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    • About Courtney (heywhatsupcourtney)
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  • DESTINATIONS
    • UK
      • LONDON
      • NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
    • INDONESIA
    • JAPAN
    • ITALY
    • NORWAY
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    • CHINA
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  • BLOG
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heywhatsupcourtney website logo (www.whatsupcourtney.com) 2025

WhatsUpCourtney

Hidden gems, Foodie adventures & Travel guides

About Courtney (also known as heywhatsupcourtney)

Hey, I’m Courtney

Traveling has been my happy space especially with my day job, my escape from reality as you might say.

I’m not quite the tick of the list person but do love to visit the sights stress free, find that indulgence at a good price, and also good local food and places that not everyone has been to yet.

Everything here is based on my real trips, real costs and what was actually worth the time.

I love for you to think of whatsupcourtney.com 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 website, it wasn’t about building a business (though this will be a dream come true).

It was about sharing the moments that made me pause, taste, and explore, and to share what I found and struggled with and to help others what they can do avoid certain things and also to enjoy what I have discovered.

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, the bustling night or day markets, when you randomly walk off the beaten path and stumble across a quiet temple, the quaint independent café tucked down an alley, or a viewpoint you stumble across by chance and not fall off. These always seem to be the moments when the trips comes alive and you’ll come home and tell your friends and family about.

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, and hopefully stress free and to enjoy the moment you are there.

What You’ll Find on WhatsUpCourtney

🗺️ Travel itineraries you can actually use : tested, and written from real experiences.

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

🏨 Hotels & stays : a mix of luxury splurges and affordable places to stay. 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.

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

Courtney's profile picture for www.whatsupcourtney.com blog
Hey! I’m Courtney, traveling has been my happy space especially with my day job.

I’m not quite the tick of the list person but do love to visit the sights stress free, find that indulgence at a good price, and also good local food and places that not everyone has been to yet.

I hope you find your next inspiration here!

Follow me @heywhatsupcourtney on socials

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

  • Where to Stay in Bellagio, Lake Como: The Best Areas and Top Hotels I Recommend for First Time Visitors 2026
  • This Hidden Lake Como Village Has a Secret Waterfall Most Tourists Miss
  • 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?

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On the Blog

  • Italy Travel Guide
  • Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne Travel Guides
  • Indonesia Travel Guides
  • Travel Destinations

WhatsupCourtney Info

  • About Courtney
  • Work with WhatsupCourtney
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer & Legal Info

© whatsupcourtney.com also known as HeyWhatsUpCourtney © 2026 · All rights reserved

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