Weekend Trips from Amsterdam

Releasing Seals into the Wadden Sea & Travel Tips for Friesland

June 26, 2017 by Karen Turner 17 Comments

Our weekend trip to Friesland was magical as it included releasing seals back into the wild (technically starting in Groningen, but we sailed into Frisian water), taking a boat tour to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea, enjoying the sandbanks/views of the Frisian islands, and exploring the traditional polder landscape of Friesland as well as the cute cities of Friesland.

For those seeking an ethical animal experience to add to their travel bucket list, releasing wild seals back in the wild is a must. If you’re looking for the best activities to do in the Netherlands, I definitely rank this responsible tourism do as one of my favorite memories.

…

Vlaggetjesdag, Hollandse Nieuwe Haring, and herring in the Netherlands

August 30, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

Is there anything more Dutch than herring? This favorite fish is a staple of the Dutch diet, yet many foreigners know little about it. Ever since moving to the Hague, I was lucky enough to experience Vlaggetjesdag, an amazing yearly celebration of herring season in the Netherlands. I’ll be discussing Vlaggetjesdag, Dutch herring, and the amazing cultural legacy of Hollandse Nieuwe Haring.

…

A day trip to Oudewater, a bewitching town in Utrecht

April 16, 2019 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

One of the cities that I’ve been quite curious about is Oudewater. This small town in the Utrecht region has a dark secret. For many years, suspected witches from all over Europe have come here, which has left an interesting legacy for this cute and sleepy town. This day trip guide to Oudewater includes a guide on where to eat in Oudewater, the cutest shops in Oudewater, and what to do in Oudewater.

…

Valkenburg Christmas Market: The most unique christmas market in the Netherlands!

October 21, 2019 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

This past weekend, we visited the Valkenburg Christmas Markets. Although people assume that there’s only one Christmas market in Valkenburg, there’s a reason why Valkenburg is called the Kerststad Valkenburg…

There are three Christmas markets within this charming Dutch city that is extremely close to both Belgium and Germany. This post includes tips for visiting the markets as well as photos of the Geementegrot and the Fleuwengrot.

…

What to do in Groningen by a local: The best things to do in Groningen in one day

May 7, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

This week, I’ll be sharing a guide to Groningen, written by a local who has been living in Groningen. This post about Groningen includes what to do in Groningen in one day, including a complete itinerary of things to do in Groningen and where to eat in Groningen if you’re considering taking a day/weekend trip to Groningen. I really loved Groningen and thanks to Marjolein, I’m happy to publish these tips for visiting Groningen.

…

Visiting Sint Anna ter Muiden, the smallest town in the Netherlands

June 29, 2018 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

When I read about Sint Anna ter Muiden and a couple sources mentioned that it was one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands, I was very curious. This small town is the most western point of the Netherlands and it only has 50 people (as of 2006). This makes Sint Anna ter Muiden the smallest town in the Netherlands and an absolutely stunning one, only 300 meters from the Belgian border. It’s right next to Sluis, one of the cities of Zeeland, so it’s easy to visit for an hour or two if you’re in the area. I’ll be discussing the history of this fascinating and beautiful off the beaten path town in the Netherlands….

Best hotels in the Hague: Your guide to the best areas to stay in the Hague written by a Hague resident

June 6, 2018 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

Planning your trip to the Hague, the Netherlands? This is your insider’s guide to the best hotels in the Hague, including the best neighborhoods to stay in. I’m still a recent arrival to the Hague as I’ve been living here less than a year, however when I moved to the Hague, I lived all around the city. I hope this guide helps you find the best hotel for your needs.

…

4 Must-See Dutch Castles

August 30, 2016 by Karen Turner 32 Comments

Ever wish that you were born into a royal family or want to visit a castle near Amsterdam? Even if you’re not, you can visit these four beautiful castles in the Netherlands to feel like a royal, at least for a day. All are easily accessible via public transit and possible with a day trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Ready to see some incredible castles?

…

Your Dutch bucket list: 55+ Amazing things to do in the Netherlands

November 16, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

I’ve been lucky enough to call the Netherlands my home. Visiting family and friends will ask me what is the one thing that they must do in the Netherlands. That answer isn’t so easy. We’ve came up with 55+ things for you to do in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket list based on our time living in the Netherlands. Not everything will be possible (due to weather) during your trip, but I hope that it inspires you to revisit this beautiful country.

…

Magical Maastricht: Tips for visiting Maastricht’s christmas market

January 7, 2020 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

Maastricht is such a lovely city and it’s always delightful to have an excuse to revisit Maastricht. After finding a steal on NS last year, we packed our bags for a weekend to explore Maastricht’s Christmas market, Magical Maastricht. Needless to say, our weekend in Limburg enjoying Maastricht and Valkenburg was just what we needed. I recently returned back to Maastricht to revisit Maastricht during the magical Christmas season and I’ve updated this post with more tips for visiting Maastricht during the Christmas season.

…