ONTDEK DE STAD
Why a city trip makes you a different person
As the captain of Team De Hort Op, I cannot emphasize enough that traveling enriches life. That it gives you such a burst of energy, trust me, no designer bag can compete with that (okay, this one a little bit). My best memories, hardest life lessons, friendships, even my great love: all born while traveling.
And now that summer is over, it really doesn't have to stop, with the passport itch, no way, are you crazy. This is the perfect time to scratch it. With, yes, my favorite trips of all: the city trip. What are the best cities for a fall getaway? With TUI, I selected five top cities to fly to this month. Passport ready? Awesome. Because here we go:
London (from 149 euros)
London is divine. The pubs, the lovely Brits with the cutest accent, driving on the left, the red double-decker buses; I just love it. Of course, a snapshot at Big Ben (and the red telephone booth) is a must. A tip from our Simoon? Skip Borough market, skip the über touristy Breakfast Club and go taste delicious treats at the Fine Food Market at Duke of York Square on Saturday. From classic Fish & Chips to traditional scones with clotted cream. Take a freshly baked sourdough bread, a creamy cheddar cheese, and a good bottle of red for your AirBnB. Oh, and this yet undiscovered food market is just around the corner from the well-known Harrods, so you can pick that up too. You get it: London is a must, especially in the winter months, magically beautiful. And an added bonus is that it's just a short hour's flight, hurry up!
Rome (from 169 euros)
Confession: until a few months ago, I had never been to Rome. But I made up for it, check this video for a moment. If you want to go all out on Instagram in a city that is so impressive that it genuinely leaves you speechless: Rome is the place to be. And preferably not in the summer (read: four hundred degrees) so now is the time. Rent a Vespa, eat Croccante di Nonna ice cream at La Romana (where the cone is filled with white chocolate) and after dinner, order not Limoncello but ‘un amaro’. That's how you do Rome like a true Italiano.
New York (from 499 euros)
Oh, New York. The city where I couldn't sleep, as hyper-hyperactive as I was. Writer Angela Carter once said: “Cities have sexes: London is a man, Paris a woman, and New York a well-adjusted transsexual.” It's chaos, but a manageable one. The concrete jungle. The skyline as you drive into the city from the airport, the yellow cabs, all the spots you recognize from movies and series, and the insane rooftops. Tip: rent a boat at The Boat House in Central Park. It only costs 15 euros for an hour of sailing and you get a few amazing pictures. I'm telling you: a city trip to New York, the biggest Efteling in the world, is one you will never forget for the rest of your life.
Athens (from 199 euros)
This city surprises you. Did you know that Athens, with an average annual temperature of nearly 20 degrees, is the warmest capital in Europe? And aside from a lot of warmth, Athens also offers a shitload of culture, history, beautiful neighborhoods, nature, and Greek temples. Go see the Acropolis, one of nearly 150 theaters, or climb the Lykavittós hill in the city for an amazing view. Or how about grabbing a cocktail at one of the dozens of trendy rooftop bars? Insta-proof view for sure. End the evening with dinner at the hidden gem Nolan, an inside tip from our Daniëlle. So, when are we going?
Barcelona (from 189 euros)
I could live in Barcelona . I would prefer to pack all my gear and only return to the Netherlands next year. Not only because of the empanadas, grilled octopus, and Licor 43 (okay, a little bit), but also because of the city/beach combination. The sun, the mentality, the magical language, the people, the dangerously drooling sssss of the Corazon: I want it all. And yes, a normal photo without scaffolding at the Sagrada Família is still equivalent to a Guinness Book of Records attempt, but that shouldn't spoil the fun. If you still feel like a nightcap after visiting Park Güell: La Xampanyeria is your place. Where can you still buy a glass of bubbles for 1.50?! Don't forget to eat at Boca Grande, a super cool spot where you can even dance in the bathroom after snacking. And yes, I get it: that sounds weird. But they have a disco bathroom. Now it's your turn.
So, why a city trip? There are a hundred reasons. It gives you energy, it makes you happy, and at any moment something cool, exciting, and beautiful can happen that you don't expect. The adventure always beckons. New scents, trying local products, tasting crazy dishes... It's the surprise that triggers people to keep traveling. Maybe you need to hit the brakes for a moment, to find balance in your body, or maybe you have something to celebrate or discover. Either way: traveling is living. And you know what they say: you never know until you go.
So, see you at the airport? Very good. Mama is proud.
