Why You Must Tour Amsterdam on a Bike

When it comes to traveling across Europe, there are few places as popular as Amsterdam. One of the cheapest destinations, its perfect for students and couples looking for a quick getaway on a budget. The city has more culture per capita than anywhere else. With so many beautiful sights to see across the city, you might be wondering how on earth you’ll manage to fit it all in on your trip.

Well, you’re in luck, because one of the most well-known aspects of Amsterdam’s culture also happens to be one of the most useful ways to get around.

Cycling is a prominent part of the city’s identity, with numerous bike paths designed to connect the city. When you’ve so much to do and see, why spend a considerable amount of your budget on countless Ubers when you could rent a bike for a fraction of the price and use it as often as you like. It’s the easiest way to enjoy the beauty of the city in your own time. The gentle cardio will also help to work off all those Stroopwafels you’ll be scoffing down but let’s be honest, you’ll be far too busy taking in the awesome sights to even notice the exercise. You’re also far more likely to discover hidden gems across Amsterdam you would often otherwise just drive past, not to mention you’ll still be able to see more and go further than you would on foot.

So, What Now?

Well, if you plan on doing yourself and the environment a favor on your next trip, explore Amsterdam the way you know you should – on a bike.

If you’re planning on taking our advice to explore Amsterdam on two wheels, there are plenty of places to organise bike rental in the Netherlands online – be sure to check them out before your trip!

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3 Famous Hotels That Went Bankrupt

The following three hotels were all once bustling centres for the rich and famous, but all had to close their doors for a number of reasons. When at the top of their game these hotels seemed untouchable, they were all state of the art for the time, but they now lie derelict.

The first is the Haludovo Palace Hotel once the jewel of the Balkans, the hotel sat on the island of Krk just off Croatia. The hotel was at the receiving end of investments of forty-five million from American tycoons, offering a lavish experience in the Mediterranean sun. This all came to a halt by the beginning of the 1990s as the tragic Yugoslav war halted tourism to the area. The building still stands today, as overgrown grass now replaces its former beauty.

The second in this list is that of the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas. An icon of mid twentieth American culture this hotel played host to Lyndon Johnson, Judy Garland and the Three Stooges. When it first opened in 1929 it was Americas first skyscraper hotel outside of a metropolitan area. Hosting luxuries of the time such as air conditioning and an Olympic sized swimming pool. Though these were seen as five-star amenities of the time, the hotel simply failed to modernise, closing its doors in 1972. The building still stands today as a symbol of a bygone era of early American ambition.

The final hotel is a modern tragedy of mismanagement being the iconic Riviera Hotel of Las Vegas, Nevada. This hotel was truly an American icon, hosting the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley after it first opened in 1955, a symbol of the excess of Las Vegas, the great riviera was an iconic piece of the Las Vegas strip, offering about 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games on the casino floor alone. The hotel was the centrepiece of films like The Hangover and Oceans 11, pushing its world-wide stardom. This excess was simply not built to last and after two separate bankruptcies the hotel was demolished in 2016. A true loss to a symbol of Vegas. 

All three went bankrupt for separate reasons a shear lack of luck, a lack of modernisation and simple financial mismanagement.

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How to Plan for a Great Beach Holiday

Whether it’s Spain, Hawaii, Thailand, Mexico, or any sunny paradise that isn’t *here*, planning for a summer getaway can be a stressful mission. This is ironic given the aim of the task at hand, yet it’s a necessary task, so here’s a guide for packing for the beach holiday we’re all longing for during these cold winter months.

Travel Essentials (Regardless of Destination)

– Passport (plus extra copy)
– Visa (plus extra copy)
– Health Insurance Documents
– Driving License
– Flight Tickets & Boarding Pass
– Phone
– Cash (in relevant currency)
– Medication

Also:

– Camera
– Phone Charger
– Headphones
– Portable Charger
– Toothbrush
– Book

For the Beach

The first thing that comes to mind is of course a swimming costume. Along with a towel, goggles, and maybe some sunglasses, these are all necessary for a day at the beach. In addition, one should consider bringing some sandals or flip-flops, a beach umbrella for the shade, a sun-hat, a beach bag, some sun cream, and lots of water. Also don’t forget things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner etc.

If you are bringing kids, things like a bucket and spade for sandcastles or a frisbee or beach ball for games are pretty much a necessity.

For those a bit more serious about swimming, a snorkelling kit could come in handy. Of course, this depends on your location, but even swimming with one in the shallow depths near the shore can be a great experience, especially when its done with family.

Perhaps less glamorous necessities that need mentioning are things like mosquito repellent. Even at the beaches of many countries these nasty creatures can be pretty vicious, so its always best to be prepared. Also, items like scarfs can be useful in protecting one’s face from dust from the cities that encompass the beautiful beaches that we see advertised on the usual travel websites, just make sure whatever you purchase is very lightweight.

This of course also goes for clothes. Anything brought should be lightweight, particularly for places near the equator. While shorter trousers are preferred, longer but thin trousers can be better for preventing sunburn. Regardless, go for whatever you like best, just make sure you’re covered with sunblock!

Posted on By: Admin