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Published Stories
Meaningful stories to inspire your next journey
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Lisbon hotel tip: Casa Teva by chic&basic is situated in one of the city’s nicest neighbourhoods
At Reisleven, we love sharing great hotels with you. Are you planning a weekend break to colourful Lisbon soon? If so, I’ve got a hot tip for you: Casa Teva by chic&basic, right in the heart of the historic Alfama district. Sleeping in chic & basic style You could easily walk right past Casa Teva. From the outside, the hotel is rather unassuming, blending in with the colourful houses, narrow streets and façades where laundry hangs out to dry. As soon as you know where to go,
Ilse Woorts


Discover this surprising concept in Évora: luxury and the best of two hotels
The beautifully restored farmhouse in the Alentejo countryside In the area around Évora, I discovered a surprising concept: two unique hotels that you can combine during a single stay. One offers the charm of a restored Portuguese farmhouse, the other the luxury of a five-star hotel in a former monastery. Just a 15-minute drive from Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, these two unique properties are situated in the heart of the Portuguese countryside, just a three-minu
Ilse Woorts


Marvão Portugal: Slow Travel High Above the Alentejo
Romantic cobbled streets of Marvão In this story for One Planet Journey, Ambassador Ilse Woorts takes us to Marvão, a small village in Portugal’s Alto Alentejo region. Discover why this historic village is such a wonderful place for deep travel, from wandering its narrow streets and exploring its castle to tasting local food and getting a feel for the soul of the place. A delightful village Marvão is one of those charming Portuguese villages that may not be the first place yo
Ilse Woorts


Évora: Wandering Through the Historic Heart of the Alentejo
I’m happy to have my article published in the new Autumn Edition of Les Couleurs du Monde. ✨ Read the full article in the new Les Couleurs du Monde Autumn Edition, published on 26 October 2026. ✨ Here’s a sneak preview. Happy reading and happy travels! ✈️
Ilse Woorts


Street Art in Lisbon: What you need to know and where to find It
My guilty pleasure? Street art. I just didn’t realise Lisbon had so much street art to offer. Wow, what a discovery! The city feels like one big open-air gallery. Wherever you look, you’ll spot a painting, big or small. On a façade, a wall, by a flight of stairs or just around a corner. It makes Lisbon even more colourful. Lisbon Gives Street Art Plenty of Space The great thing about Lisbon is that the local council actively supports street art. Artists are given permission t
Ilse Woorts


Setúbal: Raw and charming at the same time
Setúbal is one of those places that immediately leaves an impression. Raw, authentic and, at the same time, surprisingly charming. This is no polished coastal town, but a city full of character, where daily life still revolves around the harbour. Along the waterfront, you can still see fishermen repairing their nets, a scene that perfectly reflects the city’s authentic character. And all this less than an hour from Lisbon. Where the ocean meets Arrábida Natural Park Setúbal i
Ilse Woorts


Aveiro: the colourful Portuguese alternative to Venice
Aveiro: the colorful alternative to Venice It looks like Venice, but feels different. The same atmosphere, perhaps even better. There are brightly coloured boats gliding through the canals, but without the crowds. Everything that Venice has, you will also find in Aveiro. But with a Portuguese twist. Don't you want to go there? Just an hour's drive from Porto, the charming city of Aveiro awaits. Believe me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how nice it is there, and you'll lov
Ilse Woorts


48 hours Hong Kong: this is how you make it a perfect stopover
48 hours in Hong Kong: See a lot at a relaxed pace An efficient route that combines the iconic Kowloon skyline with the city's creative art districts.
Ilse Woorts


Wats & Wheels: Temple Hopping by Bike in Ayutthaya
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and discover magical Ayutthaya by bike, where ancient Wats and a vibrant street food scene come together. From mystical sunrise rituals to romantically lit ruins in the evening: this is the ultimate guide to an unforgettable stay in the old royal city. Curious? Read more on 🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts


Three Days in Valencia: Cycling, Tapas & Seaside Surprises
Can you really experience the soul of Valencia in just 72 hours? From cycling through a lush converted riverbed to dining in a historic sports arena, this city constantly surprises you. Whether you’re hunting for the best paella, exploring futuristic architecture, or escaping to a hidden "Little Venice" by the sea, Valencia has it all. Ready for the perfect Spanish weekend getaway? Follow the Route and read more on 🇳🇱 Triptalk.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story tak
Ilse Woorts


Kyoto on Two Wheels
Discovering Kyoto by bike is easy and enjoyable, Gion Discovering Kyoto by bike? Absolutely! Seeing the city on two wheels gives you a completely different perspective. You can cycle along the Kamo River, ride from the Golden Pavilion to the Silver Pavilion, and discover quieter corners of Kyoto that you might easily miss by bus or metro. And as a Dutchie, cycling through Kyoto feels almost like coming home. 😉 Although an e-bike is definitely worth considering when heading t
Ilse Woorts


Paternoster: My Culinary Discovery on South Africa’s Stunning West Coast
Paternoster: Colourful fishing boats on the sand and culinary delights Paternoster: More than just a fishing village." Blue shutters, colourful boats, and an explosion of local flavours. From fatbike adventures in Tietiesbaai to the world-renowned tastes of Wolfgat: this is South Africa at its most authentic. See the highlights on🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts


Cadaqués : Coastal Charm and Cultural Color
Some places simply capture your heart the moment you arrive. With its whitewashed houses, hidden pebbled bays, and winding cobblestone streets, Cadaqués is a Mediterranean dream come true. Once the playground of Salvador Dalí and Picasso, this village remains an artistic hotspot full of serene charm. Ready to discover why this "hidden" gem is the ultimate escape for art lovers and sun seekers alike? Fall in Love with Cadaqués. Read more on 🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse N
Ilse Woorts


Feel the Vibe & Experience Miami: Beaches, Style & Art Deco
From the neon-lit Art Deco facades of Ocean Drive to the wild, alligator-filled marshes of the Everglades, Miami is a city of stunning contrasts. Experience the energy of a Miami Heat game, the rhythm of Little Havana, and the colorful murals of Wynwood. Ready to live your American dream? Read more on🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts


Verona & Borghetto: The Perfect Italian Escape
Looking for an Italian getaway that’s off the beaten path? Combine the Roman grandeur of Verona with a cycling adventure along the Mincio river. From stylish B&Bs to sunset views at Castel San Pietro, discover why this mini-road trip is the ultimate summer inspiration. Discover the magic on 🇳🇱 Triptalk.nl x Travelbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts


Summer in Provence? Make sure to visit the magical town of Cassis
Cassis: A Splash of Color on the Côte d’Azur" Forget the crowded beaches of Nice, Cassis is where you’ll find the real magic. Think turquoise calanques, rugged cliffs, and a harbor filled with colorful fishing boats. Whether you're hiking to hidden bays or sipping local rosé in a bohemian side street, this coastal gem will steal your heart. Explore my favorite hotspots in Cassis on 🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts


Bilbao & San Sebastián: Where Art Meets the Coast
Amazing golden beach in San Sebastián. Northern Spain: Art, Waves & Endless Flavours." From climbing 241 steps at Gaztelugatxe to cycling along the stylish boulevards of San Sebastián. Experience the Basque Country through my eyes: edgy, artistic, and surprisingly affordable. Check out the highlights at 🇳🇱 Reisleven.nl x Travelsbyilse Now, go where the story takes you...
Ilse Woorts
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