travel tips

Free Walking Tour of the Cologne Christmas Markets with Map

October 12, 2019 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

In 2019, Cologne will have its annual Christmas market from
November 25th to December 23rd. If you’re lucky enough to visit Cologne in winter (just in time), be sure to spend at least a day (if not three days) browsing the famous Christmas markets in Cologne. Keep reading for tips for experiencing the German Christmas markets and things to do in Cologne in December!

Planning to visit Cologne Germany in winter to see the famous Cologne Christmas markets? Tips for visiting the Cologne Christmas markets, what to do in Cologne, and where the Cologne Christmas markets are!

I’ve set up this as a walking tour of five Christmas markets in Cologne with a downloadable map of the Christmas markets in Cologne. (Be prepared that this FREE walking tour of Cologne includes a lot of walking although it covers many major landmarks.) The map of the Cologne Christmas markets is at the bottom.

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Things to do in Maastricht, the most beautiful city in the Netherlands

January 6, 2020 by Karen Turner 16 Comments

Maastricht is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and it can be easily explored in a weekend. The city is perfect for a slow, romantic weekend away from Amsterdam spent exploring a beautiful cathedral bookstore, strolling the tangled streets, touring historic caves, and eating/drinking delicious regional cuisine at affordable prices. For architecture and food lovers, Maastricht is a city that you will not want to leave off any trip to the Netherlands. Read the best things to do in Maastricht!

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Catspotting: A crazy cat lover’s guide to cats in Amsterdam

October 17, 2018 by Karen Turner 21 Comments

I love cats. This is a detailed guide to my beloved Amsterdam with the best places to meet cats in Amsterdam, officially and unofficially, with my favorite cats. If you’re a fan of Catspotting, you’re going to love this guide to Amsterdam. I’m a crazy cat lady and meeting cats when traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.

While living in Amsterdam, my husband and I hunted down the locations of cats in Amsterdam because we are that cat crazy. We found cats living at one of the cat cafes in Amsterdam, roaming the halls of a historic canal house/cat museum filled with cat art, cozying up to potential owners on de Poezenboot (the Catboat), sleeping in various shops, or even breaking into museum gardens.

This also includes coffeeshops with cats…. That said, I was not successful in petting them all. Keep reading for our favorite cat locations in Amsterdam with a map.

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Durbuy Belgium: The most beautiful day trip from Brussels

November 9, 2017 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

Durbuy, Belgium is a beautiful Belgian city in the province of Luxembourg in Wallonia (the southern part of Belgium). Before seeing a photo of Durbuy online, I had never heard of this picture perfect Belgian city, however, when I took a road trip through Belgium, we hightailed it to Durbuy to ensure that we had time to explore this beautiful Belgian town. Keep reading for the best things to do in Durbuy, Belgium, one of the most beautiful places in Belgium!

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Couchsurfing: How to Make Local Friends Without Staying Over

February 3, 2016 by Karen Turner 34 Comments

Everyone has their opinion of couchsurfing I like to use Couchsurfing while still having my own place to stay to meet locals in a city that I’m visiting, hear some interesting stories, try some local favorites, and most importantly, have an experience that makes me want to go back.

I go through some Couchsurfing safety tips as well as specifics on how to find awesome people to meet up with on short notice as well as when/what to message to find someone who will show you around the city you’re visiting!

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A free self-guided walking tour of the best chocolate in Brussels

November 1, 2019 by Karen Turner 17 Comments

If you’re figuring out what to do in Brussels and you’re a chocolate lover, you must try Belgian chocolate—and do a chocolate tasting in Brussels. Here’s some advice for finding the best chocolatiers in Brussels on a self-guided chocolate tour in Brussels, including their addresses!

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How to ride the NYC subway: Essential subway tips by a New Yorker

April 18, 2018 by Karen Turner 23 Comments

I grew up in New York City, so it perplexes me when visiting friends tell me they don’t understand the New York City public transportation system. Let’s fix this now.

In this NYC subway guide by a native New Yorker, you’ll find essential tips on how to ride the New York City subway, how not to get on the wrong subway, what not to do on the New York City subway, how to get from JFK to Manhattan by subway, and other insider tips for the New York city subway by a New Yorker.

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24 hours in Paris: A local’s guide to off the beaten path Paris

November 10, 2017 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

In a sea of blogs about Paris, Kate from MoreNativeThanTheNatives, a Parisian resident, is here to give you an insider’s guide to Paris off the beaten path and Paris on a budget. She’s crafted a plan for 24 hours in Paris with alternative things to do in Paris and some best kept secrets. Keep reading for this off the beaten path Paris on a budget guide with a map!

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Tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam

November 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

Considering visiting Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve? Amsterdam is one of the best European cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe within. Read insider tips by a resident on the best things to do on New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, the best parties on NYE in Amsterdam, and where to buy fireworks in Amsterdam.

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Not your average guide: Things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei

December 4, 2017 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

If you’re looking into visiting Brunei, you’re probably considering visiting the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB as the locals say). The capital of Brunei will surprise you regarding how many things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan you’ll find and for free. Keep reading for a guide to Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei.

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