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How To Do Amsterdam Right

  

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Don’t fret, we’re here to help. We want to make sure that you get the most out of your time in this wonderful city. So if you’re planning on visiting Amsterdam anytime soon, read through this article to learn everything you need to know!

 

WHERE TO STAY

THE ALBUS

The Albus, located right in the city center of Amsterdam, perfectly combines comfort and modern style. Everything you may need is within walking distance, including Rokin, the main shopping drag in the city. And there’s plenty of other museums and exciting attractions within a ten-minute walk. This is a great place to start when looking for accommodations in Amsterdam.

THE AMSTERDAM CANAL HOTEL

This charming little hotel is tucked within some beautiful houses on the Reguliersgracht canal, which puts it right on the border of the city’s center and the De Pijp neighborhood. The De Pijp neighborhood is a wonderful little place full of cozy cafes, friendly bars, and delicious food options from all around the world. So if you’re looking to really explore the city, but want to avoid the really big crowds, this is the perfect spot to stay.

 

WHERE TO EAT

’T SMALLE

This spot has been a local favorite since all the way back in 1786! So you know it’s worth a visit. It’s right in the heart of the popular Jordan neighborhood, and it’s the perfect place to get a proper taste of Amsterdam. They serve primarily locally made beer and gin, and the food is almost entirely traditional Dutch dishes. This certainly falls under “doing Amsterdam right.”

WARUNG SPANG MAKANDRA

Little known fact: the tiny and almost unknown country of Suriname was formerly a Dutch colony. So Amsterdam is actually chock-full of great Surinamese food! And Warung Spang Makandra in the De Pijp neighborhood is one of the best Surinamese spots in the city. The food is truly unique and combines various flavors and styles found in Creole, Indonesian, and Chinese foods. You simply must try it.

D’VIJFF VLIEGHEN

If you’re looking for an especially exquisite dining experience in Amsterdam, then D’Vijff Vlieghen is the place to go. The restaurant includes multiple dining rooms that are spread out through five former canal houses that date back to the 17th century. Each dining room has its own unique design and every one of them seems more extravagant than the last. This place is definitely worth a visit just to see the different dining rooms!

 

WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO

THE CANALS

This should really be the first thing you do when you get to Amsterdam. So much of this city’s charm lies in the canals that run throughout it, and they’re also the perfect way to take the whole city in quickly without rushing or stressing about traffic. There are plenty of wonderful and cheap boat tours available in the city. So take your pick, really. It’s a great way to start off your time in Amsterdam!

THE MUSEUMS

Amsterdam is practically overflowing with museums. Both Van Gogh and Rembrandt have their own museums (Rembrandt’s is actually set in his old home), the Rijksmuseum has a breathtaking sculpture garden, and if you don’t mind the lines, there is, of course, the Anne Frank House. And those are just the first few we can think of. There are so, so many more amazing museums that are worthy of a visit. So you might want to set a couple days aside for just museums!

GOUDA

No, we’re not telling you to simply eat some gouda. We’re telling you to take a short trip outside of Amsterdam and visit the town of Gouda. Which is, as you might have guessed, where the wonderful cheese was born and gets its name! It’s only about an hour away and the cheese markets there are really something to behold. Even if the weather isn’t great and the markets aren’t active, stop by the Gouds Kaas-en Ambachtenmuseum to learn more about the history of this wonderful town and their wonderful cheese.


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Destinations

Best U.S. Casinos Not in Las Vegas

There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

 

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When you think of casinos in the United States, you automatically think Las Vegas, well, that’s your first mistake. Sure Las Vegas is great but it’s not the end-all be-all for casinos in the US.  There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

 

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi

If you are in the south, why waste money on airfare and save that to waste at the tables instead. Don’t visit Vegas for your gambling needs, just head to Biloxi and have the same experience, without hopping on a plane. The Hard Rock in Biloxi is a rock n roll themed casino, just like any other Hard Rock, but this one is massive. Covering over 50,000 sq ft and with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Nevada

Tahoe is such a special place that you should visit with or without going to the casino. How many casinos have a private beach? Not many, but the Hyatt Regency in Tahoe certainly does. Not only can you gamble away your life savings here, but you can also enjoy water sports and fishing, take that Vegas.

 

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls

How many casinos are located next to incredible water falls? One that I know of, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Take in the falls by day and play in a huge casino with over 100 gaming tables by night. You get a Vegas style experience with none of the desert heat.

 

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Surprisingly Atlantic City is still hanging on. Many resorts here have closed down but the Borgata stands strong. The elite Atlantic City resort, the Borgata has all you could ever want from a Vegas style resort without leaving the East Coast.

An easy drive form many huge metropolitan cities, The Borgata should be a top choice.

 

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno

Reno is the little sister to Las Vegas with it’s own feel and identity. Much cheaper than an average Las Vegas vacation, Reno offers a slower pace and chiller vibe. If the all night parties aren’t for you, maybe check out the Peppermill. The Tuscany styled resort will make you relax while losing all your money.

 

Talking Stick Resort, Arizona

Talking Stick is a killer Indian Casino with tons of fun activities to keep you entertained while not spending money at the tables. Table in a round of golf or hit up the award-winning spa.

 

Foxwoods resort and Casino, Connecticut

New Yorkers already know just how awesome Foxwoods truly is. Foxwoods actually offers six different casinos in its little empire in Connecticut. There are two golf courses, two arcades for the kids and tons of live entertainment options. A short drive from New York City makes Foxwoods an easy winner as the best US casino, not in Las Vegas.

 

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Destinations

Hawaii Vacations Easier Now for Visitors

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Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.

On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”

To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.

Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.

A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.

However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.

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Destinations

5 Bucket List Things to Do In Valle De Guadalupe

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If you want to get away for a relaxing Mexican vacation, there’s no better place to do it than Valle De Guadalupe.

Known as the “Napa Valley” of Mexico, Valle De Guadalupe is situated in the northern part of Baja California, just a short trip from Tijuana. If you live in Southern California, it’s the perfect place for a weekend trip, but people from all over should consider it as a vacation destination.

Today, we’re going to talk about 5 unforgettable things you need to experience in Valle De Guadalupe. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach or visit some world-class wineries, Valle De Guadalupe has got you covered.

1. Let Your Inner Wine Lover Out

The main reason Valle De Guadalupe is such a popular tourist destination is becuase of its nickname – the “Napa Valley” of Mexico. It’s one of the largest producers of world-class wine in the world (the Baja California region produces 70% of Mexico’s wine), so oenophiles flock from all around to visit the amazing wineries in the region, take tours, and even visit museums.

There’s no shortage of wine tours available to keep you busy for your entire stay, if that’s what you’re looking for. The wineries range from small family owned establishments to world-renowned wine brands, so you’ll be able to experience the full breadth of the Mexican wine industry.

2. Try Some World-Class Restaurants

Where there’s wine, there’s usually fine dining, so you won’t be surprised to find some of the best restaurants in Mexico in Valle De Guadalupe. The best thing to do is get some research done ahead of your trip and pick the restaurants you want to try, becuase you won’t be able to visit them all.

If you want to play it by ear, you might benefit from asking some of the locals where they eat. There’s no better way to experience Baja California than by doing as the locals do.

3. Enjoy An Excursion Through the Country Side

Once you’ve got your fill of great food and wine, you might want to see some of the natural beauty that surrounds the area. Fortunately, there are a couple of unforgettable sightseeing options available to you.

Fans of offroading will enjoy both the ATV or Moto Tour of Valle De Guadalupe. These allow you to experience a fun jaunt through the countryside with a trained guide. Just remember to go before you’ve had too much to drink.

Another important aspect to consider when preparing to go on an atv trip is maintenance. Take your atv into an atv repair shop to make sure it is in tip top shape before going out. There’s not much worse than getting out on the trail, sometimes miles out, and having engine trouble.

4. Or Fly Over It

If you’re not an offroad lover, then you’ve still got one amazing sightseeing option. Try out a hot air balloon ride over the valley and you’ll be treated to some truly unbelieveable views of the town and the surrounding country side, which is covered in expansive wineries. This is a serious bucket list experience.

Enjoy Your Trip to Valle De Guadalupe

So, why not make Valle De Guadalupe your next vacation destination. Not only will you be able to cross a few things off your bucket list, like taking a hot air balloon ride or visiting a tiny Mexican winery, but you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the natural beauty as well. There’s enough to do for a longer vacation, but it’s close enough for a weekender as well, which is what makes this Mexican Napa Valley so special.

If you enjoyed this post, come back again for more on travel, food, and wine.

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