Iquitos, the gateway to the jungle

As very first stop of our one month-trip through Peru, we spent several days in the jungle. I’m a big nature lover so I didn’t need much to be convinced me to travel there. There are many options to visit the jungle in South America, but Iquitos is kind of a special place. The city is […]

Tips for the solo traveler

For this article, Nyala and I put our heads together to spread our advice and solo travel experiences throughout the World Wide Web. Because hey, this is what the blog is about… right? 😉 Some time ago Nyala contacted me seeking advice on solo female travel. She asked me for some general travel tips and […]

Amsterdam – 8 things you might not know

Amsterdam, the captivating capital of the Netherlands, is a city that frequently graces travel brochures and bucket lists. But beneath its iconic canals and liberal reputation lies a depth waiting to be explored. This charming European city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and quirky charm that will surprise and delight even the most […]

Rotterdam, my favorite place to be

Euromast Rotterdam by clear sky

Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Amsterdam, Rotterdam boasts a unique character and a captivating story. This dynamic port city in South Holland pulsates with modern energy, a testament to its remarkable resilience. Rotterdam’s past is etched in its very fabric. In 1940, a devastating bombardment during World War II left the city center in […]

Favourite places to be according to travelers

Happy birthday! Leveling up! I’m glad to announce you that Simply by Joy is one year old now! First of all: thank you for checking out this page. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible 🙂 Since Simply by Joy isn’t only based on my own stories but also on the stories friends and readers I’ve […]

Hiking up Hua Mountain, Xi’an

During my three-days stay in Xi’an I couldn’t miss out on hiking Hua Shan. The name Hua Shan 华山 is Mandarin: Hua means flower and Shan means mountain. This mountain is one of the 5 greatest mountains all over China thanks to its history and its religious significance. Hua Shan is definitely recommended for the […]

Three days in Xi’an, China

Xi’an 西安 is home to the Terracotta Army and the starting point of the famous Silk Road. Reasons enough to love it, right? During my Chinese language class, we watched a video about the history of Xi’an which got me inspired for this trip. At that time, I only had one month left in Chengdu […]