Category: Travel

  • Good Hotel, London

    Good Hotel, London

    We recently had an amazing stay at Good Hotel in London’s Royal Victoria Dock. Good Hotel is part of Good Group, a social business which has community and not individual at its core, providing premium hospitality with a cause.

    www.goodhotellondon.com


    The concept

    Founded by Marten Dresen, Good Hotel is the manifestation of his social business dream. The first Good Hotel popped up in Amsterdam during 1 year and trained and re-integrated 70 long-term unemployed locals who were living off welfare. Good Hotel now has locations in London (the floating hotel was transported from Amsterdam) and Guatemala (Marten founded a NGO called Niños de Guatemala there in 2006) and plans to open 5 new properties by 2020, focusing on destinations where touristic demand meets the needs for development.

    There’s one common point in all the Good Hotel properties: the contribution they make to the local community while offering a personalised, authentic experience. The Good Group has created an in-house training program called Good Training, offering long-term unemployed locals custom-made hospitality training and the chance to build a new future. Rooted in the local community, the ingredients, materials and labour needed at Good Hotel are all locally sourced from small business owners and craftsmen.

    Good Hotel also invests in the education of children of low-income families in Guatemala through the NGO Niños de Guatemala founded by Marten – in its first year it has donated $80,000 and is now working towards a goal to donate $500,000 per year).

    If you’re running a similar project and need guidance in social care, you can find organisations like CBAT that can help you in this process.

    The hotel

    Located in the Royal Victoria Docks, an up-and-coming area in East London, Good Hotel London is a floating hotel with an innovative design in a unique waterfront location.

    The modern rooms (4 types with different bed sizes and views to the dockside or waterfront and River Thames) have a minimalistic design, with Scandinavian-style wooden furniture and special details that make the stay even more pleasant, such as the fair trade toiletries, tooth brush and shaving kits, sockets for EU guests and a little doll handcrafted by Guatemalan artisans and designed to help you have a good night sleep.

    On the ground floor guests can find The Living Room, an open space with sofas where you can relax, big tables to work and meet other people staying at the hotel and a bar serving locally inspired cuisine with an international twist. On the top floor, guests can also find a roof area overlooking the River Thames and London, whilst enjoying drinks and café classics.

    When you book direct with Good Hotel, £5 will be donated to their NGO Charity partner, per booking, per night. When you book with Booking.com, they have partnered to created a unique ‘boosted’ link whereby if you book to stay anywhere with it, Booking.com will donate a percentage of your booking to Good Hotel’s NGO.
    Find out more here: www.goodhotelbooking.com

     

  • Assembly Hotel, London

    Assembly Hotel, London

    On our recent trip to London we were invited to stay at Assembly, a new hotel connecting guests to the heart of the city through its mantra ‘Get Up and Go’. If you love feeling the energy of London and being nearby to the main attractions keep on reading to find out why Assembly Hotel is the perfect place to stay.

    www.assemblyhotels.com


    Located in the West End, just next to Leicester Square underground station, and with Soho and Covent Garden on the doorstep, Assembly is designed for curious travellers who want to explore the city and experience London like a local.

    The moment you walk into the hotel you can feel the urban vibe. The pink bunnies in the reception area – a recurring theme in the rooms and the rest of the hotel – and the friendly staff greet the guests and provide all the information you might need about the city and its secret spots. That’s why Assembly is perfect for those individuals who want to explore London and then have a place with all the essentials to spend the night, and get ready for another day of exploring.


    The striped back rooms have been created to recharge. Designed by architects Scott Brownrigg, the 4 different types of rooms (Snug, Nest, Pad and Den) are inspired by iconic London fashion designers Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Gareth Pugh, with recognisable elements from their designs incorporated into the rugs, beds and other details of the space.


    Assembly doesn’t have unnecessary room amenities like overpriced mini bars or telephones but you will find comfortable beds, different pillow sizes and walk-in showers – everything you need for a good night’s rest. The stunning views from the rooms will make you feel even more immersed in London’s bustling streets but without the noise thanks to the incredible sound proofing.


    The hotel experience is completed with a rooftop terrace that will open really soon and that also offers great views of London’s skyline and its iconic landmarks such as the London Eye or The Shard.

  • Things to Do in Tallin

    If you’re looking to visit an old Medieval city with a historic appeal but equipped with modern amenities, Tallinn would be the perfect city to visit. It’s one of Europe’s hidden gems, home to UNESCO-listed Old Town, centuries-old architecture, and pretty cobblestone streets. Below, let’s find out some of the best things to do in Tallinn.

    Photo via Unsplash

    Experience Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

     

    The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is one of Tallinn’s best viewpoints and is where you can admire the city’s most picturesque views. It’s in Toompea Hill, which you can get to by climbing through narrow cobblestone streets.

    The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is on a terrace area offering stunning views of Tallinn. You’ll see the city’s signature red roofs, high-rise buildings, and the hustle and bustle, with the Gulf of Finland in the backdrop. There are also cafes in the area, where you can enjoy refreshments before going downhill.

    Learn the History of Toompea Castle

     

    Another attraction you’ll find in Toompea Hill is the Toompea Castle, a medieval castle recognised for its pastel pink walls. Nowadays, it is home to the Estonian parliament, commemorating Estonia’s independence, with a flag-raising ceremony taking place in the tower every morning. It’s worth taking the free guided tour of the castle, where you can explore the interiors of the beautiful rosy building and learn about its colourful history.

    Visit the Old Town

     

    Encompassing endless historical treasures, Tallinn’s Old Town is a joy to walk around. As one of the best-preserved town centres in the world, it features charming cobblestone streets lined with lively cafes and centuries-old architecture.

    When going around the Old Town, there are opportunities to partake in Estonia small group tours which will help guide you around the top sights. Alternatively, head down towards a circular stone with a compass, giving you a unique vantage point to admire the five historic churches around the city. Make your way inside the Town Hall and admire the stunning Gothic arches and magnificent works of art.

    Relax at the Port of Tallinn

     

    After going around the city, head to the Port of Tallinn, where you can relax while surrounded by picturesque ocean views. You will find outdoor cafes where you can order a cup of coffee as you enjoy people-watching. The port is also home to souvenir shops and some restaurants. You will also find a craft market nearby selling arts and crafts and local produce. If you have enough time, consider taking a boat tour from the port.

    See the Architecture at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

     

    The Aleksander Nevski Katedraali is one of Tallinn’s most fascinating buildings and will remind you of Russia’s St. Petersburg. The cathedral, which you’ll find right across Toompea Castle, features a Russian Orthodox Style, complete with bulbous onion domes and an ornate white and brown facade.

    The Alexander Nevski Cathedral also houses eleven bells, including the largest bell in Tallinn, weighing a whopping 15 tons! It rings throughout the day, and you’ll hear its sounds all over the city. Despite its magnificence, many Estonians are not pleased with the cathedral since they consider it an oppressive symbol from Russia.

  • Porto Instants

    Porto Instants

    We’re back from spending 4 great days in Porto, exploring the city and visiting a selection of cafés, restaurants, shops and places to include in our new City Guide. While we work on the guide, here’s a little preview of some of the images we shared on our Instagram profile during our trip.


    Porto views from the Douro river.


    Casa de Serralves, an art deco mansion and park that now houses a contemporary art museum.


    Inside Coração Alecrim, a beautiful shop stocking a curated selection of clothing, homeware and other new and vintage objects.


    Porto’s typical tiled facades.


    BOP Café, great music and some of the best burgers we’ve ever had.


    Douro views from the Granja de Baixo district.


    Capela das Almas, one of the most visited chapels in Porto, known for its walls covered with tiles painted with scenes from the lives of various saints.


    The walls of Ó! Galeria, a shop and gallery selling artwork by illustrators from around the world.

     
     

  • 10 Benefits Of Living As A Digital Nomad

    10 Benefits Of Living As A Digital Nomad

    The barriers to entry for becoming a digital nomad are all but gone. No longer is it the preserve of wealthy tech entrepreneurs and intrepid world travellers. With a laptop, an internet connection, and some basic skills, anyone can start working and living from anywhere in the world.

    Image Credit

    If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into this exciting and rapidly growing lifestyle, here are ten benefits of living as a digital nomad that might just convince you to make the switch.

    1. You Can Live and Work from Anywhere in the World

    The biggest advantage of being a digital nomad is also the most obvious one: you can live and work from anywhere in the world.

    This freedom to choose your own location is something that’s simply not possible with a traditional 9-to-5 job. Instead of being tied to one place, you can explore new cities and cultures while working remotely. For example, if you’re drawn to the Netherlands, you can enjoy the local culture while searching for housing in eindhoven and other vibrant cities that offer convenient rental options for digital nomads. This flexibility allows you to settle into a new environment without long-term commitments, making it easier to balance work and travel.

    As a digital nomad, you have the opportunity to live in some of the most beautiful and exotic locations on earth, all while working and earning an income.

    2. You’re Not Tied Down to One Place

    Another great benefit of digital nomadism is that you’re not tied down to any one place.

    With a traditional job, you’re usually stuck in the same city (or at least the same country) for the long term. But as a digital nomad, you can pick up and move to a new location whenever you want.

    This gives you the chance to experience lots of different cultures and lifestyles without being tied down to any one place.

    3. You Can Make a Good Income

    Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be wealthy to become a digital nomad. In fact, many digital nomads are able to make a very good income while they travel.

    Of course, your earnings will depend on your skillset and experience. But if you’re good at what you do, there’s no reason why you can’t make a great living as a digital nomad.

    4. You Don’t Need Much to Get Started

    Another major benefit of digital nomadism is that you don’t need much to get started.

    All you really need is a laptop, an internet connection, and some basic skills like knowing how to free up space on your computer. And in many cases, you can get started without any upfront investment whatsoever.

    This low barrier to entry means that anyone can become a digital nomad, regardless of their circumstances.

    5. You Can Work on Your Own Schedule

    One of the best things about being a digital nomad is that you can work on your own schedule.

    If you’re a night owl, you can work late into the evening. Or if you want to take a few hours off in the middle of the day to go exploring, you can do that too.

    This flexible approach to work is something that’s simply not possible with a traditional job.

    6. You Can Spend More Time With Friends and Family

    If you have friends or family members who also live a digital nomad lifestyle, then you’ll get to see them a lot more often than if you were tied down to one location.

    But even if your loved ones don’t live the nomadic life, you’ll still be able to spend more time with them than you would if you were working a 9-to-5 job.

    Image Credit

    7. You Can Choose Your Coworkers

    Another great thing about being a digital nomad is that you can choose your coworkers.

    If you want to work with like-minded people, there are plenty of coworking spaces and digital nomad communities around the world that you can join.

    But if you prefer to work alone, that’s fine too. As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to work however you want.

    8. You Can Learn New Skills

    When you travel to new places, you’ll inevitably be exposed to new cultures and lifestyles. And in many cases, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills.

    For example, if you want to learn how to cook a specific cuisine, you can simply travel to the country where it originated and learn from the locals.

    This hands-on learning is something that’s simply not possible when you’re tied down to one location.

    9. You Can Meet New People From All Over the World

    One of the best things about being a digital nomad is that you’ll meet people from all over the world.

    In fact, this is one of the main reasons why many people choose to live a nomadic lifestyle in the first place.

    If you’re tired of meeting the same kinds of people over and over again, then digital nomadism is definitely for you.

    10. You Can Live a More Adventurous Life

    Last but not least, one of the best things about being a digital nomad is that you can live a more adventurous life.

    If you’re the type of person who loves to travel and explore new places, then digital nomadism is the perfect lifestyle for you.

    In Closing

    As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to become a digital nomad. If you’re looking for a more adventurous and exciting life, then this lifestyle is definitely for you.