off the beaten path travel

Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local

April 22, 2022 by Karen Turner 27 Comments

I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share. In this local’s guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.

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Your neighborhood guide to the 14th arrondissement of Paris

March 20, 2018 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

I often write about travel, but travel is often about enjoying your surroundings. For most of my time in Paris, I lived in the 14th arrondissement. Although this arrondissement isn’t famous in the same way that other arrondissements for its attractions, there are many things to do in 14th arrondissement as well as some fantastic food. I hope that this neighborhood guide to the 14e arrondissement inspires you to stick around to explore a bit of this local neighborhood in Paris.

Shortly after moving to Paris, we found a charming apartment in a historic Haussmannian building in the 14th. It was small and I wasn’t sure what it would be like in the 14th arrondissement. Given how crazy the apartment market in Paris is, we took it although the apartment wasn’t exactly what we thought it would be (“CLEAN ME” written into the blinds). That said, I instantly fell in love with the neighborhood. Most people only visit the 14th for the Montparnasse Tower or the Paris Catacombs, however hopefully this little guide inspires you to find some good food after visiting the catacombs.

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Day Trips from Brussels: Vincent Van Gogh in Belgium & the Borinage

October 6, 2017 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

Have you heard of the Borinage region in Belgium? The Borinage region has a fascinating history, a beating heart of the Industrial Revolution. Its industry was part of the reason why Vincent Van Gogh was so attracted to the Borinage. If you’re interested in the letters of Van Gogh and Van Gogh’s influences, it is hard to disentangle the history of the Borinage from the history of Van Gogh. Keep reading to learn about Van Gogh’s life in Belgium.

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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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One Day in Giethoorn, the Dutch fairytale village without roads

April 19, 2022 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

You’ve probably seen photos online of the prettiest village in the Netherlands, Giethoorn. Visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam is a doable day trip from Amsterdam if you’re patient enough to spend two hours getting there independently.

I personally preferred staying overnight at Giethoorn in the picturesque village, so you get to enjoy the sunset over the calm canals without the crowds… Keep reading for my tips for visiting Giethoorn, the Netherlands without a tour. I also include information on how to get to Giethoorn from 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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19 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam by residents

February 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 46 Comments

As a Dutch resident, I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands that aren’t as well known to tourists as well as the Dutch countryside.

Although you’ve probably heard why you should visit Amsterdam, the prettiest Dutch cities to visit are often peaceful, less crowded, and more memorable. Keep reading for the 19 most atmospheric and beautiful cities/towns in the Netherlands that will help you discover more of the Netherlands.

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Two weeks in Borneo: Your adventurous Borneo itinerary for the best things to do in Borneo

March 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

Visiting Borneo was a dream of mine ever since I was a child watching National Geographic video series about the biodiversity in Borneo. Planning my trip to Borneo took quite a bit of time as Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands with three countries.

As I only had two weeks for Borneo, I had to choose carefully what to do in Borneo. This was my itinerary for two weeks in Borneo, focusing on Malaysia and Brunei. I tried to include the best things to do in Borneo, which makes it easy to stretch this Borneo itinerary to four weeks in Borneo depending on your interests.

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Day Trips from Brussels: Villers Abbey in Wallonia, Belgium

October 21, 2017 by Karen Turner 4 Comments

After reading about Abbaye de Villers after seeing some photos when researching day trips from Brussels, I had to visit this beautiful Belgian abbey! Villers Abbey is located in Villers-la-Ville within French part of Belgium, called Wallonia, and I consider one of the best things to see in Belgium.

This beautiful abbey is in ruins, which part of its charm, however keep reading for reasons to visit Villers Abbey, including amazing abbey beer, and beautiful photos of Abbaye de villers.

I first read about Villers Abbey on Atlas Obscura. I have a love for abandoned places and after seeing one photo of Abbaye Villers when researching day trips from Brussels, I was sold. My husband, my in-laws, and I had a blast running around this sprawling complex of beautifully preserved ruins with dreamy fall foliage (we visited in November)….

46 beautiful photos of Kosovo that will inspire you to visit Kosovo

October 15, 2017 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

Kosovo was one of those countries that made me wish that I had all the time in the world to experience every country. With on time buses, ridiculously friendly locals who spoke great English who occasionally gave us free dessert, beautiful mountains, amazing architecture, a fascinating history, small distances between its major cities, and low prices, Kosovo is the perfect country for travelers interested in diving into Balkan culture and history. Ready to see 40+ beautiful Kosovo photos?

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