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    • About Courtney (heywhatsupcourtney), UK travel & food blogger
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    • UK
      • LONDON
      • NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
    • INDONESIA
    • JAPAN
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heywhatsupcourtney website logo (www.whatsupcourtney.com) 2025

WhatsUpCourtney

Hidden gems, Foodie adventures & Travel guides

About whatsupcourtney (also known as heywhatsupcourtney)

Hey, I’m Courtney

Welcome to WhatsUpCourtney: For when you want your trip to feel as good as it looks

I started WhatsUpCourtney to share travel that feels real. not just picture-perfect Instagram shots. Here, it’s about the raw, the exotic, the unexpected and, of course, the food. Because the best way to understand a place is through what’s on your plate.

This blog is for people who love discovering cultures, experiencing life in all its sparkle, and finding the coolest corners of the world without wasting too much time on overrated spots.

Think of this as your guide to travel that feels good while you’re there, not just looks good online or both.

Let’s work together!
Courtney from whatsupcourtney.com posing at Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como Italy for a wediing
The famous Ristorante Bilacus Bellagio Lake Como

Growing with curiosity

When I started this blog, it wasn’t about building a business. It was about sharing the moments that made me pause, taste, and explore, the meals that lingered in memory, the hidden streets, and the corners of a city most guides never mention.

I didn’t make much at first, and that was perfect. It let me focus on what mattered: travel that feels real, raw, and worth your time. Today, that philosophy still drives everything I do, from the guides I write to the trips I take.

How I travel

I don’t rush. I let a place reveal itself, its food, culture, and little surprises, in its own time. Sometimes that means planning a trip around a single meal. Sometimes it’s about wandering and seeing where the day takes me.

The spots that inspire me most mix the iconic with the unexpected: bustling markets, quiet temples, a perfect café tucked down an alley, or a viewpoint you stumble across by chance. That’s where a trip really comes alive.

Looking ahead

WhatsUpCourtney has taken me across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Looking forward, my goal is simple: to keep sharing travel that feels real, meaningful, and worth your time. Maybe one day that will include curated trips, collaborations with local guides, or even immersive experiences that go beyond the typical itinerary.

For now, I’m just grateful that you’re here. I hope these guides, stories, and tips inspire you to travel more thoughtfully, eat a little adventurously, and soak in every moment, the kind of trips that stay with you long after the journey ends.

What You’ll Find on WhatsUpCourtney

🗺️ Travel itineraries you can actually use : tested, curated, and written from real experiences. No guessing, no wasting time.

🍴 Foodie adventures : from Michelin-starred meals to hole-in-the-wall street food that costs less than your morning coffee. Street food has my heart, always authentic, and I spotlight independent spots because I love them.

🏨 Hotels & stays : a mix of luxury splurges and affordable gems. Life is all about balance, and your trip should feel both effortless and memorable.

📸 A sprinkle of photography tips : plus plenty of visual inspiration to get you excited before you even leave.

My goal? To give you that rush of wanderlust while providing actionable tips so you can explore the world confidently.

How WhatsupCourtney all Started

WhatsUpCourtney began as a passion project to share the weird, wonderful, and delicious things I have discovered while travelling. Over time, it became more than just a diary, it turned into a place to help others plan their adventures, find hidden gems, and experience cultures beyond the glossy brochures.

I know the struggle of landing in a new place and wondering, “Where do I even eat? Where do I stay that isn’t a tourist trap?” That’s why you’ll find plenty of recommendations here, written with honesty and a little bit of wit.


Let’s Connect

If you’re here to browse, stay awhile as there’s plenty to explore. If you’re a brand, tourism board, or fellow creative looking to collaborate, I’d love to chat.

👉 Work with me here

Thanks for stopping by and now let’s go make some memories.

Courtney xx

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ABOUT COURTNEY (WhatsupCourtney)

Courtney's profile picture for www.whatsupcourtney.com blog
Hey! I’m Courtney, UK-based travel and food traveler, writer and this website explores hidden gems, popular travel destinations and foodie finds.

How I Fund My Travels

You can start a small online income stream while you travel.

A lot of readers ask how travel bloggers actually make money. One way is running small online stores or digital products.

I tested a few platforms, and Shopify is the easiest one to set up and  it takes about 20 minutes.

You can try it here: Start your free Shopify trial

Stay Safe Online while You Travel

Public WiFi in airports, cafés and hotels can expose your personal data and hacking.

You need a VPN to help protect your connection and lets you access your favourite sites while abroad. I use NordVPN for security:

➡ Learn more about NordVPN

Recent Posts

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha: What Happens If You Keep Walking Up to the Tip?
  • Is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest a Tourist Trap or actually worth it?
  • Is Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto worth Visiting?
  • 18 Independent Coffee Shops in Newcastle Locals Almost Don’t Want Tourists to Discover
  • 9 Best Towns in Lake Como (2026): Where to Visit + The One Most Tourists Miss

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