you can do is, with a good glass of wine, watch people? Well, I had that feeling recently too. I was in Breda (in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in Brabant), but I just couldn't decide where to sit for the best view – and yes, I'm also talking about the waiters – the best drinks and the best food. Are you going soon...

Rome is, just like Paris, always a good idea. I had the privilege of staying there for half a year and still fantasize weekly about the fact that one day, when I am old and shriveled, I want to buy an apartment there and sit on a bench with my love. I already know which neighborhood: Prati. Not Trastevere, but Prati Prati is an elegant neighborhood in Rome, located close to Vatican City. It is less vibrant and bustling than Trastevere (which is a bit like the Jordaan of Rome), but it has a classic, refined allure. Prati feels more like a lively yet quiet neighborhood where you...

Last summer I was in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a girlfriend: Budapest. From the mega-beautiful architecture to the most fun nightlife, this city really has everything you are looking for if you want to get away for a few days. So is Budapest on the agenda? Save these tips in your notes, because these 3 things you really can't miss. The Prosecco Boat via Social Deal Our absolute highlight of our trip was: The Prosecco Boat. For less than 25 euros you can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited different types of prosecco. And the service ensures that you...

Do you think Lisbon is the end? So do we. The tram, the narrow and steep streets, the delicious food - hello pastel de nata. And then those nice people, those beautiful buildings and the atmosphere. And the sun that shines. Lisbon is really a city that you can perfectly do as a city trip: not too far, nice weather and not too expensive. But it can be even cheaper and prettier, it turns out. There is now another Portuguese city that steals the crown from its big sister. There are cities you visit because everyone says you must and cities you discover just...

If I may give you a travel tip for 2026, it would be Valencia. And while I can't count the reasons on two hands, I will still make an attempt. It is quite close, has an intensely rich cultural history, one of the largest historical centers of all cities in Europe, a high concentration of great restaurants, and you can also shop well there. Moreover, a lot is cooked with products from the local hinterland, which is why Valencia is often referred to as a culinary pantry: fresh, local, and also a bit better for the environment....

Don't hate me, but for my work, I've been able to check off quite a few five-star hotels in Paris from my bucket list, but when I travel privately, I also prefer to stay in a cheap hotel. Well, not prefer, but one has to make some choices. For work, I stayed at Hotel Costes, Le Bristol (that's where I got inspiration for my children's book), Le Meurice, The Westin, Royal Monceau.... Not to brag, but to let you know that I also don't like a hotel with a shower in the hallway and a room the size of a postage stamp. But...

Now that we are almost in April, something is gnawing at me: travel. Yes, if there is something I look forward to, it is packing a carry-on suitcase, booking a trip, and going to some city in the world. Or Europe, when I look at my own student budget. But okay. Traveling then. I feel like a city trip and you probably do too. Just forgetting all worries while walking through a new environment. Going to the cutest bakeries, you know, those old-fashioned buildings with facades that are even prettier than theaters. That...

Hong Kong, what a fantastic world city. If I may give you one piece of advice, go there for a few days. Before or after a trip to Asia. Two nights, three days is already perfect. Hong Kong is buzzing, super tidy and clean. The food is amazing and you will find the most fantastic food tours. Shopping is a paradise. Hiking is also a very good option in Hong Kong, I didn't expect that. You? Hong Kong flight:   We flew with the top 3 in the world: Cathay Pacific. They deliver on all their service and expectations. You fly directly from Amsterdam to Hong Kong and as soon as you board...