As a self-professed chocoholic, I must let you know about one of my favorite secrets of Amsterdam: Van Stapele Koekmakerij. This cookie-maker in Amsterdam produces some of the best damn chocolate cookies in the city of Amsterdam. I’ll just include some notes about visiting Van Stapele to avoid the crowds, some tips for visiting Van…
Local Guides
Why you should visit Toronto in winter: The 10 best things to do in Toronto in winter
Toronto is known for many things, especially its cold winters. Although many visitors wouldn’t think to visit Toronto in winter, it’s truly a shame as there are plenty things to do in Toronto in winter for the brave souls willing to venture out into the cold. Once you’ve packed your toque, warm mitts, and even warmer…
8 reasons why your hotel maid hates you and how to be a better hotel guest by a hotel maid
As someone who has worked has worked in the service industry, I believe that it’s so important to treat the people who work at the restaurants, hotels, and businesses that you visit while traveling well. Today, a friend of mine who worked as a hotel maid (or housekeeper) is here to dish why your hotel maid…
Amstergram: Best Amsterdam Photography Spots by a Local
As a photographer, it’s a hobby of mine finding the best places to take photos in Amsterdam. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and I’m still finding cute streets with traditional Dutch architecture in Amsterdam to wander down. Here are the best photo locations in Amsterdam according to one biased resident. Free…
Ten things to know about grocery stores in the Netherlands by a resident
As someone who has been living in the Netherlands for several years, I figured that it was time to discuss the Dutch supermarkets as they’ve been a source of confusion for some of my guests from abroad. Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam on a budget or you’re hoping to pick up some nice food souvenirs from…
5 reasons that you must visit Turin, Italy’s most underrated city
Of all the major Italian cities, perhaps the most underrated one is Turin (or Torino in Italian). While most have probably heard of its eponymous shroud, many people may not know much else about it. Did you know Turin was the first capital of unified Italy, the epicenter of Italian cinema, the birthplace of Nutella,…
Your perfect weekend guide to Amsterdam by a former resident
As a former resident of Amsterdam, I made this itinerary for a perfect weekend in Amsterdam as a way of showing friends the best of Amsterdam. Although two days in Amsterdam isn’t enough, it’s a good taste of what the city has to offer. I include some local secrets along with the best things to…
2 glimpse: The new way to meet locals abroad
One of the hardest things to do is to meet locals in a new place. I write this as someone who has traveled extensively, but not always found someone that I’ve clicked with. I recently tried out a new website called 2 glimpse. I’ll be discussing how I made a friend while traveling using this…
The best museums in Amsterdam and which museums to skip
One of the best parts of visiting Amsterdam is to visit the many museums in Amsterdam. As an Amsterdam resident, I had the Museumkaart, which gave me access to the majority of the museums in Amsterdam (as well as the rest of the Netherlands), which meant that I’d often take an afternoon to explore a…
Begijnhof: A beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you must see
One of my favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam Centre to sit and think is the Begijnhof. This beautiful hidden courtyard has recently become a tourist sensation, but it’s a great free place to enjoy while in Amsterdam. I include information about the history of the Begijnhof, where to find the entrance, some great things nearby…
