Tag: Netherlands

The Best Spots in HAARLEM You Should Not Miss

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Hals, Hofjes, and Heritage — all this and so much more makes Haarlem a highly interesting and pretty exciting destination. Continuously in the shadow of Amsterdam, this city, located around 30 kilometers from the Dutch capital, is far too often overlooked. So, if you’re not keen on the hustle and bustle of a big’n’busy metropolis but still want to enjoy an inspiring, authentically Dutch city packed with mysteries and miracles, Haarlem is the perfect place for you!
In this post, I’m taking you to the best spots you absolutely should not miss when visiting Haarlem.

View of Haarlem's river and the Teylers museum in the backdrop.
Today, the waterways contribute to Haarlem’s beauty. In the past, however, they were essential for the city’s immense prosperity.
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Where Holland Tastes Best: Discovering the Flavors of the Amsterdam Area

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From artisanal cheese and craft beer to centuries-old cocoa traditions, the area northwest of Amsterdam is a place where every local flavor tells a story.

Various pix of food taken in Haarlem and Zaandam.
The Amsterdam Area holds a plethora of delicacies in its pantry.

On a culinary journey through North Holland, I discovered some of the region’s signature specialties as well as a couple of incredible gourmet restaurants.

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A Self-Organized Day Trip Around Saint Martin by Public Bus

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Whether you’re coming on a cruise ship, from one of the neighboring islands, or just want to experience the island in an authentic way at your own pace, a self-organized day trip by public bus will grant you a wonderful break from your daily beach life routine.

Old street in Philipsburg.
Even if you explore the island by public bus instead of this zippy vehicle, you will have a lot of fun.
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Best Things to Do in Sint Maarten, the Dutch Half of the Friendly Island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Nestled in the big wet heart of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten, the Dutch half of this unique dual-nation island, offers the best of European charm and tropical allure combined. Known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this southern part of the island pulses with life and color.

Boardwalk in Philipsburg Sint Maarten
No matter how typically tropical the surroundings, it wouldn’t be a part of the Netherlands without an iconic windmill.

Apart from lazing on the beach and taking refreshing dips in the beautiful waters, you can also sail into picturesque lagoons, snorkel among coral reefs, or simply unwind at a beachside bar with a rum punch in hand. As you stroll down the streets lined with pastel façades of the lively neighborhood of Philipsburg or hike through lush tropical greenery, make sure you don’t miss out on a fun scare as planes roar dramatically over your head alongside the waters of the world-famous Maho Beach!

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As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

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Turquoise waters and tropical fish, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire, illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
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CURACAO – Guide to the Caribbean Island That Has It All

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Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.

Old Dutch houses in Curacao, The Caribbean Island That Has It All
Old Dutch houses and lots and lots of water – those two icons of the beautiful island of Curaçao.

But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!

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One Week in BONAIRE: The Best Activities Beyond Diving

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Bonaire is the easternmost of the three so-called A B C islands, which are part of the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela.
The popular holiday destination Aruba is Bonaire’s little sister, while Curaçao is the bigger and apparently more important one.
This makes Bonaire seemingly the oftentimes overlooked middle child.
Very unjustly so, since although it might be lesser known, B is still at least as beautiful and varied as its siblings A and C.
Need proof?
No problem: In this post, I’ve put together the best activities you can enjoy on beautiful Bonaire in one week – even if you are not diving.

Couple Snorkeling in Bonaire
Even if you’re not a diver, you certainly won’t be able to resist the turquoise waters surrounding Bonaire.
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What Not to Miss in ARUBA, the Caribbean A-Lister

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Aruba was actually one of the first islands in the Caribbean that opened its hearts’n’harbors to international visitors by installing well-working tourist infrastructures. Today, Aruba is an absolute A-Lister when it comes to a dream vacation in the West Indies.
However, while most visitors are coming for the dreamy sand beaches, it would be a big mistake to miss out on the natural wonders Aruba is hiding in its hinterland.
In this post, I have you covered by telling you about all the wonderful spots you should not miss when visiting this self-proclaimed happy island.

Eagle Beach - one of Aruba's most famous beaches.
Eagle Beach – one of Aruba’s most famous beaches. However, the bird in the pictures is not an eagle but a seagle seagull.
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BONAIRE Totally Unexpected: Street Food And Urban Art Tour

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Basically, all visitors are coming to Bonaire for the waters, for swimming and diving, and for snorkeling. And you cannot blame them, the smallest of the ABC islands is surrounded by some of the world’s best reefs. Getting into the water, you’re basically entering a borderless aquarium.
But come on, you water maniacs lovers, you don’t want to miss out on the best Bonaire has to offer ashore, do you? So quick, dry yourself off, put on some shorts and flip-flops, and let’s explore what Bonaire has in store when it comes to street food and urban art.
I promise you won’t regret it!

House in Bonaire. Bonaire Street Food Urban Art
That’s Bonaire: Flamingos everywhere.
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