LA ROCHELLE: A Two-Day Escape to the Wind-Swept Atlantic Coast of France

Even those living far from France – or perhaps even outside Europe – have heard of the Côte d’Azur. They know of the rich and famous, their yachts, and their escapades. It is a dream destination on the Mediterranean, brimming with esprit, charm, and that elusive je ne sais quoi.
But are you familiar with the Bay of Biscay on France’s west coast?
While the name may not tingle on the tongue like Champagne, the region rivals the southern coast in elegance – minus all the fanfare surrounding wealth and celebrity.
Take La Rochelle, for instance. This coastal city is so picturesque, it looks as though it were modeled after a picture postcard. You will find yachts here, certainly, but there are fishing boats, too. La Rochelle’s elegance is complemented by a distinct maritime flair that fills the air with the scent of salt and the endless horizon.

La Rochelle Old Port.
Vieux Port, the heart and soul of La Rochelle.
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BOULOGNE-sur-MER – What to See, Do and Discover

Paris is the city of lights and love. Bordeaux is renowned for its wine. Lavender blooms in Provence, and the rich and famous flock to the Côte d’Azur. So why on earth did I make my way to Boulogne-sur-Mer? To a city many haven’t even heard of, and which, at first glance, isn’t even very alluring.
Well, typically I go to a place for its attractions, and basically as a by-catch, I sometimes also discover its urban art. In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the street art was the main attraction and actually the sole reason I even ventured to this city located way up in northwestern France.

Grande Rue in Boulogne sur Mer.
Grande Rue leads you straight to the historic upper town.

And while the murals there are truly stunning, the rest of the city gradually won me over as well. With its relaxed, unpretentious vibe, its almost Nordic, understated ambience, its maritime aura, and its noticeable British flair.
It can be exciting when a part of France is decidedly un-French.
It can be very inspiring when a place defies expectations.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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How to Travel the Caribbean Individually And on a Budget

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.
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ANTIGUA – What Not to Miss on a Grand Tour Around the Island

Antigua is one of those Caribbean islands you don’t just visit. You experience its unique blend of relaxed celebration of joy and tropical nature with all your senses.
Surrounded by turquoise waters, its 365 beaches offer a different seaside experience every day of the year. But Antigua is much more than just a beachfront destination. Behind the idyllic sandy shores lies a vibrant culture that instantly feels like home – only under palm trees.
So come along and see for yourself what not to miss on a grand tour around the island.

View of Antigua from Shirley Heights Lookout.
View from legendary Shirley Heights Lookout.
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Self-Organized Day Trip from Saint Martin to ANGUILLA

A day trip to Anguilla is the easiest excursion you can take from Saint Martin, and if you go self-organized, it’s also the cheapest one.

Rendezvous Beach in Anguilla, visited on a day trip from Saint Martin.
Rendezvous Beach was my piece of paradise of choice on my day trip.

As I rummage through my bag for my lip balm, a few bills and coins fall into my hands. It’s 23 dollars. However, they’re Eastern Caribbean dollars, a currency valid on eight islands. Converted, my 23 EC$ are about 8.50 US$. Still, something. I’m currently on Saint Martin, where you can pay with various currencies, but the EC$ isn’t one of them.
So what to do?

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A Self-Organized Day Trip Around Saint Martin by Public Bus

Whether you’re coming on a cruise ship, from one of the neighboring islands, or just want to experience the island in an authentic way at your own pace, a self-organized day trip by public bus will grant you a wonderful break from your daily beach life routine.

Old street in Philipsburg.
Even if you explore the island by public bus instead of this zippy vehicle, you will have a lot of fun.
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