Stories & Experiences - Chris Travel Blog

SABA – Best accommodation: Old World style at the Hidden Garden Villa

January 12, 2020 Chris W. 0

Saba is the smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands and called the unspoiled queen of the Caribbean. Staying in style, an old traditional cottage, is the way to enjoy the real Saba. If this cottage has a history, it’s even better and I found that [read more]

BENIN – Ultimate 2-week Benin itinerary: Culture, nature safari, voodoo & more

January 5, 2020 Chris W. 0

I do not know why but Benin has intrigued me for a long time and I finally visited with my son. Benin is the third country south of the Sahara that I travelled to. I really enjoyed the below Benin itinerary which includes all major [read more]

ST. EUSTATIUS – The Old Gin House hotel review: Stay in colonial style luxury

January 4, 2020 Chris W. 0

Each year I try to visit a few Caribbean islands and this year the focus was on the Dutch Caribbean. I visited five islands of which St. Eustatius (or Statia) was one. Read my full Dutch Caribbean island hopping guide to see what I did [read more]

ST. MAARTEN – Sonesta Ocean Point Resort review: Best all-inclusive on St. Maarten

November 7, 2019 Chris W. 0

My Caribbean trip this year was dedicatedto exploring the Dutch Caribbean. I hopped the various Dutch islands. In Sint Maarten I stayed at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort which is an adult only hotel. Their sister property Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino which is family [read more]

LEBANON – Le Gray Beirut review: A true luxury hotel in downtown Beirut

November 2, 2019 Chris W. 0

Lebanon is a small country and most places can be reached as a day trip from Beirut, also called the Paris of the East. When I plan a trip, like my Lebanon itinerary, I always check the Leading Hotels of the World website if they [read more]

NORTH KOREA – 7-day North Korea itinerary for first time visitors: A complete guide

November 1, 2019 Chris W. 0

North Korea or the Democratic Peoples Republic Korea (DPRK) is one of the most isolated and least visited countries in the world. I have visited twice and this North Korea itinerary for first time visitors is an itinerary you probably will follow if you visit [read more]

NIUE – The perfect Niue itinerary for 5 days / 1 week on the Rock

October 24, 2019 Chris W. 0

Niue is an island I have long time wanted to visit as I collected their stamps, which they issue as a source of income, as a child. Maybe you have never heard of it. Just going to Niue for an island trip from Europe for [read more]

CARIBBEAN – 2 weeks St. Maarten itinerary & island-hopping guide to St. Eustatius & Saba

October 19, 2019 Chris W. 2

Since I was a kid, I have been intrigued by the fact that my country also has islands in the Caribbean. These are the ABC-islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) and the SSS-islands (St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius). Both groups are great for a two-week Caribbean island-hopping [read more]

LEBANON – Le Bristol Beirut: A unique luxury hotel in downtown Beirut (hotel review)

June 25, 2019 Chris W. 1

Beirut is also called ‘the Paris of the Middle East’ which is something you’ll only understand if you have visited. When I was planning my Lebanon itinerary, I looked for a hotel where I could sample this Parisian atmosphere with a twist. Le Bristol Beirut [read more]

LEBANON – The most complete Lebanon itinerary: All highlights in 10 days (or 2 weeks)

May 9, 2019 Chris W. 4

Lebanon is a small hidden gem in the Middle East and a beautiful destination for a 10-day trip. It’s just a 3-4-hour flight from Europe and thus a perfect destination for the May (or October) school holidays! I visited with my family (kids 13/16 years) [read more]