Tag: International Travel

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. …

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, 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, 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, …

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 …

Destinations, Mexico, Travel

Long Weekend Escape: A Travel Guide for Three Days in Mexico City, Mexico

Alyssa stands with a row of cacti in Mexico City

A disclaimer: Three days in Mexico City is not enough. But I have a feeling that a week, or a month, or a lifetime would still not be enough time to spend in the city. The capital of Mexico is beautifully chaotic and vibrant, with patches of quiet and green space filling in the gaps. …