The story of the Grolse Wanten (Dutch mittens from the East of The Netherlands)

The story of the Grolse Wanten (Dutch mittens from the East of The Netherlands)

Photo by grolsewanten.nl These are traditional Dutch mittens from the town of Groenlo, called Grolse Wanten. Many people think this is a typical Scandinavian pattern, but it comes directly from the Achterhoek or East of the Netherlands. A while ago, this centuries-old pattern was almost completely lost. You would only see an elderly man every […]

Are houses in Amsterdam painted black to show where someone lived with the plague?

Are houses in Amsterdam painted black to show where someone lived with the plague?

I’m back with debunking fun but non-factual stories. The myth goes that people with the plague lived in houses painted black, but in reality, there was a completely different way to determine whether someone in their household had the plague.  Amsterdammers (people from Amsterdam) had to tie a bunch of straw with three strings around […]

The story behind Frisian woodcarving (Fries houtsnijwerk)

The story behind Frisian woodcarving (Fries houtsnijwerk)

Photo by De Knipe This is Fries Houtsnijwerk, or Frisian woodcarving, a form of Dutch folk art that, despite its name, was found all throughout the North of the Netherlands and the area around the former inland sea called Zuiderzee. It’s one of the oldest decorative crafts in the Netherlands. Frisian carving has a long […]

The history of the Elfstedentocht (Frisian Eleven Cities Ice Skating Tour)

The history of the Elfstedentocht (Frisian Eleven Cities Ice Skating Tour)

This is the history behind this Frisian city ice skating tour, called Elfstedentocht or Eleven Cities tour. The Elfstedentocht brings every participant through the eleven Frisian cities that obtained city rights in their history. The start and finish is Leeuwarden. The route goes the following: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, […]

Dutch Traditional Clothing: Kaper – Visiting The Dutch Countryside

Dutch Traditional Clothing: Kaper – Visiting The Dutch Countryside

Dutch traditional clothing is very beautiful, but not many people know much about it anymore. This article is about the kaper or böppekaper, which is a cap or hat that was worn in several areas in The Netherlands. It’s also sometimes named a hersenlap or brain rag. A kaper was worn against the cold and […]

Windmill Wonders: Experience the Iconic Landscapes of the Netherlands

Windmill Wonders: Experience the Iconic Landscapes of the Netherlands

When one thinks of the Netherlands, an image of rolling green fields dotted with vibrant tulips and iconic windmills inevitably comes to mind. These towering structures, once vital for draining water from low-lying land and milling grain, are now symbols of Dutch heritage and engineering prowess. Exploring the enchanting landscapes of the Netherlands through its […]

From Canals to Countryside: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Dutch Nation

From Canals to Countryside: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Dutch Nation

The Netherlands, often celebrated for its picturesque canals, vibrant cities, and lush countryside, is a destination that beckons travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Boasting a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this small but enchanting nation has something for everyone. Whether you’re navigating the cobbled streets of Amsterdam, soaking up the beauty […]

Discover the Hidden Gems: Unveiling the Netherlands Beyond the Tulips

Discover the Hidden Gems: Unveiling the Netherlands Beyond the Tulips

While the Netherlands is renowned for its iconic tulip fields, picturesque canals, and historic windmills, there’s so much more to this captivating country than the seasonal blooms of spring. The Netherlands is a land of diversity, filled with hidden gems that invite exploration beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. From quaint villages to stunning natural landscapes, […]

How to Eat Cheap When You Travel the World (Updated 2025)

How to Eat Cheap When You Travel the World (Updated 2025)

I love to eat. In fact, eating is one of my favorite activities, and also one of my favorite aspects of traveling. Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss out on a part of the travel experience. I’m always disappointed […]

9 Destinations Under A Day Alajawiy

9 Destinations Under $50 A Day Alajawiy

We all want to travel more. Whether a vacation, career break, gap year trip, there’s some trip we are always thinking about. One of the things that keeps a lot of people from achieving that dream is money. Saving money to travel can be an uphill battle but travel is not as expensive as you […]