I’m a romantic at heart and this cold weather is making me sentimental. Jacob and I moved to Amsterdam about three and a half years ago. We got married in Amsterdam and although Amsterdam has a certain reputation, I find it to be one of the most romantic cities in Europe. I’ve included in my insider tips for my favorite romantic things to do in Amsterdam, cozy romantic hotels perfect for a couple’s weekend, and the best romantic meals in Amsterdam.
…Travel
What to Wear in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Packing List for Amsterdam by a Local
This is my third year living in Amsterdam and it’s hard to explain to friends/family who are visiting Amsterdam on what to bring to Amsterdam to be prepared for the unpredictable and rainy weather that defines all but ~3 weeks in summer.
Packing for Amsterdam isn’t easy as it involves planning for the worst, so why not be prepared with a packing list for Amsterdam with what to pack for Amsterdam and what not to pack by one resident?
This includes what to wear in Amsterdam in winter (as well as what to wear in Amsterdam for spring/summer/fall). At the bottom, you’ll find a FREE printable/downloadable packing list for Amsterdam.
…What role do flowers play in different countries of the world?
The theme of floral traditions is very diverse. It is customary for many people to give flowers for all kinds of holidays. This is everyone’s favorite attribute, which is the key to a good mood, drawing a smile on the face of the hero of the occasion, be it a young lady or an old grandfather – a veteran. Today we want to talk about cultural traditions associated with flowers in different parts of the world.
Asia
UAE
56 million flowers are planted in Dubai every year, can you imagine? This country is drowning in bright color combinations. Therefore, the custom of giving bouquets of absolute flowers for any occasion is very common here. At the same time, there is a huge selection of shops everywhere where you can buy a birthday flower bouquet or beautiful flowers for home decor. Moreover, when planting flowers in a garden, the gamma and color are selected following the surrounding environment, since the color palette has a huge psychological effect. For example, along roads where there are traffic jams, colors are specially selected that calm, relieve tension, and charge with positivity. On highways, a range is selected that can energize drivers.
China
Unlike Dubai where yellow flowers are the most popular, in China the most popular flower is the pink peony. In China, this flower symbolizes material and intangible benefits. It is believed that peonies will help preserve love, happiness, and well-being in the family. Since 1982, Henan Province has traditionally held a flower festival, during which the Chinese decorate the banks of the Jian River with flowers and hold public weddings.
Islands
Hawaii
A wonderful ritual that everyone dreams of participating in at least once in their life exists in Hawaii. The fact is that as a sign of hospitality, Hawaiians put a lei – a flower garland – around the necks of guests. How I want to try on this fragrant miracle of orchids. Yes, on a tanned body.
Tahiti
The islanders simply adore the symbol of their land – the Tahitian gardenia flower, or tiare. The plant has several medicinal properties, which is why it is used in medicine and aromatherapy. The people of Tahiti also love tiare perfumes. From 1985 to the present time, once a year, in December, these days are celebrated magnificently. During the holiday, florist competitions are held in which all interested women, men, and even children freely participate.
Europe
Finland
In Finland, ready-made flower bouquets can only be bought in a large flower market. There are no small flower shops or kiosks there. Finns give both bouquets and ikebana, but not often. Honoring mothers, on the holiday of the same name, they are presented with beautifully decorated orchids. At Easter in Finland, it is customary to give each other yellow tulips.
Belgium
You should visit Belgium in August. This country has such a beautiful flower tradition that several other countries have already borrowed it into their culture. It consists of the fact that during the celebration of Flower Day, Brussels is covered with a living, fragrant carpet of flowers. On the central square, there are enchanting flower displays in various variations, in unique colors and themes. We must pay tribute to the imagination of artists – florists and professional gardeners, who work in their hundreds on this holiday, like bees.
Türkiye
Warm, hospitable, and multifaceted, Turkey is perhaps the leader in the number and variety of traditions, including floral ones. Emotional Turks love to pamper their beloved, close, and dear women with orchids, gerberas, and roses. Young girls are given flowers with unopened buds as a sign of respect for their chastity and innocence. Generations adopt floral traditions from their ancestors and carefully carry them on for centuries. Turks present floral tokens of attention by generally accepted floral etiquette:
- red flowers as a gift symbolize friendliness and wishes of joy to the recipient;
- with a blue and white bouquet, Turks express their participation, grief, and sympathy for a person who has experienced a loss;
- Turks love tulips very much and give them to each other with or without reason, as a sign of sympathy, respect, and friendship.
England
Strangely enough, England is the trendsetter of world floral fashion. The Royal Society of Chelsea hosts an annual flower festival featuring the latest floral trends, which traditionally become fashion trends for the following year. Chelsea destroys all the established flower stereotypes and traces all the fashionable and interesting trends, deciding what is worthy of continuation and what can be consigned to the forgotten dusty drawers of consciousness.
Flowers are extremely important in the culture of many countries. Moreover, we must not forget that they are also very beautiful and have a beneficial effect on the psyche, which is why they try to decorate streets and houses with them.
Your perfect Netherlands itinerary by a Dutch resident
After over three years of living in the Netherlands, I’ve been asked a lot about how much time to spend in the Netherlands. A lot of people speed through the Netherlands only stopping for one day in Amsterdam, but I’d recommend enjoying at least 7 days in the Netherlands if you have the chance. I’ll be covering the highlights of the Netherlands and tips for getting around the Netherlands in this Dutch itinerary.
…First Time Guide to New York City 5 Day Itinerary by a native New Yorker
I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. I’ve made a five day itinerary for NYC with advice on what to see and eat mostly in Manhattan for all budgets.
This is a local guide, so although I cover the famous sites, I encourage you to see the smaller neighborhoods/places that make New York special. The Big Apple has so much to offer year-round, so most of these tips can be also used over the holidays. There’s a FREE downloadable map with all the best places to see in New York City in 5 days.
…20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a native New Yorker
I’m a proud New Yorker who was born and raised in New York City. When someone asks me what they should know when visiting New York for the first time, I don’t always know where to start as there’s so many things to do in New York. I’ve decided to take a different approach here with some NYC local secrets to help you navigate your trip better.
Expect some humorous tips for first time visitors to New York (although those on their fifth trip to NYC might find this travel advice helpful). I sincerely hope that these New York travel tips come in handy and help you avoid some of the mistakes that people make on their first trip to New York. 20 Insider tips for New York under the cut.
…First Time Guide to Amsterdam: Three Days in Amsterdam itinerary by a resident
I’ve been living in the Netherlands for nearly three years with most of my time spent living in Amsterdam. I usually recommend that if you’re visiting Amsterdam, three days in Amsterdam is perfect.
I’ve created a
This is a suggested itinerary for Amsterdam, so I try to give options and I completely understand if you choose to skip something. That said, I’ve carefully crafted this Amsterdam itinerary to minimize walking, public transit, and biking.
…What to do in the Hague: A resident’s guide of unique 30+ things to do in the Hague
I live in the Hague. Although I’m always telling people about how fantastic the Hague is, I’m hoping that this guide to the Hague will inspire people to take the day trip from Amsterdam to the Hague to experience a bit of what makes it so unique. It’s a beautiful and a bit of a strange city. Keep reading for tips on what to do in the Hague with 30+ unique things to do in the Hague to inspire you to explore the Hague.
…Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local
I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share. In this local’s guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.
…Investing in Dubai: Where real estate meets dreamy destinations
Dubai, a city known for its skyline punctuated with architectural wonders and its sprawling desert that gives way to luxurious developments, has long captivated the imaginations of travelers and investors alike. This article bridges the gap between the enchantment of travel and the pragmatic aspects of investing in Dubai’s real estate, providing a roadmap for those looking to combine their wanderlust with wise investment strategies.
Dubai as a traveler’s paradise
Dubai, an oasis that has miraculously blossomed in the heart of the arid Arabian desert, offers visitors an escape into a world where the traditional charm of the souks meets the contemporary luxury of high-end resorts. With attractions like the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world, and Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree, Dubai has redefined the limits of architectural ambition. But the city goes beyond its concrete wonders; the endless golden dunes in its backyard invite adventurers to experience the thrill of sandboarding or the tranquility of a desert camp under the stars.
For shopaholics, the Dubai Mall — not just a shopping destination but a behemoth of entertainment with an indoor ski slope, a giant aquarium, and countless dining options — offers a retail haven that is second to none. As dusk falls, the city transforms, with Dubai Marina becoming a glittering promenade where the ocean of stars competes with the varicolored lights of the luxury yachts and high-rise apartments. All these facets converge to make Dubai a traveler’s paradise, a place that serves both the seekers of lavishness and explorers of culture, encapsulating the dreams of every kind of traveler.
Understanding the market of real estate in Dubai
The Dubai real estate market, once known for its rapid boom-and-bust cycles, has matured into a more stable and continuously growing investment scene. Areas like Marina, Downtown Dubai, and The Springs are buzzing with investment opportunities ranging from luxury villas and sky-high apartments to high-end commercial spaces. Driven by forward-thinking government policies, this sector of Dubai’s economy invites investors with a diverse array of prospects.
Benefits of investing in properties for sale in Dubai
Investing in Dubai’s real estate offers several attractive benefits:
- Rental yields in Dubai are tax-free, and there is a high potential for capital appreciation over time.
- A stable economy and proactive government policies create a supportive environment for property investors.
- The high demand for short-term vacation rentals, backed by the tourism sector, ensures that investment properties are rarely without tenants.
- The emirate’s legal framework is tailored to protect investments, including those made by foreign nationals, offering a transparent system for owning and selling property.
How tourism influences the Values of property in Dubai
Emerging from its pearl-diving history to become a dynamic urban center, the city has established itself as a hotspot for tourism and a thriving hub to buy apartments in Dubai, UAE. The synergy between Dubai’s thriving tourism sector and its real estate market cannot be understated. Properties in proximity to tourist hotspots typically command higher values and offer attractive rental yields. Events like the Dubai Expo 2020 have a potent impact on real estate prices, fortifying the link between the flow of tourists and the desirability of nearby properties. Moreover, the advanced trend toward short-term vacation rentals has been reshaping the traditional leasing market.
Investment strategies for combining travel and real estate
Investors savvy enough to see the symbiotic relationship between travel and real estate should consider implementing the following strategies:
- Select properties situated in tourist-centric locations to ensure constant demand.
- Focus on properties that appeal to diverse travel demographics, whether they’re looking for luxury stays, business conveniences, or budget accommodations.
- Establish partnerships with local travel agencies or property management companies to streamline operations.
- Consider real estate investment trusts (REITs) as a method to get involved in Dubai’s real estate market with a more hands-off approach.
Pitfalls and challenges
However, it’s not without its challenges. The fluctuating tourism market requires investors to have a strong grip on market trends. Compliance with UAE property laws is a must, and managing an investment from abroad necessitates legal representation or hiring local professionals. Investors must also stay alert to regional geopolitical dynamics that could influence tourism and, subsequently, the real estate market.
Case studies: Success stories of real estate investments in a travel-led market
Several success stories highlight the potential of real estate investments in Dubai. Individuals who purchased property in the early 2000s have seen substantial returns. Businesses that have capitalized on the influx of tourists, by either offering short-term rentals or developing hotels and entertainment complexes, have reaped significant dividends. With the expanding popularity of platforms like Airbnb, the approach to real estate investment has evolved, adapting to the growing segment of travelers who prefer residential accommodations over traditional hotels.
Getting Started: First Steps to Real Estate Investment in Dubai
For those ready to dip their toes into Dubai’s real estate waters, here’s a concise list to get started:
- Conduct thorough market research by examining current trends, historical data, and future projections with property aggregators such as Emirates.Estate.
- Utilize resources like reputable real estate agents, reliable online property platforms, and local investment seminars.
- Explore financing options such as mortgages and loans tailored to the UAE market.
- Review the legal and regulatory framework to ensure compliance with local property investment laws.
Conclusion
Dubai stands at the crossroads of opulence and opportunity, offering a real estate market that caters as much to the dreamy-eyed traveler as it does to the astute investor. The relationship between its burgeoning tourism industry and the property sector encapsulates a dual promise of adventure and profitability. For aspiring property owners, Dubai presents a unique chance to capture the essence of both worlds, but it requires a blend of passion and prudence to navigate this sun-drenched market successfully. With thoughtful consideration and strategic planning, investing in Dubai’s real estate is not just about acquiring assets, but also about embracing a lifestyle and participating in the vibrant future of a truly global city.
