Scratch that travel itch! Still a bit out and about with these series, interior tips and where-to-go for later
Godnondeju, we miss traveling so much. Pack your bags, see what nice places there are in the area, find that perfect hotel or guesthouse, stroll through new streets, enjoy good food and drinks... Of course, the Netherlands has plenty of fun (and more, that's where we've been in the past two years). also found out again - silver lining), but it still tickles a bit. We miss the beaches of South Africa, the sunny vineyards of France, the pizzas and pastas of Italy and... cosmopolitan vibe of New York. We want to go to Dubai, to London, to Paris. We want to go on an adventure again!
Unfortunately, I'd rather not just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't do anything. Come on. Anticipation is half the battle and a well-prepared person counts for two. And so we recommend all kinds of fun things here. Series to watch for that one travel itch: binge watch Around the World in 80 Days op BBC First (delicious), bring the hotel to your home (breakfast in bed!) and tips & tricks around the world for when we are allowed again.
Do you also have the feeling that you have already finished everything on TV? It doesn't matter and we have to give up something, because then you are happy BBC First yet. The brand new and delicious series Around the World in 80 Days will be on Dutch TV tonight at 20.00 p.m. and that is travel happiness-wonderful-looking-away-and-inspiration fodder. Seriously around the world, because you pass New York, London and India. Paris is visited and you stop briefly in Italy.
In nineteenth-century London, unlikely adventurer Phileas Fogg decides to travel around the world in 80 days. Sidekick Passepartout and journalist Fortescue join this hilarious (with the right bits of romance) adventure. An ode to travel in a time before PCR tests, nasal swabs and quarantines (take us back please). And all from the comfort of your home. Just like Fix is included there.
This semi-modern adaptation of Jules Verne's 'Around the World in 80 Days' is slicker than you might expect from the classic and honestly: it looks a lot better. More action, beautifully shot images, dramatic background music (a bit like the Sherlock Holmes series): absolutely binge-watch worthy.
Time is of the essence, literal. When Fogg (David Tennant) makes a bet with Bellamy (Peter Sullivan), it means he has to be back in 80s London within 1870 days. Adventure is never done alone and companions Passepartout (Ibrahim Koma) and Abigail Fortescue (Leonie Benesch) bring extra spirit, extra humor and a bit of extra romance. Fogg is a typical aristocratic Brit (accent included) who is actually a lot less resourceful than he thinks. Not-really-a-valet Passepartout and the ambitious journalist Fortescue aka Fix come in handy during this race against the clock along the most beautiful places in the world. A pretend holiday from the couch.
That hotel you can't go to is not that difficult. For example, go for the New York loft vibe with the Amsterdam Robust. From sleek wall shelves to a simple side table and a grand four-poster bed, all sustainably made in a timeless design. More on the French tour? Then you look to it for inspiration Hotel Ville d'Hiver. Somewhat in the same atmosphere (a little more modern of course) as Paris in the times of Around the World in 80 Days and completely transferrable to your own home. Large colorful posters, dark brown furniture and all kinds of nice things from vintage shops. It's a piece of cake and doesn't have to break the bank. More fan of one Middle East-ish design? Then check out stores like the Souks of The Weavery in our own Amsterdam. The latter is a shop and a B&B: some multi-cultural, some travel, some beautiful things for the home and therefore an inspiring place to eat or stay. Copy paste to your own place.
For many interior tips (from French chic-de-fidgety to modern Scandinavian minimalist to British farmer posh and inspiration from the South African interior scene), you can find it all on At Bart Binnen.
The nice thing about traveling? Hotels. Nice thing about hotels? The breakfast! Lots, diverse and delicious, that is the credo. Now you can show off at home (standing good breakfast recipes in these books) or visit one of these breakfast hotspots Amsterdam, Haarlem en The Hague.
If we are allowed again, if we go again, we will go to... Italy! For the landscape, for the culture, but secretly especially for the food and wine. We're going to have dinner at swept in Rome.. Not a tourist in sight and only hip Italians. Order the pennette with sour butter and squid lard and the collo di maiale with fish stock and chicory. Wash down all those goodies with wine Enteco L'Antidoto. Or head down to the boot of Italy and do (yes, do!) a visit Puglia. Sleep (and/or) eat La Fiermontina, an oasis of peace through the large gardens surrounded by walls and centuries-old olive trees, in Lecce. Do Bagno Marino Archi in Santa Cesarea Terme. This photogenic place is unknown and (therefore) incredibly fun for everyone. No beach, but ramps and slides in the water, a nice nothing-to-happen restaurant and all in a nothing less than picture-perfect years 60 vibes environment. Or Sicily. You never go wrong Sicily.
Cape Town is for everyone and of all sizes and (family) shapes. Especially with the kids (barely any time difference and everything is also alive during the day), on culinary adventure (extremely great if you are there during Restaurant Week Cape Town) or just laid back with your partner or alone. There is so much to do in and around Cape Town: you will never get tired of it.
What you really shouldn't miss: Paternoster. One of the most beautiful towns and best discoveries on the entire west coast. Think southern France with a touch of Greece in South Africa: the village of Paternoster is an almost entirely white collection of historic houses on the coast and not a foreign tourist in sight. Almost not, so don't tell anyone. One of the main attractions of the village is restaurant Wolfgat. Inside you will find everything tasteful. Tasteful from the decoration to the seven courses. Chef Van der Merwe made his Wolfgat – and therefore Paternoster – iconic. He mainly serves products from the sea. That's not surprising: the back of the cottage rolls open completely, giving you a great view of the ocean from the restaurant.
Aaah oui, bien sur! Always good, that Paris. You can get there in no time by car or train (that was different in Fogg's time...) and then? Then you plan your trip around the restaurant Lapérouse Paris. Certainly chic, expensive and fancy, but hey, you don't do this every weekend. Boudoir chic, velvet and bright colors are the hallmarks and of course an über luxurious French kitchen. Lapérouse now also has a sister: Café Lapérouse. Just a little (really a little) more accessible, but with a possibly even nicer interior. Then you sleep Hotel Costes or Le Meurice – then you stay in the chic boudoir atmosphere.
Would you rather go to Paris with the kids? Then you have to take a moment this bonne liste read. For more (en better-for-the-wallet restaurants) we give some tips here. Oh and you can also sleep at one of them these fine boys in Paris.
Besides the nice ones Around the World in 80 Days episodes, you will also find other - very nice - series on BBC first. Evening Miss Scarlett and the Duke, anyone? Or death in paradise for excitement and thrills on a tropical island?
London Baby! First a cup of coffee at Coffee with coffee roasts from Australia that you don't often encounter on this side of the world. Then to dishoom in Shoreditch for the tastiest Indian street food in a Bombay-style interior with lots of vintage and Bollywood-esque chic Touches. You also have drinks Duck & Waffle, because oysters + ceviche + view over the whole of London = great drinks and then you can roll straight into bed at the Half Moon Hotel. Affordable, handsome, sweet and great location. Well, that's going to make the day for me.
London can get pretty expensive, but if you're a little smart and get this one London-on-a-budget list read it, then you will figure it out. More restaurants/nice places en breakfast spots we have too.
Completely in the mood of Around the World in 80 Days is the Free Hand New York. It has a Sahara-Bohemian (is that a style?) vibe all over. Lots of plants, busy motifs and bright earth colours, those flowing, soft plants and wicker chairs with thick cushions. You will find the hipper crowd here (albeit the fun one) and when you enter it really feels like you have gone on a world trip in time. Glory of a bygone era perhaps, but of course with the luxury of today. We stay in the tropical atmosphere, because you eat at Thai Uncle boons. Not just any Thai, no, this one cooks at Michelin star level (and you can't tell from the prices!). 70's vibe, very good cocktails and the tastiest and most colorful dishes. Reservations are wise, but being at the door an hour before they open is also possible. If you eat at 17.00 p.m., you can continue straight away to drinks New York style.
All that preparing now and going on holiday later will immediately pay off. Flights are cheaper if you book well in advance and the hotels are also easier on your wallet if you don't choose your room last minute (evidenced by this great list of hotels in New York that are actually payable).
