Category: Travel

Destinations, Netherlands, Travel

Retail Therapy: The Amsterdam Stores That Are Worth Your Time and Money

Alyssa shops in Amsterdam at Charlie + Mary

Shopping no longer holds the key to my heart the way it once did – and as such it no longer holds a strong spot in my travel itinerary, either. However, there is something so fun about responding, “Oh this? I got it in Paris/New York/Amsterdam/wherever,” when someone asks you about your outfit. A recent …

Destinations, Netherlands, Travel

The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Amsterdam’s Top Sights and Attractions

Alyssa stands near bicycles along a canal in Amsterdam

Like London (or as I most recently discovered, Mexico City), Amsterdam has no shortage of museums and other sightseeing opportunities. From the awe-inspiring and profound to the fun and quirky, you won’t find any complaints of boredom in the city. I covered a lot of ground in Amsterdam recently, spending a week based in the …

Destinations, Food, Netherlands, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel

Where to Find the Best Coffee in Amsterdam

A Flat White from Lot Sixty-One Coffee in Amsterdam

On my recent trip to Amsterdam, I had plenty of opportunities to explore Amsterdam’s café scene during my week in the city, particularly after a rough flight over. There are many, many great places to get your caffeine fix, but I found a surprising number of duds. Looking for more? Find all of my guides …

Destinations, Food, Netherlands, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel

Travel Hungry: 10 Restaurants You Simply Can’t Miss in Amsterdam

Alyssa at Avocado Show in Amsterdam

I’m just going to come out and say it: finding somewhere to eat in Amsterdam is no easy feat. Not because there are few options, or because the quality is poor – but because there are so many delicious choices that selecting one means you sacrifice an incredible meal somewhere else. Looking for more? Find …

Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Travel, Travel Tips

Behind the Scenes: My Travel Planning Timeline for Two Weeks in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium

A photo of Kinderdijk Windmills

As a travel blogger, I receive a lot of questions about how far out to book a trip and how to create an itinerary. There is no right or wrong answer of course (and despite what you read online, flights aren’t always cheaper on Tuesdays), but my trips to destinations further afield tend to follow …

Destinations, Florida, Style, Travel, USA

Miami Beach Photo Diary

Alyssa walks along Miami Beach

My “year of Florida travels” continues! …sort of. Michael and I savored our only weekend at home during the month of September, which meant we needed to squeeze another Florida destination somewhere else on the calendar. Thankfully our flight to Europe was booked out of Miami, and who am I to deny these perfectly-aligned circumstances? …

Destinations, Food, Mexico, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel

Flavors of Mexico: A Mexico City Food Guide

Alyssa holds a juice in Mexico City

Mexican food is vastly underrated. It might be due to the fact that, in other countries, it has been so altered from its original form that it is rendered almost unrecognizable. Authentic Mexican food is deceptively simple; the reality is the cuisine is complex, rich, and vibrant. Nearly everything is made from scratch, no matter …

Destinations, Mexico, Packing Lists, Style, Travel

Traveling Light: Packing List for Three Days in Mexico City

A graphic that reads "Mexico City Packing List"

My colleagues were confused when I lamented about packing for Mexico City. “Why?” they asked. “Don’t you just pack shorts, tanks, and sandals?” All of Mexico is not hot, with sunny beaches. In fact, much of the interior of Mexico runs quite cool due to the elevation. Mexico City’s temperature varies little throughout the year, …

Style, Travel, Travel Products, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

Fall Travel Style Wish List

A pair of sneakers set in fall leaves with text overlay reading: travel style wish list FALL

Happy Fall! Michael and I are currently in the middle of our first travel in Europe during Autumn—we usually travel in the other shoulder season during May and early June. The weather is still brutally hot at home, but the slightly chillier temps here in Amsterdam have me longing for all things Fall. This season, …

Destinations, Mexico, Travel

Your Guide to Lucha Libre Matches at Arena Mexico in Mexico City

A Luchador Mask on a white table

I think I caught Michael off-guard when I asked him the following one day: “Do you want to go to a Lucha match in Mexico City?” “…Are you being serious?” he asked, scanning my face for hints of sarcasm or joking. “Of course I’m being serious,” I replied, smiling. He couldn’t contain his excitement, and …