photography

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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50 beautiful photos of Albania that will inspire you to visit Albania

December 27, 2017 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

After visiting Kosovo last year, I was told that I needed to visit Albania. I started looking up photos–and I was sold instantly. I visited Albania this summer and it was my favorite trip of 2017 hands down. Why? The beautiful nature, incredible hiking, historic cities, warm weather, delicious byrek, and decent prices… What else could one ask for in a vacation? Keep scrolling for beautiful photos of Albania, including photos of the most beautiful places in Albania that we visited. I truly hope this post inspires you to visit Albania.

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Amstergram: Best Amsterdam Photography Spots by a Local

July 18, 2018 by Karen Turner 23 Comments

As a photographer, it’s a hobby of mine finding the best places to take photos in Amsterdam. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and I’m still finding cute streets with traditional Dutch architecture in Amsterdam to wander down.

Here are the best photo locations in Amsterdam according to one biased resident. Free map of the best Amsterdam instagram locations at bottom.

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Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

January 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 20 Comments

If you’re visiting Paris, you might be looking for something unusual to do in Paris besides seeing the Eiffel Tower. Either way, you will not want to miss the arcades of Paris. In my time living in Paris, I loved getting lost in the covered passages in Paris, which retain an air of magic and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour through Paris should give you glimpse into the secret Paris that Parisians know, love, and guard with their lives. This walk through the covered passages of Paris includes some of Paris’ most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas as well as some off the beaten path attractions.

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The most beautiful temples in Kyoto, the city of a thousand temples

February 9, 2018 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

One of the highlights of Japan is visiting the temples in Kyoto without question. Once famous for being the capital of Japan, Kyoto packs in a lot of history as well as culture due to the many temples and shrines dotted across the city; which is why Kyoto is the “a city of a thousand temples”. I

t can takes years to visit every single one of the shrines and temples that Kyoto has to offer, but there are a few select ones that deserve a visit, should you find yourself in Kyoto. Keep reading for the most beautiful shrines and temples in Kyoto to visit.

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