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Where to Stay in Budapest – The 7 Best Neighbourhoods
Budapest is one of my favourite European cities to visit. And choosing where to stay in Budapest can be confusing – trust me, I know. That’s why I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to 7 neighbourhoods you should consider staying in, depending on your budget and preferences. What makes Budapest such a unique and interesting city is that it’s divided into two sides – Buda and Pest – by the Danube River. It wasn’t until 1873 that the city was united, 24 years after the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge was built. So naturally, each side has something different to offer. If you’re looking to stay near Buda Castle (one of the…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland
As the capital of the Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a fascinating destination to visit. From meeting Santa Claus to riding on a reindeer sleigh, the city has SO much to do and see! In this handy guide to Rovaniemi, I will share with you everything I wish I’d known before visiting. From the best things to do, to practical travel tips, you’ll find it all right here. When is the best time to visit? Winter is probably the best time to visit Rovaniemi. Visiting around Christmas will add that extra bit of magic if you plan to visit Santa Claus Village. Of course, this means that this you’ll be visiting…
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The 14 Best Things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi – the capital of the Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus – is the perfect destination for you this winter. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family or friends, there is SO MUCH to do in Rovaniemi. In this guide, you’ll find 17 exciting things to add to your itinerary in this beautiful city. 1. See the Northern Lights Seeing the Northern Lights is probably on 99% of people’s bucket lists. And for good reason – it’s a truly magical experience. Not to get deep, but there is something about viewing one of nature’s most extravagant phenomenons that made me really emotional. And because Rovaniemi is…
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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Santa Claus Village in Finland
If you’re looking for something unique and magical to experience this Christmas, Santa Claus Village in Finland is the perfect destination for you. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, just outside Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus, the village is a whimsical and family-friendly spot. In this travel guide, you’ll find tips for exploring Santa Claus Village, including the best activities and attractions, as well as more practical tips for planning an unforgettable trip. The Best Time to go Despite what its name implies, Santa Claus Village is open all year round. If you want to get the magical Christmasy experience, I’d…
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15 Mistakes to Avoid at European Christmas Markets
If you’re planning a trip to Europe this winter, visiting Christmas markets is probably at the top of your itinerary. As a foreigner living in Austria, I’ve picked up quite a few Christmas market tips to make the experience as special as it can be. Here is my ultimate guide to 15 mistakes to avoid making at European Christmas markets. 1. Taking the mugs home When you buy mulled wine or punch from a Christmas market stall, a deposit for the mug is included in the price. When you return the mug, you get your money back. Because many of the mugs are beautiful and usually have the name of…
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Exploring the Magic: The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time for Christmas markets! Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, Kartoffelpuffer… just the thoughts of it make my mouth water. This is possibly my favourite part of moving to Austria, because Christmas arguably a bigger deal here than anywhere else in the world. And the Christmas markets in Vienna are some of the best in the world. Even before you get your winter coat out, you’ll see it all around – every shop starts selling its Christmas-themed goodies, from hundreds of Christmas ornaments organised by colour, to Christmas lights being hung up in every city. And then comes mid-November, and the first Christmas market…
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The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – it’s time for Christmas (markets – at least in Europe)! As a foreigner living in Europe, December is definitely my favourite month of the year. The twinkling lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts and spices in the air, the lively atmosphere – there’s just nothing else quite like it. If you’re planning to visit Europe during winter, experiencing the magic of a Christmas market is a must. This guide will show you the 15 European cities that you should add to your itinerary. 1. Vienna, Austria Vienna is one of the best places to visit Christmas markets in Europe. On top…
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The 21 Best Things to do in Vienna
Vienna is one of the most elegant, beautiful places you’ll ever see. As someone who’s been living in Austria for 4 years, I’ve been able to explore the regal Capital quite a few times. So, I’ve compiled this list of the best things to do in Vienna. 1. Take a stroll around Schloss Schönbrunn Schloss Schönbrunn is one of the top spots to visit in Vienna – beloved by tourists, but for good reason. It is the former residence of the royal Habsburg family. Of course, you can buy tickets to see the inside of the palace. If you’re really interested in history, it is a fantastic experience. But if…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities I’ve ever visited. Though it’s not the capital of Spain, it might just offer a richer experience for travelers than Madrid. From its one-of-a-kind Gaudí architecture all over the city to its stunning beaches, there’s sure to be something for every type of traveler. To help you navigate your trip, I’ve written this in-depth guide to Barcelona, based on everything I learned on my trip there. How to Get to Barcelona Getting to the city from the airport The trip from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to Barcelona is much simpler than it is in most big cities. There are several…
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14 Great Tips for Staying Safe as a Female Solo Traveler
As a woman who likes to travel solo, I’ve had my fair share of scary situations abroad. Luckily, over the past years, I’ve picked up a couple of habits that help me not only stay safe, but also give me peace of mind while traveling on my own. In this post, I’m sharing my best tips for staying safe as a female solo traveler. 1. Stay in touch with loved ones Before you leave on your trip, share your itinerary with a few people you trust. Tell them where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing when. Keep them updated while you’re on your trip. Check in with someone at…
