Skip to content

Chelsea Dinen

Destinations
- All
- Europe
  - Germany
  - Sweden
  - The Netherlands
  - Denmark
  - Belgium
  - Austria
  - Poland
  - Czech Republic
- UK
- North America
Travel Tips
Work With Me
Contact

Single Girl’s Guide

My Solo Trip to New York City

My Solo Trip to New York City

Read More My Solo Trip to New York City

My Solo Trip to Portland

My Solo Trip to Portland

Read More My Solo Trip to Portland

Soul-Centered Moving: A Spirited Course in Moving Cross Country Alone

Read More Soul-Centered Moving: A Spirited Course in Moving Cross Country Alone

How to Stay Confident in Your Decision to Move Cross Country Alone

How to Stay Confident in Your Decision to Move Cross Country Alone

Read More How to Stay Confident in Your Decision to Move Cross Country Alone

My Solo Trip to Denver

My Solo Trip to Denver

Read More My Solo Trip to Denver

My First Cross Country Move Alone

My First Cross Country Move Alone

Read More My First Cross Country Move Alone

5 Ways to Release Fear of the Unknown When Taking the Road Less Traveled

5 Ways to Release Fear of the Unknown When Taking the Road Less Traveled

Read More 5 Ways to Release Fear of the Unknown When Taking the Road Less Traveled

The Single Girl’s Guide to Amtrak

The Single Girl’s Guide to Amtrak

Read More The Single Girl’s Guide to Amtrak

My Number One Tip to Save Money Before You Move

My Number One Tip to Save Money Before You Move

Read More My Number One Tip to Save Money Before You Move

Page navigation

I'm Chelsea and these are the memoirs of a girl who's had many homes – from the US to Germany, the UK and now the Netherlands. This blog is your companion for practical travel trips, itineraries and inspiration, helping you create meaningful and memorable trips.

Instagram
TikTok
Pinterest

Recent Posts

Keukenhof Gardens: Helpful Tips for Planning Your Visit
Beautiful Day Trips from London by Train
Top 12 Things to Do for Christmas in London 2023
What to Do in Stockholm, Sweden
What to Wear in Amsterdam in the Autumn: Complete Packing List by a Local

Follow My Travels

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about ‘On

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about ‘One Day’ which means I also haven’t been able to stop thinking about Edinburgh and London, and Leo Woodall (he was in my dream last night). So, here’s a little carousel of locations that you may recognise if you too can’t stop thinking about (or rewatching) the series.

Today marks 12 years since my mom passed away. Thi

Today marks 12 years since my mom passed away. This year feels different. Initially, I couldn’t figure out why until I realised that I’ve spent half of the years since she died living on a different continent. It’s hard to believe. I can really feel the distance between then, 22 February 2012, and now. It reminds me of a scene from One Day:

Emma: It won’t always be like this.
Dexter: Why wouldn’t it? What’s going to change it?
Emma: Time.

With time, the hole in my life where my mom used to be still remains. I wake up every day knowing I will never see her again. The difference is that time has helped me accept it. The pain of that reality can still be felt but over the years, it’s softened. Like sea glass; the tumbling sea smoothes the once shattered and sharp glass. Grief never goes away but the passage of time softens the pain.

So, if you have also suffered a great loss, please know that there is no timeline for grief and that you are not alone.

Swipe for one of my favourite photos of us 🤍 I miss you always, Mom.

The beautiful details of Amsterdam’s architectur

The beautiful details of Amsterdam’s architecture 🤍 Sometimes it’s important to look at the bigger picture and sometimes we get to zoom in and appreciate the little things. Because the little things are the big things, aren’t they?

Charming shopfronts of The Hague (and the same one

Charming shopfronts of The Hague (and the same one twice because I love a striped awning!)

One of my favourite corners of Amsterdam – Cafe

One of my favourite corners of Amsterdam – Cafe ‘t Papeneiland which has been here since 1642. Come for the appeltaart (apple pie – swipe to the third photo) and stay for the cosy vibes.

Save this post for later!

📍 @cafepapeneiland, Prinsengracht 2

Classic Amsterdam 🤍 I think many of us are star

Classic Amsterdam 🤍 I think many of us are starting to see the (early) signs of spring around the corner. I’ve bought my first tulips of the season and have even seen a few blossoms already. The days are starting to grow longer and soon, we can spend our days sitting by the canal, taking it all in.

The many stunning details of The University of Gla

The many stunning details of The University of Glasgow which was founded in 1451, making it the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. My fellow Outlander fans may recognise the second photo from the series✨ There was a quietness in the air when I visited which I think you can really feel in these photos, allowing me to truly appreciate the architecture and history around every corner.

My Amsterdam recommendations – De Negen Straatje

My Amsterdam recommendations – De Negen Straatjes. The Nine Streets is one of the most charming and quintessential parts of Amsterdam and one of the top areas I recommend to visitors. Here you’ll find lots of independent shops, cosy brown cafes and picturesque canals. Feel free to save this post for later!

🥂Drinks🥂
@pulitzersbar.amsterdam – Artisanal cocktails overlooking the canals in an elegant bar inside this monumental Amsterdam building. Perfect for special occasions.

@cafededoffer – A local brown cafe with such a cosy atmosphere for drinks and snacks, especially in the evenings.

🥪Food🥪
@fabelfriet – This famous spot for fries is well worth the wait! My personal favourite is fries with pindasaus (peanut sauce)

@chun_ams – Another spot that’s worth the queue (go early!) Known for their sandwiches, the garlic shrimp egg toast is my fave!

@hetkoekemannetje – I think these are the best cookies in Amsterdam so you can skip the queue for the other cookie place ;)

🛍️Shopping🛍️

You’ll find a mix of stores like Aesop and Ace & Tate alongside independent boutiques, concept stores and vintage shops such as Episode, Velour Amsterdam (my fave) and ByNouck (gorgeous jewellery).

I’ve got Bakkerij Wolf, Screaming Beans and Flower Burger on my list to try next. Where else should I go? Let me know your favourite spot in De Negen Straatjes!

From a lovely morning spent exploring this beautif

From a lovely morning spent exploring this beautiful building and museum.

📍Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Follow @chelseadinen on IG

Copyright © 2024 · Chelsea Dinen

Home
Travel
- Europe
- UK
- North America
- Travel Tips
Lifestyle
Work With Me
Contact

Search for: