#staycationtips

[samesamebutdifferent-utrecht]

Golden hour wander-land! #WanderWednesday

Let your afternoon cycle teleport you into a time of knights & court ladies. A beautiful 20 minute ride along the Vecht - you need to know the right  #Staycation route - will lead you to a hidden gem just Oud-Zuilen!

🏰 Explore the beautiful and historic Slot Zuylen at its brightest, smell the flowers of the gardens, and sip a coffee in the courtyard. For those interested in the historical magnificence, you can get an audio guide and scatter the museum's grounds. Or are you more of an admirer of the visible interplay between history & nature? Take a seat on the bench and just soak it all in - or head there earlier and order a picnic basket beforehand to make it an extraordinary lunch!

DETAILS Cycling route: 22 minutes, 6.1 kilometers Castle: with a ticket for the castle, you can freely explore the grounds by yourself from 11.30 to 3.30 in the afternoon. Your tickets will be scanned at the entrance and in the summer months, Slot Zuylen does recommend a reservation.

Museum Audio Guide: You can download a free audio guide to the museum via the izi.Travel app. So you just need to bring your smartphone and your headphones, and you are ready to go!

Garden tour: In the summer months, you can follow a guided garden tour every Sunday at 14.00 hours. This needs to be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.

Picnic: You got the unique opportunity to order a picnic basket via your reservation from Museum cafe Koetshuis (at least 24 hours in advance). To have a picnic in the gardens near the castle, you will need a garden ticket or ticket for the castle and the garden.

They have a great agenda with special fairs and events - make sure to have a look here! For example, the Autumn-days-fair on the 2. & 3. of October - among other things, they are all about love for your garden and yourself. Here, several exhibitors offer a wide range of delicious delicacies and regional & lifestyle products! 🤍

Reservations: You can do a reservation online to secure your spot but you can also buy tickets at the entrance.

Prices: Adults: € 13.00 Children (4 to 15): € 6.75 Group from 15 persons*: € 11.00 p.p. adult, € 5.25 p.p. child CJP/students/U-pass: € 10.00 Opening hours: 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM Address: Tournooiveld 1, 3611 AS Oud-Zuilen

Important to note: Dogs are not allowed inside the castles grounds so please make sure you leave your furry friend at home.

https://www.slotzuylen.nl

☀️ Now it is about time for the golden hour - scroll through the beauty up there and see what is ahead of you! I have the ultimate cycling route for you to enjoy the beauty Oud-Zuilen has to offer & this magical time of the day is just perfect for doing so.

I even got an extra route for those who like long-distance running that you will love it because it will genuinely let you forget the kilometers you are making and allows you to explore!

Running route: Starting point at Nuede, 19.6 Kilometers - but please feel free to shorten it. What I sometimes did was start in Zuilen at the Juliana park instead to cut down a few kilometers.

🌬On our way, we will pass the Molen van de Buitenweg en Polder Westbroek - the smallest and biggest windmill of the province right next to each other, connected through monumental floodgates dating back as far as the 1830s. Cycling Route: 3 minutes, 1.2 kilometers

🚲 Another loop through a storybook neighborhood and off we go for a borrel right at the Water @Brasserie Oud-Zuilen.

Cycling Route: 20 Minutes, 5.7 kilometers DETAILS Menu: The Brasserie Oud-Zuilen is a unique and rather higher-ranked place for lunch & dinner as the French-oriented cuisine works exclusively with daily fresh and seasonal (regional) products. The menu is completed with a hand-picked wine card, including 50 very good quality wines, of which many can be ordered by the glass. But, of course, they also offer traditional Dutch Borrel on the terrace!

Special: They also offer boats tours on the Vecht with affordable deluxe borrel or lunch arrangements! Truly lovely to do with a small group of friends. Have a look at all the options right here. Prices: Borrelhapjes range from € 4-8. You can find the entire lunch & dinner menu here. A perfect itinerary for a non-rainy autumn afternoon - make sure you save this one to come back to it when the timing is right!

What is your favorite place in Utrecht at golden hour, and whom do you spend it with? Tag your favorite person to let them know!

📸 2 & 3 by Maarten Vervoorn

#utrecht #utrechtcity #buitendestad #nature #utrechtnature #slotzuylen #oudzuilen #staycation #staycationtips #wanderlust #cycling

[sarashafni]

Staycations are the perfect quick getaway from the hustles and bustles of fast-paced city life, The beauty about a staycation is you don’t need to travel abroad to have a good time. Exploring your own cities can be just as new and exciting as hopping on a plane and flying halfway across the planet. You may be surprised at what you’ll find only a short drive away from where you live. Think of it this way, there are people all over the world wanting to travel to where you’re from!

Once you decide which city and book your hotels the next action would be to pack your bags and trust me there’s nothing more energizing and joyful than packing your bags for a staycation compared to your usual traveling abroad, the packing is wayy less and less hectic and stressful.

The perfect Staycay Bag

You can either opt for bags with wheels or a backpack would do, if its only for a day stay. I recommend choosing nice-looking bags, here are a few stylish bags that would look and make you feel good! If you want to carry less luggage with your spouse, I’d suggest you take a small black trolley bag, that you both can share instead of using 2 separate bags!

If you don’t have any fancy bags, that’s not a problem! you can instead use your huge beach tote bags, that I find very multipurpose, you can dump everything inside this bag, and can be used when going to the beach or used for the pool, making it the perfect staycay bag!

Essential Clothing Only!

Make sure to control yourself from overpacking!, its only excess baggage and just a waste of space! Here a few essentials I usually pack for short trips or staycays!

A comfortable pair of jeans

White Tshirt

A casual dress (that can be worn as a formal or casual dress)

a denim jacket or Cardigan

lingerie/Undergarments/swimsuit

Beauty Essentials Trust me unless your’ attending an event or a party, you don’t need to pack your whole makeup pouch, just pack the essentials which should cover you perfectly during your stay.

Instead of packing your bulky makeup removing wipes, I’d suggest you get yourself some adorable makeup remover towelettes,  just grab a few pieces, they don’t catch space and make it perfect for traveling!

1 eyeliner and mascara, a small neutral palette of eyeshadow

1 tube foundation (I’d prefer BB Cream) with SPF Included with concealer

Sunscreen with SPF 50+

Face Sheet Mask, with skin brightening and depuffing properties

Add these to a little pencil case pouch, rather than your bulky ones!

Essential Accessories 

You don’t have to take all your accessories from your wardrobe, just the essentials.

A multi-purpose scarf that can be used as a beach sarong when in the beach/pool or around your neck

Sunglass (Goes without saying)

Bath salt (Love taking my bath salts with me to relax)

Flipflops and Flat shoes/Sneakers

What you do not require to take with you, and is provided by the hotel.

Towels

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Shampoo and Conditioner (Unless you need your own)

Soap bars

Shower Cap

Cotton Buds

Shoe Polish

Sewing Kit

Iron

  These tips should help you with No-Fuss packing and an enjoyable stay!

Happy Staycationing!

What to pack for a Staycation? Staycations are the perfect quick getaway from the hustles and bustles of fast-paced city life, The beauty about a staycation is you don’t need to travel abroad to have a good time.

#staycationpackingtips #staycationtips #travelpackingtips #traveltips #whattopackforstaycation #staycay

[samesamebutdifferent-utrecht]

*Scroll down for Dutch*

Hello allemaal! 🤍

Who here doesn’t like traveling? The experience of doing something exciting and new every day. What if I tell you that you can have this right where you are right now - closer to home - in Utrecht.

If you are living in the region of Utrecht, you might be wondering right now what I can show you that you haven’t done or seen before and how you could ever have a real #Staycation experience in your own city...Well, challenge accepted! Trust me when I tell you that there are many one-of-a-kind combinations of activities, hidden gems, cozy coffee places, and special drinks you have not tasted just yet.

So hop on your bikes & get ready - I got a lot in store for you.✨

Are you curious about what that looks like? Get ready for…

📆 Fully planned itineraries for a very unique entire day without any further preparation!

🗓 Handpicked morning & afternoon itineraries to swoop in between your schedule & flavor your day

🔍 The details of everything: Addresses, routes, menus, opening times, and so much more!

💡 ...you will discover it for yourself!

What will my itineraries include?

🚲 Lots of healthy and fun movement

☕️Cozy coffee breaks

🌳Natural beauty

🦔 Animal Kingdoms

🎭 Entertainment

🍸Happy hours

🍝Guilty & healthy pleasures

🏝 A true staycation feeling!

Who are my itineraries for?

👨🏼‍💻International & Dutch Students⁣ living in Utrecht - wanting to know all you can do beyond the usual things! 

👱🏾‍♀️Singles

👯‍♀️Groups of friends

... but anyone who is interested! ❤️

Make sure you hit the follow button & turn on notifications to start experiencing Utrecht differently!

With care,

Vanessa  ***************************************************************************************************** *DUTCH*

Hallo allemaal! 🤍

Wie houdt er nu niet van reizen? De ervaring om elke dag iets spannends en nieuws te doen. Wat als ik je vertel dat je dit kunt hebben waar je nu bent - dichter bij huis - in Utrecht.

Als je in de regio Utrecht woont, vraag je je nu misschien af wat ik je kan laten zien dat je nog niet eerder hebt gedaan of gezien en hoe je ooit een echte #Staycation ervaring in je eigen stad zou kunnen hebben...Nou ja, uitdaging aangenomen! Vertrouw me als ik je vertel dat er veel unieke combinaties zijn van activiteiten, verborgen juweeltjes, gezellige koffieplekken en speciale drankjes die je nog niet hebt geproefd.

Dus pak je fiets en maak je klaar - ik heb veel voor je in petto.✨

Ben je nieuwsgierig naar hoe dat eruit ziet? Maak je klaar voor...

📆 Volledig geplande routes voor een zeer unieke hele dag zonder verdere voorbereiding!

🗓 Handige routebeschrijvingen voor 's ochtends en 's middags om tussendoor je agenda en je dag uniek te maken  🔍 De details van alle: adressen, routes, menu's, openingstijden en nog veel meer!

💡 ...je zult het zelf ontdekken!

Wat kan je van mijn routes verwachten?

🚲 Veel gezonde activiteiten

☕️ Gezellige koffiepauzes

🌳Natural beauty

🦔 Dierlijke dingen

🎭 Vermaak

🍸Happy hour

🍝Guilty & healthy pleasures

🏝 Een echt staycation-gevoel!

Voor wie zijn mijn routes?

👨🏼‍💻Internationale & Nederlandse Studenten die in Utrecht wonen, alles wat je kunt doen willen weten - afgezien van de dagelijkse dingen! 

👱🏾Singles

👯 Vrienden groepen

... maar gewoon iedereen! ❤️

Zorg dat je op de volgknop drukt & zet meldingen aan om Utrecht anders te gaan ervaren!

With care,

Vanessa

#utrecht #StaycationUtrecht #StaycationNederland #utrechtmijnstad #bezoekutrecht #mijnstadsie #030 #vakantieinonsstadsie #visitutrecht #staycationguide #staycationtips

[samesamebutdifferent-utrecht]

Calling all Saturday seekers! Will you answer?

Today, we got an entirely new world ready to explore for you on our #Staycation itinerary.

🥞 Let’s start the day with some delicious breakfast!

🌱☕️ Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee amid a little urban jungle; how does that sound?

The place we are heading to, all you need to know is one word: Welcome - in Swahili. Don’t worry; I will teach you: Kari-bu! 🌍

Let me invite you to a cosy and delicious world tangled up in greens: Karibu Cafe.

DETAILS Menu: Sandwiches, bowls, pancakes, or Karibu specialties - a brunch location for everyone! Find the entire menu here. Co-working: due to current situation with Covid-19! Karibu likes to highlight its openness to digital nomads to spent the day! Address: Oudenoord 330, Utrecht

Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM https://www.karibucafe.nl

But every trip to the jungle includes a rafting session on the wide, mirroring rivers streaming through. The waters we got in Utrecht might not be flooding rivers, but they are definitely just as exciting if you choose the right mode of transportation…

🏄🏻‍♀️ We are going stand-up paddling! Choose a route through the city or around it through nature - It does your body well, is a lot of fun & lets you explore. An affordable option with a great 2-2.5 hours arrangement is Dagje Suppen Utrecht. DETAILS Arrangements: 2.5 hours, different routes:  € 19.50 including all materials, instructions, route advice & luggage storage. They also offer different deals for companies, student groups starting from 10 people (for 17.50 including beer & bitterballen on the terrace and even whole overnight packages with special dinners for Bachelor/ette parties!

Booking: You will have to choose how many paddleboards you need and then a calendar will display the available days and times - a very easy & quiet handy process! Make sure you book a few days in advance if you know the weather is great. You can book directly via their side: https://dagjesuppen.nl

Routes:

Address: You start & end at the Griftpark in Utrecht and then paddle various routes through Utrecht. Contact: [email protected] or 030-2271439 https://dagjesuppen.nl

But tell me, with whom would you plan this adventurous Jumanji-like day? Tag them in the comments & let them know they are part of your team! 👇🏼🌿

*DUTCH*

Calling all Saturday seekers! Wil je antwoorden?

Vandaag hebben we een compleet nieuwe wereld voor je op onze #Staycation route.

🥞 Laten we de dag beginnen met een heerlijk ontbijt!

🌱☕️ Stel je de geur van vers gezette koffie voor temidden van een kleine stadsjungle; hoe klinkt dat?

De plek waar we naartoe gaan, het enige wat je moet weten is één woord: Welkom - in het Swahili. Maak je geen zorgen. Ik zal het je leren: Kari-bu! 🌍

Laat me je uitnodigen voor een gezellige en heerlijke wereld, verstrikt in groen: het Karibu Cafe.

DETAILS Menu: Sandwiches, bowls, pannenkoeken of Karibu-specialiteiten - het is een brunch locatie voor iedereen! Vind hier het hele menu.

Samenwerking: vanwege de huidige situatie waarin mensen veel thuis werken, wil Karibu graag benadrukken dat zij ook open zijn voor thuiswerkers! Dus als je graag een keertje op een andere locatie werkt dan is dit je kans.

Adres: Oudenoord 330 Openingstijden: Ma - Zon 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

https://www.karibucafe.nl

Maar elke reis naar de jungle omvat een rafting sessie op de brede, spiegelende rivieren die er doorheen stromen. De wateren die we in Utrecht hebben gekregen stromen misschien niet over, maar ze zijn zeker zo spannend als je de juiste manier van vervoer kiest...

🏄🏻We gaan stand-up paddelen! Kies een route door de stad of door de natuur - het doet je lichaam goed, is erg leuk & laat je verkennen. Een betaalbare optie met een geweldig 2-2.5 uur durend arrangement is Dagje Suppen Utrecht.

DETAILS Dat kan je verwachten: 2,5 uur, verschillende routes: € 19,50 inclusief alle materialen, instructies, routeadvies & bagageopslag.

Ze bieden ook verschillende arrangementen voor bedrijven, studentengroepen vanaf 10 personen voor € 17,50 inclusief bier & bitterballen op het terras en zelfs hele overnachtings pakketten met speciale diners voor Bachelorette Feestjes!

Reservering: Kies hoeveel peddelborden je nodig hebt en dan geeft een kalender de beschikbare dagen en tijden - een handig proces! Zorg ervoor dat je een paar dagen van tevoren reserveert als je weet dat het weer geweldig is. Je kunt direct boeken via https://dagjesuppen.nl

Routes: 

Adres: Je begint & eindigt bij het Griftpark in Utrecht en vervolgens peddel je diverse routes door Utrecht.

Contact: [email protected] of 030-2271439

https://dagjesuppen.nl

Maar vertel me eens, met wie zou je deze avontuurlijke Jumanji-achtige dag plannen? Tag ze in de commentaren & laat ze weten dat ze deel uitmaken van je team! 👇🏼🌿

#utrecht #utrechtcity #bezoekutrecht #citzjungle #karibu #karibucafeturecht #dagjesuppen #active #activeutrecht #activities #staycationitinerary #staycationtips #staycationadvice

[samesamebutdifferent-utrecht]

*Scroll down for Dutch*

Rise & shine! It's time for Monday Motivation ☀️ 

Do you have a morning of spare time this week? We have a great plan to look forward to for you to start your day healthy, fit, and surprising!

We start the itinerary in the heart of Utrecht, the dom kwartier:

🥝🍌🥕Simple but meaningful start into the day with a detox juice or a green smoothie - but not just any - a smoothie with only local ingredients! Ohh, if you'd know, supporting local makes your smoothie so much more delicious... and your day just a little greater! Do you need a little more than just a smoothie or a juice? Grab a delicious breakfast bowl for the ultimate power boom! Loua is a true taste of their Curaçao-like feels! 🌴 #Staycation at its finest!

DETAILS Prices: € 5.25 for Medium and  € 6.25 for Large ones. Breakfast bowls are at € 10. Address: Vismarkt 19 3511 KS Utrecht Personal recommendation: My personal favorite is definitely the Detox Juice with beet root, carrots, ginger, and appel - I occasionally take it  without the ginger though! Opening times: Mondays Closed

Tuesday to Friday 09:30 – 18:00 Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

https://louajuicebar.nl/menu-loua/

With such a health-bomb in your hand, you might wonder - or wander - where to go now? I will guide you to a spot so central and unique that you will be surprised you haven't - literally - stumbled upon it yet!

Walking route: 550 meters ⤵️ https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Loua+Juicebar,+Vismarkt+19,+3511+KS+Utrecht/Oudegracht+279,+Utrecht/@52.0884596,5.1193521,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x47c66f4532ae8c11:0xe35d604f7b688649!2m2!1d5.1204769!2d52.090752!1m5!1m1!1s0x47c66f5a0870ff8b:0x634208eb7360e912!2m2!1d5.1218541!2d52.0861607!3e2

🕵🏼‍♂️ℹ️ De Letters van Utrecht: a poem for the future along the Oudegracht of Utrecht!

The Letters of Utrecht is a project that was officially started in 2012, but its first 648 blocks were laid out and back-dated all the way back to January 1, 2000.

This is how it works: Every Saturday, a block is taken to be inscribed with the next letter of the lines written by a poet of Utrecht's Guild of Poets and then returned to its spot. A process - letter by letter - aimed to continue beyond the 21st and into the 22nd and 23rd century, to wrap the city with its people's words for as long as its residents support it.

DETAILS Address: Oudegracht 279 - at the corner of Lange Smeestraat

Find the entire poem with its authors in original Dutch right here: https://www.delettersvanutrecht.nl/home/het-gedicht/

Utrecht's streets tell many stories - don't they? Tell me - which one is your favorite? 💬

*DUTCH* Rise & shine! Het is tijd voor maandag Motivatie ☀️ Heb je deze week een ochtend vrij? We hebben een geweldig plan om gezond, fit en verrassend je dag te beginnen!

We beginnen de route in het hart van Utrecht, het dom kwartier:

🥝🍌🥕Simpel maar zinvolle start van de dag met een detox sapje of een groene smoothie - maar niet zomaar een - een smoothie met alleen maar lokale ingrediënten! Ohh, als je het zou weten, het ondersteunen van de lokale bedrijven maakt je smoothie zoveel lekkerder... en je dag net iets beter! Heb je iets meer nodig dan alleen een smoothie of een sapje? Pak een heerlijke ontbijt voor de ultieme boost! 

Een Curaçao-gevoel voor elke dag 🌴 #Staycation at its finest!

DETAILS Prijzen: € 5,25 voor Medium en € 6,25 voor Large. Ontbijt voor € 10

Adres: Vismarkt 19, 3511 KS Utrecht

Persoonlijk advies: Mijn persoonlijke favoriet is zeker de Detox Juice met bieten wortel, wortelen, gember en appel - maar ik neem het af en toe wel zonder de gember!

Openingstijden:

Maandag gesloten

Dinsdag t/m vrijdag 09:30 - 18:00 uur

Zaterdag & zondag 10:00 - 17:00 uur

https://louajuicebar.nl/menu-loua/

Met de healthy-bomb in de hand vraag je je misschien af waar je nu heen moet? Ik leid je naar een plek die zo centraal en uniek is dat je verbaasd zult zijn dat je er - letterlijk - nog niet over gestruikeld bent!

Wandelroute: 550 meters https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Loua+Juicebar,+Vismarkt+19,+3511+KS+Utrecht/Oudegracht+279,+Utrecht/@52.0884596,5.1193521,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x47c66f4532ae8c11:0xe35d604f7b688649!2m2!1d5.1204769!2d52.090752!1m5!1m1!1s0x47c66f5a0870ff8b:0x634208eb7360e912!2m2!1d5.1218541!2d52.0861607!3e2

🕵🏼ℹ️ De Letters van Utrecht: een gedicht voor de toekomst langs de Oudegracht van Utrecht!

De Letters van Utrecht is een project dat officieel is gestart in 2012, maar waarvan de eerste 648 blokken zijn aangelegd en gedateerd tot 1 januari 2000.

Zo werkt het: Elke zaterdag wordt er een blok genomen met de volgende letter van de regels geschreven door een dichter van het Utrechtse Gilde van Dichters en daarna weer op zijn plek gezet. Een proces - letter voor letter - dat tot in de 22ste en 23ste eeuw langs de straten van de stad zal voortduren.

DETAILS Adres: Oudegracht 279 - op de hoek van de Lange Smeestraat

Het volledige gedicht met de auteurs in het Nederlands vind je hier: https://www.delettersvanutrecht.nl/home/het-gedicht/

De Utrechtse straten vertellen veel verhalen, nietwaar? Vertel me eens, welke is je favoriet? 💬

#staycation #staycationutrecht #utrecht #nederland #netherlands #cityguide #vakantie #utrechtstad #staycationtips #mijnstad #bezoekutrecht #visitutrecht #vakantieineigenland #vakantieinonsstadsie

[samesamebutdifferent-utrecht]

Looking forward brings #MondayMotivation - doesn’t it?

Then let me provide you with the ultimate motivation!

🥘The dinner I will guide you to will be one loaded with good and healthy food paired with the right twist of positive vibes: We are going to Miss Tajine 👆🏻 Trust me, Christa is so lovely, you will have the best time. DETAILS Menu & Prices: Maroccan & worldly flavors straight from the Tajine Meat & vegetable dishes or stew: vary from € 6.50 to € 10.00

Pastillas - savory filled cakes: € 4.50 Salad, Harira soup & Side dishes: € 2.50 - € 4.50 See the entire menu here. Reservations: Miss Tajine is mainly takeaway and only has one table for 6 people - if you want to eat there make sure to make a reservation early on! The atmosphere is so lovely - it will be worth it. Even the takeaway food to enjoy on a bench outside will be memorable - especially to your taste buds! Next to thuis bezorgd you can also order directly via Miss Tajine. If you want to make a reservation call [phone]. Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 4:00 - 9:00 PM Address: Hardebollenstraat 2, 3512 TP, Utrecht https://misstajine.com

🎱 & from a full belly off to a swim - ahh I mean - snooker, pool or billiard at O.Z.E.B.I What was once a public swimming pool is now rebuilt to welcome you to play snooker, pool or Billiard - uniquely incorporating and preserving the character and historical elements. A one-of-a-kind location.

Cycling route: 4 minutes, 550 meter DETAILS Price: around € 15 an hour per table - but share this with a handful of friends and it’s literally a small price to pay! Reservation:  Although they have many tables you should definitely call to make a reservation. You can do this by calling [phone] Opening hours:

Monday - Thursday & Sunday 11:00 - 01:00 AM

Friday & Saturday 11:00 - 02:00 AM

Address: Biltstraat 4, 3572 BA Utrecht

http://ozebi.nl

Tag your friends & you got an evening to look forward to this week planned!

#utrecht #staycationutrecht #utrechtcity #visitutrecht #bezoekutrecht #vakantieinonsstadsie #vakantieineigenland #staycationtips #nederland #030