About - TRVL DIARY

Travel Blog / Expat Lifestyle / Local Gems Foodie Guides Hotel Reviews

Travel Blog / Expat Lifestyle / Local Gems Foodie Guides Hotel Reviews

Hi! I am Verena – a Marketing Consultant and Content Creator who ditched the office for the world.

After moving across the globe twice, I started this blog to chronicle my travels, share my experiences, showcase interesting local places, and provide advice to other expats embarking on similar journeys.

Throughout my travels, I have developed a keen ability to identify the unique qualities and offerings of boutique establishments, particularly in the design, and food and beverage industry.

Work with me

I am enthusiastic and highly motivated, with a passion for design, travel, and story-telling and a keen eye for design details. My goal is to create and maintain consistent communication, so I will always be on-brand.

Are you a brand, travel destination, or local institution looking for beautiful high-res photos or seeking help with your online appearance? I can create meaningful and purposeful content for you that embraces the best of a destination or experience.

I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via verena at trvldiary dot com.

"Verena's passion for exploring new places, trying diverse cuisines, and documenting her experiences through captivating blog posts has gained her a dedicated following. Her writing style is engaging, and she has a knack for immersing readers in her adventures, making them feel like they are right there with her. I have always been impressed by her ability to convey the atmosphere, flavors, and nuances of the places she visits."

Zubeyde, Content Creator

"Thank you SO much. This was such a great, positive collaboration. The photos are so crisp and beautiful, and the blog post is just lovely. Shared it with the team – they’ll love it! Please feel free to reach out to us next time you plan to come to NYC. We’d be keen to work with you again!"

Alex, Marketing Manager, Triumph Hotels

eye FOR design and travel

eye FOR design and travel

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

Ann Siang House has always been the place that I w

Ann Siang House has always been the place that I wanted to stay at if I ever visited Singapore (as a non-resident, of course). I used to frequent the (now closed) rooftop bar in the same building and I would often hang out in the area around it on a weekend night. So, when the opportunity came up to collaborate with @theunlimitedcollection.sg , I was thrilled. They somehow still overachieved my expectations.

First of all, it was my birthday during my stay, but I did not mention this to anyone. Yet, they made sure to decorate the room when I arrived, and literally every single person on the staff team knew it was my birthday and congratulated me when I passed by. It was such a great birthday experience; I don’t think I would have received this kind of treatment in the US!

Upon arrival, they served me a delicious gin & tonic from the famous Tanglin Gin that I had visited in 2021. It was so good that I immediately regretted having booked a Barry’s Class afterwards 😅 The entire lobby and environment was so comfortable and catering all needs one may have as a traveler, I would have loved to stay there all day. Luckily, they had a great happy hour every day from 5-6 pm (complimentary!), which kind of made up for it 🙂

Last but not least, the room was so stunning I almost wished for a rainy day to have a reason to stay in. In all honesty, I would always choose to come back to Ann Siang House and stay there. Every time!

#annsianghouse #boutiquehotels #designhotels #singaporehotels #wheretostayinsingapore

Do you know the feeling when you enter a place and

Do you know the feeling when you enter a place and it just smells so good, that it automatically makes you feel comfortable and at ease? Kēsa House by @theunlimitedcollection.sg in Singapore is one of these places. I was lucky enough to work with them on my current trip to Singapore and although I already had expectations, they managed to overachieve in every aspect 🫶🏼

Part of The Unlimited Group, Kesa House in Singapore is located right in the buzzing heart of the City, Keong Saik (on the edge of Chinatown), next to the hippest bars and restaurants of the city (literally across the street from Potato Head).

It is designed to offer charming, smartly-designed space for business and leisure travelers, long- and short-term. Since we used to live in Singapore, we know how and where to get groceries and don’t mind preparing a meal a day at home. So, our Studio Premier Room was perfect, with its full-equipped kitchenette, balcony space, and common areas with a full kitchen, laundry, and a lounge that meets every aspect of business requirements you may have and is so inviting with its design.

I can’t stress enough how much I adore smart, beautiful design, and Kesa House hit the nail on the head. It was so lovely to come home after a day of exploring and soak in the beautiful design and the delightful scent. I also appreciate how Kesa House collaborates with local artists, who are showcased throughout the building.

And last but not least, the team is fantastic – they’re so helpful and lovely to chat with. Kesa House is a place you should definitely put on your map for your next visit to Singapore if you want to feel as close to a local as possible. It’s also the perfect spot for expats in Singapore who have visitors. Thank you so much to Kesa House and The Unlimited for having me, and I’m already looking forward to my next stay!

#kesahouse #hotelstay #boutiquehotelsingapore #discoverarssingapore #wheretostayinsingapore

Back to where it all began…

Back to where it all began…

I started this little space here in Singapore. Bac

I started this little space here in Singapore. Back then, I was a wife following her husband’s job overseas with big dreams and high anticipations. I expected to travel the world, live the best life ever, and let you be part of my travels and adventures abroad. Then, Covid hit, and, instead, I used the time to share about life as an expat wife, with its ups and downs, and daily challenges.

When we finally got the opportunity to move to California (a place I always dreamed about living once), stories about my life abroad got rare. Instead, I started to share more about my pleasure and fun activities, the way I see the country, and the beautiful surroundings. While I still enjoy supporting people from all around the world with my experiences and tips on how to navigate moving and living abroad, I realized a shift in my feelings about it. Frankly, I started not feeling like an expat anymore. You might say that I slowly but surely grew out of the expat position. And then, a major thing happened:

I‘m proud to share that I‘m finally a Permanent Resident of the United States. Which means exactly that: I permanently reside here, I live here, and I am officially part of it now. Little would I have known four years ago what life would have in store for us. Here’s to a new chapter of fully embracing the American dream, and what’s next — which may or may not be a trip to where it all began 🤭

PS: I feel like this is the perfect time for a handle change… anyone has any idea? ☺️

📷 @nadi.in.newyork 🤗

#endofanera #expatlife #livingabroad #theamericandream #greencard #permanentresident #expatwife #expatdiary

I used to not be a big fan of San Francisco. When

I used to not be a big fan of San Francisco. When I first visited in 2015, I only stayed for a couple of days and never thought I would return. In the years that followed, I flew into SFO, but never thought about going back to the city. It wasn’t because I didn’t like it, but rather because it didn’t seem as interesting as other big cities in the US (like LA, New York, or Miami). When I found out I was going to move to San Francisco, I was curious and open-minded, but not particularly excited. People often asked me how I liked the city, and I was vague in my response for a long time. Interestingly enough, they mostly seemed to understand my reaction. It’s not uncommon for people to say „It took me several years to like the city and now I cannot imagine living anywhere else.“ I used to think they were just being polite. However, since moving closer to the city center, I have fallen in love with every aspect of San Francisco. It is charming and unique, even with its steep hills and exhausting climbs. The spectacular views are always worth the effort, and the food and bar scene is amazing for a foodie like me (not to mention wine country is just a stone’s throw away). It’s almost like someone has removed a layer and now I cannot unsee the beauty of the city. Here’s to San Francisco, the beautiful city that I’ve learned to love and live in after more than 2.5 years!

#SFdiaries #livinginsanfrancisco #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #sanfranciscoviews #sanfranciscothecity #altaplazapark

Views From Alta Plaza Park in San Francisco

I’ve been really enjoying San Francisco Restaura

I’ve been really enjoying San Francisco Restaurant Weeks lately, especially trying out all the amazing drinks they have to offer. I realized I’ve been accumulating quite a collection of photos of these craft drinks in my Lightroom Catalog. Normally, I’d just post them on my photography account, but I thought it might be nice to share them with you too. I have a bit of a soft spot for craft drinks, especially when they’re presented so beautifully in those fancy glasses. There’s just something about watching bartenders make and serve drinks that I find so captivating 👀

@barsprezzatura @bar_iris_sf @laconnessa @leftdoorsf @wildhawk_sf @theprogress_sf @54mintsf

Oh, and did you know I’ve written a blog post highlighting my favorite bars from my travels in 2023? They’re located all over the world, from Lisbon to Berlin, so if you’re looking for a great spot to grab a drink this summer, I’ve got you covered! Head over to my blog to see my top 10 bars I visited in 2023.

#sanfranciscobar #sanfranciscobars #bestbarsinsanfrancisco #sfbarscne #speakeasybar #craftcocktails #cocktailphotography #theworld50best #topbarsf #bestbars #bespokebar

Cocktail bars in San Francisco 🍸

It’s somewhat rare for San Francisco to offer a

It’s somewhat rare for San Francisco to offer a warm-hearted dining experience like the ones we know from Europe. It’s just different here. However, I recently had the pleasure of dining at @54mintsf for dinner, and they stand out as a remarkable exception:

It already begins when you enter and are welcomed by the lovely waitress, Elena. She spreads so much warmth, and her eyes sparkle when she greets you. It’s almost like she is so excited for you for what’s about to come. But it’s not just her, literally everyone working at 54 Mint is incredibly nice and welcoming, embracing you with open arms.

Once you’re inside, head straight to the bar counter, where they serve some of the best drinks in San Francisco. They have been awarded for their Negroni, but they also serve fun variants of classics like the Espresso Martini (with whipped cream) or a Gimlet served on the rock which reminded me of a White Negroni.

After the appetizer drink, head down to their downstairs area, which is rustic, warm-lit, and just invites you to dive deep into Italian cuisine and hospitality. We were lucky enough to be invited by 54 Mint to try their SF Restaurant Dinner Menu - and you guys, talking about a good deal! We tried everything on the menu, starting with zesty asparagus and zucchini nest topped with stracciatella, followed by a lovely Saltimbocca variant with real veal (the velvety sauce was to die for!), and finally, peppery pork chop and truffle risotto loaded with lots of the flavorful black gold. We finished the meal with Pana Cotta featuring 20-year-old Balsamico. Yum!

I want this to remain a serious, genuine, and authentic space. I know a lot of people follow me because they trust my recommendations, and I can genuinely say that 54 Mint might be one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. SF Restaurant Week is a great way to try out new restaurants and I think 54 Mint offers a very good deal. And if you go, say hello to Tiziano, Nick, and last but not least, the charming Tania at the bar, who makes the best drinks at Mint Plaza and beyond! 🫶🏼

#54mint #restaurantweek #sfrestaurantweek

About my recent dining experience at 54 Mint

SF Restaurant Week has started strong 🫶🏼 He

SF Restaurant Week has started strong 🫶🏼

Here’s what I tried so far:
@barnonnina
@54mintsf
@wildersfc

Will share more about all the great experiences I’ve had in the next few days. Happy Sunday!

#sfrestaurantweek #sfrestaurantweek2024 #foodie #foodiediary #foodblog #foodiescene #sfeater #sanfranciscofood #sanfranciscorestaurants #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #sundayreel
 Reel showing a couple of SF Restaurant Week offers

The wind is back, and that means spring is back in

The wind is back, and that means spring is back in San Francisco! Here are some snippets from my latest stroll through Lafayette Park. I’m not gonna lie; there were times I thought I’d lift up and get blown away 😝.

Happy Saturday!

#sanfrancisco #ourgoldenstate #sanfranciscothecity #415 #lafayettepark #sanfrancisconow #springvibes #citylife #windydays #urbanexploration #natureinthecity #cityspaces #parklife #exploreSF

Reel showing San Francisco‘ beautiful Lafayette Park in Spring. 🌸

Hey San Francisco, what’s happening this weekend

Hey San Francisco, what’s happening this weekend (besides Restaurant Week 😄) - any plans, ideas, events, recommendations?

#sanfrancisco #livinginsanfrancisco #livingincalifornia #sanfranciscoworld #weekendmood #weekendplans

San Francisco Restaurant Week is here, and I’ve

San Francisco Restaurant Week is here, and I’ve handpicked my top five must-visit spots (including some fantastic bars!) for a week filled with indulgence and culinary exploration.

Swipe through the slides to see my favorite top 5, scroll down to see my must-try-options, and head over to my blog to see the full guide including some additional tips.

@barsprezzatura – $40 lunch, $90 dinner (must-try: guanciale meatballs)
@pennyroma_sf –$75 dinner (must-try: polenta cake for desert!)
@54mintsf – $30 lunch, $65 dinner (must try: anything with octopus)
@cote_ouest_bistro – $30 brunch, $40 lunch, $65 dinner (must-try: Croissant French Toasts 🤤 & Steak Frites)
@berettasf – $45 dinner (must-try: spring risotto)

#sfrestaurantweek #sfrestaurantweek2024 #foodieguide #sfguide #localguide #foodphotographer #restaurantphotographer #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #foodblogger #sfbayarea #visitsanfrancisco

San Francisco Restaurant Week Food Recommendations 🍝

SF restaurant week is just around the corner — i

SF restaurant week is just around the corner — it’s always a great to explore new restaurants or go to this one bar you always wanted to try. I am currently scouting the city for the hottest spots and best deals and will share them with you very soon. If you have a favorite restaurant or hidden gem, drop it in the comments – but also let me know if there’s a place you think I should skip 😅

#sfrestaurantweek #sanfranciscoblog #discoversanfrancisco #foodiefaves #bestrestaurantintown #exploresf #exploringsanfrancisco #sfrestaurantweek2024

Scouting San Francisco for the best spots for SF Restaurant Week 2024 🫶🏼

I am not sure if I shared this on here, but we rec

I am not sure if I shared this on here, but we recently moved within San Francisco and live much closer to everything that’s going on now. Ever since we moved, I get to enjoy San Francisco much better. Pretty much go on walks every day and soak in the beauty of this city. Here are some shots from my recent stroll through Lafayette Park at Sunset. This park is such a gem, it’s located pretty much in the middle of the city and boasts stunning views in all directions. Will be sharing more of the series in the story throughout the day. Let me know if this is something you are interested in 💛

#sanfrancisco #sanfranciscophotographs #sfphotographer #sfatsunset #sunsetvibes #cityscape #ourgoldenstate #sanfranciscoworld #beautifuldestinations #shotonsonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #travelandleisure #sfbucketlist #sfgate #wearetravelgirls #secretsanfrancisco

San Francisco at Sunset | Lafayette Park ✨

Hope you all had a great Easter! Sharing this imag

Hope you all had a great Easter! Sharing this image today, even though I had planned to take a break from winery and wine country content for a moment. But this picture instantly brought back memories of Easter and all the weekend celebrations.

As kids, we’d spend days painting eggs and enjoying activities around bouquets of flowers, much like the ones in this photo. Back home, Easter is a big deal – it’s the second most important Christian holiday after Christmas. We get Good Friday off, and depending on how religious or strict you are, it’s either a day of quiet reflection or just a chance to relax and unwind. Then, on Sunday, it’s all about family time and a fun-filled brunch that lasts all day. And on Monday, we get another day off, recovering from the festivities with long walks through blooming parks, soaking up the spring vibes.

It’s quite a contrast to how Easter is observed here in the US, where it’s not even a public holiday.

This year, being away from home hit me especially hard. We usually have our own little traditions, but somehow, we forget to make plans. Before we knew it, Easter Sunday was upon us, and seeing all those Instagram stories from back home really got me in the feels. It made me realize just how far away we are and how much we miss those cherished traditions and, of course, our families.

It’s okay to feel a bit down today from time to time. As expats, we navigate the bittersweet dance of longing and gratitude, and the holidays just emphasize these emotions. It can be tough, even after five years abroad. But it also shows how far we’ve come, and I wouldn’t want to miss our little life that we’ve built for any of it. Ambivalent feelings and all, that’s just a part of the expat life, isn’t it.

Anyway, I just wanted to share a little insight into my feelings about living abroad. How are you all doing? Hope you had a fantastic Easter holiday, surrounded by loved ones, no matter where you are. 🌸💕

#livingabroad #expatdiary #expatlife #livingincalifornia #germansintheUS #expatjournal #expatblogger #interiordesignphoto #happyeaster #reflectionpost

You asked — I answered 😊 Thank you for all yo

You asked — I answered 😊 Thank you for all your questions. My wine country experiences and comments to your questions are now on my blog. Hope you guys like it. And keep the questions coming — this has been so much fun and I am so happy you value my insights and opinions. Link to blog post in bio.

#californiawinecountry #winecountryQA #winefluencer #wineryphotography #winetasting #sonomacounty #napavalley #napavalleywine #wineryphotographer #socialmedia #blogger #travelblog #lifestyleblogger

Happy Saturday y’all. Here’s a photo I took th

Happy Saturday y’all. Here’s a photo I took the other day when cruising along the 17-Mile Drive. A dear follower reminded me of the feeling I have when I think of our life in California. To put it in Taylor’s words: “I once believed life (😌) would be black and white. But it’s golden.” 💛✨

#goldenstate #ourgoldenstate #california #pacificocean #17miledrive #livingincalifornia #visitcalifornia #travelphotography #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #expatliving #passionpassport #roamtheplanet #condenasttraveller

You asked – I answered. Find my wine country rec

You asked – I answered. Find my wine country recommendations and comments to your questions on my blog and in my story today! Thank you so much for all your trust - I really appreciate you all 🫶🏼

#winefluencer #wineblog #sonomacountyguide #winecountryguide #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #winelovers #napavalley #sonomacounty #napawine

I’ve been in wine country so much lately, and ma

I’ve been in wine country so much lately, and many of you have reached out via dm and asked me about the wineries and vineyards I’ve been tagging along the way. You all seem interested in my genuine opinion as a wine lover and which wineries are great for what occasions. Hence, I thought this could be a great moment to start a wine guide/blog post series that will navigate us all through the tons of opportunities we are lucky enough to have here in California (specifically NorCal). What do you think? If you have a specific question or something you’d like me to mention, hop over to stories, or write your question down below in the comment section.

Also, what should we start with?

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