- Destination -

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small country in Northwestern Europe, right between Belgium and Germany, with a coastline along the North Sea. It’s flat—like really flat—and in some areas, it’s actually below sea level, which sounds slightly concerning until you realize they’ve mastered it. Most people think of Amsterdam, but that’s just one part of it. The Hague runs the government (and has a great food scene), Rotterdam has a completely different feel, and smaller towns are where everything slows down a bit. It’s known for bikes, tulips, and being very well organized—and the bikes are not casual here. There are full bike lanes, their own signals, and people are moving through them like traffic. The bikes here don’t slow down for you—you adjust or you get run over (not even dramatic, just accurate ha). Once you get used to that, everything runs smoothly, which makes it easy to see multiple places without overcomplicating the trip.

Language

Dutch (but almost everyone speaks English)

Currency

Euro (€) — cards are widely accepted, but I still ran into a few places that only accepted euros

Entry Requirements

U.S. travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport

Best Time to Visit

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).

Top Things to Do

Start in Amsterdam

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.

Visit the Tulip Fields (Seasonal)

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.

Explore Smaller Towns

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.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel content for this destination is on the way!
Check out my blogs for further travel inspiration:

Travel information

Getting Around

This is where the Netherlands really stands out.

Trains

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.

Biking

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.

Rental Car

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.

Travel Tips

Power Outlets

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

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET)

Credit Cards

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.

Walking

You will walk more than you think. And stand. And walk some more.

Comfortable shoes are not optional.

Bikes Have the Right of Way

This is not a suggestion. They will not slow down for you.

Look both ways for bikes before stepping anywhere—even sidewalks.

Food Tip (Important)

If you see fresh stroopwafels being made—just get one.

I thought I’d try one and move on. That did not happen.

Getting There

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.

I wasn’t expecting much. I just needed dinner. 🍽️ Kome ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip.

Wood-fired everything. A menu that actually makes you read it twice. A vibe in Pietermaai that feels nothing like a tourist restaurant and everything like somewhere locals actually go. I didn’t rush. I didn’t check my phone. I just ate, start to finish, and enjoyed every single second of it.

If you’re in Curaçao and you only have one nice dinner make it this one.

#curaçao #travelling #travelvlog #musttryrestaurant #visitcuracao
Renting a golf cart in Bimini was genuinely one of the best decisions we made the entire cruise, and if you have a stop there, I cannot recommend it enough.

✨ Off the ship and behind the wheel within minutes 
✨ Multiple beaches, food stops, and random pull-offs 
✨ Zero tour schedules, zero waiting on strangers 
✨ Just the island, at your own pace

Honest caveat: if you prefer a guided experience with everything planned out, a tour might suit you better. But if you like doing your own thing? This is it.

Everything you need to know about renting, where to go, what to budget, and our favorite stops, is linked in bio. 🔗
If you go to Bimini and don’t get conch salad… what are you even doing? 🐚

I’m not exaggerating when I say this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. It’s a local staple, and after talking to enough people on the island, I realized fast, Bahamians have very strong opinions about where to get the best one.

So we made it a mission.

We tracked down the three spots that kept coming up over and over again, and I tried them all so you don’t have to guess.

Full breakdown is linked in bio. 🔗

#travel #travelblogger #bimini #bahamas #conchsalad

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My Exact Packing List

I use this packing list for every trip — grab it and make packing way easier.

Embark. Explore. Eat.

Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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