Tag: Europe

Destinations, Spain, Travel

A Relaxed Approach to Visiting Barcelona, Spain

Alyssa stands on a balcony in Park Guell

It’s true that overtourism has taken hold of Barcelona. When you combine a dense, walkable city with a multitude of sights and rich culture, there can be no other result. Even during my visit in October, which is shoulder season, the crowds in parts of the city were unbearable. But sometimes you simply have to …

Destinations, Spain, Travel

72 Hours in Madrid, Spain

Alyssa standing in front of the Metropolitan building in Madrid

When I shared with friends and family that Michael and I were traveling to Spain, many people excitedly asked, “Oh, are you going to Barcelona?!” Not a single person asked if we were going to Madrid. That seems absurd, doesn’t it? It is the capital of the country after all, and that should count for …

Denmark, Food, Recipes

International Holiday Recipe: Æbleskiver

A plate of aebleskiver with powdered sugar on top

What on earth is an æbleskiver? I’m so glad you asked! These poppable, spherical, portable little pancakes are dangerous – both in the “you’re definitely going to eat too many” way and also the “you’re probably going to burn yourself at some point during the making process” way. But they are worth it. A quick …

Belgium, Destinations, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, Travel Tips

Traveling Light: Two Weeks in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium Packing List

packing list benelux

Do you have a warm drink handy? Today I’m sharing a packing list for a recent trip to the BeNeLux region of Europe, and it grew quite lengthy by the end, so please feel free to make something and settle in to read (I won’t say no to a mug of mulled wine, so if …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

The Best Places to Shop in Antwerp, Belgium

A view of the ornate Antwerp Centraal Station

Antwerp has been synonymous with fashion since the Antwerp Six exploded into the fashion world in the eighties, and the undeniably cool city is worth at least a day trip should you find yourself in Belgium. Granted, a day will only allow you to scratch the surface of the city’s designers and shops, but if …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

Beyond the Basics: A Weekend Travel Guide for Brussels, Belgium

Alyssa and Michael in Brussels City Center

Brussels was the city I was least excited to visit on my recent trip to Europe: I’d heard the city was crowded and dirty, and that it has a reputation for being a bit dangerous. I might have even only trekked in for a day trip or skipped it entirely, were it not for the …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

Like a Fairytale: A Day Trip Guide to Bruges, Belgium

The Bruges Belfry in the sunlight

Sharing a day-trip guide to Bruges, Belgium Bruges (or Brugge) is indeed, as you may have heard, like a fairytale. Located in Flanders, just 25 minutes by train from Ghent, the historic center of Bruges has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval architecture and is well worth a day trip. …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Ghent, Belgium

View of Ghent from Gravensteen

My top picks for a weekend in Ghent, Belgium – including all the best places to eat, drink, and shop!

Belgium, Food, Recipes

A Recipe Inspired by a Trip to Belgium: Sugar-Studded Liege Waffles

A tray of liege waffles

While in Belgium recently, I can’t even begin to tell you how much time Michael and I spent hunched over our phones, searching for “Best Liege waffles in *current Belgian city*,” which is probably good because it would really be an embarrassing number calculated in hours, not minutes. All in search of an ultimately elusive …

Destinations, Luxembourg, Travel

36 Hours in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg

I think I got off on the wrong foot with little Luxembourg. My journey by train from Amsterdam was met with sudden route changes, extending my transit time from the better part of a morning to a full seven hours – which meant I was filled with a bit of regret before Michael and I …