Meisjes van vijftig en Amsterdam cultuurschok

The culture shock that’s called Amsterdam

Travelers who had gone before, warned me: prepare for a culture shock. I truly was prepared on many things. But one moment I was desperate, because the Tokyo Marathon 2020 was cancelled, the next I’m on my way back in an almost empty plane, in the midst of the Covid19 crisis. Corona brought a whole new perspective on our Japan adventure. The arrival hall at Schiphol airport, void of passengers, said it all: Something definitely is not okay. Continue reading “The culture shock that’s called Amsterdam”

Meisjes van vijftig houden van Chicago en Lake Michigan

The best Budget Travel tips for a memorable trip to Chicago

It’s the city of Barack Obama and Al Capone. Of pizzas and hot dogs. Of the Bean and of the Sears  Willis Tower. Of Oprah and Kanye West. A city I never would have visited if it wasn’t also the town of a Major Marathon: the Bank of America Chicago marathon. A town with so many faces that I hope I may come back next year, because I don’t doubt there is so much more to see. But lucky you! Because I had the opportunity to run 42 kilometers through the Windy City and because I walked it a week after that, I can now give you some tips to make the visit even more memorable.  Continue reading “The best Budget Travel tips for a memorable trip to Chicago”

boek een reisje in de overgang

Is menopause troubling you? Book a trip!

It’s not going well. I have trouble concentrating. I’ve lost every wish to take on new stuff.  I can’t hold my thought even for a second. My whole body is prickly. If ants are partying under my skin. I’m forgetful. Other small aches are troubling me, not alarming enough to go to a doctor. But it makes it hard to function normally. “Don’t forget your moodyness”, my husband calls helpfully from the couch.

Continue reading “Is menopause troubling you? Book a trip!”

meisjes van vijftig houden van reizen

Review: Celebrity Silhouette Holy Land Cruise September 24, 2016

Ladies, I know this to be true: cruise travel is not for everybody. If you love nothing more than waking up in a tent and cooking your own dinner at night on a little travel stove and if you don’t mind sweeping the sand out of your sleeping bag, along with a lost spider, then by all means, please do so.  I too love active vacations. I love to get up with the sun and run a couple of miles before breakfast. But every once in a while, there is nothing so grand as being completely spoilt, while visiting five countries and eight harbors. In 14 days. There is nothing better than waking up in a new city. To explore a new place. To make new friends every day. And all this while your cabin is getting cleaned, your bed made and your breakfast, supper, lunch and diner are served. And guess what? There is even enough space to run a couple of miles before breakfast. A very extensive breakfast. Besides, did you know that traveling, any kind of traveling, can improve your health in more than one way? Positivehealthwellness gives you 8 reasons to travel. Cruising as medicine, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Continue reading “Review: Celebrity Silhouette Holy Land Cruise September 24, 2016”

Near Yosemite Sonora Lakehouse

AirBnB and my three favorite spots

For someone with love for traveling AirBnB has proven a true gift. Of course I can buy packages with Expedia. And Ticketspy offers me daily a lot of attractive travel opportunities. But sometimes it feels so much better to share a home with a local. To make your own breakfast instead of joining the queue at the breakfast service. And with 60 million users worldwide, in 197 countries, I’m apparently not the only one. That’s why I want to share my three favorite places with you. Three perfect spots I wouldn’t have found without AirBnB. Continue reading “AirBnB and my three favorite spots”