Author: Renata

The world is my oyster: I'm Renata, founder and editor of this travel blog. bye:myself - no, that's not a typo, it's referring to me saying bye to my comfort zone and heading for new shores solo. Having been a solo traveller, flashpacker, and poverty jet setter for ages made me an avid and savvy planner and organizer of worldwide travel. Since I've been an author and journalist practically all my life, I love to put my travel experience into writing to encourage, inspire, and assist you. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on this planet!

The Best Spots in HAARLEM You Should Not Miss

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Hals, Hofjes, and Heritage — all this and so much more makes Haarlem a highly interesting and pretty exciting destination. Continuously in the shadow of Amsterdam, this city, located around 30 kilometers from the Dutch capital, is far too often overlooked. So, if you’re not keen on the hustle and bustle of a big’n’busy metropolis but still want to enjoy an inspiring, authentically Dutch city packed with mysteries and miracles, Haarlem is the perfect place for you!
In this post, I’m taking you to the best spots you absolutely should not miss when visiting Haarlem.

View of Haarlem's river and the Teylers museum in the backdrop.
Today, the waterways contribute to Haarlem’s beauty. In the past, however, they were essential for the city’s immense prosperity.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Where Holland Tastes Best: Discovering the Flavors of the Amsterdam Area

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From artisanal cheese and craft beer to centuries-old cocoa traditions, the area northwest of Amsterdam is a place where every local flavor tells a story.

Various pix of food taken in Haarlem and Zaandam.
The Amsterdam Area holds a plethora of delicacies in its pantry.

On a culinary journey through North Holland, I discovered some of the region’s signature specialties as well as a couple of incredible gourmet restaurants.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

NordArt 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit

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Every summer, the grounds of the historic Carlshütte iron foundry in the village of Büdelsdorf in northern Germany host one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. Around 200 artists from all over the world present their works in an impressive industrial setting. As in previous years, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to NordArt in 2026.

Eye in the Sky by LIU Yaming at the Nordart 2026
Eye in the Sky by Chinese artist LIU Yaming. With a size of ​​108 square meters, it is an exceptionally large-format contemporary oil painting.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Take a Break: Day Trip from Genoa to CAMOGLI, SAN FRUTTUOSO, and PORTOFINO

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Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city?
On a day trip from Genoa, you can visit three very different gems of the Ligurian coast by excursion boat. The cruise takes past rugged cliffs and pastel-colored villages to charming Camogli with its colorful houses and relaxed beach atmosphere. Nestled in a secluded cove, the medieval Benedictine monastery of San Fruttuoso is a sight to behold, before you end the day with an aperitivo in the luxurious haven of Portofino.
Sounds like we’re in for an absolutely memorable trip, am I right?

View of Portofino.
Portofino is world-famous for a reason.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

BOCCADASSE, NERVI, CAMOGLI: Perfect Escapes from Genoa along the Ligurian Coast

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Just outside Genua, the Ligurian coast begins to shift and gives way to Boccadasse, Nervi, and Camogli, three perfect escapes for a day trip that lets you enjoy local culture, cuisine, and dips in translucent waters.

View of the port of Nervi.
The small port of Nervi is where the striking Anita Garibaldi Promenade begins.

Just hop on one of the frequent regional trains and join me in my village-hopping in mesmerizing Liguria!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Day Trip to CAMOGLI – The Most Colorful Beach Town East Of Genoa

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Camogli is a beach town just one hour East of Genoa, you know, one of these typical fishing villages with tall, colorful houses that make Italy so picturesque and lovable and are just the perfect destination for an amazing day trip.

Old port of Camogli.
The old port of Camogli: Italy just like praised in romantic songs.

Also, it’s definitely not by mistake that the bay that stretches from Genoa all the way to Portofino was named Golfo Paradiso, if you know what I mean.

Hence, let me guide you to beautiful Camogli so you can easily spend a day in paradise.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

VENICE on a Budget: When to Go, Where to Stay, What to Eat, And Much More

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Venice on a budget? Is that even possible?
Agreed, visiting Venice can be pretty pricey.
After all, you find yourself at one of the world’s most unique places – and it comes with a price tag.

Italy Venice Canale Grande
Every visitor to Venice will know this sight: The Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo across from the main train station Venezia Santa Lucia, photographed from the Ponte degli Scalzi.

However, if you follow my simple hacks, visiting Venice on a budget is easy and still very enjoyable.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2026

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The Biennale di Arte, one of the world’s most important art events, takes place every two years. Although Venice is certainly a place worth visiting even when nothing special is on, my post on how to visit the city during the Biennale 2026 will make your trip even more memorable.

View of Venice with an ad for the Biennale di Arte 2026 in Venice.
In 2026, Venice welcomes the world to the 61st issue of the Biennale di Arte.
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How to Travel the Caribbean Individually And on a Budget

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When I told people I was going to the Caribbean for two months, they were quite impressed. How could I afford it—had I won the lottery?
Well, unfortunately, not.
But luckily, I’m a poverty jetsetter and living proof that you don’t have to be rich to take a trip to the Caribbean. You just have to organize things a little differently than most people do.
Above all, you shouldn’t buy a package tour through a travel agency but plan and book your trip independently.
In this post, I’ll show you how to plan and organize an unforgettable stay on any of the Caribbean islands individually, especially if you’re on a budget.
Read it carefully, take the plunge, and discover a plethora of unexpectedly inspiring islands on an individually organized trip!

Petit Plage in Saint-Martin
As the saying goes: The best things in life are free.
This Way to the Whole Story ->