Some destinations in Europe flourish during Autumn. Crowds will go back to their usual business after Summer, temperatures are still nice and the city colours in all shades of red and yellow. As you might have noticed, this blog has lots of travel stories, as travelling is a big part of my adventurous lifestyle. At […]
Europe
Favourite hotspots in Bulgaria: Breakfast in Sofia
Having breakfast in Sofia is a delight. Even though Bulgaria doesn’t have an extensive breakfast culture. Usually, locals grab breakfast at home or have it on the go. When visiting another city, I usually eat out instead of making breakfast “at home”. I never make a reservation with ‘breakfast included’. I rather go out to […]
Why foodies should visit the Dordogne in France
Visiting the Dordogne in France should be on everyone’s list. When it comes to food, France is one of my favourite countries in Europe. The Dordogne has so many delicious goods, like the croissants, macarons, cheese and wine. Every region in France is famous for its own speciality. Here’s why you should visit the Dordogne: […]
Adventure bucket list of Coco Dee ~ part 2
Earlier I wrote about my adventure bucket list. A list of awesome things I still want to do. From backpacking to seeing the Big Five. There are so many beautiful things to do and see in the world. I don’t think I will ever cross everything from my list. But I’m sure going to try! […]
My favourite hotspots in Amsterdam
Hotspots in Amsterdam aren’t hard to find, even if you’re not from here. I’ve put together a small list with favourite restaurants and shops in Amsterdam. Hotspots in Amsterdam: My favourites hangouts There are lot of cool restaurants, bars and other hangouts. The ones below are always mentioned at least once when I meet up […]
Tramkade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
Tramkade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is a former industrial area turned into a creative hub. The old warehouses next to the train tracks are now restaurants, workspaces, a brewery and more. Dutch city ‘s-Hertogenbosch ‘s-Hertogenbosch is a small city in the south of the Netherlands. It has adorable cobblestone streets and beautiful areas to wander around. The […]
The Netherlands: Local city guide Utrecht
The local city guide Utrecht is for those who want to explore more of the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Utrecht is only 30 minutes away and it a bustling city where you can easily spend a weekend. Some call this city mini-Amsterdam, but I don’t think it gives Utrecht the credits it deserves. Why don’t […]
How to behave when travelling to the Netherlands
I’ll admit it straight away, we are a funny little country. With some weird habits. But we love our weird habits. Do you want to know how to behave when travelling to the Netherlands? Make sure you know a few of our do’s and don’ts. You’ll make us proud! Get tickets for the 5D Ultimate […]
9 bucket list things to do in Europe
There are so many exciting things to do in Europe. This continent is super versatile with its 51 independent states. 26 countries are part of the Schengen area which means you can move freely across borders. In addition, it’s often cheap to get from one country to another. I once bought a return flight from […]
Adventure bucket list of Coco Dee ~ part 1
The adventure bucket list of Coco Dee is an ever-changing long list of awesome things I want to do and see. This list keeps on growing and it seems like a neverending story. But there are so many awesome things to see and do in the world! This adventure bucket list is super random and […]
Food hotspots in Utrecht – The Netherlands
There are amazing food hotspots in Utrecht that just pop with their vibrant energy, colourful dishes and trendy interiors. It’s impossible to list all my favourites in one blog post, but in this one, I give you 5 of them! The Netherlands: Travel guide of a local Mr. Black and The White Ox Mr. Black […]
The Netherlands: City guide ‘s-Hertogenbosch
This city guide ‘s-Hertogenbosch is written for everyone who wants to see a different place than the usual Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The last decade I’ve spent more years abroad than in the Netherlands. But once I got back and hosted friends here, I came to appreciate what was right under my nose. Local city guide […]
11 Tips for a weekend in the Netherlands
A weekend in the Netherlands can be a true joy. I have so much fun discovering this country. So I made a list with 11 tips for a weekend in the Netherlands. For those who have a spare weekend and who want to explore more than just Amsterdam. And a kind reminder to myself, to […]
Typical things to do in the Netherlands
When you think of typical things to do in the Netherlands, you think of seeing tulip fields? Eating cheese? Windmills? Weed? Maybe cruising the Amsterdam canals? Most travellers don’t get any further than Amsterdam, or maybe Rotterdam. Such a shame, because the Netherlands has so many fun and other typical things to offer! Wadden Islands […]
Wadden Islands of the Netherlands: Local guide
The Wadden Islands of the Netherlands are my favourite places to go in my own country. Imagine the fresh seafood, beaches, surfing and spotting seals. I can’t wait to go back! Every island is a bit different, but they’re all amazing and laidback. Wadden Islands of the Netherlands In the North Sea in the far […]
The Netherlands: 6 Reasons to visit ‘s-Hertogenbosch
When exploring the Netherlands, make sure to visit ‘s-Hertogenbosch. This picturesque city in the south looks like it’s featuring a fairytale. The city centre has crooked houses and cobblestone streets. Fair enough, I’m biased because I have an apartment here. But if I hadn’t I would still love to visit ‘s-Hertogenbosch just for the food, […]
Unique places to visit in the Netherlands
There are some unique places to visit in the Netherlands, besides the usual Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The Netherlands has so much more fun things to offer. For a small country like ours, we have many different sights to explore, from rural areas to pretty beaches and the Dutch islands. Unique sights in the Netherlands Get […]
Unique accommodations in the Netherlands
In this blog, you will find some of the most unique accommodations in the Netherlands. Why don’t you make your stay in the Netherlands interesting by sleeping high up in a crane, or on the water, in a train or aeroplane, or even stay in a wine barrel? Now I’ve got your attention, huh? Unique […]
Rotterdam: Best hotels to stay in the city centre
The best hotels to stay in the city centre of Rotterdam are not only well-located but also very modern and fun to stay! Rotterdam has an eye for modern design and you can see this in the hotel interiors. How to find the best hotels in the city centre of Rotterdam One of the advantages […]
Hostels in Rotterdam: Save money on your trip
The hostels in Rotterdam are some of the most fun in the Netherlands! They are cheeky, colourful and super engaging with their guests. Most of them are Instagram worthy with their beautiful murals or funny quotes. Hostels in Rotterdam are an excellent cheap alternative for hotels. Hostels in Rotterdam: For the traveller who wants to […]
Bucket list: 8 Festivals in Europe
Winter is almost over and that means it’s time for the festivals in Europe! I’m a huge fan of music festivals and I would love to cross them all from my bucket list. It has something to do with the relaxed vibe, different styles of music and sharing these days with friends. 8 Awesome festivals […]
The countryside of the Netherlands: Offbeat places
I came to appreciate the countryside of the Netherlands more and more the last few years. Actually, since I came back to the Netherlands 3 years ago. During those 3 years, I was bound to home due to my new corporate job. I really needed to get used to not being able to travel so […]
5 beautiful small cities in the Netherlands
When you are visiting cities in the Netherlands you’ll probably have Amsterdam and Rotterdam first on your list. Obviously, and you’re absolutely right. But if you have a bit more time in this country, or if this isn’t your first visit, why not explore these 5 beautiful small cities in the Netherlands? Get tickets for […]
The Netherlands: Travel guide of a local
The Netherlands: Travel guide of a local is written because I was playing a local tour guide for my foreign friends. When my friends visit the Netherlands, I am always happy to show them around. It is actually fun for me too, since I get to visit places I normally wouldn’t go. So playing a […]
City breaks & adventurous trips: Coco Dee 2019
It has been a year of city breaks and other adventures. Starting with New Years on the other side of the world. Followed by trips that can be described as adventurous. Although when I look back on my travels in 2019, my first thought is that I had a quiet year. Now I’m writing this […]
Coco Dee’s food guide in Valencia
Want to find out more on Coco Dee’s food guide in Valencia? I’ve put together a list of my favourite hotspots. Every time I visit Valencia, I pay a visit to each and every one of them. Find out where I get my gorgeous smoothie bowls, where to go for dinner and where to relax […]
Weekend ski trip in Bulgaria for less than 150 Euro
Everyone who has ever been on a ski trip, well anywhere, knows how expensive this is. The trip to the skiing area, materials and not to mention the ski passes, nothing cheap about those things. Now, let me tell you that it is possible to organise a cheap ski outing in Europe! I’m not talking […]
Falling in love with Ireland’s Galway
Galway, where the Atlantic meets the bohemian and hipster vibe. It’s the largest and oldest city on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the West coast of Ireland. And I just fell in love with the place during my quick and unexpected visit, while being on a city break in Dublin. Falling in love with Ireland’s […]
Best kept secrets of Bulgaria’s Sofia
When I first mentioned to my friends, I would be going to Sofia, I started getting tips almost immediately. I never knew the capital of Bulgaria is such a popular destination. Now, I normally don’t buy guidebooks to get to know my destination before I go. But I love getting tips and advice from people […]
What to do when your flight is cancelled
So it happened to you too. Your flight got cancelled. Certainly, a shitty thing that can happen to anyone. I can’t undo the cancellation for you. However, I can make things run more smoothly for you, by helping you with tips on what to do when your flight is cancelled. Tips on what to do […]
Planning my trip to Iceland
Oh my God, I finally booked my flights to Iceland, my dream destination for years already. Besides the gorgeous landscapes and impressive waterfalls, I’m really keen on seeing the Northern Lights. I know Iceland is beautiful during the Summer (and has nicer temperatures then). However, I found really cheap flights from Amsterdam to Keflavik with […]
Where to find the best hotels in Stockholm
This Autumn (best season to go), I finally got to go to Stockholm. The city of Sweden with amazing views and surrounded by nature and water. During my work as a travel consultant, I’m always searching for great accommodations that have that little something extra. Obviously, when I travel myself, I do the same. So […]
How to visit a Baltic and a scandinavian country in 1 weekend
A weekend in October, I found myself on my way to Finland. That morning I had no idea I would be going to Finland, not to mention Estonia in the same weekend. However, I was finding myself in this exact situation. An amazing weekend where I got to see 2 cities in a Baltic country and a Scandinavian […]
How to survive Helsinki without a Guidebook
You know it’s kind of strange to find yourself on a plane to Helsinki, and you find out about that just a few hours before departure. Sounds ridiculous? Maybe so. To me, this is everyday work. I’ll explain, however, this time it is me who needs to survive Helsinki without a guidebook. How To Survive […]
A weekend trip to the Dutch Wadden island: Texel
For my brother’s birthday, I planned a weekend to one of our Dutch Wadden islands, Texel. He had never gone skydiving, so that was his actual present (do I get sister credits for this??). Of course, we aren’t just going to drive all the way to the North of the Netherlands just for that. We […]
The beauty of the French Dordogne
Falling in Love with the Dordogne Ever since I went for a visit, in my family’s house, I am crazy in love with the beauty of the French Dordogne. Never have I thought the landscape is so pretty. The first time, we drove the night from the Netherlands and arrived at sunrise. Instead of feeling […]
A surfer’s paradise sleepover at B&B Kahakai in Texel
A Surfer’s Paradise Sleepover at B&B Kahakai in Texel, the Netherlands As you might know, I’m a huge fan of all sports water related. So to find out that the Bed & Breakfast I was staying, is in surfing style, that’s just icing on the cake. I was spending the weekend on one of the […]
Where to go when you’re 3 days in Porto
I like to combine my travelling with visiting friends around the world. When I worked onboard of the cruise ship I became friends with several Portuguese colleagues and one of them I visited in Porto. He showed me Where To Go When You’re 3 Days in Porto. So I went to see my friend and […]
Coco Dee’s 8 best restaurants of Mallorca
The 8 Best Restaurants of Mallorca Travelling and food are two of my greatest passions as you might know. So how else could I not find the best restaurants of Mallorca, while I was living there. Maybe I haven’t found them all, but I sure did try! Here is my list of the 8 Best Restaurants […]
The ultimate island guide: Mallorca
Thinking of white-sanded beaches? Palm trees and clear blue water? This time I’m not describing Bora Bora or the Maldives. It never crossed my mind, but paradise is closer to home than I thought. Another spontaneous decision led me to a job on the Spanish island Mallorca. Which is jaw-droppingly gorgeous! Living on the island Mallorca, part […]
7 great spring destinations in 2017
Really, guys, the sun is shining, the temperature is slowly rising, this can only mean one thing. Spring is right around the corner! My favorite time of the year. In winter time, when I am not out snowboarding somewhere, I go into hibernation. At least, I would really want to. Winter is not my season […]
The ultimate island guide: Malta
“You’ve heard of it, but… where is it again? You know, Malta, that small island in the Mediterranean Sea. That small, pretty island surrounded by clear blue waters and with magical views. Why haven’t you been to this perfect escape destination?” Malta, A Mediterranean Pearl Malta, a pearl in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, is […]
7x weird Dutch food I love
According to trend watchers, food is a reason to travel to a particular place in. Forget about the sights crawling with tourists, dig into the food culture. I am a huge fan of food, not only as a former chef but also because it’s in my blood. As a part of a Dutch/Indonesian family, I […]
The coolest spots to shop in Antwerp
That Antwerp is a true walhalla for fashionistas, is the city’s best-kept secret. Besides London, New York, Milan and Paris, the second largest city of Belgium has countless stylish boutiques, concept stores, and design shops. In addition, Antwerp’s fashion museum is the place to go for us fashion freaks. For everyone who wants to shop […]
Coco Dee’s guide to Barcelona: El Born
As the title already says, this is my guide to Barcelona. Barcelona is an enormous city and if this is your first time here, some guidance might come in handy. Don’t use this as if it is written in stone, but allow yourself to explore on your own a little bit. I will just point you […]
Trendy hotspot Antwerp: Eilandje (The Island)
Not too long ago, Het Eilandje (The Island) was a forgotten area of Antwerp, the second largest city in Belgium. It used to be the city’s harbor until a new harbor was built. Soon this place was abandoned and no one wanted to go here. In the late 90s, the city revived this forgotten place and Het […]
Looking back at 2016 in travels
The year I fell in love, got my heart broken and travelled halfway around the world. The year I worked onboard a cruise ship. The year I escaped to the Mediterranean for the Summer but managed to find my way back home before the year ends. 2016 in Numbers In 2016 I travelled to: 4 […]
5 best things of working in the French Alps
5 Best Things of Working in the French Alps So, for some reason I decided to quit my full-time job, take a sabbatical year from university and hop in the car with my snowboard. I think here is where my addiction for travel got out of hand. I was in the car for a 12-hour […]
Coco Dee’s 2017 travel bucketlist
Where to go, where to go? My bucket list is a long one. That’s not really helping. Lonely Planet has already published her Best Travels 2017. Which is really a nice inspiration. But I have to make my own itinerary. I really want to make this year an epic one! Probably this list will change […]
8 travel mistakes I’ve made
It doesn’t matter how much I travel, I’ll do stupid things and make plenty travel mistakes anyway. I consider myself an experienced traveller, but I can be an idiot. Or sometimes an idiot with bad karma. I don’t know. However, it doesn’t stop me from going anywhere I like. Although sometimes without my luggage. 1. […]