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.
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Here’s what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
Café Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davie’s Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (it’s not ketchup, and it’s better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what I’d skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
