Char Is Far

Reizen naar Kirgizië: Alles wat je vooraf wilt weten

Charelle — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:28:20 +0000

Kyrgyzstan. The land of nomads, yurts, eagles, horses, yaks, mountains and vast steppes. The land of rugged nature and authentic hospitality. A place where nature commands respect with its grandeur. A place made for adventure – you can’t escape it. There is only one certainty about a trip to Kyrgyzstan: you won’t regret it. In this blog I tell you everything you need to know about traveling to Kyrgyzstan, what you want to bring and what you can expect from this breathtaking country. Traveling to Kyrgyzstan For years, traveling to Kyrgyzstan has been on my list, but I always made up some excuse not to go. Too unfamiliar. No beaches. Too cold in the mountains. Lack of comfort. Online resources were scarce and outdated. I read a blog by someone who saw one hot shower in six weeks. So I booked a ticket to another warm destination. Vietnam. Jordan. At least there they would have hot showers. Until last summer (June 2023). Finally, after years of doubt, me and my boyfriend booked a ticket to Kyrgyzstan. We rented a 4×4 car with rooftop tent an drove through the rugged mountains, over sandy trails and past clear mountain lakes. It was amazing. My sky-high expectations were exceeded by far. In fact, it was so amazing that we decided to go back as soon as possible. After Kyrgyzstan, we bought our own 4×4 car with which we will drive from the Netherlands to Singapore in 2024. Self-drive or travel with a group? Before we left, we had an important choice to make: are we going to drive ourselves or join a group trip? In a country like Kyrgyzstan, remote and desolate, traveling with people is a lot safer. Some areas are completely deserted and if something happens – you are on your own. We decided to rent our own car and travel solo through the country. And yes, we made mistakes and learned from them. But it was worth it. It really is possible to do this on your own. A little off-road experience is nice though and you should not be afraid of driving. A 4×4 car is a prerequisite, a rooftop tent a very big bonus. We rented a Toyota Sequoia Platinum with roof tent and camping gear from Nick, and recommend him without doubt. You can get in touch with him through this website. He communicates clearly, helped us with border permits and his car is top notch. By the way, that’s another thing: you need a border permit for the border areas in Kyrgyzstan. When we drove to Engilcheck it was actually checked as well. So ask your local contact to arrange it for you in advance. Facilities and roads Facilities in the country have improved considerably compared to all the stories I found online. Almost everywhere you could find a guesthouse with a hot shower. Note: I went just before high season (in June), so there was plenty of room in the guesthouses. I heard that it is helpful to book ahead in high season, as beds fill up quickly. But of course, with a rooftop tent you always have your own place to sleep, which was very nice! The main roads are either paved or gravel, and decent enough to drive. As soon as you get out of a village and into the mountains, it get trickier. No internet, bumpy roads and hairpin turns. But of course it is up to you which road you want to drive. When we went deep into the mountains we took food and water for a few days, and drove on some really bad roads. We even got stuck in the middle of nowhere at 4500 meters altitude with no reception (more on this below). Not fun at all. But you don’t have to drive there. You can also stay in the civilized world. Although I have to say that nature gets more beautiful with every meter you drive further away from civilization. And of course you go to Kyrgyzstan for a reason. Are you heading into the mountains? Then don’t be too naive, make sure you have good equipment, enough food and water and don’t take any unnecessary risks. Stuck in a swamp in the middle of nowhere The biggest mistake we made was not carrying a satellite phone or SOS device. The rental company of our car said that it was not necessary, because there was reception almost everywhere. But that wasn’t the case. Once you’re in the mountains you have no reception whatsoever, only in the villages. Zero. Nada. And that can be life-threatening if anything bad happens. Such as the night when we were camping in the wild, near the Kum Tor gold mine and the hamlet of Kara Say. During the night a lot of melting water came down from the glaciers around us and the field where we set up camp turned into a swamp. At 4500 meters altitude, with no reception, in the middle of nowhere. The car was completely stuck and the water levels kept rising. Finally, after two days, we found help after walking several kilometers. It was pure luck; we met someone from the tiny hamlet Kara Say (approximately 30 kilometers away) who was going to sell his horse in in the nearest town. He took us to Barskoon (back to the ‘civilized world’), which was more than 70 kilometers away. Once there we got help from the locals: a 6WD truck and 4 Kyrgyz men who eventually towed our car out of the swamp. I realize how lucky we were and that is not something that should be taken for granted. Make sure you can reach people if you run into trouble. What to bring to Kyrgyzstan I’m assuming that you take your passport and other essentials with you. In addition, you’ll want to bring at least an SOS device or satellite phone (see above). Sun protection is also crucial at such altitudes, so take something like a hat/cap and sunscreen with high factor with you. I wore my windproof jacket more often than I thought I would and, of course, decent (waterproof) hiking shoes were very nice to have. The landscapes are perfect for drone videos, so also don’t hesitate to bring your drone with you if you have one. And last but not least: buy this amazing guide book with off-road routes for Kyrgzystan to drive the best routes the country has to offer. If you have any questions about riding traveling to Kyrgzystan, let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you asap! Note: Some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links.

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De Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam op de motor: Alles wat je wilt weten (4 dagen)

Charelle — ma, 24 jul 2023 20:18:50 +0000

Riding the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike in Northern Vietnam was the absolute highlight of my 3-week trip to Vietnam. The region is known for its dramatic limestone mountains, emerald green rice terraces and bumpy, winding roads. It’s a bucket-list adventure to conquer this region on your own motorbike, enjoying the spectacular views and the freedom the open road offers. In this blog I share the best itinerary for 4 days and all the practical information that you need to ride the loop yourself. Getting to Ha Giang from Hanoi by bus There are regular buses going from Hanoi directly to Ha Giang. The easiest way to book a bus is via Bookaway. I booked the Manh Quan VIP Cabin Bus and it was the MOST AMAZING bus I’ve ever been on. Seriously. Private bed, curtains, tv, disco lights. The whole thing. It costs $15,- USD and takes approximately 6 hours to arrive in Ha Giang. Renting a motorbike for the Ha Giang Loop I arrived in the evening at QT Motorbikes & Tours, the renowned motorbike rental for the Ha Giang Loop. I think nowadays there are also plenty of other decent motorbike rental companies and hotels in the area, so it’s not required to go to QT. To be frank, it was quite busy and the rental process was chaotic and long. QT also has rooms and dorms available, so I chose to spend the night there. A dorm-bed is free if you arrive with the night bus (between 2 – 8 am). The next morning, I arranged a motorbike and practiced a bit with the semi-automatic transmission. Make sure that your motorbike is in good condition before you leave. If you are an experienced rider, opt for the best motorbike you can find (at QTs this is currently the Honda XR150 with manual transmission). I had a 125cc semi-automatic motorbike and roads often felt uncomfortable. I literally felt every bump in the road, and there were many. My boyfriend rode the Honda XR150 and for him it was a lot better. Automatic bikes are not recommended for the Ha Giang Loop. Once I got the hang of the semi-automatic transmission and strapped my luggage to the bike, I was on my way. The rugged landscapes of Northern Vietnam were begging to be explored. Ha Giang Loop counterclockwise Most people ride the Ha Giang Loop clockwise. QT advised me to ride the loop counter-clockwise, to avoid some of the crowds and tours. It was a great 4-day itinerary, so I happily share it with you. But of course always ask your local rental company for the latest updates, as conditions change. Please note that there are a lot of winding mountain roads which aren’t great for beginners. You can always join a tour or hop on the back of the motorbike of an experienced driver, the so-called Easy Riders. This blog, however, is about riding the Ha Giang loop on your own with a motorbike. Day 1: Ha Giang – Heaven’s Gate – Du Già Distance: approx. 100 kilometers On the first day you ride from Ha Giang to Du Già. It won’t take long before you see the first rice terraces. Although it’s tempting to already get off your bike and take as many pictures as you can, the views will only get better from here. One of the best viewpoints is Heaven’s Gate. You can’t miss it, because all of the tourists stop here. Out of nowhere, it seems, there are dozens of motorbikes parked next to the road to enjoy the view. Most people continue their journey north to Yên Minh and spend the night there. You, however, will take a turn right towards Du Già. You pass remote villages, even more rice terraces and rugged limestone rock formations. There are a couple of guesthouses and homestays in the village. It’s best to book ahead, as in high season a lot of accommodation is fully booked. I really enjoyed my stay at Du Già Village Homestay. The hostess speaks impeccable English and can tell you a lot about the region, while enjoying a few sips of rice wine. Or, as the locals call it, happy water. Cheers! Day 2: Du Già – Meo Vac – Dong Van Distance: approx. 100 kilometers Your second day of the Ha Giang Loop will be, arguably, even more beautiful than the first. You’ll ride the epic Ma Pi Leng Pass with jaw-dropping views of the Nho Que River snaking through the valley far below. The road’s curves and gradients present a thrilling challenge for motorcyclists, but the reward is an unrivaled view of the region’s untamed beauty. First make your way to Meo Vac and then head north to Dong Van. When the sun sets, head towards the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk. A small path leads towards a viewpoint that is simply out of this world. You can drive your motorbike all the way up to the viewpoint, but the path is quite narrow and there’s a cliff on one side. Many people choose to park their bike at the beginning of the cliff and walk a couple of hundred meters to the viewpoint. Have some dinner, spend the night in one of the guesthouses in Dong Van Old Quarter, and rest up. Tomorrow is going to be epic, yet again. Day 3: Dong Van – Lung Cu Flag Tower – Yên Minh Distance: approx. 80 kilometers Today you’ll ride to the northernmost point of Vietnam at the border with China, where the iconic Lung Cu Flag Tower is located. This flagpole represents the country’s sovereignty and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Head back south (no other option from here really) towards the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark. A mountainous region with spectacular limestone formations, forming jagged peaks and deep valleys. The final destination of the third day is Yên Minh, a tranquil town surrounded by hills and rivers. Here you can unwind and prepare for the last leg of the Ha Giang Loop. Day 4: Yên Minh – Ha Giang Distance: approx. 100 kilometers You’ll most likely wish you had more time when you realize it’s going to be your last day of riding the Ha Giang Loop. I know I did. You probably don’t need to stop for a picture at every turn anymore, so you can cover some ground and speed up. I made my way back to Ha Giang fairly quickly, as I got the afternoon bus back to Hanoi. Breathe in the last bit of fresh mountain air and appreciate the freedom of the open road. Packing essentials and best time to visit You can leave your big backpack at the guesthouse in Ha Giang and only take a small backpack on your bike. Definitely pack the usual, such as your personal items, medicine, camera, passport and driving license. Pack as light as you can, you’ll be carrying everything on your motorcycle. Other essentials include: Ideally you’ll visit Ha Giang during the dry season, which is roughly from October to April. However, December, January and February can get very cold. So if you visit during these months, ensure to pack warm clothes as well. Hence October – November and March – April are the best times to visit. That being said, I went there in September and the weather was perfect. That’s it. Strap on your helmet, rev up the engine and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Happy riding! If you have any questions about riding the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike, let me know in the comments. Read more posts about Asia here.

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2 weken in Jordanië: De ideale reisroute

Charelle — Zon, 23 Jul 2023 21:09:56 +0000

Get ready for an unforgettable trip to the heart of the enchanting kingdom of Jordan. Embark on a self-drive adventure that will take you through mind-blowing landscapes and historical sights. From the ancient wonders of Petra, to the ethereal beauty of the Wadi Rum desert and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. This is the ultimate itinerary for 2 weeks in Jordan. Day 1 – 2: Amman Start your journey in the capital Amman, a city that effortlessly blends the past with the present. Channel your inner history buff and explore the interesting historical sights, such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre. Enough history for one day? Make your way to the bustling Rainbow Street for a refreshing drink and good food. I found Amman in particular a bit more conservative than the rest of the country, so it’s important to dress modestly (especially as a woman) and respect local customs and traditions. Even while I was completely covered up, men were still staring and shouting at me. Blonde hair maybe doesn’t help. How long to stay in Amman Two days should be plenty to visit the main sights, including your day of arrival. It’s a nice place to settle down after a long flight, but it’s not a particularly beautiful city. Definitely not necessary to stay longer. Day 3 – 4: King’s Highway, Dana and the Wadi Ghuweir Trail Embark on a scenic drive along the King’s Highway, passing through picturesque landscapes of valleys and ancient towns. Your next stop is Dana, a charming village perched atop a cliff. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the stunning Wadi Ghuweir Canyon in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. An incredible 15-kilometer hike takes you through a winding gorge with unique rock formations. How long to stay in Dana Driving from Amman to Dana via the King’s Highway should take a couple of hours, so this is your first day. Make a stop at the striking Karak Castle along the way. You can opt to hike the Wadi Ghuweir Trail the next day and then continue your journey south the day after. If you need some time for relaxation or want to do another hike in the area, add another day in Dana. The surroundings are simply stunning, you can’t go wrong here. Tip: Stay in an Eco Camp with mesmerizing views of the Dana valley. They also organize hiking trips for you. I stayed at Al-Nawatef Eco camp and loved it! Day 5 – 7: Shobak Castle, Aqaba and the Red Sea Drive to the coastal city of Aqaba, where the Red Sea beckons with its crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. On your way south, pay a visit to Shobak Castle, a well-preserved fortress with panoramic views that echoes the tales of crusaders and conquerors. In Aqaba you can snorkel or dive in the world class coral reefs, or simply relax on the soft, sandy beaches. How long to stay in Aqaba A couple of hours driving takes you from Dana to Aqaba, including a stop at Shobak Castle. Then it’s up to you. Do you want to go snorkeling and diving? Relax at the beach? Go shopping? I stayed for two nights in Aqaba, including one full day of diving in the Red Sea. You’re already halfway your 2 weeks in Jordan, so it’s not a bad idea to take it easy for a day here. Day 8 – 9: Wadi Rum desert Prepare for an otherworldly experience as you venture into the mystical desert of Wadi Rum, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon. This place is one of the most majestic places on earth I’ve ever been to. Take a jeep tour through its desolate landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs and ancient petroglyphs. Spend an unforgettable night under a blanket of stars in a traditional Bedouin camp. I can recommend Arabian Nights Bedouin Camp, in particular the luxury tents. If you want to splurge, book a hot air balloon flight with Rum Balloon! You should book the hot air balloon well in advance, as it’s often fully booked. How long to stay in Wadi Rum We drove to Wadi Rum in the morning from Aqaba. You can also get a bus. Upon arrival, we started with a half day jeep tour. At the end of the day, the jeep took us to the camp where we stayed the night. The next day we did a second half day jeep tour and we were brought back to Wadi Rum village during the day. I really recommend to do either a full day tour or two half day tours, as it allows you to also explore the remote areas of Wadi Rum. The half day jeep tour on the first day felt a bit overcrowded, because it was the most popular tour with sights closest to the village. In short, a one-night stay should allow you to explore the best parts of the desert. For me, Wadi Rum was the absolute highlight of my 2 weeks in Jordan. Don’t skip it! Day 10 – 11: Petra Travel to Petra, the crown jewel of Jordan. Walk through the narrow Siq, a winding sandstone gorge, until you arrive at a breathtaking façade carved into the rock. The famous Treasury. Explore the extensive, ancient Nabatean city and hike all the way to the Monastery for the complete experience. How long to stay in Petra It’s only a two-hour drive to Petra from Wadi Rum. Want to go by bus? Check out and book buses directly from Wadi Rum to Petra via Bookaway. I arrived late afternoon, and since we had a two-day entrance pass for Petra, we immediately made our way to the ancient city. All the tourists were just leaving, allowing us to see Petra with only a couple of other visitors. The next day we hiked to the Monastery via the so-called back door route and walked all the way to the main entrance. This should take you a full day. In total, two days in Petra is sufficient. Day 12 – 13: Dead Sea & Wadi Mujib Time to relax and refresh in the waters of the Dead Sea, known for its healing powers. Float effortlessly and bathe with mineral-rich mud for a unique spa experience. In for an adventure? Hike the Wadi Mujib trail through a river in a narrow gorge, carved by millennia of rushing waters. You WILL get wet, guaranteed! How long to stay at the Dead Sea One day of absolute relaxation and a trip to Wadi Mujib requires two days by minimum, but it’s not a bad place to stay longer and soak up some sun (and salt, probably). There are numerous five-star hotels that await your arrival. Day 14: Jerash On your last day, visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, a city frozen in time with its grand temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. How long to stay in Jerash Jerash is a day trip from either Amman or the Dead Sea. A couple of hours is plenty to explore the ruins. And that’s it, your 2 weeks in Jordan have come to an end. From Jerash, you can easily drive to the airport in Amman and fly out of the country. Are you heading to Jordan and do you still have any questions about this itinerary? Let me know in the comments or share your thoughts on the best itinerary for 2 weeks in Jordan!

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De 5 mooiste stranden van Zakynthos, Griekenland

Charelle — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:49:58 +0000

Zakynthos island in Greece is well known for its dramatic coastline, with impressive cliffs, a bright blue sea and white pebbled or soft golden sand beaches. However, Zakynthos isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking for quiet beach time. There are several beach resort towns for partying tourists with lots of clubs and bars, most notably Laganas. The beaches are overcrowded. That’s not my kind of place. I prefer a beach with a laid-back vibe, not too many people and ideally something active to do, such as snorkeling. With that in mind, I made a top 5 of the absolute best beaches in Zakynthos, Greece. Dafni beach Dafni beach is delightful and calm. It lies in the southern part of the island on the Vasilikos Peninsula. The famous Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs on the beach, which is why it’s protected by law and the development has been kept to a minimum. So, if you like a quiet and not very crowded beach, Dafni is the place to go. It was my favorite beach on the island. There are some taverns at the beach where you can eat and relax on the (free) sunbeds. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, as there are many rocks and fish here. Make sure to bring your water shoes for the rocks. And you might even see a turtle or two… A small word of caution is in place, as the road to Dafni beach isn’t great. I’m not entirely sure about the main road, because it was closed during my visit. I had to take a different route and it was in bad condition. Drive slowly and take it easy. Gerakas beach As you’re probably aware by now, I’m a big fan of quiet beaches. That’s why Gerakas beach is undoubtedly my number two beach of Zakynthos. It’s close to Dafni beach, at the southernmost tip of the island. You can drive all the way to a parking lot where a staircase leads directly to the beach. To protect the Caretta Caretta turtles, all the facilities are around the parking area instead of at the beach itself. This could be perceived as a downside for some people, because if you need something you have to walk back to the parking area. It’s not very far though, only a couple of minutes of walking. However, I think it’s a big advantage! No buildings on this long stretch of sand with crystal clear water. It’s simply marvellous. There are a couple of sunbeds on the beach, but you can also bring your beach umbrella and create a nice little spot for yourself. Porto Limnionas Beach Porto Limnionas is a rocky bay at the western side of the island. A winding road takes you from the mountainous interior to the coastline where Porto Limnionas is located. You can park right next to the bay. The first thing you see upon arrival is a tavern, trees, sunbeds and people (especially in high season). Not the most inviting scene. But walk past that and you see the beauty of Porto Limnionas beach. Impressive rock formations and impeccable turquoise water. The sunbeds are in high demand, and rightly so. The view of the Ionian Sea from here is phenomenal. If you want to go for a swim, just walk down the steps carved out of the rocks to the water. It’s a great place for snorkeling. Up for a challenge? Swim to the cave across the water. But be warned, it’s very cold! And if you have time, definitely stay for a magical sunset. Kalamaki beach Kalamaki beach is located in a very touristic area, right next to Laganas, Zakynthos town and Argassi. It’s a huge, sandy beach with warm, shallow waters. It’s part of Laganas bay, which is mostly overdeveloped. However, as Kalamaki beach is one of the places the Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs, it’s protected by law. Therefore, there aren’t many facilities on the beach itself. Kalamaki town, right next to the beach, has everything you need, though. Make sure to take your snorkel gear with you, as it’s one of the best places in Zakynthos to spot the Caretta Caretta turtles. I took a boat to this part of the bay and saw multiple turtles swimming around! Navagio “Shipwreck” beach (but not in high season) One of the most scenic beaches in Zakynthos, Greece? Navagio “Shipwreck” beach. It’s the ultimate attraction of the island. But I have to say, this beach is not one of my personal favorites. The beauty of this beach gets lost in the crowds during high season, unfortunately. That being said, there are two ways to visit Navagio beach. By boat or from the viewing point on the cliffs surrounding the beach. I chose the latter. It was around noon in July, so probably not the best time to visit in terms of crowds. I first had to wait in a traffic jam to even get to the parking area. When I finally arrived, there were people waiting in line for more than an hour to take a picture from the viewing point. I decided I wouldn’t do that, so I took my drone out for some epic shots of this extraordinary beach. For sure, it’s one of the most remarkable beaches of the island. Deep-blue water, white sand and an old shipwreck slowly decaying in the sun. Dramatic is an understatement. However, the beach was crawling with tourists who arrived by boat. It’s a great place, but not worth a visit when it’s that busy. It should be much better in low season. Also, on social media you see famous photos from people at a cliff overlooking Navagio beach. This is not the official viewing point, and I urge you to not go there by yourself. People have died falling of these cliffs, wanting to get the perfect shot. Not worth it, I reckon. What do you think are the best beaches in Zakynthos, Greece? Or do you have any questions about visiting the island? Let me know in the comments! Read more articles about Europe here.

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Hoe ik een locatie onafhankelijke ondernemer werd

Charelle — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:43:25 +0000

I always dreamed of being free. Even when I was still in high school, I dreamed of backpacking around the world. But instead of following my dream, I finished my studies and started working in a corporate job from 9-5. I followed society’s rules, because that is what you should do to become happy and succesful, right? After a few years of living like this, I was burned out and realized I needed to change my life. In this blog I share my story of how I made the switch from 9-5 life to becoming a location independent entrepreneur. Here I stand Years ago I tried to put into words what I dreamed of. What ‘being free’ meant for me. I wrote this: “Finally, here I stand. I upheld my own ideology of want in a society that thrives upon consumerism. I avoided the never-ending cycle of wanting more and needing more, because I have a different view upon what constitutes life. For as long as I can remember I wanted to explore the world for an undefined period of time, not bound by the structures of daily life. This want is only for the wealthy, and I realize that I am spoiled with choice. Nothing could ever give me as much satisfaction as the thrill of being on the road to faraway places. I traded a life of security for a life of risk, in which I can challenge and develop myself every day and wake up to the promise of endless possibilities. So, here I stand. For the outside world this is merely the beginning of my journey, but for me it is halfway. I succeeded in making it possible, and now there is nothing left for me but to live it.” Stuck in a 9-5 job At the time I was stuck in my 9-5 job and dreaming of exploring the world and being location independent. When I wrote it, I tried to imagine the feeling of walking into the airport right before leaving on my trip around the world. I imagined that it would’ve taken me months or years to save enough money and create the freedom in my life to travel the world for an extended period of time. But I made it happen and I was about to take off and venture into the unknown… My reality at the time was quite different. I worked as a consultant from 9-5 and enjoyed a questionable liberty during the weekends and holidays. But they were never enough. They never gave me enough satisfaction. My weekends and holidays were amazing, don’t get me wrong, but never enough. I wanted to explore the world for months on end. Perhaps even years. My main goal was to be location independent and to choose where and when I work. To be free and not bound by the structures of daily life. I read about it (for example in the book Vagabonding), dreamed about it, watched movies about it and thought about it. But I never actually did anything to achieve it. Until I got a wake-up call. My wake-up call After years of working in a job that made me unhappy, I became burned out and depressed. I lived a life that wasn’t right for me. A life that seemed perfect on the outside for others, but wasn’t in line with what I wanted. For months I was completely drained of energy and happiness. And even though it was a hard time to get through, it also served as a wake-up call. After almost a year of trying to become my former self again, I realized that I needed to change my life. This wasn’t working out and I was fed up with feeling like a zombie every single day. Reintegration at my job wasn’t working out, because how can you feel better at a place where you feel stuck? All my energy flowed away into trying to make my old life work. I was tired all the time. And when you don’t have energy, how can you build a life that’s fulfilling? I really had to start living my life in a different way if I wanted to feel better. The first step: getting my energy back. My rock-solid plan was to quit my job, travel to Sri Lanka for a month and then start my own business. But as we all know, life never goes as planned. Getting my energy back Somewhere at the other side of the world a virus took hold of Wuhan, China. People were in lockdown. It was astonishing to see. But I shrugged, “nothing to worry about”. Oh how I was wrong. I quit my job in March and was supposed to fly to Sri Lanka right after. But the virus that seemed like a distant dream a couple of months ago, was now spreading over the world in no time. Countries closed their borders. Two days before my departure Sri Lanka did no longer allow Dutch people to enter the country because of Covid-19. Obviously I was a bit disappointed, but in the end I was happy to not be stuck at a foreign airport somewhere. Instead of going to Sri Lanka I took a break from everything. I didn’t look for a new job, I didn’t travel, I just stayed at home. Did some gardening, painted the window frames, enjoyed the summer weather, read books and went out for the occasional hike or bike ride. And guess what? My energy levels went up in no time. Becoming a location independent entrepreneur So, after a month I decided it was time to focus on my future and do some soul searching. What is it that I want in life? And what kind of work should I do? I knew one thing for sure: I wanted freedom. I wanted to combine work and travel. And I loved working on my travel blog. Writing, marketing, editing photos and videos, social media. I decided I would try to do the same kind of work for others. As a freelancer. While working from anywhere in the world. This way I could combine my love for travel and enjoy working at the same time. Above all, I wanted to create a life that was in line with my ideals and values. A life in which I felt at home and which made me happy. I followed loads of courses, built my website, took care of all the legal stuff and just gave it a go. My first client signed within a week. Now, almost seven months later, I am able to make a living out of it. And to be honest, I didn’t expect that it would go this fast when I started. My goal was to ‘get by’ within the first year. But after four months I already earned more than I did in my 9-5 job. I absolutely love my work. The diversity and freedom of being an entrepreneur is amazing. I write blogs, manage social media accounts, create drone videos, write SEO texts for websites and I even developed my own social media training last month. And I suddenly realized… this is it. This was the feeling I described years ago. Here I stand. And there is nothing left for me but to live my dream. The life that I created for myself. Live the location independent life! So, here I stand. I created freedom for myself and a job that I love. I didn’t get stuck in the expectations of society, but I chose my own path. And I am proud of that. Even though it might seem as the beginning for outsiders, for me it is halfway. I finally succeeded in making it possible, and now I just have to live it. I finally arranged my life in such a way that I can work and travel at the same time. I’m a location independent entrepreneur. A dream I’ve had for years came true! One minor issue… we can’t travel at the moment. That’s a bit of a bummer, but I’m sure that it will be possible again in the future. For now I focus on my business, and when the borders open again I will finally be able to combine work and travel. I will finally be able to live my dream. And even more good news? If I can do it, you can do too. Feel free to ask me anything about starting as an entrepreneur or becoming location independent. Don’t wait for life to pass you by. Take control of your life now and start chasing those dreams.

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Bezoek Pravčická brana: de grootste natuurlijke zandsteenbrug in Europa

Charelle — vr, 06 nov 2020 15:00:02 +0000

The Pravčická brana is the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe and lies in the Czech Republic. The nature in the area and the gate itself are stunning. In this post I share the best hiking trails to explore the area and see the Pravčická brana. A natural wonder Deep in the forests of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park lies the impressive rock formation Pravčická brana. This is a massive arch and the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe. Even though the name of the park suggests that it’s located in Switzerland, it lies in the far northwest of the Czech Republic. The Pravčická gate is a national monument and absolute highlight of the country. It’s been attracting visitors for centuries and is truly a natural wonder. Pravčická brána lies near the town of Hřensko, which is close to the Czech-German border. Beautiful hiking trails through dense forests and rocky mountains allow you to explore the area at your own pace. You can follow a steep path upwards directly to Pravčická brána or walk a circular route to see other highlights in the area as well. From Hřensko to Pravčická brána Park your car in one of the many parking areas in Hřensko and then follow the red hiking trail directly to Pravčická brána. If you don’t have a map yet, get one at the local tourist office. There’s also a bus stop right along the red trail to start your hike, if you’re heading to Hřensko by bus. Be aware that the red trail from Hřensko to Pravčická brána is a steep uphill path. It’s the shortest hike to get to Pravčická brána and will take about 1 hour, but is also a bit challenging. Circular hiking route Pravčická brana (recommended) To avoid the steep climb to Pravčická brána from Hřensko, you might want to walk a different route. And there’s more to see in the area than just the natural gate, so it’s well worth the effort to go hiking for an entire day and explore the surroundings. Start in Hřensko and hike through the gorges From Hřensko, start hiking the yellow trail through the majestic Edmund gorge. You find the start of the route on the map at the arrow with “Vstup do Soutěsek/ Klammen eingang”. It’s an easy and well-marked trail with little elevation. After approximately 20 minutes you arrive at a boat station. In order to get further into the gorge you have to take a boat for another 20 minutes. Even though the boat ride is generally considered to be a highlight of the area, I didn’t enjoy it. The captain constantly made horrible jokes (“Do you see that rock? It looks like E.T.! And that one? King Kong, hahaha!”). And the waterfall that you sail past is fake, they literally activate it upon arrival. It’s not what I expected to say the least. However, you can’t walk that part of the gorge so you have to take the boat anyway. The beauty of the gorge makes up for it though. At the boat exit station there’s a toilet and a restaurant. If you walk a bit further along the yellow trail you reach a crossroads. From here you have two choices: Follow the green trail and take the bridge to the left to go to the town of Mezní Louka. A very steep uphill path takes you out of the gorge and forest. From there you just follow an asphalt road amid villages and wide open fields to Mezní Louka. Continue following the yellow trail. After 10 minutes you get to enjoy a second boat ride and then you hike for 20 minutes through the Wild gorge. From there you take the blue trail to Mezní Louka. I chose the first option, because I didn’t want to do another boat ride and I’d seen enough gorges for one day. It was beautiful, but I felt it was time to move on to Pravčická brana. Mezní Louka is the perfect pit stop for your journey. Get some lunch here and prepare for the second leg of your hike. From Mezni Louka to Pravčická brána If you’re ready, follow the red hiking trail from Mezní Louka to Pravčická brana. It’s a lovely hike through the forest. Enjoy the tall trees, huge sandstone rock formations and amazing views. The hike has some elevation, but is not too difficult. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Pravčická brana from Mezni Louka. The first and the last part of the hike contain the steepest climbs. When you arrive at Pravčická brana you have to pay a small entrance fee. I really recommend that you pay, otherwise you miss the best views. There is a restaurant and a toilet. The natural gate itself is spectacular, but the views might be even better. Take in the marvelous surroundings from the lookout points, before you go back to Hřensko. From Pravčická brana back to Hřensko Continue following the red hiking trail back to Hřensko. The first part is through forest and later on you walk on a rocky, small path before getting to the main asphalt road. It’s only downhill, so it won’t be very hard. A nice stroll to end your day. In about 45 minutes to one hour you reach Hřensko again. Have you already visited this highlight of the Czech Republic? Let me know in the comments! Or do you want to read more about what Europe has to offer? Read my blog posts about Europe here.

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9 Tweede Wereldoorlog plekken in Normandië die je niet wilt missen

Charelle — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:02:08 +0000

There is no doubt that Normandy is a place of history. For many tourists, history is even the sole purpose of their visit. Most of them want to understand or remember the events of D-Day, the day the Allied forces invaded Europe during the Second World War. In almost every street or around every corner you see a reference to D-Day, such as a monument or flags of the countries that participated in the invasion. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of World War II sites in Normandy you can visit, so I list the most essential ones for you. D-Day Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, started at the 6th of June in 1944 with the largest seaborne invasion in history. The allied forces invaded German-occupied Western Europe at the shores of Normandy during World War II. More than 150.000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches and risked their lives to liberate Europe. The cost of freedom was high. Estimates range from 5000 to 12000 Allied casualties and 4000 to 9000 German soldiers killed, wounded or missing. And that’s on D-Day alone. Standing on the shores where so many men lost their lives to ensure your freedom is unreal and emotional. I felt sad, because of the thousands of people who died here. I felt grateful, because I owe it to many of them that I am able to live my life the way I do. And I felt complete incomprehension, because how can you understand war if you see the cost of it? I think every person in Europe should visit Normandy at least once in their lives to learn about the events that happened here. We owe it to the extremely brave men who fought for us. Here are the 9 World War II sites you don’t want to miss. Arromanches Nowadays Arromanches is a quiet seaside town. However, during the Second World War it was an artificial harbour created by the Allied Forces. You can still see the remnants of the harbour in the sea and on the beach. Also, make sure to visit Arromanches 360. A circular cinema with exceptional archive footage from the war. The footage is real, making it incredibly impressive to watch. Overlord Museum The Overlord Museum tells the story of the Allied landing and the liberation of Paris that followed. It’s located nearby Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The museum houses an exceptional collection of military equipment, including personal items from soldiers, vehicles, tanks and guns. Landing Beaches The landing beaches are just beaches, but it’s still special to visit these historic sites. Utah beach is a wide stretch of golden sand and at Omaha you find some memorials. The other beaches are Sword beach, Juno beach and Gold beach. Pointe-du-Hoc Pointe-du-Hoc was a tactical and important site for the Germans during the Allied invasion. It’s located on the top of a cliff overlooking both Utah and Omaha beach. There are multiple bunkers that you can visit. You’ll also notice the dozens of holes in the ground, due to the heavy bombing this place endured before D-Day. A team of Rangers fought their way up the cliffs during the invasion to conquer the site, but they suffered heavy losses. To let the Allied invasion succeed, however, it was critical to take Pointe-du-Hoc. This places tells a unique story of making the impossible happen. Longues-sur-Mer battery Longues-sur-Mer is one of the best preserved batteries in France with original cannons still in place. It was strategically located on a cliff to counter the Allied invasion on D-Day. It’s very interesting to see, especially since it’s still in such good shape. American and German Cemeteries Both the German and American cemetery show the impact of war on human lives as no other place can. The latter has thousands of allied graves on the grassy fields near Omaha beach. Although the American cemetery is a well-established stop on the tourist trail, not too many visitors go to the German cemetery. Obviously it tells an entirely different story, but most of these soldiers were not even eighteen years old as you can read on their gravestones. It’s horrific, but essential to fully understand the impact of D-Day. Sainte-Mère-Eglise The small village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise was the first village to be liberated by the Allied forces. But that’s not why it’s a famous place. Something extraordinary happened here during D-Day. On the night before D-Day thirty paratroopers landed in the middle of the village. Unfortunately for them, there was a fire on the town square. Everyone in the village, including the German soldiers, was awake and the town was well lit. The paratroopers were easy targets for the Germans. A fierce battle followed. There are still bullet holes in the church near the entrance. Private John Steele, one of the paratroopers, became famous. He was hit by a shrapnel shortly after he began his descent into the village and landed with his parachute on the church tower, leaving him hanging. John Steele decided to play dead for a couple of hours to avoid being killed. Eventually one of his fellow soldiers cut him loose and he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He escaped just three days later to rejoin the Allied forces. At Sainte-Mère-Eglise there is now a monument of a paratrooper dangling on the church tower. Forever remembering the story of John Steele, who became an honorary citizen of the village. If you want to know more, pay a visit to the Airborne Museum located in the village. Also have a look at the stained glass windows in the church, as one of them depicts Virgin Mary and three paratroopers. One of whom is private John Steele. Caen Memorial The Caen Memorial provides a detailed overview of the impact of the Second World War on the entire region. It’s one of the most comprehensive museums about the war. The museum was built on top of the former underground bunker and headquarters of the German General Richter, which you can also visit. It also houses a movie theater and three gardens dedicated to the soldiers who died in Normandy. What do you think is the most impressive place on this list of World War II sites in Normandy, and why? Let me know in the comments! Or want to know more about what Normandy has to offer? Read all about it here in my top 5 highlights of Normandy.

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Top 5 beste dingen om te zien en te doen in Normandië

Charelle — vr, 14 aug 2020 09:07:06 +0000

Normandy is a place of history, delicious seafood, wide open fields and half-timbered houses. The people are remarkably friendly to welcome you into this part of France. Many tourists visit Normandy because of the D-Day sites. It’s an intriguing destination for sure, and I share with you my top 5 of things to see and do in the region. Étretat cliffs and arches Étretat is one of the most stunning places in Normandy. This coast town’s white chalk cliffs rise out of the Atlantic Ocean and are more than 100 meters in height. Enjoy some time at the lovely pebble beach and then hike up the cliffs on both sides of the beach. From there, you have amazing views of the famous natural rock arches and the ocean. A perfect day trip destination. Le Mont-Saint-Michel The magical island and UNESCO World Heritage Site le Mont-Saint-Michel lies in a breathtaking bay on the border of Brittany and Normandy. During high tide, the walled city is completely surrounded by the sea. Hence, it’s often referred to as an island. But during low tide there are merely sandbanks and it’s possible to walk on the treacherous quicksand. The city itself looks like something out of a fairytale. Medieval cobblestoned streets, old houses and a huge abbey. It’s often overcrowded with tourists, because it’s considered one of the absolute highlights of France. Best to go early to enjoy this wonderful place. Rouen The vibrant capital of Normandy, Rouen, is definitely worth a visit. There is no shortage of sights in this captivating city. Rouen is mostly known for its old half-timbered houses, the stunning Renaissance clock du Gros Horloge and the magnificent Notre-Dame. Catch the last rays of sunshine at the Old Market’s Square to end your day. Honfleur Honfleur is the most picturesque port town in Normandy. Colorful half-timbered houses line the cobblestoned streets and authentic shops. There are some interesting churches and it’s a great place to eat some fresh seafood. Don’t miss the Vieux Bassin, the heart of the port and the town, and walk around the small streets to take in Honfleur’s charm. World War II sites Normandy is a place of history. For many, history is the sole purpose of their visit. They want to understand or remember the events that happened here in 1944. D-Day, the day of the Allied invasion of Europe during the Second World War. There are loads of places that you can visit. I mention the 9 most essential ones in this blog. And here’s also a few not-to-miss highlights related to D-Day: Arromanches: an artificial harbour created by the Allied forces. Overlord Museum: this museum tells the story of the Allied landing and the journey to Paris that followed. It also houses an exceptional collection of military equipment and vehicles. Landing beaches: even though the beaches are mostly just beaches, it’s still special to visit these places. Utah beach is a wide stretch of golden sand and at Omaha you find some memorials. The other beaches are Sword beach, Juno beach and Gold beach. Pointe-du-Hoc: located at a cliff overlooking both Utah and Omaha beach, this was a tactical and important site for the Germans during the Allied invasion. Nowadays there are remnants of bunkers and lots of holes due to the heavy bombing this place endured. The story of Pointe-du-Hoc is impressive, with Rangers fighting their way up to conquer the cliffs and suffering heavy losses. Longues-sur-Mer battery: one of the best preserved batteries in France with original cannons. It was strategically located to counter the Allied invasion on D-Day. American and German cemeteries: most tourists visit the American Cemetery, which has thousands of allied graves on the grassy fields near Omaha beach. The cemetery is well-kept and it feels special to pay your respects to the soldiers who ensured our freedom. Not too far away lies a German cemetery. Although it’s not visited as much and tells an entirely different story, most of these soldiers were not even eighteen years old as you can read on their gravestones. It’s horrific, but both cemeteries show the impact of war on human lives as no other place can. Where to stay I stayed at the charming campsite Château de Martragny in the garden of a castle. It’s located in the southern part of Normandy, very close to the village of Bayeux and the landing beaches. For me it was the ideal base to explore the region, so I really recommend this place. What did you like most in Normandy? Share in the comments! Or are you interested in other Europe destinations? Read more here.

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Château De Martragny met een drone (video)

Charelle — vr, 24 jul 2020 11:43:30 +0000

When the borders opened again in Europe in June, I got my stuff and drove to Normandy in France. I spent a week at the beautiful castle and camping Château de Martragny. It’s the ideal base to explore the region and it has a lovely vibe. Check out my drone video below. I used the DJI Mavic Mini drone. Where are you heading this summer? Let me know in the comments! Go here if you want to see all of my travel videos!

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Top 10 dingen om te zien en te doen in Utrecht tijdens de zomer

Charelle — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:15:15 +0000

Utrecht, my hometown, is a great place to visit in The Netherlands. In this blog I share with you my top 10 things to see and do in Utrecht during summer. Climb the Dom tower The most iconic symbol of Utrecht is the historic Dom tower. It’s almost 113 meters in height and the tallest church tower in The Netherlands. Climb the 465 steps to enjoy marvelous views of the city and the countryside. On a clear day you might even see Rotterdam or Amsterdam on the horizon. Remember, The Netherlands is a very flat country. Please know that the Dom tower is undergoing major restorations for the upcoming years, probably until 2024. The restoration focusses solely on the exterior of the tower. You’ll notice this quickly, as the tower is wrapped up in scaffolding. However, the tower is open to visitors as normal. You might see some scaffolding at the viewing galleries, but the view is still very impressive. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM; admission fee: €10,00; location: Domplein 9, Utrecht. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral and its secret garden One of the most important squares in the city is the Cathedral Square. Here you find the Dom tower, beautifully decorated university buildings, the tourist information office, quirky bars, and the impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral. The latter is often referred to by locals as the Dom church, as originally the church was connected to the Dom tower. However, a destructive tornado in 1674 ensured their separation. The interior of the church houses several tombs and crypts, detailed stained-glass windows and a high vaulted ceiling. Don’t skip the Pandhof, a small, secret garden tucked away between St. Martin’s Cathedral and the University Hall. Truly an oasis of tranquility right in the city center. Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM; no admission fee; location: Achter de Dom 1, Utrecht. Walk around the historic city center The compact, medieval city center of Utrecht is perfect for walking. Get lost in the tiny, cobblestone alleys and wander along the wharves of the winding canals. Rent a boat, canoe or SUP to discover the canals The best way to explore Utrecht’s stunning canals and wharves is by being on the water. Rent a boat, canoe or SUP and navigate through the waterways of the city center or the peaceful nature surrounding Utrecht. For the latter you have to take the Minstroom or Amelisweerd route. At De Rijnstroom or Kanoverhuur Utrecht it’s possible to rent electric boats, canoes and SUPs. Relax or hike in one of the parks There are plenty of city parks in Utrecht for some well-earned relaxation. Many of the locals head out to the parks on sunny days to enjoy a picknick, read a book or hang out with friends. The following parks are perfect if you just want to wind down and escape the fast pace of the city: If you prefer to hike, you should go to the Botanical Gardens or the Máximapark. The Máximapark is as big as the entire city center and has, among other things, a butterfly and Japanese garden. The Botanical Gardens have thousands of different plant species from all around the world. Both the Botanical Gardens and the Máximapark are located a bit out of town, but definitely worth a visit if you want to stretch your legs. Get lost in the largest castle of The Netherlands De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands. It’s a magical, luxurious and historic castle near Utrecht. It’s easy to reach with public transport from the main train station or by car. De Haar looks like a castle from a fairytale, including impressive towers, gates, drawbridges and a stunning interior. The colorful gardens are begging to be explored as well. Check out my drone video of De Haar Castle if you would like to see more. Opening hours: Park 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM, Castle 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM; admission fee: Park €6,00, Castle and park €17,00; location: Kasteellaan 1, Haarzuilens. Enjoy Utrecht’s best street art From tiny details to huge wall paintings, Utrecht is filled with street art. You just need to know where to look. You can go out by yourself by following this route, for example. My personal favorite, although not included in the route, is the bookcase in Zuilen at the Mimosastraat. This piece of art is created by artists Jan de Man and Deef Feed. Check out Jan’s work at his website, including all the locations of his amazing street art. It’s also possible to enjoy a private street art tour from Greetings From Utrecht. Visit one of the famous museums There are a couple of iconic museums in Utrecht. If you want to learn something new, visit one of these: Be amazed by the world’s largest bicycle parking So to be honest, as a local I don’t even blink an eye when I park my bike at the train station. For me it’s just a place to leave my bike when I head into the city center or want to catch a train. But for many tourists the presence of so many bikes in one place is fascinating. If this is you, go to the bicycle parking at the main train station in Utrecht. The parking has more than 12.000 (!) places, making it the largest bicycle parking in the entire world. It’s open 24/7 and located right underneath Utrecht Central Station. Opening hours: 24/7; no admission fee; location: Stationsplein, Utrecht. Drink special beers in one of the many bars When the sun’s out, the terraces in the city are packed. Cafés, restaurants and bars line nearly every street and canal. Many locals go out with their friends to drink special beers and eat the famous Dutch snack bitterballen. With many bars to choose from, I would start with the centrally located Kafé Belgie and Café Olivier. Both have an extensive collection of special beers. And Olivier is housed in an old church, which ensures an incredible atmosphere. Or sit down at the central square Neude where you can take in the hustle and bustle of the city center. Do you have other ideas to do in Utrecht this summer? Or are you heading somewhere else instead? Let me know in the comments!

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