Karen Cordaway of the Everyday Bucket List booked Amsterdam almost on a whim after watching a Ted Lasso episode. She stayed in the Jordaan neighborhood -- one of the swankiest in the city -- walked to the Anne Frank House, spent an afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum, took a canal tour in the rain, and…Karen Cordaway of the Everyday Bucket List booked Amsterdam almost on a whim after watching a Ted Lasso episode. She stayed in the Jordaan neighborhood -- one of the swankiest in the city -- walked to the Anne Frank House, spent an afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum, took a canal tour in the rain, and nearly got knocked into the water by a cyclist who apparently had the right of way. She brings back everything: what surprised her, what moved her, what to eat, and what to watch out for when you're standing anywhere near a bike lane.
What You'll Walk Away With
• Why Karen almost ended up in a canal -- and the unofficial rule of Amsterdam that puts pedestrians firmly at the bottom of the hierarchy
• What the Anne Frank House actually feels like to walk through, including the real bookcase, the original sink, and the room where a 12-year-old pinned up pictures of movie stars
• How Karen did the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and a canal tour all in one day -- and why she recommends spreading them out if you can
• The Napoleon window tax story: why those narrow, vertical Amsterdam houses may have been built to avoid paying taxes on frontage
• Why spring is Karen's pick for the best time to visit -- and the hop-on hop-off tulip bus that takes you to what she calls the Disney World of flowers
• The open curtains culture: the Calvinist transparency theory versus the "showing off wealth" theory, and why the canal tour guide had a very different take
• Where to find Dutch pancakes with bacon embedded in the middle -- and why Karen thinks Amsterdam's food scene is surprisingly international
• The red light district at noon: what it's actually like to walk through, and the one rule that absolutely applies whether it's day or night
• Why Amsterdam works well for a 7-day trip with day trips built in -- and how to get to the Zaanse Schans windmills for free on a bus
• What kind of traveler Amsterdam is perfect for -- and why it's a harder trip with small children than you might expect Where in the World is Crystal?
Adventure Annette tries to guess whether Crystal is in Tokyo.
Resources Mentioned
• Everyday Bucket List -- Karen Cordaway's podcast and travel content; Amsterdam playlist linked in show notes
• Anne Frank House, Amsterdam -- advance tickets required; no photography inside; annefrank.org
• Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam -- advance tickets required; vangoghmuseum.nl
• Zaanse Schans windmill village -- free entry, about one hour by bus from central Amsterdam; zaanseschans.nl
• Jordaan neighborhood -- recommended area to stay; central, walkable, canal access
• Keukenhof tulip gardens -- seasonal (spring); hop-on hop-off bus available from Amsterdam; keukenhof.nl
• Eating With Todd -- food content creator mentioned for Amsterdam restaurant recommendations; search on TikTok and Instagram
• Tony Chocolonely -- Dutch ethical chocolate brand; flagship store in Amsterdam; tonyschocolonely.com
• Stacking Adventures gear store -- stackingadventures.com/gotd
• Where in the World is Crystal? -- stackingadventures.com/mystorymore
This week on Drop A Pin the boys are flying solo and we are talking about one of the most infamous travel destinations: Amsterdam. Chap’s just got back from a family trip and is here to tell all about his experiences and dive into the history of one of Europes most iconic cities, as well as hearing …This week on Drop A Pin the boys are flying solo and we are talking about one of the most infamous travel destinations: Amsterdam. Chap’s just got back from a family trip and is here to tell all about his experiences and dive into the history of one of Europes most iconic cities, as well as hearing some of Donnie’s less family friendly tales from the city of sin.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Show Start
(00:00:38) - Weekly Top 10
(00:04:42) - Pre Boarding
(00:24:55) - A Word From Our Sponsors
(00:29:49) - Amsterdam Discussion
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Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Amsterdam and Paris with Frommers.com’s Editor In Chief Jason Cochran. The discussion ranged from Amsterdam’s painful World War II history, to 17th century Dutch drinking games, to what it’s like to attend a traditional wedding in Paris, the how to’s of g…Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Amsterdam and Paris with Frommers.com’s Editor In Chief Jason Cochran. The discussion ranged from Amsterdam’s painful World War II history, to 17th century Dutch drinking games, to what it’s like to attend a traditional wedding in Paris, the how to’s of getting into some of the top sights in each city, and much, much more.
Mentioned in this episode:
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After getting completely sidetracked in their last episode, we finally get to hear all about Emily’s annual girls trip. This time to Belgium and the Netherlands! Emily shares why she loves staying overnight in popular day-trip destinations like Bruges, her favorite experiences in Antwerp, Amsterdam,…After getting completely sidetracked in their last episode, we finally get to hear all about Emily’s annual girls trip. This time to Belgium and the Netherlands! Emily shares why she loves staying overnight in popular day-trip destinations like Bruges, her favorite experiences in Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Utrecht, and all the best things to eat, see, and do along the way. We also dive into Amsterdam’s unique culture, some surprising observations from the trip, and whether Emily’s opinion of the...more
What's it really like to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges — and sleep in your luxury floating hotel along the way?
In this episode, we dive into the unforgettable Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge tour, one of Europe's most relaxing active adventures. Pedal flat scenic routes through the Netherlands…What's it really like to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges — and sleep in your luxury floating hotel along the way?
In this episode, we dive into the unforgettable Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge tour, one of Europe's most relaxing active adventures. Pedal flat scenic routes through the Netherlands and Belgium, cruise past windmills and riverside villages, and explore iconic cities like Amsterdam, Ghent, and Bruges — all while unpacking just once.
We cover the daily mileage, difficulty level, what life aboard the barge is really like, and who this tour is perfect for (hint: you definitely don't have to be a hardcore cyclist - it's FLAT!!!).
If you love active travel with comfort, culture, and incredible scenery — this one's for you. And if you've been trying to get your partner to join you on an adventure, this is the PERFECT vacation that allows for differing physical abilities and desires - just like with our guest today!
Press play and let's ride through Holland and Belgium. 🚲🛥️
You'll discover:
• What it's really like to live aboard a bike and barge
• How difficult (or easy!) the cycling actually is
• Who this tour is perfect for — and who might want an e-bike
• The highlights of riding through Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, and the fairytale canals of Bruges
• Why boat and bike tours are one of the best ways to experience Europe
If you love active travel but prefer comfort over camping… if you enjoy cultural immersion without exhausting logistics… and if the idea of pedaling flat scenic paths through Holland and Belgium sounds like your kind of adventure — this episode is for you.
By the end, you may just find yourself planning your own Amsterdam to Bruges bike & barge adventure.
Take advantage of an exclusive Active Travel Adventures BoatBikeTours.com discount - email me for the current Boat Bike Tours promo code!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your European adventure, photos plus more cool info about today's show.
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High Altitude Travel Insurance: Most insurance policies do NOT cover high altitude adventures. Check out Rise & Shield for your next mega adventure!
Train For Your Adventure Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have! You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success. Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit. AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!
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Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders th…Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders the complicated relationship between physical geography and national identity.more
We took a KLM Business Class Flight from San Diego to Amsterdam and are giving you the inside scoop on our experience. From the check-in process and lounge access at SAN, to the onboard service, seat comfort, in-flight dining, and even how we felt stepping off the plane in Amsterdam we're covering i…We took a KLM Business Class Flight from San Diego to Amsterdam and are giving you the inside scoop on our experience. From the check-in process and lounge access at SAN, to the onboard service, seat comfort, in-flight dining, and even how we felt stepping off the plane in Amsterdam we're covering it all. Whether you're planning an international trip or just curious about what it’s like to fly KLM’s premium cabin on a long-haul route, this episode has everything you need to know.
Here’s what we cover:
• Seat setup: window vs middle seats, storage, and lie-flat comfort
• Amenity kit + perks: champagne, mocktails, noise-canceling headphones, and more
• In-flight dining: from crab salad & truffle pasta to French toast & cheese plates
• Entertainment & WiFi (or lack of it)
• Service experience: how KLM stacks up against Singapore Airlines & others
• The iconic ceramic Dutch house souvenir
• Our overall rating: 7/10 good value, but with some misses
Check out our other airline reviews below, or listen to our complete Airline Reviews playlist on Spotify to hear them all in one place:
• Singapore Airlines Business Class Review
• Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Review
• Egypt Air Business Class Review
• American Airlines Domestic Business Class Review
• Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Review
• TAP Air Portugal Stopover Program
Find amazing flight deals on KLM Airlines by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and getting daily flight deals (points and cash) sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to save $20 on your first year subscription.
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Erin Hynes - Gouda Cheese Market, Den Bosch Canals & Dreamy Delft – Exploring the Netherlands with Pina Travels
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Hynes from Pina Travels and the Curious Tourism Podcast for a rich, wide-ranging journey through the Netherlands — fro…Erin Hynes - Gouda Cheese Market, Den Bosch Canals & Dreamy Delft – Exploring the Netherlands with Pina Travels
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Hynes from Pina Travels and the Curious Tourism Podcast for a rich, wide-ranging journey through the Netherlands — from bustling cheese markets to hidden medieval canals, national parks to charming historic cities.
Erin’s deep personal connection to the Netherlands, through her family’s roots in Friesland, brings a unique insight into Dutch heritage and culture. Together, we explore well-known highlights and lesser-visited locations, weaving in stories about history, food, cycling culture, and the everyday beauty of life in this fascinating country.
We cover:
• Delft – Iconic blue Delftware pottery, historic churches, and postcard-perfect canals.
• Gouda – The world-famous cheese market and the traditions that keep it alive.
• Den Bosch – One of the best-preserved medieval city centres, with canals running beneath the streets.
• Dordrecht – A laid-back city with picturesque streets and waterside cafés.
• Werkendam & Biesbosch National Park – Wetlands, birdlife, and the Dutch art of water management.
• Utrecht – Two-level canals, lively cycling culture, and a vibrant student city vibe.
• Friesland – A unique province with its own language, traditions, and proud heritage.
Along the way, we dive into Dutch cuisine (from bitterballen to pannenkoeken), the country’s ingenious engineering solutions for living below sea level, and why cycling here is more than just a mode of transport — it’s part of the national identity. We also talk about the warm historical ties between the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands or love hearing about destinations beyond the obvious, this conversation will give you fresh ideas, practical travel tips, and a deeper appreciation for Dutch culture.
🎧 Listen to the Curious Tourism Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-tourism-responsible-travel-podcast/id1449041086
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🌍 Visit Pina Travels Website for awesome blogs: https://pinatravels.org/
🔔 Subscribe, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, and support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee!
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This podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
From calamari and patatas bravas on the Costa Brava to poolside chicken fingers in Surfside Beach and from pomme frites in Amsterdam to, wait, more chicken fingers (???), this episode is as varied and delicious as the Shady Maple breakfast smorgasbord* (IYKYK).
In this episode, my friend Stephanie from @thebackpackingmom and I recount our adventurous trip to Belgium and Amsterdam, highlighting our experiences traveling with kids, managing illness, and exploring beautiful cities like Bruges and Ghent.
Things you'll hear about in this episode:
• Travel…In this episode, my friend Stephanie from @thebackpackingmom and I recount our adventurous trip to Belgium and Amsterdam, highlighting our experiences traveling with kids, managing illness, and exploring beautiful cities like Bruges and Ghent.
Things you'll hear about in this episode:
• Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but flexibility is key.
• Bruges feels like a fairy tale town, perfect for wandering.
• Ghent offers a more medieval vibe compared to Bruges.
• Managing a sick child while traveling requires patience and adaptability.
• Amsterdam is a very walkable city with beautiful sights.
• Booking attractions in advance can save time and hassle.
• Traveling with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable.
• Kids can surprise you with their adaptability while traveling.
• Food is an essential part of the travel experience, especially local treats.
• Every trip has its challenges, but they often lead to the best memories.
• Find yourself a mom friend to travel with! Resources + Links:
Find Stephanie on Instagram at @thebackpackingmom
Blog Post: Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg 7 Day Itinerary
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond podcast, join me as I take you on an exciting journey through the vibrant city of Amsterdam. We'll uncover the top 7 must-see attractions that this historical and picturesque city has to offer:
1. Vondelpark - Amsterdam's green getaway
2. Anne Frank Hou…In this episode of The Radio Vagabond podcast, join me as I take you on an exciting journey through the vibrant city of Amsterdam. We'll uncover the top 7 must-see attractions that this historical and picturesque city has to offer:
1. Vondelpark - Amsterdam's green getaway
2. Anne Frank House - A poignant journey through history
3. Albert Cuyp Market - A sensory delight for foodies
4. Heineken Experience - Dive into the world of beer
5. Rijksmuseum - Explore Dutch art and history
6. Canal Cruise - See Amsterdam from a different perspective
7. The Van Gogh Experience and Van Gogh Museum - Immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh
So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on an unforgettable adventure together in Amsterdam! more
What do Europeans think about the USA? Kristin talks with strangers on the streets of Amsterdam about their thoughts on the United States and its citizens, but their reactions were not what she expected. Tune in to hear from an older couple from the Netherlands, "Retired Richard," a Belgian tourist,…What do Europeans think about the USA? Kristin talks with strangers on the streets of Amsterdam about their thoughts on the United States and its citizens, but their reactions were not what she expected. Tune in to hear from an older couple from the Netherlands, "Retired Richard," a Belgian tourist, a solo female traveler, and Lois the Local.
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