All posts by fastenurseatbelts

How to fly for 10€ in Europe? 5 Steps helping you to get the best deal!

flight deals

Who doesn’t know flight deal websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia or Kayak? Wonder why they always show you much lower prices than the airlines? In the end, you still pay a higher rate than the airline rate. Well, that’s because of their hidden charges, such as insurance or booking fees. I’ll never forget the day my grandmother booked a flight. She called me in confusion, when she booked a flight she did not recognize, and ended up purchasing insurance, which cost her around 80€/month for the next 12 months. If you are quick enough, you can still withdraw from the contract. If no then you owe them 80€ per month, for the next year. Read the next five steps carefully so that you avoid to waste your money!

 

  1. Don’t listen to the booking myths

No one can guarantee you that flights are cheaper on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, or if you book three months in advance. Unfortunately, there is no algorithms for cheap flights! Consider the following points to fly cheaper than everyone else.

 

  1. Don’t miss a flight sale

Before you start to compare flight deals, check Holiday Pirates or My Holiday Guru to find the latest flight deals. Even if there are no current offers, check the latest ones. Subscribe to the newsletter of your favorite airlines. Personally, I really like flying with Ryanair. The last time, Ryanair sent me a newsletter, I booked a return flight from Cologne, Germany to Bergamo, Italy for 10€.

Flight deals

 

  1. Use Google Flights

Honestly, Google Flights observes the whole flight network and shows you the best deals for the destinations from your airport. So if you are not sure where to go to, Google Flights shows you where you can go with a low budget. Furthermore, if you have a specific route, it displays you the low-priced dates. Sometimes, it makes more sense to take the more expensive flight the morning of the next day than paying less in the evening before. Eventually, it will be costlier to fly in the evening and book a hotel for one additional night. However, as I have mentioned, hidden charges at the beginning, Google flights displays the exact rates of the airlines. If you want to book the flight, it will lead you to the airline’s website, which does not suggest any fraudulent dealing.

 

  1. Set your fare alert

Do you still have time? Are you not sure if you already found the best fare for you? Don’t worry! You can still set a fare alert, which will let you know when the flight price drops.  sends AirefareWatchDog you an email when the price drops. For new error fares, check ErrorFareAlerts. Error Fare Alerts will inform if a “0” is missing in the price. The app, Hooper, also predicts a fare and lets you know when you should book it.

 

  1. Discount your ticket

Search for voucher codes before you book your low-cost ticket. Cuponation, Voucher Codes, Coupons or Retailmenot offer promo codes for flights. If you are lucky, you will find a discount code for your flight and save money.

TOP activities in Amsterdam – Must do’s!

Amsterdam

Canal Cruise

I met such nice people on my cruise with Rederij Paping! The cruise felt like a picnic with friends. Everyone can bring their own food and drinks, and sit together around a table. Paap, the captain, made us feel very welcomed on his boat, and gave us blankets so that we did not freeze during the tour. His guided tour through the magnificent canals of Amsterdam was like a story telling, and the 90 minutes passed so quickly that I was sad when I had to leave the boat. Paap, who is a local, could answer every question about Amsterdam. He did not just show us the center of Amsterdam, but also the wonderful surroundings of Amsterdam. He also offers private tours, and an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise. A cruise with Rederij Paping should definitely be on your list when you visit Amsterdam!


If you want to be your own Capatin, and explore Amsterdam’s canals on your own, rent one of Sloepdelen’s electric boats. It is so easy to rent them, just book the boat online, start the boat with your smartphone and discover Amsterdam yourself! You don’t need a boating license and the boats are for up to 12 persons. It is not that difficult to drive the electric boat but you should feel comfortable enough to do it on your own.

Bike tour

Feel like a local and explore Amsterdam on a bike. Honestly, this was one of the most fun activities I have done. You will see so much of Amsterdam in just two hours and the bikes from Yellow Bike are so comfy and easy to ride! Amsterdam is a bicycle city for sure!

Yellow Bike Amsterdam

Red Light District Tour

A totally different tour compared to the other tours is the Red Light District tour, offered by 360 Amsterdam. Before you start the tour, you are welcomed with a typical Dutch tasting to feel ready for the tour. During the 1,5 hour walking tour , you will see the beautiful ladies working behind the windows, Amsterdam’s night scene and sex clubs. The Red Light District tour will be in Amsterdam’s oldest area. You will learn things about Amsterdam, which you have never heard before!

Shopping

Like every city, Amsterdam has Zara, H&M and so on. If you want to see small individual shops, go to the following streets: Reestr., Hartenstr., Berenstr., Wolvenstr., Runstr. and Huidenstr. .
Don’t worry if you don’t see dozens shops at first sight. They are spread all along the streets. These unique shops sell clothes, accessories, art, gifts, furniture and beautiful flowers. In between you will see several small cafes and restaurants, which are worth visiting, too! Winkel 43 for example has the best apple pie with cream!

Food

Don’t forget to visit one of Amsterdam’s supermarkets. I went to a supermarket called, Marqt! It is a total new experience with all the local products. I bought chocolate sprinkles as a souvenir for my brothers.

Marqt Amsterdam Supermarket


Foodhallen is an indoor food market with different types of restaurants. Whether you like to eat Italian, French or Asian food,  everything is there. I ate a burger with chips and drank a cider. It was so delicious!  Foodhallen just opened a year ago.

Puccini Bomboni sells the best chocolate in town (but also the most expensive).

Flower Market

Those who love flowers, you have to visit the flower market. You will find so many types of flower bulbs, which you can buy for your garden at home.

Westerkerk Tower

See Amsterdam from above and enjoy the gigantic view for only 7,50€!

 

Have you already met Mr. Jordaan in Amsterdam? If not, have a look!

Mr Jordaan Hotel Amsterdam Breakfast

It took me only 10 minutes by tram to get to the most beautiful neighborhood, Jordaan, in Amsterdam. After a 4 minute walk across quaint little bridges and canals, I arrived at the hotel, Mr. Jordaan. Why it’s called Mr. Jordaan? In honor of the hotel’s pre-owner who knew everything about the neighborhood Jordaan and passed his knowledge to today’s employees.

Mr Jordaan Hotel Amsterdam

1st impression of Mr. Jordaan

When I was in front of Mr. Jordaan, I did not expect that the marvelous canal house was a hotel. Entering in the world of Mr. Jordaan, I was impressed by the interior design. Mr. Jordaan did not look like a typical hotel, it looked like a home. The staff treated me like a member of the Jordaan family. Behind every wall is a little treasure so that you can explore the hotel during the stay and get surprised every day.

The room

Well… What should I say… It is difficult to describe if you have not been there… Have you ever felt so amazed that it is difficult to put that experience into words? That’s why I recorded my room in the penthouse suite with a stunning view above the neighborhood. The room was not very big but all in one it was very comfortable, exciting, quiet, lovely, modern, different and fascinating. You will see that the interior designer paid so much attention into detail that there is nothing to complain about! See more in the video and images below.

https://youtu.be/0Wv8uRTJgrg

Perks

As if it is not enough to live in such a wonderful place, you also have water, tee and all types of coffee for free during your whole stay! Furthermore, you get two plastic bottles to refill your water whenever you want and you find “to go” cups next to the coffee machine. The WIFI works very well at the hotel so if you are on a business trip or addicted to the internet, you do not have to worry about it! Additionally, the hotel provides a 24/7 Whatsapp service. So wherever you are or whatever you need, just text them and they will help you. On my way out, I saw that Mr. Jordaan offers tours or bikes for an affordable price. For those, who want to read more about Amsterdam, feel free to use the travel magazine in your room.

Breakfast

Depending on what rate you book, you have breakfast already included. If not, you have the option to book it one day in advance and get a discount of 2,50€. If you have not booked it in advance you will pay 17,50€ for the breakfast. I really liked the breakfast because it has everything that I like such as boiled eggs, muesli, fruits, yoghurt, cheese, ham, salmon, jam, Nutella, bread, croissants and chocolate sprinkles. But I read that vegans could not really find something for breakfast and some expected a larger selection for the price.  Try it yourself! You will not be disappointed! It is very tasty and if it is not your thing, you could still go to one of the dozens cafes around the hotel.

Mr Jordaan Hotel Amsterdam Breakfast

Location

You will not find any better location than this one. It is just a one-minute walk away from the famous Anne Frank house, five to Damstraat and ten to the Rijksmuseum. The tulip museum, cheese museum and the best apple pie with cream in town are just 5 minutes away by foot. Jordaan is the most attractive neighborhood in Amsterdam with its beautiful canal houses, quirky little shops, art studios and loads of authentic Amsterdam bars & cafés. If you want to know more about what to do in Amsterdam, read this article.

Hotel Mr. Jordaan Amsterdam

10 reasons why you have to spend your next holiday in Croatia

Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia
  1. Food

Try burek with cheese or meat at a bakery or get it from the supermarket. If you like octopus, have a black risotto. A more savoury dish is cevapcici with chips and ajvar.

  1. Small islands

I mentioned already in one of my articles before that Croatia’s islands can also be called the European Maledives. Visit Brač, Hvar or any other island. Every city has beautiful islands around.

Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

  1. Nature

Don’t miss one of the two famous national parks, Plitvice Lake or Krka, when you are in Zadar or Split. Adriatic4You offers great trips to both parks.

Adiatic4you Fasten Ur Seatbelts Krak National Park

  1. Prices

Croatia is not as expensive as other summer destinations in Europe. Restaurants are much cheaper as well as supermarkets.

  1. Uber

Croatia has Uber since a few months, which is totally awesome!! Heading from one place to the other costs almost the same as taking the bus. A ride, which takes about 10 minutes costs about 5€. So don’t forget to download the app before your trip.

  1. People

Croatians are very nice. You do not have to be afraid if you travel alone. I have been on my own and I always felt safe!

Sailing Croatia Split

  1. Sunsets

You must have seen at least one sunset in Croatia. Zadar’s sunset at the sea organs is very famous but you could also enjoy it on a sunset sailing trip or even just at the beach.

Opcija Tour Sailing split trip day

  1. Activities

I promise you that you will never get bored in Croatia. There are so many activities offered such as hiking, biking, riding, sailing, water sports, day trips and many more.

Opcija Tour Sailing split trip day

  1. Game of Thrones

All Game of Thrones fans have the opportunity to see where their favourite TV show was taken. Walk through King’s Landing and think yourself back in the time of the show.

Dubrovnik Old City Historical City

  1. Lovely family-run apartments

My last stop was in Mlini, which is a 10 min drive away from Dubrovnik. Villa Mlini has lovely apartments and double rooms next to the beach. I really loved the little and comfortable balcony with sea view.

My room was very clean and I slept well in the big bed. The owners are very nice and will always help you if you need anything.

In addition, Mlini is not overloaded with tourists and you have so many little beaches close to Villa Mlini. Although, Mlini is a much smaller place at the coast than Dubrovnik, you will find many places to eat and a supermarket. I recommend to take the ferry to Dubrovnik instead of taking the bus. It takes about 15 minutes longer but you will have a wonderful time on the boat with a stunning view. At the beaches in Mlini, you will find many places to rent a boat, kayak, paddleboat or to do any water activities.

Do you wanna see MORE than the others in Dubrovnik?

Hotel More Dubrovnik Lapad

Dubrovnik, the place of old history, narrow alleys, beautiful panorama and Games of Thrones fans.  During the summer, most of the places in Dubrovnik are very crowded and you can only move slowly through the city. Therefore, I have the following tips for you!

  1. Stay a bit outside the centre

Hotel More is situated in Lapad, which is just 3.5 km away from Dubrovnik’s downtown. The five-star hotel has plenty opportunities to relax in it and in the surrounding area.

You will not starve if you spend one day at the hotel’s beach. The private beach is located at the Cave bar, which serves great cocktails and food. In the evening, the Cave bar looks fascinating with its decorative stone wall and lounge furniture.

Hotel More Dubrovnik Lapad Cave Bar

For those who prefer to stay at the pool, you will find a pool at the fifth floor with a whirlpool bath.

Restaurant More offers not just a delicious breakfast in the morning but also lunch and dinner.

Breakfast Hotel More Dubrovnik Lapad Cave Bar

I could have stayed in my comfortable bed the whole day if the breakfast would not have been so tasty.

As I like doing sports during my holidays, I was glad about the gym in the hotel and the wellness area for chilling out afterwards.

  1. Swim against the stream

Visit Dubrovnik’s old town early in the morning so that you can enjoy it and avoid the crowds. If you cannot make it that early try not to go to the main attractions such as the city wall. If you walk to the cable railway around the city walls, you will have a great view above it, too. Additionally, you do not have to pay around 15€ for walking on the city wall.

Dubrovnik Old City Historical City

  1. Make a reservation for dinner

It is hard to get a place at the good places in the evening. So make a reservation to avoid seeking for a good spot.

  1. Take a cruise to the islands around

Don’t miss the beautiful islands around Dubrovnik. You can book a tour almost everywhere in the centre.

  1. Take a picture with the lovely parrots

It only costs 3 Euro, which is definitely worth it to take a picture with the parrots in the city centre. You will find the parrots around 200m after the main entrance.

Dubrovnik Old City Historical City

Brač, the European Maldives!

Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The island, Brač, can be easily reached from Split with the ferry, which takes around 50 minutes. This guide will help you to plan your annual family holiday, a romantic getaway or even a trip with friends.

Where to stay?

Bol can be very crowded during the season. To get away from all the tourists, stay at one of Villa Ana’s apartments. Pero and Marin, the two brothers, are very kind and friendly. Bol’s center is only 5 minutes away by foot. Two hidden beaches in front of the Dominican Monastery are only 250 meters away from Villa Ana Bol. For those, who are not into salty water, can relax at Villa Ana’s pool.

What to do?

  1. Don’t miss the seafront promenade with its lovely little shops offering souvenirs, food and accessory. The promenade takes you from the center to the famous beach Zlatni Rat.
  2. Zlatni Rat beach is known as the most beautiful beach in croatia. Its v-shape and clear blue water makes it really special and unique. Zaltni Rat Beach
  3. If you are at Zlatni Rat beach, you definitely have to go to the aqua park, called Wibit. It is great fun for old and young. Wibit Aqua Park Bol
  4. You wanna find Nemo? Then visit Big Blue Diving to explore the underwater world! Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia, Big blue diving
  5. Try the Croatian cuisine at Center Marijan. The black risotto is very delicious!!!