Destinations

Most instagrammable places in South Tyrol

by bengoesplaces
September 20, 2018February 4, 2019
South Tyrol, Italy

When I got the chance to visit South Tyrol along with a few other talented photographers, I was beyond stoked. I had seen so many pictures of the region, but never had the chance to get there myself. Until now! South Tyrol is a photographer’s dream. There are so many amazing places to photograph in South Tyrol that you actually would need a few trips to see them all. While doing that, you’ll most likely discover a few amazing unknown spots yourself! Skip the overly photographed Lago di Braies, and check out my top picks of the best instagrammable places in South Tyrol!

Vana Belle Koh Samui: Luxury in the ‘beautiful forest’

by bengoesplaces
September 15, 2018January 9, 2019
Thailand, Hotel reviews

Some of you might have noticed I recently did a trip to Thailand. It was my first travel experience in Asia and it has been an absolutely amazing trip. First I spent some time in Bangkok before heading to more tranquil provinces like Phattalung en Khanom. After that, I ended up on the beautiful island called Koh Samui. In Koh Samui I had the chance to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels ever. Read along to find out more!

Exploring the Thai countryside

by bengoesplaces
September 11, 2018January 9, 2019
Thailand

After I had a very short city trip in Bangkok, I took a domestic flight south to explore a more authentic and rural Thailand. While most tourists stay in one of the major tourist hubs like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui, I was happy to find myself in quieter provinces. I visited Phattalung and Khanom, two tranquil provinces in the south of Thailand and had the most amazing time of my life. Real along to find out how!

My 48 hours in Bangkok

by bengoesplaces
September 7, 2018January 9, 2019
Thailand

Recently I visited Thailand, and what better way to get to know the country than starting in the capital of Bangkok. Bangkok is welcoming the most visitors in the world a year, more than any other country in the world, and that’s not surprising. What’s also not surprising is that 48 hours in this city just weren’t enough. But hey, sometimes you gotta start off slow, right?

My 5 favourite hotels in Thailand

by bengoesplaces
September 5, 2018January 9, 2019
Hotel reviews, Thailand

During my last trip to Thailand I had the chance to experience some of the country’s finest hotels. My travels took me to Bangkok for a short visit, where I stayed in Arun Haveli, and then I took a domestic flight south to the Thai countryside. In Khanom, I resided in Aava Resort & Spa, and in the province of Phattalung I visited Sri Pak Pra Resort. My journey ended in Koh Samui, where I could relax a little bit

Each hotel caters towards luxury but is unique on its own. Read along cause your favourite one might be one of my top-5 hotels in Thailand!

Free laidback activities in Curaçao

by bengoesplaces
August 15, 2018January 9, 2019
Caribbean, Curaçao

Right, you’ve got tons of water activities you can do in Curaçao, but I’m guessing from time to time you want to stay dry and feel like doing something completely different. And to keep more budget available to spend on those yummy Blue Curaçao based cocktails, I’m gonna list a couple of my favorite FREE activities to do in Curaçao!

Best water activities in Curaçao

by bengoesplaces
August 14, 2018January 9, 2019
Curaçao, Caribbean

One reason why I love being in the Caribbean is the fact that I love being in/on the water! After having traveled extensively in the Caribbean area, I was preoccupied and thought Curaçao would be more of the same. It turned out to be quite the opposite. The island is surprisingly diverse and there’s tons of stuff to do. You can read this separate article about free stuff to do in Curaçao. But when you find yourself in the Caribbean, you’ll surely look out for some sort of water activity. Let’s have a look what you can do in the wet in Curaçao!

Discover street art in Scharloo, the artsy neighborhood of Willemstad, Curaçao

by bengoesplaces
August 12, 2018January 9, 2019
Caribbean, Curaçao

The center of Willemstad is already bloated with colors. There’s no mistake about that, just think of the Handelskade that you’ve probably all seen on pictures. When I was in Curaçao, I signed up for an organized guided tour along the most beautiful murals in Willemstad! Spoiler alert: it’s not only the famous pastel-colored colonial Dutch buildings along the Handelskade in Willemstad that’s colorful!

Eifel and Luxembourg: 3 days in the heart of Europe

by bengoesplaces
August 1, 2018January 9, 2019
Germany

I was invited to spend a few days in the border region between Germany and Luxemburg called the Eifel. It’s a tranquil area where you can really come at peace and you feel like what’s happening in the rest of the world doesn’t matter anymore. Read along how I kept myself busy during the first days of what would turn out to be a really good European summer!Read More »Eifel and Luxembourg: 3 days in the heart of Europe

Grecotel Corfu Imperial: chic hotel on a private peninsula in Corfu

by bengoesplaces
July 14, 2018January 9, 2019
Hotel reviews, Greece

You guys already know that I’m sort of becoming a Greece connoisseur as of late so you can imagine my enthusiasm when Grecotel kindly invited me to visit their five star Corfu Imperial hotel in, ya guessed it, Corfu! After visiting NEW Hotel in Athens and The Romanos Costa Navarino, I’m slowly but surely working my way through Greece and I’m not mad about it. Read on to learn how I spent my time at Grecotel Corfu Imperial!

The Bunkers: luxury retreat amidst nature in Knokke, Belgium

by bengoesplaces
May 22, 2018October 4, 2019
Belgium, Hotel reviews

Last week, Belgium was the hottest place in Europe, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius! So instead of traveling, I decided to head towards the seaside and visit Knokke, a posh coastal municipality known as a getaway destination for the rich and famous. A world where residents drive fancy supercars but nonetheless golf carts on public roads aren’t a rare sight either. I stayed at The Bunkers, a luxury bed-and-breakfast in the middle of the polders and had the most relaxing time of the year so far!

My Peloponnese luxury getaway: The Romanos Costa Navarino

by bengoesplaces
May 18, 2018January 9, 2019
Hotel reviews, Greece

Since April 28, Brussels Airlines has added a new service to Greece, more precisely to Kalamata with flights operating once a week on Saturdays. Kalamata is the capital of Messenia in the Southwest of the Greek Peloponnese region. On arrival at the tiniest international airport I’ve ever been to, it was immediately clear that the region is not touristy at all (yet). However, it is a real hidden gem. Although Kalamata has so much to offer, like the Archaeological Museum of Messenia or the Church of the Holy Apostles, I headed west towards Costa Navarino, a high-end area along the Ionian coast where I was delighted to stay at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.

Vienna House Andel’s Lodz: upscale hotel in a former textile factory

by bengoesplaces
April 28, 2018October 4, 2019
Poland, Hotel reviews

I checked off a main item on my bucket list: I did a road trip from Belgium to Belarus and back. Getting into Belarus without visa and with my personal car was a difficult procedure but I can gladly say I succeeded! The road trip involved hours of driving through the beautiful countryside of Poland. That’s how my journey led me to Lodz, Poland, where I stayed in the superb Andel’s by Vienna House.

A few yummy days in Brabant

by bengoesplaces
March 21, 2018January 9, 2019
Netherlands

The first days of March I spent in Brabant, a southern province of the Netherlands that is dubbed the most welcoming province of the country. I had been there before during ‘Brabant Nacht’, visiting the quiet towns of Breda and Bergen-op-Zoom. Now this lovely province has been selected as the European Region of Gastronomy in 2018, so I just had to go back! It’s astounding how much Brabant has to offer in terms of food! Read More »A few yummy days in Brabant

Hotel Budir: charming retreat in the heart of Snaefellsnes

by bengoesplaces
March 20, 2018January 9, 2019
Iceland, Hotel reviews

When I was in Iceland a couple of months ago, I had unfortunately not had the opportunity to stay in Hotel Budir. The hotel is unbelievable popular, that during summer they have a waiting list that can exceed 200 persons! Therefore I stayed in two other lovely hotels (read about it here and here) but part of me was still longing for a stay in the iconic Hotel Budir. I’m glad to tell you I was finally able to check Hotel Budir off my bucket list!

SouthCoast Adventure Super jeep tour in Iceland: Into the unknown

by bengoesplaces
March 7, 2018January 9, 2019
Iceland

Being a huge fan of off-roading, four-wheeling, overlanding or however you want to call it, it is no doubt that Iceland is a dream destination for me. Last summer I headed deep into the highlands with a Land Rover Defender. For my second trip to Iceland in winter I wanted to take it a step further so I contacted SouthCoast Adventure. Read along why this was an incredible experience!

My second Iceland trip with Kuku Campers!

by bengoesplaces
March 7, 2018January 9, 2019
Iceland

What’s the best way to see Iceland?

– In a campervan!

– With a 4×4!

– Why not both?

For my second trip to Iceland in a campervan, I teamed up with Kuku Campers again and rented their Land Rover Defender campervan. You have to be a little Kuku to rent a campervan and basically sleep in a car during winter! Actually not really, it’s still your best option if you don’t have your trip planned to the max but still want to see as much of the beautiful country as possible!

NEW Hotel: finest five-star boutique hotel in Athens

by bengoesplaces
February 8, 2018January 9, 2019
Hotel reviews, Greece

NEW Hotel is a hip and trendy boutique hotel right in the center of Athens. I stayed for 3 nights during my first visit to Greece at the end of January. NEW Hotel Athens is the first hotel designed by the famous designer duo Fernando and Humberto Campana. Part of the Yes! Hotels Group, NEW Hotel tries to create a Young, Enthusiastic and Seductive atmosphere. Read on to discover if it becomes my new all-time favourite hotel!