Ultimate Lesbian Budapest – Once Upon a Journey

Ultimate Lesbian Budapest - Once Upon a Journey

Budapest is a magical city in eastern Europe. The Hungarian capital amazes us every time we visit it, it’s so beautiful! Budapest is easily one of our favourite cities in Europe. The architecture is stunning, the thermal baths are the best and the ruin bars are really unique and fun. It’s easy to stay in Budapest for a longer time, but in 2 days in Budapest, you are able to cover a lot of the city! We created an ultimate Budapest itinerary so you can fully enjoy this city. This guide includes our best Budapest travel tips.

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Three Days in Lesbian Stockholm – Once Upon a Journey

3 days in Stockholm - Once Upon a Journey

Stockholm is an amazing city to go to for a city trip. It’s the capital city of Sweden and one of the most liberal, open-minded and trendy cities we have ever visited. I mean, gender-neutral bathrooms and shops nearly everywhere, how great is that?! 3 days in lesbian Stockholm is enough time to fully enjoy the city. It’s possible to fit this Stockholm itinerary in a shorter time, 2 days perhaps, but in 3 days you can experience the urban side of the city but also the calm- and nature-side of it. In this blog post, we also share our best LGBT Stockholm tips!

Visit the Metro Stations

Don’t just ride the metro, visit the stations! You probably wonder ‘why would I go visit a metro station?’ Well, go there to admire the worlds largest art gallery! Every station in Stockholm is uniquely decorated with different art pieces. Therefore, it’s awesome to explore underground Stockholm as well. We tried to see most of them, but after five hours of underground exploring, we had to hurry to not miss the last metro at night. Go after rush hour in the morning, or late at night, for fewer people at the stations (which makes for better pictures!). You can easily do a self-guided tour or if you would like to have more information, join a metro art tour! There are a few stations you absolutely cannot miss:

Stadion

Stadion Station can be found on the red line and it’s our favourite art station of all. It’s a station with a huge rainbow and cloud-like blue. Grab your camera and tripod and get ready to shoot! Since there’s no natural light in the station, we highly recommend using a tripod – otherwise, your shots might turn out blurry. Use a lower ISO to make sure your picture doesn’t get too grainy – but remember that slows down your shutter speed!

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Exploring the Dutch Tulip Fields in a VW Bus – Once Upon a Journey

Exploring the Tulip Fields in a VW Bus - Once Upon a JourneyM

Can you believe we never visited the tulip fields in the Netherlands?! As a Dutchie, that’s pretty weird since the tulip fields are becoming increasingly popular every year, especially because of Instagram. We decide to go on a little trip in style: with an old VW bus named Miss Peach. Miss Peach can be rented from Oldtimer huren for a fun day trip or for a special event: a wedding for example! Talking about weddings, during our little trip to the tulip fields we do a special shoot with some gorgeous dresses…

Tulips are for old people?!

When we were younger our moms and grandmas visited the tulip fields. So in our minds, it was something old people did (equals boring). Instagram has definitely changed our minds, because wow, these fields are far from boring: colours everywhere! Last year we were sad to miss tulip season so we promised each other 2019 would be the year. And we’re sharing the fun: my sister Denise joins us on our day trip. Denise is a beautician so she can help us look extra pretty. Usually, we never wear any make-up, but this is a special occasion…

Hit the Road with a Volkswagen Bus!

We pick-up Miss Peach in Nieuwegein at the garage. Before we hit the road I need to get the hang of driving an oldtimer. VW buses are old and therefore drive very differently than modern cars. Luckily it doesn’t take too long before I can enjoy riding this beautiful bus. So funny to see so many people looking at you while driving such a beauty!

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Netherlands Gay Travel Resources

 

Lesbian Taiwan – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Taiwan - Once Upon a Journey

Taiwan, to us, is on top of the list of countries in Asia that have surprised us the most. Frankly, we didn’t know much about Taiwan, and odds are: so do you (except the fact they just legalised same-sex marriage). And that has to change! Lesbian Taiwan is AMAZING and definitely the most progressive place in Asia, in my opinion, arguably the world (yes, Dutchie speaking!). Are you ready to be surprised by how gay Taiwan is?!

Taiwan Gay Marriage: Asia’s First

In 2017, the Constitutional Court of Taiwan ruled that the definition of marriage as one man and one woman in the law was unconstitutional. The Court requested a change of legislation, by either adjusting existing laws or creating new ones, within a time frame of two years.

On International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019 – May 17 – same-sex marriage was officially legalised. Over 500 couples have already registered today (the day the law went into effect). Legalising gay marriage wasn’t without controversy and there will be some limitations. The new law offers similar legal protections as heterosexual marriage, but it’s a separate law. Same-sex couples will only be allowed to adopt children biologically related to at least one of them.

While the entire world seems to be setting steps backwards (abortion is up for discussion again? Seriously?!), Taiwan is setting a big step forward. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

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Lesbian Amsterdam – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Amsterdam - Once Upon a Journey

The gay capital of Europe, Amsterdam, is the perfect city to go to as a lesbian traveller. Or well, Amsterdam doesn’t carry that title anymore officially, but the city is still very liberal, tolerant, welcoming and diverse. The city is perfect for your lesbian vacation or short city trip! You can truly be yourselves and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer. It’s a city where our love story began, so Amsterdam has a special place in our hearts. Continue reading for the ultimate travel guide to lesbian Amsterdam. Including our best insider tips and spots!

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and it’s most famous for its beautiful canals, gingerbread houses, coffee shops (not for coffee!), the infamous red light district and lots of bicycles. Amsterdam has a lot more to offer; there is something for everyone.

LGBT rights in the Netherlands

First, we will tell you a bit about LGBT rights in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is seen as one of the most LGBT friendly destinations in the world. Therefore it isn’t weird that LGBT rights in the Netherlands have been some of the most progressive in the world. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1811, and in 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Yes, we are very proud of that! The first gay bar opened in Amsterdam in 1911.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Amsterdam Travel Resources

Lesbian Europe – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Europe - Once Upon a Journey

We know, as a couple, that lesbian travel isn’t always as easy as packing your bags and go. There’s much more think about, regarding safety for example. For a holiday it’s important you can truly be yourself, don’t have to worry about safety and simply feel comfortable. Europe has been leading the way for LGBT travellers for the past decades. It has some of the most open and welcoming countries in the world and is, therefore, the perfect continent for your lesbian holidays. It has so much to offer: from stunning beaches to picturesque cities and much more. Europe is diverse, each European country has its charms, and there’s something for everybody. But which destination to pick?! Let’s dive into the best lesbian holiday destinations Europe has to offer.

Greece

For stunning beaches, you need to go to Greece! Greece has 6000 islands so it’s the perfect destination for some island hopping, tropical vibes and relaxing on the beach. The island Lesbos (also known as Lesvos) is, for us lesbians, a special one. More about that later on! Greece is one of the most liberal countries in South East Europe and it’s making great steps forward the past years. Homosexuality has been legal since 1951 and in 2015, civil unions were legalised for same-sex couples. Greece is a friendly destination for LGBT travellers. Mykonos especially is well-known under the male gay travellers as one of the best gay destinations in Europe. And of course, lesbians are also very welcome on the island, though you will find many men there. While Mykonos is great for parties, Santorini is the perfect island for your romantic holiday or a honeymoon.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Europe Gay Travel Resources

 

One Day in Helsinki – Once Upon a Journey

Helsinki - Once Upon a Journey

Surprisingly, Scandinavian capital Helsinki (Finland) is often overlooked. It seems like quite some people visit or pass through the city but then forgets about it. We have no clue why; on our city trip to Helsinki we had a great time! The Finnish capital city has many things to offer but within a day you can already catch the highlights. So it’s perfect to go to Helsinki for a day trip from Tallinn, during a long layover or on a cruise of the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the sauna, one of many museums, some delicious Finnish food and coffee: all during your one day in Helsinki! Of course, you can spend as many days as you want to explore the city, but we will share the best places to visit in Helsinki with you.

Visit Sea Fortress Suomenlinna

When we were telling people about our Helsinki-travel-plans everyone said: go to Suomenlinna island. Every local told us the same thing. But what’s so special about Suomenlinna? It’s the ultimate dream island of the Helsinki locals. When we think about a dream island something tropical comes to mind, but for the Finnish, it’s a different story. Suomenlinna is located only 15 minutes away from Helsinki. It’s surrounded by water and nature and the island isn’t reachable by bridge, only by ferry. So it’s located close to the big city but when you are on the island it doesn’t feel like that at all! 800 ‘lucky’ people live on the island.

By Maartje & Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

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Bangkok by Bicycle – Once Upon a Journey

Bangkok by Bicycle - Once Upon a Journey

Bangkok is one of our favourite places in Asia. There’s so much to see and do in the city! And one of the best ways to explore Bangkok is by bike and boat. This way you can explore off the beaten path and get to know the different faces of the city. From busy markets in China Town to green palm plantations in the outskirts to the fresh breeze on one of the canals. Sounds amazing right? Ready to hop on that bicycle and explore? We will tell you all about our adventures during our bicycle tour through Bangkok.

Bangkok Bicycle Tour

It’s no secret us Dutchies like to bike! We don’t just bike in the Netherlands, we bike all over the world. So no surprise, 30 years ago a Dutchman named Co van Kessel started to show tourists around Bangkok by bicycle. His company never stopped doing just that! It’s a unique way to see a city.

At Co van Kessel, there are multiple bicycle tours you can do, varying from 3 to 9 hours. We hop on the bicycle for 5 hours, or well, we also go on the water by boat. With our bicycles, how fun! Make sure to book a tour in the morning for better temperatures.

By Roxanne and Maartje – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

 

Intagrammable Bangkok – Once Upon a Journey

Intagrammable Bangkok - Once Upon a Journey

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is the perfect city to start your travels in Thailand or elsewhere in Asia. And Bangkok is so much more than just a hub, it’s a city with many things to see and do. From beautiful temples (have you ever seen a dragon temple?) to crazy markets to chaotic streets with tuk-tuks everywhere.

We are huge fans of Bangkok and love exploring the city. We found you the best Instagram spots in the city. Are you ready to see the 13 most Instagrammable places in Bangkok?! Grab your camera + outfit and let’s GO!

AIRPLANE GRAVEYARD

Abandoned places are always a bit creepy, but so cool, don’t you think?! The airplane graveyard in Bangkok is a unique place to visit. Always wanted to sit in a cockpit? This is your chance! There are multiple airplanes you can explore and you can take the coolest pictures. It’s not fully abandoned though, there is a family living in one of the airplanes. Be prepared to pay around 200 baht per person to enter the property. You can get to the airplane graveyard by taxi or by river taxi (way cheaper). Go to Wat Sriboonreun (last stop of the Khlong Saen Saeb), and from there it’s just a short walk.

By Roxanne Weijer – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

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Instagrammable Hong Kong – Once Upon a Journey

Lok Wah South Estate - Once Upon a Journey - Instagrammable Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an Instagram paradise! This city has so much to offer, from architecture to beautiful beaches and mountains, Hong Kong has it all. But where to start?! We made a list of the 7 most Instagrammable Hong Kong places that you can’t miss!

QUARRY BAY

This is the most famous Instagram spot of all. The incredibly dense and stacked residential complexes of Quarry Bay are featured in movies like Ghost in The Shell and Transformers: Age of Extinction. There are five complexes but Yik Cheong and Montane Mansion are the best known. They are perfect for a fantastic photo. But try to be creative, since many angles and poses have already been shot here!

By Roxanne & Maartje – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

China Gay Travel Resources