Seek and find
About Anne de Buck & Your Little Black Book
Anne de Buck, founder Your Little Black Book
Welcome to Yourlittleblackbook.me!
Great that you're interested in learning more about Your Little Black Book. On this page, I'll tell you all about the blog's origins and you'll get to know me better. Who am I? I'm Anne de Buck (born 1983), have chronic wanderlust, and write travel books I live in Amsterdam with my son Manuel and my husband. Your Little Black Book is the platform for anyone who wants to stay informed about the best addresses in the Netherlands and beyond, but doesn't have the time (knowledge or inclination) to research it all themselves.
Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. @yourlbb On Instagram, I also share lots of personal tips, giving you a glimpse into my life as an Amsterdammer, travel guide creator, #hotellifelover, entrepreneur, and professional foodie. Whether I'm traveling solo, with my family, or with friends… Your Little Black Book and my social media channels are the perfect place to find expert tips tailored to my taste and personal perspective.
Tips that will really help you.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
I have a nice garden – I have a nice garden in my garden
Did you know Bangkok holds a special place in my heart? 💛 If I were ever to live anywhere other than Amsterdam, it would be there. Right now, I'm seriously homesick, and I even have a ticket option open on another screen ☺️. Fun fact: I even got married in Thailand!
Bangkok is one of those cities where you can return so many times and still discover something new every time.
In this mini-guide, I share some of my favorite neighborhood hotspots—from fun neighborhoods and coffee spots to ultimate hotels, street food, and night markets.
The list could easily have 200 tips, but this is a good start!
📍 Prepare your next trip to Thailand with our travel guide & luxury travel planner for your next trip to Thailand.
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ Talad Noi – creative, raw & surprising
⦁ Songwat & Chinatown – street food heaven
⦁ Ekkamai – laid-back & trendy
⦁ Ari – boutiques & brunch
⦁ Bang Rak – culture meets cool
𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 & 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ Charmkrung – trendy restaurant in an old shophouse
⦁ Hong Sieng Kong – riverside coffee spot
⦁ Potong – fine dining in Chinatown
⦁ Baan Rim Naam – cocktails during sundown
⦁ Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai – comfort noodles, Bangkok style
**Illegible**
⦁ Four Seasons – ultimate luxury
⦁ Mustang Blue – unique & arty
⦁ ASAI – affordable boutique
⦁ The Standard – design & rooftop pool
⦁ Anantara Riverside – riverside resort vibes
I & I
⦁ Sundown on the Chao Phraya River = magical
⦁ Cycle through the city with Co van Kessel
⦁ Big Buddha – new must-see
⦁ Eat street on Banthat Thong Road – local favorite
⦁ What Saket at golden hour – view!
(𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧) 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ Yaowarat – food, food, food
⦁ Sampheng Market – for your best finds
⦁ ChangChui – creative chaos
⦁ Asiatique – family fun night market on the river
⦁ Train Night Market – vintage & food
📌 Save this guide so you have it with you when you go to Bangkok
💌 Send it to that friend you're making Thailand plans with
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️
The first rinks, like @skabaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it.
I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙
This year, there are some new links to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss.
Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered.
📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio).
Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #skating
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰, 𝟭𝟱 & 𝟭𝟲)
Another cozy November weekend in Amsterdam is here — and the city's buzzing with festive fun, winter vibes, and new openings.
Think: the return of ice skating at Museumplein, vintage treasure hunting in Noord, Sinterklaas magic at Muiderslot, and cocktail week collabs between top chefs and bartenders.
From fondue nights, film festivals, and Sunday markets — I've listed 31+ tips on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
MARKETS & CULTURE
– Nov 15 & 16: IJ-hallen – Europe's biggest flea market in Amsterdam-Noord @ijhallen
– Nov 16: Sunday Museum Market on Museumplein (grab a bite from Mr Brasa!)
– Nov 13–23: IDFA 2025 – hundreds of documentaries across the city's best cinemas @idfafestival
DRINKS & EVENTS
– Every Thursday this winter: Cheese fondue night at Badhuis Javaplein (€26 pp with unlimited crudités & bread). @badhuis.ams
– Save the date! Nov 17–23: Woodford Old Fashioned Week — 10+ cocktail bars, 3 top chef x bartender collabs @woodfordreserve @sidney_schutte @florisvstraalen @dirkmooren
NEW SPOTS
– Café Bica on Weesperzijde – coffee hotspot from the Bam Boa team @cafebica.ams
– Petit Charcuterie on Singel – perfect for bites, drinks & brioche sandwiches @petit.charcuterie.singel
FAMILY & FESTIVE FUN
– Nov 15: Ice skating season officially opens at Museumplein ⛸️ @iceamsterdam
– Nov 16: Sinterklaas parade sails into Amsterdam via the Amstel 🎁
– Nov 16 – Dec 5: Sinterklaas at Muiderslot (meet the Sint in person on Nov 22–23 & 29–30) @muiderslot
Want all 31 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll DM you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide — or check the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamEvents #AmsterdamMarkets #AmsterdamRestaurants #WinterInAmsterdam #SinterklaasAmsterdam #IDFA2025 #WoodfordOldFashionedWeek
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻.
From new hotspots to low spots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try.
Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️
📍 Orchid House (East)
Vibe: all-day dining at Oosterpark, family-friendly and good vibes.
Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha.
@orchidhouse.ams
📍 Omri (The Pipe)
Vibe: Small and cozy corner space with a warm interior and dimmed lighting. Perfect for a date night.
Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon.
@omri_amsterdam
📍 Chingu (The Pipe)
Vibe: Mainly focused on takeaway, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls.
Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious.
@chinguamsterdam
📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp)
Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy nooks in the always lively Pijp neighborhood. Now also open for lunch on weekends.
Must-have orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about that.
@leonardosraviolibar
📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Center)
Vibe: like stepping into a Chinese canteen. You order at the kiosk and wait for your number to be called.
Must-try orders: choose your favorite thickness of noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are also definitely worth trying.
@yellowrivernoodles
Please let us know where you're going first.
Or where you recently had the best meal, I'm curious!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas displays at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄
Only seven more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Trust me, I've been there myself ;-).
Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#Christmasshows #Christmasshow2025 #Christmasdecoration #Christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discovertheNetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #Christmasholiday #Christmasfeeling #Christmasmarkets #Decembertips
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟲, 𝟳, 𝟴 & 𝟵)
Another cozy fall weekend in the city is coming up — and there's so much to do again.
Think: vintage markets, wine bars, free entrance at ARTIS, and a new ravioli bar that just started doing lunch.
From flea market finds to silk flower bouquets and Marseille-style bouillabaisse Sundays… this weekend's got it all and I got 45 tips listed on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 & 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚
– The last QRU Flea Market of the year (70+ sellers under the tracks)
– Indoor treasure hunting at De Hallen Market on Saturday
– Build your own silk flower bouquet at the Atelier Verden Pop-up on Prinsengracht
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Free entry for kids (up to 12) at ARTIS Zoo on Nov 8 & 9
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
– Café Vita Lente just opened in West — from the former Coulisse team
– Leonardo's Ravioli Bar now open for lunch on weekends
– Café Modern's Sunday Special in Noord: vintage tableware, vinyl & bouillabaisse
Want all 45 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DM — or check the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #AmsterdamMarkets #WeekendInAmsterdam #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamRestaurants #VintageAmsterdam #CityGuide #FallInAmsterdam
Girls trip loading…
Barcelona is the ultimate autumn escape. When it's wet and cold here, you can simply sit on a terrace in the sun. Long lunches, beach walks in October, good coffee on every corner, and wine and tapas until late.
Last year I was there several times for Your Little Black Book, and I continue to be amazed at how this city really has it all: beach, culture, markets, (vintage) shops and so many good food spots that I could fill ten more lists with them.
📍 In this Barcelona Mini Guide you will find 26 of my personal favorites.
Save this guide so you can easily refer to it when planning your trip.
𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞
**
• Bar del Pla – tapas must in El Born (📷)
• Mosquito – dim sum heaven for when you're tired of tapas
• Compa – Italian sandwiches on the beach
• Perikete – my go-to for cava sangria
• Bar Cañete – the place for a fancy girls' night out
**Illegible**
• Nobu Barcelona – rooftop sushi & city views (📷)
• Praktik Rambla – boutique hotel with a vintage touch
• Miiro Borneta – new & stylish in El Born
• Grand Hotel Central – luxury + rooftop pool
• The Hoxton, Poblenou – creative vibes & swimming pool
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞
• La Vinya Del Senyor – tiny bar, huge wine list (📷)
• PetNat – orange wine for your dinner in Born
• Pimpla Vins – cheese, wine & cozy vibes
• Monk – hidden cocktail bar, next-level mixology
I
• Salts Montjuïc – sunset drinks with a view (📷)
• Casa Vincens – Gaudí without the crowds
• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya – top for architecture & art
• Bunkers del Carmel – for the most beautiful golden hour
• Mercat de Sant Antoni – food market with breathing space
**Illegible**
• Vila Viniteca – edible souvenirs (📷)
• Dubblefilm – old school film & photo booth
• Carolina Blue – home & ceramics boutique
• The Favorite Vintage – carefully curated finds
• Sarria Market – local market without tourists
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
• Right Side Coffee Bar – best pit stop while shopping (📷)
• Casa Taos – everything homemade, slightly outside the center
• Onis Coffee – good playlists & croissants
• La Roseta – with your feet almost in the sand
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Heading out of town? 🍂 These are my favorite walking and drinking spots in the Netherlands.
To be honest... I don't see myself living outside the city anytime soon, but on weekends I do enjoy getting out into nature. That's why I've created a YLBB shortlist of the most beautiful hiking areas, complete with a great spot for drinks nearby.
My perfect Sunday? First, a walk, then plopping down somewhere with a treat or a hot chocolate (or, of course, a glass of wine and bitterballen!).
📍From Lage Vuursche to the Waterleidingduinen and the Amsterdamse Bos, in this video I share my favorites.
But... there are, of course, many more great places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy a drink after a walk. Which tip do you think shouldn't be missed? 👇
Save this post to enjoy nature this season, or forward it to your hiking date. 🍁
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #hikinginthenetherlands #drinksspot #discoveringthenetherlands #natureinthenetherlands #autumnroutes #hikingtips #dutchautumn #walks #naturewalk #weekendtips #netherlandsholiday #drinks #outdoorlife #amsterdamweekend #thingstodonetherlands #yourlbb
Forget the classic omakase experience in Amsterdam, this is something else.
Hidden inside burger spot @paindemie_amsterdam and inspired by the Tokyo subway, you'll find @moyo_amsterdam. A new hotspot redefining the omakase concept.
Chef @guillaumedebeer is behind this next-level concept, and it shows in every creative detail. But here O-toro and Wagyu take the stage 🥩.
It's intimate, creative, and seriously one of the most exciting new openings in Amsterdam right now.
Save this for your next special dinner night 🔥
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdamtravel
The most beautiful l𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 throughout 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 for your 𝗯𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 this season
The days are getting shorter, the evenings longer…
And honestly? I secretly think that's one of the best things about this season. Because the transition from fall to winter means: light festivals! ✨
All over the Netherlands, cities, parks and castles light up with light art, projections and installations that you'll want to see.
What once started with the Amsterdam Light Festival has grown into one of the most beautiful winter traditions in the country, if you ask me!
At most light festivals they also have nice hot chocolate and food stalls for something tasty to go.
Perfect for a winter evening with your loved one, family or friends.
Can you picture yourself with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, strolling past works of art that transform streets, parks, and canals into a fairytale?
From North Holland to Gelderland, I'm sharing all the tips in a comprehensive article on Your Little Black Book, featuring the best light festivals in almost every province in the Netherlands.
Believe me: this is such a special outing to make the dark days just a little bit brighter.
Ps: I'll also have some exciting news about the @lefoodwalk at the @amsterdamlightfestival on Your Little Black Book soon!
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #netherlandstips #winterouting #yourlittleblackbook #thingstodo #lightart #amsterdamlightfestival #wintervibes #dayout #romanticouting #autumndinings #gluhweinmoment #fallinthenetherlands
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗛
Hello cozy season! From poffertjes Sundays and wine bar pop-ups to Museum Night and vintage markets — this weekend in Amsterdam has everything.
I've rounded up 29 things to do in the city, and here's a little preview from this week's guide:
𝗘𝗔𝗧 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞
• There's a new Asian pop-up by @rongastrobaroriental at @soulkitchen_amsterdam you don't want to miss. Most amazing dim sum!
• Spanish wine vibes at the Ribera del Duero pop-up at @vindict.amsterdam 🍷
• Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis — pancakes, mulled wine & hot chocolate
• 🎃 Halloween plans? The full weekend guide has the best Halloween events at our fave bars & restaurants.
𝗗𝗢 & 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘
• The @sundaymarket at @westergas is back — vintage finds, art & street food
• 1+1 free tickets at @hetconcertgebouw for concerts by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra (code: ORCHESTRAJAARG – booking link in the guide) @nederlandsphilharmonic
• Museum Night is happening Nov 1 — 70+ museums open late. I've shortlisted the best ones to visit if you've got tickets! @museumnacht.amsterdam
**Illegible**
• The legendary @ladress Sample Sale returns — up to 80% off timeless styles (ticket link in the full guide!)
And yes — the Amsterdam Weekend Guide always includes a section with fun things to do with kids too.
💌 Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll send the full guide straight to your DM. Or hit the link in bio to read all 29 tips.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #Museumnacht #SundayMarket #LaDress #AmsterdamRestaurants #AmsterdamEvents #WhatToDoInAmsterdam #WeekendinAmsterdam
Looking for the hottest new spot for a date night in Amsterdam City Center? Meet @littlebonfire.ams 🔥
With its cozy vibe it's the kind of place that feels like an extension of your living room: but with much better food and wine.
On the ever changing menu you'll find classics to share: from pan con tomate with anchovies, stracciatella with zucchini and peas, to crispy eggplant, vitello and sea bass with clams. Don't skip dessert: the Basque cheesecake is already my favorite.
This spot is perfect for a date night at the bar or dinner with the girls.
I think Little Bonfire Amsterdam is a keeper in the city center!
📍Little Bonfire
Amsterdam City Centre
Who are you taking here first? 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#LittleBonfireAmsterdam
#AmsterdamRestaurants
#DateNightAmsterdam
#AmsterdamCityCentre
#AmsterdamHotspots
#Amsterdamfoodie
#Amsterdamtravel
#YourLittleBlackBook
| COLLABORATE? Want to collaborate with Your Little Black Book? Then it's best to take a look at the advertiser pageAll options are described in detail there.
Do you have other fun ideas you'd like to get in touch with? Like an interview in a magazine or newspaper? Feel free to email me at info@yourlittleblackbook.me. Also take a look at my press page with all publications about Your Little Black Book.
The origins of Your Little Black Book…
I'm often asked how I started blogging. Well… I'm addicted to travel and good food, live a bohemian urban lifestyle, and thrive on discovering new places and hotspots. I still get butterflies in my stomach when I walk into a new restaurant or hotel, or travel to a destination I've never been to before. It doesn't matter what the destination is; I always head out with a laundry list of places I'd love to visit.
In 2012, in addition to my job as a marketing manager at a large magazine publisher, I started Your Little Black Book and @YOURLBB I started on Instagram. It's a platform to share my personal tips and experiences about the best places in Amsterdam and cities and countries around the world. I also regularly share travel and lifestyle tips that suit my personal tastes or life stage.
Your Little Black Book truly came about out of my own desire. I missed a website that offered an up-to-date overview of everything hot and happening in Amsterdam, as well as similarly styled addresses for other destinations. Apparently, I wasn't the only one, because Your Little Black Book now averages 328.000 unique visitors per month, who collectively view over 1 million pages. Something I never could have imagined!
At Your Little Black Book, you can find handpicked shortlists 24/7 with tips on everything from restaurants and hotels to fun things to do and unique shopping destinations. Almost all tips have been personally tested and sometimes supplemented with the best tips from locals.
Of course, it's not all about the latest hotspots; every Little Black Book also includes all-time favorites! Those restaurants you keep coming back to because they have exactly what you like and the service is excellent. Or perhaps those small eateries that aren't hip or polished at all, but where they simply make excellent food. I sometimes call them lowspots, but that doesn't really do this category justice. The older I get, the more I'm interested in these kinds of places, which I alternate with dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or staying in a luxury hotel. For me, that's exactly the spectrum of tips I'm always looking for for Your Little Black Book. Because let's face it, nothing but hotspots and French-inspired cuisine is boring, right?
Besides writing about Amsterdam I make city guides en travel guides for destinations all over the world. So if you're planning a trip soon, be sure to check out our selection of the best addresses and tips!
The concept is simple and you must be able to trust it blindly: if something is on Your Little Black Book, we think it is nice and good enough.
The idea behind your little black book
If you follow my blog regularly, you'll notice that Your Little Black Book has a positive approach, and I never negatively address addresses on the blog. This is because on Your Little Black Book, I only want to write about places I really like or that seem worthwhile, and I want to give you tips in an announcement. I can't emphasize enough that the reviews on Your Little Black Book are based on an N=1 experience. Want to know what the rest of the Netherlands or a restaurant critic thinks? Then it's best to consult traditional review websites or Dutch newspapers.
Anything I'd rather not send you to will NOT be included on the platform. I prefer a positive approach and would consider it a waste of my valuable time to write negative reviews. The concept is simple, and you should be able to trust it blindly: if something is on Your Little Black Book, I like it and think it's good enough.
If it's not listed, there could be two reasons: either I still haven't had time to visit, or I don't have a good feeling about it. It also happens sometimes (but thankfully rarely!) that we have high expectations when something opens, and it still doesn't meet those expectations. In that case, we delete the blog to keep our Little Black Book as up-to-date as possible.
Make your hobby your job
As much as I love being in Amsterdam, when I'm home for more than four weeks, I start to get the itch to discover something new. From city breaks to unwinding in nature, and from skiing to relaxing on a tropical island. I'm one of the lucky people who's been able to turn my hobby into my job.
Because creating city and travel guides is my job, I do a lot of research before I go anywhere. How exactly do I do that? You can read about it in my book and "Wanderlust" en Feed Your Wanderlust All about it! I'm often asked how I always manage to discover such great places. It's a matter of taste that you eventually develop, but you also have to have a curious and inquisitive nature.
Your Little Black Book brings together all my personal discoveries. From new hotspots to unique brands, and from unmissable events to the most beautiful hotels and accommodations you can book directly. When I travel, you can travel with me via Instagram Stories. Curious about where I've been? I've written a lot about many destinations in the past. travel vlogs for Youtube, now you can find my videos as REELS on Instagram and via Tiktok.
The first professional lifestyle and travel blogger in the Netherlands
How cool is that? Turning your hobby into your job! I built my platform, Your Little Black Book, from scratch to what it is today. For almost two years, I spent every free moment working on Your Little Black Book alongside my regular job. In 2014, I quit my job to become a full-time entrepreneur. I made that decision while relaxing on a beach lounger! While traveling, I finally had the time to reflect on the things that truly made me happy in life.
After working for 8 years as a marketing manager and content specialist at publisher Sanoma, I my corporate career I gave up on pursuing my dreams. I think I was struggling with a bit of a thirty-something dilemma… and thankfully, I can now tell you from experience that quitting my job and taking the plunge was the best decision ever.
When I started Your Little Black Book as a hobby, I never dreamed my site would grow into the largest travel and lifestyle blog in the Netherlands. Through my work as a professional blogger, I'm fortunate enough to collaborate with great brands, and my expertise, professionalism, and flair have earned me the commission to create travel guides for destinations all over the world. These commercial partnerships have allowed me to successfully and independently run Your Little Black Book for 12,5 and a half years, and to keep a large portion of the content and tips freely accessible to my readers and followers. I consider the occasional invitation to press trips and tasting dinners the icing on the cake, but every entrepreneur knows that freebies don't always pay the price.
That's why I'm incredibly proud of how—without an investor—I've managed to turn Your Little Black Book into a real company that consistently leads the market. From the front, it looks like there's a whole editorial team, but in reality, I work with a small team of freelancers, and after 12,5 and a half years, I still lead the daily expansion of the platform. As a serial entrepreneur, I'm a jack-of-all-trades, and by doing what I do best, I've built a successful online business that gives me the freedom to run it from anywhere in the world. For example, in 2022, I took early retirement for six months and traveled the world with my family for six months. I'm now rolling out the business ideas I came up with during that trip.
To be fair, in 2012 I was the first to start a blog about hotspots and travel, and now I'm one of many. The sheer number of city and travel blogs and Instagram accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers has created an ideal image of what professional travel blogging is. Believe me, online business is more than just posing for a photo in a beautiful dress at a unique location abroad or writing a 30-word caption.
YES, it's a dream job. But it's also incredibly hard work and staying true to your dreams instead of blindly accepting what's handed down to you. I'm often asked if I still pay for travel and meals. And YES, of course I do, just like everyone else. In fact, booking luxury hotels and going to unique restaurants is, for me, the biggest reward I can give myself as an entrepreneur. I'm not the type of content creator who only accepts free dinners and only stays in luxury hotels if they're offered. Traveling and dining out have always been my hobby; I used to spend my entire salary on it. That's precisely why I started Your Little Black Book. I was looking for a place to share all those tips with you, and almost 13 years later, I still do so with great pleasure.
So what about YOURLBB's Business Model?
Like other professional bloggers, online magazines, and traditional media, Your Little Black Book's primary revenue model is advertising. This is achieved through banners, but also by creating unique content in collaboration with A-brands in the travel and lifestyle industry. If an article is a collaboration, this is clearly indicated at the bottom of the article (if you'd like to learn more, you can also read my disclaimer (read).
I collaborate with advertisers to develop concepts that fit within Your Little Black Book's editorial formula. This allows me to share my personal experience with the brand in a natural way. I carefully review all collaboration requests I receive to determine whether they're a good fit for Your Little Black Book and whether I personally support them.
By collaborating with advertisers, I can create space in the editorial department to create content that's purely editorial, like the hot spots and lists you often see. The freedom to do the things I love and to work on Your Little Black Book gives me inexhaustible energy.
As an entrepreneur, I'm always working on new ways to further expand Your Little Black Book with great content, products, and services that will benefit you as a reader!
books about travel and the lifestyle that comes with it
If you had told me thirteen years ago that I would have written at least four books by 2020, I would never have believed it. I still find it remarkable that I can now call myself a published author. These books can be ordered online from, among others, Bol.com and are sold at concept stores and select bookstores throughout the Netherlands. I'll soon be launching my own BOOKSHOP on Your Little Black Book and will start selling my travel guides digitally.
(2019) Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a Bohemian Lifestyle
(2019) Staycation – 22 city trips in the Netherlands and Belgium
(2016) Wanderlust – Your urban travel style guide
(2016) The Amsterdam City Guide { sold out }
(2016) The Amsterdam City Guide { sold out }
Collaborate & contact with Your little black book
Would you like to collaborate with Your Little Black Book? Then it's best to take a look at the advertiser pageAll options are described in detail there.
Do you have other fun ideas you'd like to get in touch about? Like an interview in a magazine or newspaper, or organizing an inspirational workshop on working with influencers, creating content, or social media? Feel free to email me at info@yourlittleblackbook.me.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS?
Nothing is perfect, and if you have any feedback about Your Little Black Book, please feel free to contact me. For example, if you have a tip or if you think certain topics are missing, I'd love to hear from you!
With love,Anne
