Spring (March–May)
Spring is the obvious one, and for good reason. Late March through early May is when the tulips show up, especially around Lisse, and it actually looks like the photos (which I was slightly skeptical about until I saw it in person).
Summer (June–August)
Summer is busy but fun. Longer days, warmer weather, and everything feels open and active. It does get crowded though, especially in central Amsterdam—so just expect that and plan around it.
Fall (September–October)
Fall is quieter and honestly underrated. Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and still very walkable.
Winter (November–February)
Winter is slower and colder, but if you don’t mind layering up, it’s a different kind of experience (and significantly less crowded).
You’ll probably fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is about 20 minutes from the city center.
Once you’re in Amsterdam, the best thing you can do is just walk.
The canals are what you came for, and they’re everywhere. You don’t need a strict plan here—just start moving and you’ll hit something worth stopping for.
If you want a structured way to see it scroll down to my blogs to see my exact path.
This was one of the main reasons I went—and it lived up to the hype.
Lisse is where most of the fields are, and it’s about 30–40 minutes from Amsterdam. I didn’t expect how big they’d actually be. It’s not just one field—it’s rows and rows in every direction.
This ended up being one of my favorite parts.
Delft felt calm and easy to walk. Gouda was smaller but fun for a half-day. Alkmaar had less crowds but still had plenty going on.
You don’t need to overplan these—just pick one or two and go.
This is where the Netherlands really stands out.
The train system is extremely easy to use and connects pretty much everything.
I used trains for some of my trip and it was pretty effortless.
Everyone bikes here. Everyone.
I thought about renting one in Amsterdam… and then decided I liked being alive.
If you’re comfortable biking in traffic, go for it. If not, walking and trains will cover you just fine.
If you want to explore more rural areas or move at your own pace, renting a car makes sense. I ended up going to a lot more cities just by having one.
Driving itself is easy—it’s more the parking in cities that can get annoying.
Type C and F plugs. You’ll need a European adapter.
I always bring a compact one with extra USB ports because outlets are never where you want them → Anker USB-C Travel Adapter
Central European Time (CET)
Cards are widely accepted, but smaller places sometimes prefer debit cards or cash. I kept a small amount of euros on me just in case.
You will walk more than you think. And stand. And walk some more.
Comfortable shoes are not optional.
This is not a suggestion. They will not slow down for you.
Look both ways for bikes before stepping anywhere—even sidewalks.
If you see fresh stroopwafels being made—just get one.
I thought I’d try one and move on. That did not happen.
Most international flights into the Netherlands go through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is the main hub and where you’ll likely land. It’s one of the busiest airports in Europe, but it’s very straightforward to navigate once you’re there.
If you’re planning to visit multiple cities, Schiphol is still the easiest entry point. You can go straight from the airport to other places like Rotterdam, The Hague, or Delft without needing to stay in Amsterdam first.
There are direct trains from the airport underneath the terminal, and if you’re renting a car (my suggestion), pickup is right outside and easy to navigate once you’re on the road.
If you’re flying from the U.S., expect overnight flights going there and daytime flights coming back.
Confession: my newsletter is where the good stuff lives. Not the polished, edited-for-the-grid stuff, the “here’s the hole-in-the-wall I almost skipped” stuff, the packing lists I actually use, the “don’t book this hotel” warnings before you waste your money on them.
The newsletter is basically me texting you before a trip instead of after one. Sign up and you’ll be the first to know where I’m headed next, plus a few things I’ll never post here.
Link in bio if you want in. ✈️
Yes, it’s only July. Start planning anyway. Fall books faster than people expect, and a few of these destinations are worth getting ahead of. Here are five places worth putting on your radar right now.
Ireland: Cooler temps, moody skies, dramatic coastline fall was made for it. Tourist crowds drop, the green stays, and the whole country feels a little more like itself.
Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC: Fall foliage in the Smokies is the real thing. The color peaks mid-October and the views from the ridgelines are hard to argue with. It’s also one of the most visited national parks in the country, so going on a weekday makes a real difference.
New York City: Fall is NYC at its best comfortable temps, the energy of the city shifting into a new season, and every neighborhood doing something worth showing up for. It’s also just a great walking city when it’s not brutally hot.
Japan: Fall foliage season is as good as spring cherry blossoms and somehow less talked about. The colors are dramatic, the temples and gardens are stunning, and it’s worth planning around peak dates by region.
Mystic, Connecticut: Small, walkable, genuinely charming Mystic in fall feels like exactly what a New England autumn is supposed to look like. Easy to pair with a broader New England road trip if you want to extend it.
Full guides linked in bio 🍂
There are two kinds of travelers: people who plan a trip and then figure out where to eat, and people who book a restaurant and then build the rest of the itinerary around it.I am the second kind. I will not apologize for this.
The reservation gets locked in first. The hotel search happens within the same 24 hours. The flights get compared around the restaurant’s hours of operation. The rest of the trip exists to fill the days before and after the table I actually came for.
If this sounds unhinged, I completely understand. It has also resulted in some of the best meals of my life, so I’m going to keep doing it.
Drop a 🍽️ if you plan your trips around food too.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
