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Accommodations, London

Is City Sleeper at the Royal National Hotel Worth It? My Honest Review

Planning a trip to London and wondering whether City Sleeper at the Royal National Hotel is worth the extra cost over the standard Royal National rooms? During my…

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Hello! I’m Gwen, the ‘Bug Girl’!

Welcome to Bug Girl Adventures, a vibrant travel blog where I share my personal journeys to inspire Gen Z and millennial explorers to discover the world, connect with new cultures, and create unforgettable experiences. Designed for mid-budget travelers who crave adventure without breaking the bank, this platform is all about real, relatable travel. Join a growing community of 5,7k+ fellow wanderers who follow along on Instagram as we navigate the world, one destination at a time.

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thebuggirladventures

Travel for Gen Z and Millennials on a Budget🌍🐛
📍Limburg, Netherlands → Next: ?
💌 gwen@buggirladventures.com
🧳Read my travel blog⬇️

🇸🇪 Come with me on my first ever trip to Gothenbur

🇸🇪 Come with me on my first ever trip to Gothenburg!

Four days of exploring one of Sweden’s greenest cities🍃, eating our way through Swedish food halls, discovering beautiful gardens, trying ALL the Swedish sweets🍬, and of course, plenty of fika☕

From the historic Haga neighbourhood to Gothenburg’s Botanical Garden, the Garden Society, museums and some slightly terrifying views from 220m above the city… there was so much to discover.

And my travel companions for the trip? The PT-01 EVO suitcase + matching PT Underseater Backpack from @princesstraveller, which came with me from the Netherlands all the way around Gothenburg✈️🧳

Gothenburg was my first taste of Sweden and I absolutely loved how laid-back, walkable and green the city felt. Definitely somewhere I'd love to return to someday😍

Have you been to Gothenburg before, or would you add it to your Sweden bucket list?👀

AD | Gifted #ad #princesstraveller #gothenburg #sweden #travelvlog

🍰 One of Maastricht's cutest cafés? I think I foun

🍰 One of Maastricht's cutest cafés? I think I found it!

@pieceofcakemaastricht had been on my "I really need to go there someday" list for YEARS. When I was studying in Maastricht, I used to pass this little café almost every day on the bus and would always look out the window thinking I needed to visit... and now that I finally have, I completely understand the hype🥹

The interior alone stole my heart. Think chandeliers, fresh flowers, vintage-inspired furniture and the cosiest atmosphere. It somehow feels like a little English tea room mixed with a Parisian café, and honestly, I could sit here for hours🫖🌸

I ordered their Tea Party for €13, which came with a cupcake of your choice🧁, two scones with jam & clotted cream, plus tea or coffee☕. Such a good deal for Maastricht!

Perfect for a catch-up with friends, a cute afternoon date or simply treating yourself after a day exploring the city!

📍 Piece of Cake, Boschstraat 60, Maastricht

💬 Have you been here before, or is this going on your Maastricht list?

#pieceofcake #maastricht #maastrichtlikealocal #wheretoeatmaastricht #foodmaastricht

Looking for a different way to see Liverpool?👀🇬🇧

Looking for a different way to see Liverpool?👀🇬🇧

The Royal Liver Building 360° Tower Tour was such a fun experience! We learnt all about one of Liverpool's most iconic landmarks, the famous Liver Birds and the city's history before heading up to the viewing platforms for some seriously gorgeous 360° views😍🏙️

Our guide Shannon was brilliant and made the whole experience even better! And yes... it was VERY windy up there😂🌬️ But we had a fabulous time!

If you're planning a Liverpool trip and want to add something a little different to your itinerary, I'd definitely recommend this one.

🎟️ Book through @getyourguide and use code "THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5" for 5% off your first purchase in the GetYourGuide app!

📲 You can also use the link in my bio to download the GetYourGuide app and start planning your next adventure.

Would you try this activity on a trip to Liverpool?

AD | Affiliate @getyourguidecommunity #getyourguide #getyourguidediscountcode #liverpool #thingstodoliverpool #royalliverbuilding

⛪️Am I the only one who can't resist wandering int

⛪️Am I the only one who can't resist wandering into beautiful churches while travelling?

No matter what city I'm visiting, I always end up stepping inside a church "just for a quick look"... Saint Peter's Church in Leuven was no exception.

Located right on the city's main square, this stunning Gothic church has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Inside, you'll find soaring ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate details and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect place to take a break from the busy streets outside.

📖 Little history lesson: Saint Peter's Church has stood at the heart of Leuven since the 15th century and is one of Belgium's finest examples of Brabant Gothic architecture. It's also home to several remarkable works of art, including The Last Supper by the famous Flemish painter Dirk Bouts, making it an important cultural landmark for the city.

The best part? Entry is completely free, so it's an easy stop to add while exploring Leuven's historic centre. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoy admiring beautiful buildings, I'd definitely recommend popping inside.

💬 Do you always pop into churches when you're travelling, or do you usually admire them from the outside?👇

#leuven #visitleuven

Looking for something to do in Manchester on a Sat

Looking for something to do in Manchester on a Saturday?👀 Add @campfieldmarket to your list! 🛍️

Every Saturday, independent traders take over Campfield, St John's and Grape Street, with street food, bakes, drinks, handmade goodies and loads more.

We spent the morning wandering around the stalls, trying a blueberry cheesecake cruffin🫐 and grabbing a banana bread matcha🍵

📍 Campfield Market, Manchester
🗓️ Every Saturday
⏰ 10am-4pm

Save this for your next Manchester trip! 🇬🇧✨

#manchester #thingstodoinmanchester #visitmanchester #campfieldmarket

This might just be the cutest shop in Leuven… an

This might just be the cutest shop in Leuven... and I wanted to buy everything!🤭

I stumbled into @animauxspeciaux while exploring Leuven, and it instantly became one of my favourite shops in the city🤩

Think shelves filled with unique gifts, beautiful stationery, home décor, cute little trinkets and all sorts of curiosities you won't find everywhere else. It's one of those shops where you keep spotting something new every few seconds.

My personal favourites? The adorable funky keychains, gorgeous bookmarks, scented candles and the beautiful tarot card sets🕯️🔮📚

And if you think the shop couldn't get any cuter... make sure to wander out to the little plant garden at the back🌿 Such a lovely hidden corner!

Whether you're looking for a souvenir, a gift, or simply love browsing independent boutiques, this is definitely one to add to your Leuven itinerary.

📍 Mechelsestraat 17, Leuven

#animauxspeciaux #leuven #thingstodoleuven #visitleuven #shoppingleuven

Looking for a FREE thing to do in Leuven? Don't sk

Looking for a FREE thing to do in Leuven? Don't skip the Kruidtuin!🌿

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know I can never resist a botanical garden...🌱 So of course I had to visit Kruidtuin Leuven, Belgium's oldest botanical garden.

Located just a short walk from Leuven's city centre, this peaceful oasis is the perfect escape from the busy shopping streets. Wander through colourful flower beds🪻, discover plants from all over the world, and don't miss the beautiful tropical greenhouses🌴 They were definitely my favourite part!

The best part? Entry is completely free, making it one of the best budget-friendly activities in Leuven.

Whether you're a fellow plant lover, or simply want a quiet place to unwind for an hour, I'd definitely recommend adding the Kruidtuin to your Leuven itinerary. Especially if you're visiting in spring or now during summer when everything is in bloom🌸☀️

💬 Are you a botanical garden lover too, or is there another type of attraction you always seek out when travelling?🌻

#thingstodoleuven #budgettravel #leuven #belgium #visitleuven

🏛️ Skip the crowds… this might be London's most

🏛️ Skip the crowds... this might be London's most underrated FREE museum👀

While thousands of tourists head straight for the British Museum or the Natural History Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum remains one of London's best-kept secrets!

Tucked away in Holborn, this former home of renowned architect Sir John Soane feels less like a museum and more like stepping into someone else's fascinating world. Every room is packed from floor to ceiling with art, architectural models, ancient sculptures, paintings, rare books, and quirky treasures collected over 200 years ago🖼️🏺📜

One of the things I loved most? You never quite know what you'll discover around the next corner. The narrow hallways and hidden rooms make the whole place feel like a maze, and there's always another little detail waiting to catch your eye.

💸 Entry is completely free, although we picked up the optional £3 guidebook, which I'd definitely recommend if you want to learn more about the collection and the stories behind it.

💡 My tip: The museum is quite small, so only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside at a time. Queues can build up quickly, especially later in the day. We arrived just before opening and only had a short wait, so I'd definitely recommend doing the same if you want to make the most of your visit.

If you're looking for a unique museum that most visitors miss, this is absolutely one to add to your London itinerary.

Would you visit this hidden gem, or are you more of a "classic museums" person? 👇

#london #visitlondon #thingstodolondon #sirjohnsoanesmuseum #museumlondon

Looking for the cosiest café in Leuven? I think I

Looking for the cosiest café in Leuven? I think I found it!☕

Hidden away on Brusselsestraat,
@elisa.coffee feels like stepping into a little urban greenhouse🌿 The beautiful orangery is filled with natural light and greenery, making it the perfect place to slow down after a morning of exploring Leuven.

I stopped by for a slice of their red velvet cake (which was delicious😋), but Elisa is also well known for its breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, all paired with freshly roasted JAVA coffee.

Whether you're catching up with friends, escaping the rain for an hour, or simply treating yourself to coffee and cake, this is one of those cafés that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

Definitely adding this one to my list of favourite cafés in Belgium🇧🇪

📍 Brusselsestraat 134, Leuven

💬 Are you team coffee or team cake? 👇

🎀Jellycat lovers… you NEED to visit this shop in

🎀Jellycat lovers... you NEED to visit this shop in Leuven!🧸

When my best friend took me to @thegrasshopperleuven on my trip there, I genuinely wasn't expecting to find one of the biggest Jellycat collections I'd ever seen.

Seriously... shelves upon shelves of Jellycats🥹 From the classic Bashful Bunnies to food, flowers and all the quirky little characters, it felt like Jellycat heaven.

But even if you're not on the hunt for a new plushie, this shop is still worth popping into. It's filled with board games, books, gifts, creative toys and so many fun things to browse. One of those places where you walk in "just to look"... and somehow leave with a bag 🤭

If you're planning a trip to Leuven and you're a fellow Jellycat collector (or simply love cute shops), definitely add this one to your itinerary!

📍 The Grasshopper: Mechelsestraat 24, Leuven

💬 Tell me... which Jellycat would you take home? 👇 My personal favorite would be the seagull😊

Exactly one year ago I was in one of my favourite

Exactly one year ago I was in one of my favourite cities with one of my favourite people🚇💂🇬🇧

Looking back, this trip to London wasn't special because we ticked off loads of attractions (although we definitely did 😅). It was special because of everything in between.

Walking until our feet hurt. Getting caught in typical British summer weather. Sitting in parks with supermarket meal deals. Finding hidden gardens, drinking endless amounts of Blank Street matchas, accidentally stumbling upon Rachel Zegler performing from a balcony, and ending our evenings completely exhausted but already excited for the next day.
Some trips just stay with you, and this is definitely one of them!

Here's to more adventures together!👭

And the timing couldn't be more perfect... because in exactly one week, we're heading off on our next trip together: Manchester!🇬🇧
I already know we're going to have the best time.

If you've been to Manchester, I'd love your recommendations!👇 Favourite cafés, restaurants, hidden gems, shops, museums... send them my way!

🇬🇧 One of London's BEST attractions… and it won'

🇬🇧 One of London's BEST attractions... and it won't cost you a penny!🏛️

If you're looking for free things to do in London, the British Museum absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Home to millions of artefacts from around the world, you could easily spend hours wandering through its galleries. From Ancient Egypt and the Rosetta Stone to Greek sculptures and Roman treasures, there's something fascinating around every corner.

One of my favourite parts wasn't even an exhibit though... it was the breathtaking Great Court😍 The huge glass roof floods the space with natural light, making it one of the most beautiful museum entrances I've ever seen. And don't miss the Reading Room either. It's an incredible six-storey book tower tucked away inside the Great Court📚

Whether you're an art lover, history nerd, or just looking for a budget-friendly activity, the British Museum is well worth visiting.

💸Entry to the permanent collection is completely free, making it one of the best value attractions in London.

💬 What's your favourite museum you've ever visited?

#london #visitlondon #britishmuseum #londonthingstodo

🇪🇸 Planning a trip to Valencia? Save this guide fo

🇪🇸 Planning a trip to Valencia? Save this guide for later!📍

Valencia quickly became one of my favourite European city breaks. Think beautiful architecture, incredible museums, lush gardens, amazing food, and plenty to see without feeling overwhelmed by huge crowds.

Here's what I'd recommend adding to your itinerary:
🌿 Jardín Botánico de Valencia: A peaceful botanical garden that's perfect for plant lovers. 🎨 Museo de Bellas Artes de València: One of Spain's finest art museums, and it's completely free.
🍊 Mercat Central de València: One of Europe's oldest fresh food markets and the perfect place to experience local flavours.
🏛️ Ciutat de las Arts y las Ciències: Valencia's iconic futuristic complex that's home to museums, an aquarium, and stunning architecture.
⛪ Catedral de València: Explore the cathedral and discover centuries of history with the included audio guide.
🐬 Oceanogràfic València: Europe's largest aquarium and a must for marine life lovers.
🏰 La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Valencia's rich trading history.
🦁 Bioparc València: An immersive zoo where the habitats are designed around the animals.
⚔️ Torres de Serranos: One of the city's best-preserved medieval gates and a symbol of Valencia.

Whether you're into culture, food, nature, or architecture, Valencia really has something for everyone!

💬Have you been to Valencia? Which place would be first on your list?

@visit_valencia #valencia #visitvalencia #thingstodovalencia #spain

📍 Mercat Central de València🇪🇸🍊 One of my favouri

📍 Mercat Central de València🇪🇸🍊

One of my favourite things to do when visiting a new city? Wander through the local market.

Valencia's Central Market is one of the largest fresh food markets in Europe and has been at the heart of the city for over 100 years. Even if you're not planning on buying anything, it's worth stopping by to admire the beautiful Modernist architecture and soak up the atmosphere.

Step inside and you'll find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Spanish cheeses🧀, jamón, seafood, pastries, spices, and other local delicacies

Whether you're picking up a snack, shopping for souvenirs, or simply wandering through, this is definitely one to add to your Valencia itinerary!

#valencia #visitvalencia #mercatcentraldevalencia #centralmarketvalencia

🍪 I accidentally found the BEST cookies in Valenci

🍪 I accidentally found the BEST cookies in Valencia... and now I'm making sure you don't miss them. 👀

While wandering through the streets of Valencia, I stumbled upon @juliet.vlc completely by accident... and sometimes those are the very best travel finds😍

This little bakery has become quite the local favourite (over 16k followers on Instagram!), and after one bite I totally understood why😋

I went for the raspberry & white chocolate cookie, and it was delicious🤤 The cookie was perfectly soft in the middle (exactly how I like them), packed with flavour, and loaded with white chocolate. Fair warning though: they're definitely on the sweeter side, and a little pricier than your average cookie. But for me, it was absolutely worth trying!

Besides cookies, they also have a tempting selection of pastries, so if you've got a sweet tooth, this is definitely one to add to your Valencia list.

Sometimes the best travel recommendations aren't the ones you planned... they're the ones you randomly walk into

📍@juliet.vlc - C/ de Bonaire, 22, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València

This might just be the nicest @novotelhotels I've

This might just be the nicest @novotelhotels I've ever stayed in🇪🇸🏨

During my trip to Valencia, I stayed at @novotelvalencialavant, and I'd happily book it again.

The hotel feels incredibly modern and luxurious, even by Novotel standards. We stayed in a spacious Twin Room that was spotless, had a super comfy bed, a huge shower, and even let us stream Netflix to the TV after a long day of sightseeing.

📍The location is fantastic! There's a metro stop right next to the hotel🚇, plus Nuevo Centro shopping mall behind it with supermarkets, restaurants and everything you might need. Many of Valencia's attractions are also within walking distance.

🥐 The breakfast buffet deserves a special mention because WOW. One of the biggest I've seen! From fresh pastries and fruit to a full English breakfast and even a corner dedicated to Spanish specialities like churros. Definitely worth adding to your booking😋

We also enjoyed cocktails at the rooftop Sky Bar overlooking Valencia. There's even a rooftop pool for the warmer months🏊, plus a gym, restaurant and coffee bar☕

The staff were lovely throughout our stay, and overall I genuinely couldn't fault this hotel.

⭐ Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a hotel that feels a little luxurious without spending a fortune, this is a fantastic choice for a Valencia city break.

Have you ever stayed at a Novotel?

🇳🇱 Skip Amsterdam for a day… here's why Utrecht

🇳🇱 Skip Amsterdam for a day... here's why Utrecht deserves a spot on your Netherlands itinerary!

If you're looking for charming canals, historic streets, hidden courtyards, and a slower pace than Amsterdam, Utrecht is the perfect day trip. Here's how I'd spend one day in one of my favourite Dutch cities:

⛪ Start at the Dom Tower & Dom Church
The heart of Utrecht and impossible to miss. Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture or climb the Dom Tower if you're up for panoramic views over the city.

🌿 Wander through the Dom Church Pandhof Garden
Just behind the cathedral you'll find this peaceful medieval courtyard garden. One of my favourite hidden spots in Utrecht and perfect for photos.

🚶‍♀️ Stroll along the Oudegracht
Utrecht's iconic canal is unlike any other in the Netherlands, with its unique wharf cellars, waterside terraces, bridges and historic buildings. Grab a coffee and simply enjoy wandering around.

🌸 Don't miss Pandhof Sinte Marie Garden
Another hidden courtyard tucked away from the busy streets. Quiet, beautiful and one of those places many visitors walk straight past.

🐰 Say hi to Nijntje (Miffy)!
Stop by the Dick Bruna statue for a fun photo. The world-famous bunny was created right here in Utrecht, making this a cute little stop during your walk.

📸 Take your time getting lost
Some of my favourite moments in Utrecht weren't planned at all. Wander through little alleyways, admire the canal reflections and discover cosy cafés along the way.

💡 A few tips before you go: • Arrive early to enjoy the city before it gets busy. • Wear comfortable shoes. Utrecht is best explored on foot. • Have lunch by the canal for the ultimate Utrecht experience.

Utrecht has all the beauty of a Dutch city, but with a much more relaxed atmosphere than Amsterdam. If you're visiting the Netherlands, I'd genuinely recommend spending a day here, you might just fall in love with it too❤️

📍Save this itinerary for your next trip to the Netherlands!🇳🇱

#discoverutrecht #ontdekutrecht #utrecht

📍 Plaça de la Verge – one of Valencia's most beaut

📍 Plaça de la Verge - one of Valencia's most beautiful squares and easily one of my favourite spots in the city. Surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and centuries of history, it's the perfect place to slow down and soak up the atmosphere of Valencia's old town🇪🇸✨ #valencia #visitvalencia #valenciatrip

🇪🇸 First trip to Spain = first time trying proper

🇪🇸 First trip to Spain = first time trying proper churros con chocolate… and now I completely understand the hype🤤

One thing you absolutely have to do when visiting Spain is order a plate of fresh churros con chocolate!🍫 It's one of the country's most iconic sweet treats, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even late at night after a night out.

On my recent trip to Valencia, we stopped at Chocolatería Valor on Plaza de la Reina, right by Valencia Cathedral. Valor is actually one of Spain's most famous chocolate brands, so naturally my expectations were high.

My brother and I shared a portion and WOW😍 These were nothing like the churros I'm used to back home in the Netherlands. Think freshly fried golden dough sticks, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, dusted with a little extra sugar and served with the thickest, richest dark chocolate imaginable.

And when I say thick, I mean THICK. Not a chocolate sauce. Not a hot chocolate. Somewhere in between and absolutely delicious😭🍫

Was this the most authentic churro spot in Valencia? Honestly, I have no idea. But for a first churros experience in Spain, it was an easy 10/10.

If you're visiting Valencia for the first time, add churros con chocolate to your must-try list. Your future self will thank you!

Have you ever tried authentic Spanish churros? 👇

💸 Planning a trip soon? Here's a little travel hac

💸 Planning a trip soon? Here's a little travel hack for you!👀✈️

I book a lot of my activities through @getyourguide, and you can get 5% off your first in-app purchase with my code:

✨ THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5 ✨

Over the years I've booked some incredible experiences through the app, including:
🐱 Amsterdam's quirky cat museum, the KattenKabinet
🌅 A sunset cruise on Lisbon's Tagus River (still one of my favourite travel memories ever⛵)
🏙️ The Rua Augusta Arch Viewpoint for stunning views over Lisbon
🇬🇧 The iconic chimney lift experience at Battersea Power Station in London

For me, activities are what really bring a destination to life. Whether it's a museum, viewpoint, boat tour or something completely unexpected, they always end up being the highlights of my trips.

So if you're planning your next adventure and have a few activities on your wishlist, don't forget to use THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5 for 5% off your first booking in the GetYourGuide app!

Which activity from this reel would you try first?👇

AD | Affiliate collaboration with @getyourguide #getyourguide #getyourguidediscountcode #travelhack #budgettravel #traveldeals @getyourguidecommunity

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“Moments of Adventure, Captured Forever”

Step into a world of wonder. Explore a captivating collection of images that capture the magic, mystery, and raw beauty of my journeys.

Covent Garden, London

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Newcastle, UK

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Top of the Rock, New York

”Look closer, the world is full of wonders.”

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email: gwen@buggirladventures.com
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