Abel Landsweers, Author at

What Travel Gear Do We Use to Take Photos & Videos?

05/05/202213/09/2020 by Abel Landsweers

Canon EOS RP

Carrying around

The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame system camera. The body is light and compact, so we can easily take this camera with us everywhere and therefor it is the perfect travel gear! Danique carries her camera all day long and because the camera is so light, she has less bothered by neck pain.

Perfect for travel photography

A lot happens spontaneously and unexpectedly when traveling. And of course you want to capture these moments as good and sharp as possible. The Canon EOS RP makes that possible with its many focus points. This way you can quickly indicate exactly what you want to have in focus and take sharp photos. Another benefit is the tiltable screen. While traveling we take pictures from the most crazy perspectives. The tiltable screen makes it possible to easily shoot from a low or high perspective. Another thing why we love this camera is that it has 26.2 megapixels, so photos can be printed large without loss of quality. This way we can bring our travel memories to life and Instawall helped us make it happen! Check out the result of our Instawall. You can shoot well in low light with this camera, because of the full-frame sensor. At a higher ISO, there will be less noise in your photo, so it is possible to photograph nightlife, the starry sky or northern lights. Or you can capture all the cute city lights beautifully, because the sensor also provide dreamy bokeh effects due to the smaller depth of field.

When you are done shooting, you can quickly send the content to your phone thanks to the WIFI function. This way you can edit and share them directly on your socials.

→ Canon EOS RP

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

In combination with the EOS RP we use the RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM. This is a zoom lens that makes it possible to photograph very diversely. With the wide angle you can shoot architecture or capture entire landscapes, while with zoom you can shoot details and portraits. All-round and therefore suitable for travel! With an aperture of f/4 throughout the range, you maintain a nice depth of field throughout the range and continue to take clear photos with the low aperture.

→ Canon RF 24-105MM F/4L IS USM

Sony A6400

We fell in love with the Sony A6400 because of the many features it shares with the Canon EOS RP. This 24.2 megapixel EISA award-winning mirrorless camera takes beautiful, high-quality photos. Because it is a mirrorless camera, it is light and compact. It also performs well in low light and also has a WIFI function.

The main reason we fall for this camera is that it is perfect for making videos. You can film in 4K 24fps and you can also film running water and animals in slow motion in 120fps Full HD.

→ Sony A6400

Sony All-in-One lens

In combination with the Sony A6400, we use the all-in-one 18-105 mm F/4.0 zoom lens. This lens is also very diverse, so you don’t have to change lens every time. This also saves you extra space in your luggage, because you don’t have to take different lenses with you. The ideal thing about this zoom lens is that it has a built-in zoom system, so you don’t have to twist the lens. Together with the built-in stabilization, this ensures super stable shots.

→ Sony SEL 18-105mm F/4.0 G OSS Powerzoom E-mount

Canon portrait lens

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens is a musthave for every photographer. The option to shoot with a small aperture allows you to take very nice detail shots, for example during city trips or in nature. This lens is also very suitable for portrait photography. We want to get more out of our comfort zone on our next trips and also photograph the locals and their stories. The advantage of this lens is that it is a cheap lens and delivers a high quality.

→ Canon EF 50mm F/1.8

DJI Mavic Mini, a valuable addition to your travel gear

A drone is a valuable addition to your travel gear. The drone takes your content literally to a higher level. It is so much fun to see views and objects from completely different perspectives. We bought the entry-level model from DJI, the Mavic Mini, so that we can practice flying. And because of the weight under 250 grams, you don’t need to get a pilot’s license. With the Mavic Mini you can take impressive and unique photos and videos in 2.7K. This compact mini drone is also perfect to take with you on a trip. The drone has a built-in GPS, so it knows whether it is a no-fly zone. If you want to fly in a no-fly zone, the drone will not work.

Tip: Buy the fly more combo (3 batteries in total). With one battery you can fly for half an hour, so with three batteries you have enough power to fly at different locations per day. For more tips on flying a drone, read the following blogs: 3 Rules You Must Know Before Flying a Drone, Avoid These 6 Mistakes While Flying a Drone or How to Set Your Drone Manually?

→ DJI Mavic Mini

Memory cards

We use the Sandisk Extreme 64GB memory card. We recommend buying two. This way you can always keep taking photos if your card fills up. Plus, if you ever lose a card, it would be terrible if all of your footage is gone right away. So it’s better to divide your photos and videos over several cards. The SanDisk ‘Extreme’ version is suitable for taking pictures and recording 4K Ultra HD videos without stuttering. It also processes the data very quickly, so that you can take many photos in succession.

→ Sandisk Extreme 64GB

External hard drives

It is useful to have an external hard drive in your travel gear collection. This way you have all your content in one place. It is good to store your content in the cloud, but it is always good to also save your work in a different way. We use the Seagate External Hard Drive (1TB). It is not expensive and works quickly.

→ External Hard drive Seagate 1TB

Are you searching for the most handy gadgets? Then check out the blog These handy travel gadgets make your life easier from travelbloggers Lizette & Leon.

6 Most Idyllic Towns in the Provence

13/09/202403/09/2020 by Abel Landsweers

1. Fairytale hilltown Gordes

Located between the green hills you will find Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in the Provence. We got up early to watch the magical sunrise from a lookout just outside Gordes. From here you have a beautiful view over the town and the surrounding area. Spot the houses that lean against the hill and the old castle that served as a fortress in the Middle Ages. In Gordes you can visit the local market on Tuesdays and stroll among the stalls with spices, jewelry and fresh food, while enjoying the music of buskers. Walk through the steep alleys and occasionally take the side streets, they will surprise you again and again and you will end up with the most beautiful views over the valley.

2. The Red City Roussillon

Roussillon, also called the red city, is surrounded by orange / red ochre rocks. Ochre is a pigment that was extracted to give color to textiles or houses. That is why all the houses in Roussillon have an ochre glow. To discover the ochre landscape, you can walk through an ochre quarry. The quarry in Roussillon is very crowded. We have found a hidden gem in the area if you want to spot the ochre in a unique undiscovered way. You can read more about this spot in our blog ‘3 Extraordinary Places in the Provence‘.

Roussillon is a lively city with a lot of tourism, so be there early in the morning. Things to do in Roussillon include admiring the special architecture, buying lavender soaps, dried lavender and fine art at one of the many boutiques, tasting a freshly baked baguette at the local boulangerie and looking for the loyal guardian of the city; a super cute golden retriever, who roams the city hoping to get a pat from everyone.

3. The typical Provencal town Saignon

Saignon has everything to be a typical Provencal town; charming streets, a small cozy center with a fountain, an old library, art and nice cafes ☕. But something makes this town really special and you notice it immediately when you are on your way to Saignon. It is the gigantic rock – literally a ‘high’light – that dominates the town. You can climb the rock and enjoy a 360 ° view over Saignon and the vast valley of the Provence full of lavender fields and other charming villages in the area.

4. The Artsy Lacoste

Slightly further south is the cozy town of Lacoste. The city is bursting with art and creativity. This is partly due to the well-known fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who bought and restored the castle in Lacoste. Here he often organizes cultural events. For the photographers among us; this is really a great place to photograph. There are many Instagram spots in Lacoste; colored doors, plant-covered houses, ateliers, arches and gates.

5. The Characteristic Venasque

In the evenings we often toured around and came across the small characteristic town Venasque by chance. And it is definitely a hidden gem in the Provence. You will find a lot of creativity, nice streets, squares and rooftop restaurants with the most romantic view over the green valley. In Venasque you will find cats on every corner of the street, ready to be cuddled. A local told us that a woman owns 20 (!) cats. So if you’re a crazy cat mom, spend your evening in Venasque!

6. The Historic Carpentras

Carpentras was an important trading post in the time of the Greeks and Romans. The history is still visible in the city, through the city wall and gate, the architecture of the old synagogue, cathedral and also the balconies have a Roman style. In addition to the beautiful historical features, Carpentras also has a pleasant center with many shopping options. On Sundays (almost) all shops are closed, so it is best to go on Friday, when there is also a market.

Experience the Provencal vibes

Want to experience the vibes in these towns? Watch our travel video of our road trip through the South of France;

Plan your next trip

*When you click on the links in our blogs and make a purchase or book your stay, we are rewarded with a small commission (at no extra cost to you). In this way you support us, so we can keep creating blogs and travel guides for you. 🫶🏼

Find the best tips for your
trip to France.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in France.

Must Do’s during a Weekend in The Camargue

13/09/202420/08/2020 by Abel Landsweers

Explore the pink salt lakes

In the Camargue you will find two big pink salt lakes, which are used for the production of salt. It turns out that the Camargue produces the most salt in Europe. The two lakes are located near the towns Aigues-Mortes & Salin de Giraud. Salin de Giraud is a must visit. It is not touristic at all. These plains are private land so you can only enter the plains with a permit. But there is a viewpoint nearby. From here you can see the lakes from a higher perspective and that gives you a good impression of the colorful plains.

The perfect conditions to spot this phenomenon are a high salt concentration in the water, pink algae and heat. These conditions are also the perfect living conditions for flamingos. They often parade around in groups and they completely match with the pink environment. We arrived early at the salt lakes. At that time, the water was not intensely pink. When the sun shines more brightly and the water warms up, the pink color becomes visible.

Spot birds in Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

The Camargue is known for its beautiful nature and wildlife. The best way to spot the animals up close, is to visit Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau. Many exotic birds live in this park. The narrow, overgrown paths and bird watching huts allow you to photograph the most beautiful (shy) animals unnoticed. We spotted low flying flamingos, the white Camargue horses and beavers, who were floating among the birds.

With a ticket you have access to the park all day long. Check the website of Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau for current prices and opening times.

Visit Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is surrounded by walls and gates. You can climb the walls to enjoy the city view. The coolest thing about Aiges-Mortes is that it is located directly at one of the gigantic pink salt lakes Les Salins du Midi. Which you can admire from the top of the walls. The city itself has a cozy center, with cute squares where you can enjoy a lunch break on one of the many terraces. The city is filled with creativity. Take a look at the ateliers and unique boutiques, but be careful because you really want to buy everything.

Discover the Camargue during sunrise

Be sure to set your alarm early. The sunrise in the Camargue is breathtaking. Find a nice open spot to stop and wait for the daylight to come. When the sun starts to rise, the sky turns bright orange and yellow. The animal kingdom awakes, the birds begin to chirp and flocks of birds flying past the horizon. In the endless fields, the white Camargue horses start grazing and the first rays of the sun touch their wild manes. The bulls also begin to moo and cross the fields.

Drive around in Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue

You will come across many beautiful and secret places in the Camargue, such as infinite grain-, sunflower- and rice fields, cute local villages and farms. Despite the fact that there are a few roads through the park – which you can drive through for hours – you do have to know where to find the best spots. If you don’t want to miss one of them, you can download our route with all the pretty spots that are definitely worth a visit.

Let’s Explore the Camargue

Want to experience more of the Camargue? Watch our video of our road trip through the South of France; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybcJMHH5Vjo

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to France.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in France.

Swimming with sea turtles; this is the best place on Curaçao to spot them

13/09/202421/07/2020 by Abel Landsweers

Place to spot wild sea turtles: Playa Grandi

Playa Grandi, better known as Playa Piskado, is a small typical fishing beach in the north of Curaçao. From a distance you can already see the fishing boats floating on the water. When the fishermen return to the beach, they clean their catch of the day. They throw the remains of the fresh fish into the sea. Both large and small sea turtles love this tasty meal and are attracted to it. If you are on Playa Grandi during this moment, there is a good chance to see the sea turtles. Because of the crystal clear water you can already spot them swimming around and occasionally they show themselves on the surface of the water.

Face to face with a sea turtle

It is even more impressive to meet these beautiful animals underwater. Grab your snorkel, drop into the water via the jetty and swim among these beautiful creatures.

Note! The sea turtles that live on Curaçao are critically endangered. So it is a very special experience, but be calm, don’t touch them and respect them in their natural environment.

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to Curaçao.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in Curaçao.

10 Best things to do & see on the Canary Island Lanzarote, Spain

13/09/202409/06/2020 by Abel Landsweers

1. Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park is a beautiful volcanic area on Lanzarote, home to over 25 volcanic craters. A guide led us to all the breathtaking places in the park. It really looks like a moonscape!

2. Cueva de los Verdes

Lanzarote is beautiful above and below the ground. A mysterious 7 kilometer long cave system is located deep under the island. It was created a few thousand years ago by lava flows and cooled seawater. Today you can explore the first kilometer of the caves with a guide. You discover all the secrets and you end up in a completely different world. Admire the walls of congealed lava in different colors and be amazed by the lava drops hanging from the ceiling. In the lowest parts of the cave – 45 meters below the earth’s surface – you will encounter something very special; a concert hall, how cool! The music sounds extra special, because of the enormous reverberation through the caves.

3. Mirador del Río

Let’s go from the caves to the highest point of Lanzarote. Mirador del Río is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Lanzarote. The viewpoint was designed by César Manrique and is located in the north of the island at an altitude of 485 meters. There is a café with a large balcony that gives you panoramic views of the island La Graciosa and some uninhabited islands. From this point you can also admire the cliff Risco de Famara.

4. Fundacíon César Manrique

César Manrique meant a lot for the charisma on Lanzarote. His masterpieces can be found all over the island. He worked by the concept ‘art in nature’ and with his architectural style, he respects the natural environment. Also, the white houses with green, blue and brown details, the low-rise buildings and the billboard free roads were all his idea.

César Manrique’s house, built in the lava soil, has been turned into a museum and is definitely worth a visit. Through tunnels and stairs you walk through the unique spaces that he has created. In his house you will find large trees, art and a swimming pool.

5. Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is a natural underground lake, where you can have a romantic dinner and spot blind albino lobsters – they normally live in deep waters, so it is unique that you can admire them up close! When you walk out of the cave you arrive at a tropical swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. It is very tempting to take a dip in this clear blue water, but unfortunately this is prohibited.

6. Jardín de Cactus

Jardín de Cactus is a botanical garden full of 6,000 cacti, with 2,000 different species from various countries. As a cactus lover you should definitely visit this place. The garden is also designed by César Manrique, one of the features of his architectural style is that he respects the natural environment. The garden has been laid out in an old quarry, so that all cacti are protected against the strong wind that blows over the island. For an overview of the entire garden, you can climb up to the mill. From here you have a beautiful panoramic view of all cacti.

7. Los Hervideros

When nature creates its own beauty…. This wild rocky area – Los Hervideros – is located in the extreme western part of Lanzarote. The coves are created by the waves splashing against the shore.

8. Lago Verde

Just be sure to stop at Lago Verde. It is a short walk to the crater where you will find a green lake in the crater rim. This color is caused by algae. The contrast of the black sand, red rocks, blue water and the green lake gives a special view.

9. La Geria

La Geria is a wine region in Lanzarote. The wine grapes grow in pits filled with lava stones. The pit protects the grapes from wind and the stones retain water, which allows the wine to be successfully grown and given a unique taste.

10. Casa museo del Campesino

In the middle of Lanzarote stands the huge 15 meter high monument “al Campesino” on a crossing. This statue was designed by César Manrique and pays tribute to the traditions and professions that the inhabitants of the island performed. The museum next to the monument explains the traditions and working methods of the farmers.

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to Spain.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF SPAIN?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in Spain.

6 Things To Do in Rome in 3 Days

13/09/202409/06/2020 by Abel Landsweers

1. Visit the Pantheon

Waking up in Rome was so impressive. Our hotel was perfectly located and every morning when we opened the shutters on the window of our hotel room we looked out over the Pantheon! The Pantheon is one of the best preserved Roman buildings in the world. This church, which first served as a temple, was rebuilt in AD 125 and was dedicated to all gods. You can visit the Pantheon for free. When you enter you will see beautiful statues and a gigantic dome. In the center of the dome is an opening through which rays of light enter the building.

2. Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain impressed us a lot, because the fountain was much bigger than we thought. We walked through some narrow alleys and suddenly found ourselves in front of the enormous fountain. The Trevi Fountain is without doubt the most visited highlight of Rome, so there are almost always a lot of tourists. So we went back early in the morning to enjoy this gem in peace. It turns out that you are returning to Rome if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin into the water with your right hand over your left shoulder. So definitely give it a try, because you want come back to Rome!

3. Admire one of the Seven Wonders of the World; The Colosseum

Most of us will immediately associate Rome with the Colosseum; one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the largest amphitheater in Italy! Where 50.000 visitors enjoyed watching various bloody battles that were held here. These fights were between gladiators (slaves, prisoners, death row inmates), but also between (exotic) animals, free citizens and between humans and animals. The fight usually didn’t end until one of the participants was killed.

The Colosseum was built around AD 70 by order of the Roman Emperor Vespasianus. Ten years later, the opening of the Colosseum was celebrated with hundred days of entertainment and spectacle.

The Colosseum has endured a lot and is still being restored. It was partially destroyed by earthquakes and fires. Some parts are also missing, because components were used for the construction of churches, houses and palaces. Today, you can visit the Colosseum for performances, tours and exhibitions. With an entrance ticket you can enter the Colosseum, inside you see the tribunes and the underground areas, where gladiators prepared for their fight and where the (exotic) animals were kept. It’s bizarre to imagine what has happened here, in nearly 2000 years of history.

4. Go back in time by visiting Forum Romanum

The Roman Forum was the vibrant political, legal and religious center of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, earthquakes and looting have left only remains ruins, such as triumphal arches, parts of temples and the market halls. But it is still impressive to see! If you walk up the hill, you can see the ruins from above. Tip: You can buy cheaper combination tickets online for the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

5. Stroll over the impressive St. Peter’s Square

Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is not far from the center of Rome and the St. Peter’s Square is worth a visit. This square will leave you speechless and is surrounded by columns. On the square you can admire fountains, an Egyptian obelisk and one of the largest churches in the world; the Catholic St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope gives his speeches from this church. At that moment the large round square fills up with thousands of people who want to attend his speech.

6. Be amazed by the immense Victor Emmanuel II Monument

In the middle of the Piazza Venezia square is the immense marble Victor Emmanuel II monument. This monument was built in tribute to the first king of Italy and the unification of the country. In the center is a statue of King Victor Emmanuel II. The monument stands out for the high impressive colonnade and statues.

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to Italy.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF ITALY?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in Italy.

Sunset Sailing on a Catamaran in the waters around Curaçao

13/09/202426/05/2020 by Abel Landsweers

Sunset sailing on a catamaran

To experience a perfect evening on the water we definitely recommend booking the Sunset Sailing Trip from BlueFinn Charters. During this 2.5-hour trip you will discover the east side of Curaçao by catamaran. The catamaran sails along Caracasbaai, Fuikbaai and the Spanish Water. The azure blue water, palm trees, beach houses and the beautiful coastline give you tropical vibes.

The Sunset Sailing Trip is an unforgettable experience. The trip with the catamaran is comfortable. There are plenty of spots to relax, on benches, or in nets where you hang above the water. And the enthusiastic and humorous crew wants to give you a carefree time. They tell you everything about life along the waters, prepare delicious drinks and snacks and put on some nice music.

Ultimate enjoyment while the sun goes down

When the sun goes down, the catamaran will anchor. The catamaran now floats over the waves, you can hear the water lapping against the boat. Admire the beautiful view over the red, yellow and orange colored horizon. The glow of the sun reflects off the dancing water. Slowly you see the sun sink into the sea. You think about the moments of happiness you experienced that day. Cheers to another successful day!

When the sun has set, you sail back. On the way back you will be surprised by all the lights you see from the water. From a distance you can hear the music of the beach parties and you sail past the vibrant nightlife of Curaçao.

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to Curaçao.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in Curaçao.

Tips for 1 Day on Texel, a Wadden Island of The Netherlands

13/09/202424/05/2020 by Abel Landsweers

How to travel to Texel

The ferry TESO takes you from Den Helder (province North Holland) to Texel in 20 minutes. You can enter the ferry by car, motorbike, bicycle or on foot. We recommend you to go by car, so that you can see a lot of the Wadden Island and get around easily.

Tip: On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you get a 30% discount on your ferry ticket. You can easily buy a ticket online in advance. It is also possible to buy your ticket at the ticket booth.

Discover the vast nature

The first thing that you will notice when you arrive on Texel is the vast nature. It is a small populated island, so there is more space for animals and nature. You will find a number of nature reserves where you can walk endlessly. Our favorites are:

The Muy. The muy is a dune area with steep slopes and elongated plains. it is the breeding area of a spoonbill colony and you can discover even more beautiful bird species and special vegetation. Also a part of the Muy is grazed by galloways cows. From the Muy it is possible to walk to the Slufter.
The Slurfter. The slufter is directly connected to the North Sea. So only plants that can live on salt water grow here. If there is a storm in the Slufter, a part will be under water. Most of the area is breeding and resting area. But through the southern part there are a number of hiking trails and routes that you can follow.

Spot seals in Ecomare

Seals can be spotted all year round on the sandbanks of Texel. A fun way to see the seals is by taking a boat trip to the sandbanks. Another way to admire the seals up close is by visiting Ecomare. This is a rescue center for injured or weak seals who cannot survive on their own. By buying a ticket you help the seals grow up and recover so that they can be released back at the sandbanks as soon as possible. You can also support Ecomare by donating. We have so much respect for their good work.

Tip: From Ecomare you walk in a few minutes to Strandpaviljoen 17. Here you can enjoy lunch or dinner on the terrace overlooking the beach. There are many vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Cuddle with baby animals on a sheep farm

If you love (baby) animals, you should definitely visit sheep farm Schapenboerderij Texel. They are open daily from mid-February. There is a small entrance fee, but parking, the cuddling with lambs and other activities such as sheep herding demonstrations are included. Also pigs, a donkey, goats, calves, chickens, dogs, ponies, guinea pigs and 25 different sheep breeds, living on the farm.

Admire the icons of Texel

The entire west side of Texel is a beach strip. The Wadden Island has wide beaches on which you can walk for miles. Enjoy the tranquility and the sound of the waves. For the most dreamy sunset you have to go to the lighthouse on the northernmost point of Texel.

In addition to the iconic lighthouse, there is also a beautiful spot in the eastern part of Texel. Here you will find the windmill Het Noorden. This windmill is surrounded by water and a polder landscape. This is really a typical Dutch view.

Visit the cozy villages of Texel

In Texel you will find mainly small, cozy villages with unique boutiques. Local food is served almost everywhere and there are plenty of accommodations to stay overnight. Let’s visit:

💛 Den Burg
💛 Den Hoorn
💛 De Koog
💛 Oosterend
💛 Oudeschild

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to The Netherlands.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF THE NETHERLANDS?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in The Netherlands.

5x What makes Bruges unique?

08/08/202224/05/2020 by Abel Landsweers

1. Unique architecture

The buildings in Bruges are unique and impressive. Every building is different. Thin, thick, high, low, round, angular. You see everything passing by.

2. Medieval vibes

Time has stood still in Bruges. Admire the old buildings, streets and squares and take a look at Burgundian lifestyle. In the Beguinage you will find small white-painted houses and a church, where nuns devote their lives to faith. This is something you see less and less these days. This court is located on the Minnewater, where many swans swim around.

3. One of a kind shops

Bruges has many one of a kind shops. The special thing about these shops is that they are very transparent and show how chocolate, warm waffles, beer and clothing are made. You can watch how beautiful handmade works of art are made from Belgian chocolate. The other advantage is that you can have everything made to your own liking. This way you can compose your own warm waffle. How about waffle with strawberry, banana, chocolate and whipped cream?! If you are a real beer lover you really should visit the bottle shop, which sells more than 600 special beers!! Heaven.

4. Venice of the North

Bruges is also known as the Venice of the North. The city has a lot of canals that go throughout the city. A fun way to discover Bruges is by a cruise. There are many options for a boat trip to see the city in a different way.

5. Cozy & homely Bruges

Bruges is especially very cozy. The atmosphere is pleasant, the people are very friendly and the city feels safe. There are many terraces where people are having fun.

3 Tips for Your Visit to the Popular Hallstatt, Austria

13/09/202424/05/2020 by Abel Landsweers

1. Set your alarm early to avoid mass tourism

Hallstatt is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. And we totally get that. It’s magical, idyllic and it looks like a postcard! The fog clouds hanging over the village that day made it mysterious and we were super excited to explore Hallstatt. The houses are built against a steep rock mountain and the village is surrounded by high mountains and a green-blue lake, the Hallstättersee. Unfortunately, Hallstatt’s beauty also has a downside. The small village is overrun by tourists. If you want to avoid them and experience how Hallstatt can be itself for a while, you really need to get there early.

Many day trips to Hallstatt are organised. So make sure you have discovered most of the town before 10am. Then the first tourists arrive by tour bus or boat. We arrived in Hallstatt around 8:30 am, so we had enough time to discover the village. Hallstatt wakes up, slowly all the shops are opening and the locals get ready for another busy day. The advantage of arrive early is that you can enjoy the beautiful viewpoints. You can also spot all kinds of animals who only pay attention to you. Charming swans like to follow you and cats come to cuddle.

2. Go by car

In the past, you could only reach Hallstatt by boat, but later a road has been built and you can reach it easily and quickly by car. Therefore, visit Hallstatt early by car. Then you still have a spot in the parking lot that is only a 5 to 10 minute walk away.

3. Respect the rules of the residents of Hallstatt

The village is so small and in proportion there are way too many tourists who visit Hallstatt on a daily basis, so try to inconvenience the residents of Hallstatt as little as possible. For example respect their rules and don’t fly your drone.

Plan your next trip

Find the best tips for your
trip to Austria.

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF AUSTRIA?

Read all our blogs with tips, inspiration and to do’s in Austria.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Canon EOS RP

Carrying around

Perfect for travel photography

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

Sony A6400

Sony All-in-One lens

Canon portrait lens

DJI Mavic Mini, a valuable addition to your travel gear

Memory cards

External hard drives

1. Fairytale hilltown Gordes

2. The Red City Roussillon

3. The typical Provencal town Saignon

4. The Artsy Lacoste

5. The Characteristic Venasque

6. The Historic Carpentras

Experience the Provencal vibes

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

You will love this too

Explore the pink salt lakes

Spot birds in Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

Visit Aigues-Mortes

Discover the Camargue during sunrise

Drive around in Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue

Let’s Explore the Camargue

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

You will love this too

Place to spot wild sea turtles: Playa Grandi

Face to face with a sea turtle

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

You will love this too

1. Timanfaya National Park

2. Cueva de los Verdes

3. Mirador del Río

4. Fundacíon César Manrique

5. Jameos del Agua

6. Jardín de Cactus

7. Los Hervideros

8. Lago Verde

9. La Geria

10. Casa museo del Campesino

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF SPAIN?

You will love this too

1. Visit the Pantheon

2. Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain

3. Admire one of the Seven Wonders of the World; The Colosseum

4. Go back in time by visiting Forum Romanum

5. Stroll over the impressive St. Peter’s Square

6. Be amazed by the immense Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF ITALY?

You will love this too

Sunset sailing on a catamaran

Ultimate enjoyment while the sun goes down

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

You will love this too

How to travel to Texel

Discover the vast nature

Spot seals in Ecomare

Cuddle with baby animals on a sheep farm

Admire the icons of Texel

Visit the cozy villages of Texel

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF THE NETHERLANDS?

You will love this too

1. Unique architecture

2. Medieval vibes

3. One of a kind shops

4. Venice of the North

5. Cozy & homely Bruges

1. Set your alarm early to avoid mass tourism

2. Go by car

3. Respect the rules of the residents of Hallstatt

Plan your next trip

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF AUSTRIA?

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF FRANCE?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF SPAIN?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF ITALY?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF CURAÇAO?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF THE NETHERLANDS?

You will
love this too

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPLORE MORE OF AUSTRIA?

You will
love this too