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 …
Tag: International Travel
Like a Fairytale: A Day Trip Guide to Bruges, Belgium
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. …
Retail Therapy: The Amsterdam Stores That Are Worth Your Time and Money
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 …
Where to Find the Best 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 …
Travel Hungry: 10 Restaurants You Simply Can’t Miss 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 …
Behind the Scenes: My Travel Planning Timeline for Two Weeks in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium
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 …
Flavors of Mexico: A Mexico City Food Guide
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 …
Traveling Light: Packing List for Three Days in Mexico City
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, …
Your Guide to Lucha Libre Matches at Arena Mexico in Mexico City
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 …
Long Weekend Escape: A Travel Guide for Three Days in Mexico City, Mexico
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. …