Unique Things To Do In Nashville: 7 (And More) Things You Can’t Miss | Travel Like A Local

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is most famous for its 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Furthermore, the Netherlands has been consistently one of the happiest countries in the world, with the current position of 7th in the World Happiness Report 2025.  The vibrant neighborhoods of Amsterdam have an important role to play in sustaining the position of the city. And it is no wonder that Amsterdam is one of the best family vacation spots in the world.  The city also has a cycling culture that goes well with sustainable and eco-friendly travel. In addition, the world-class museums here make it a hotspot for cultural and art connoisseurs around the world.  However, what’s more fascinating is the Sustainable Visitor Economy Strategy taken by the city in 2025 on the occasion of celebrating its 750th birthday.  It is not just about the numbers or the millions of visitors coming to the city every year. It is also about understanding the tourism trends and having a rational and balanced approach to tourism growth.  So, as Amsterdam acts sincerely to maintain and grow its tourism landscape, I want to discuss why the city is special, the places to visit, the food, local transport, and more in this Amsterdam travel guide.  What Is Amsterdam Best Known For? You know what can be the best things to do in Amsterdam? For me, it is always about unfolding the layered history of the city beyond its postcard charm.  The history of the city goes back to the 12th century, and then it was a peat bog at the mouth of the Amstel River.  Then, the city rises so much that during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, it becomes one of the wealthiest cities in the world.  Today, the legacy of the era continues with more than 1,000 bridges, over 90 islands, and hundreds of narrow merchant houses tilting at improbable angles above the water.  Furthermore, its network of canals and the legendary museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, put it at the epicenter of historical and cultural tourism in the country.  Along with these top attractions, Amsterdam also stands out with its contrasts. Along with the masterclass and classics, you will also find blocks with edgy street art in the stately museums of the city.  Furthermore, you will find here traditional brown cafés next to world-famous coffee shops and tulip stalls crowd markets that also sell antiques and vinyl records.  So, Amsterdam is always a city and a capital that deserves more than a weekend.  What Are The Places To Visit In Amsterdam? Top Attractions In Amsterdam Amsterdam is eclectic in nature. So, it offers you the right fusion of historical and cultural experience along with the charming neighborhoods.  These are the places to visit in Amsterdam that you cannot miss.  1. The Rijksmuseum: The National Treasure Of The Netherlands  With a permanent display of 8000 works, the Rijksmuseum is the largest art and history museum in the Netherlands.  Here, you will find Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid, among the collection of more than one million objects.  Furthermore, the Dutch Golden Age silver, Delftware ceramics, and dolls houses are equally extraordinary.  Practical Tip: Book tickets online at least two weeks in advance. Entry costs €22.50 for adults; children under 18 enter free. The museum gardens are free and open year-round. 2. Anne Frank House: A Profound Historical Experience The Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht is one of the most emotionally powerful sites in Europe.  The secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution for more than two years has been preserved almost exactly as it was.  Visitor numbers are strictly managed and thus only 1 million tickets are sold per year. So, you will have to book the tickets months in advance.  3. Van Gogh Museum In the Van Gogh Museum, you will find the largest collection of the master’s paintings and drawings.  You will find around 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh.  Furthermore, there is a chronological layout of the permanent collection. So, it is a great place to study the development of the artist from his dark Dutch period to the blazing canvases of Arles and Saint-Rémy. 4. Jordaan Neighborhood It has a dense grid of narrow streets and canals lined with independent galleries, vintage boutiques, antique shops, and hidden courtyards (hofjes).  The neighborhood grew as a working-class quarter in the 17th century and has since transformed into one of the city's most desirable addresses. Do not miss: the Westerkerk tower (climb it for panoramic views), the Noordermarkt on Saturday mornings (organic food and antiques), and the Pianola Museum on Westerstraat. 5. Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof, located 35 km south of Amsterdam near Lisse, is the world's largest flower garden. It has 32 hectares of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths planted in seasonal patterns.  It opens annually from late March to mid-May. Entry is €22 for adults; shuttle buses run from Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam's Centraal Station. 6. The Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring consists of four main canals. Singel Herengracht Keizersgracht Prinsengracht Amsterdam Travel Guide On Local Transport Amsterdam is one of the most walkable and cyclable cities in Europe.  The city center is compact (most major attractions are within a 3 km radius of Centraal Station), and an excellent public transport network of trams, buses, metro lines, and ferries covers the rest. Main Transport Options Cycling: Amsterdam has over 500 km of dedicated cycle paths. Bike rental runs approximately €12-€15 per day from shops near Centraal Station. Trams: GVB trams cover the city center with frequency every 5-10 minutes. An OV-chipkaart (tap-in/tap-out card) is the most economical option. Ferry: Free ferries cross the IJ waterway from behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord every few minutes. Metro: Useful mainly for the Noord/Zuid line connecting Centraal Station to De Pijp and Amsterdam Zuidoost. How Do Groups Get Around Amsterdam? For groups of 8 or more people, coordinating individually on trams or rented bicycles quickly becomes impractical.  A dedicated minibus hire in Amsterdam with a professional driver solves the logistics entirely. This is particularly valuable for corporate incentive groups, school trips, wedding parties, and multi-day sightseeing programs. An Amsterdam Travel Guide On The Neighborhoods: Where To Stay And Explore Along with the Jordaan Neighborhood, these are the neighborhoods you will love.  1. Centrum (City Center) The Centrum is home to the canal ring, Dam Square, the Flower Market, and the Red Light District. 2. Amsterdam Noord Formerly industrial, Noord has become the city's creative hub, home to the EYE Film Museum, NDSM Wharf (a former shipyard turned arts complex), and some of Amsterdam's best new restaurants.  Reach it by the free ferry from behind Centraal Station. 3. Oud-West A residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, the Vondelpark (Amsterdam's equivalent of Central Park), and Leidseplein's bar and theater district.  It is a solid choice for travelers on a mid-range budget. Amsterdam Food: What To Eat And Where Once, people in Amsterdam only ate stamppot, or a kind of mashed potato stew.  However, the city has come a long way and has now become one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe.  So, when you are in Amsterdam, you must try these essential delicacies.  1. Stroopwafel It is a thin caramel-filled waffle. You will find many market stalls selling it warm.  Furthermore, the best way to have it is to place it over a cup of hot chocolate and coffee for 1-2 minutes. Then, the caramel inside the waffle melts down, and you have the desired gooey experience.  2. Herring (Haring) You will love the raw and salt-cured herring served with onions and pickles.  The Dutch eat it by tilting the head back and lowering the fish whole. Try it at Volendammer Vishandel on Spui. 3. Bitterballen These are deep-fried ragout balls served in brown cafés as a bar snack.  Furthermore, these are crispy outside and molten inside. 4. Indonesian Rijsttafel It is a colonial-era "rice table" consisting of 15-30 small Indonesian dishes served with steamed rice.  Amsterdam has excellent Indonesian restaurants thanks to its colonial history; try Blauw on Amstelveenseweg. 5. Cheese Dutch Gouda and Edam are available everywhere, but seek out aged (belegen or oud) varieties at specialist cheese shops like De Kaaskamer in the Jordaan. A Practical Amsterdam Travel Guide: Keep These Things In Mind So, are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? Keep these practical tips in mind.  1. Do You Need A Visa To Visit Amsterdam? The Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Area. So, if you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Amsterdam.  Furthermore, if you are from the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, you can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa under the Schengen rules.  Moreover, from 2025 onward, non-EU citizens who do not need a visa will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization before travel. The fee is €7. 2. What Currency Is Used In Amsterdam? The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). Furthermore, Amsterdam is known for its cashless or contactless payment methods.  Furthermore, you will find many ATMs in the city.  However, you must avoid exchanging your currency at the bureaus in tourist areas to avoid high fees. 3. Is Amsterdam Safe For Tourists? The Netherlands has secured the 14th position among 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2025.  So, Amsterdam, the capital city, is of course safe for tourists.  However, pickpocketing, especially around the Centraal Station, in crowded trams, and on the Damrak, remains a concern.  Furthermore, you must behave responsibly when exploring the Red Light District. There is heavy policing in the area, and you must respect local regulations and avoid taking photographs of the sex workers.  Moreover, abide by the following key rules for your safety in Amsterdam.  You must cycle through only dedicated cycle lanes.  You can have cannabis in licensed coffee shops. However, it is illegal to have cannabis in the public space.  Also, remember that you will have to pay toeristenbelasting or a tourist tax of €3 per person per night plus a 7% surcharge with your accommodation bills.  Amsterdam Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers related to the Amsterdam travel guide.  1. What Is The Best Way To Get From Schiphol Airport To Amsterdam City Center? The fastest way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Center is to take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal.You will get the train every 10-15 minutes, and the travel time is around 17 minutes. Also, the train ticket fare is €5.50 with an OV-chipkaart. Furthermore, you can even book a taxi that takes around 20-40 minutes based on the traffic, and the ticket price is around 35 to 50 Euros. Moreover, for groups arriving together, a pre-booked private transfer is often the most cost-effective door-to-door option. 2. Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting In Winter? Yes, you can visit Amsterdam during the winter months of December to February. In fact, due to fewer crowds and low temperatures, these months are ideal for exploring the top attractions such as the Rijksmuseum.However, remember that the winter temperature in Amsterdam hovers around 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. 3. What Day Trips Are Possible From Amsterdam? Amsterdam is an excellent base for day trips. The most popular include:• Haarlem (20 min by train): Charming medieval city with the Frans Hals Museum and a lively Saturday market.• Delft (1 hr by train): Famous for blue-and-white Delftware pottery and the birthplace of Vermeer.• Zaanse Schans (20 min by train): Open-air museum village with working windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and a clog factory.• Keukenhof (35 km by car or bus, spring only): The world's largest tulip garden. 4. Can You Drink Tap Water In Amsterdam? Yes, you can drink tap water in Amsterdam. The tap water in the city is one of the cleanest and best-tasting in Europe.Furthermore, the tap water of the city is sourced from dune water and then filtered through sand and treated without heavy chlorination. 5. How Many Days Are Enough In Amsterdam? The days you spend in Amsterdam will depend on the attractions you want to see.For example, if you are in Amsterdam for 2 days, you can see the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, take a canal cruise, and explore the Jordaan neighborhood.Furthermore, if you are in Amsterdam for 3-4 days, you can add Van Gogh Museum, a day trip to Keukenhof (spring) or Haarlem, and exploring De Pijp and Noord to your itinerary.Moreover, if you are in Amsterdam for 5-7 days, you can consider day trips to Delft, The Hague, or Zaanse Schans (the iconic windmill village, 20 minutes north of Amsterdam).

BY  Mashum Jan 5, 2023

If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Mexico, then you must visit Tolantoongo, which is a box canyon, which is in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The canyon is 1.5 hours of northwest, Pachuca, and about 198 km which is about four hours from Mexico City.  So if you wanna know more about this exceptional natural escape with beautiful hot water springs and natural pools and rivers with caves. To know more details about the Grutas de Tolantongo, then keep on scrolling down.  How Will You Reach The Las Grutas De Tolantongo? With diverse natural resources, Mexico is a haven for visitors and travelers. The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural system of grottoes and caves. The beautiful water flows from the Grottos to the river of Tolantongo, which flows through the hot springs, which act like swimming pools like natural pools.  If you don’t know what a grotto is, then it is a type of cave that is naturally made underground and flows through for thousands of years. Rainwater could easily seep down piercing calcareous rocks, which dissolved them.  Then the result that formed was a mesmerizing aquatic heaven with rivers, waterfalls, and even hot springs, that became Tolantongo.  How To Reach Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Now that you know where this aquatic heaven is, you should be able to reach the place easily, as there are many options you can avail to reach the place. Here are the options you can select from.  1. Renting A Car Service One of the most popular choices of transportation from Mexico City to la Grutas de Tolantongo. Although a car service can be expensive, it is still one of the expensive options. So if you have a hefty budget, then you can easily avail of a car service. Well if you love a long stretch of road, then you will love the surrounding atmosphere while traveling.  2. Take The Bus One of the cheapest forms of transportation is the bus service. The bus is public transportation that any tourist can avail of. The easiest way for you to get a bus service is through Mexico Terminal TAPO.  From the ADO bus service, you can reach Pachuca. The journey is a 2 hours journey by bus, although the buses run every 3 hours, then plan your timing accordingly.  You would have to take a bus again till Ixmiquilpan, the bus is about 2 hours journey which runs about five times a day. Then from Ixmiquipan, it is about a 14 minutes walk, from where you can get a bus to Tolantongo.  The bus journey is very jarring and tiring and it might take you 6 hours to complete the whole journey. And it will cost you about $12 to about $22. Since this method is so tiring and long, it is not recommended for tourists, as it would take them a whole day.  3. Join A Tour Group Another possible transportation you can get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo is by organizing to join a tour group. If you are staying in Mexico City, for a few days, then the easiest way of traveling to Grutas de Tolantonga is with a tour group.  What Are The Things To Do In Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Upon reaching Grutas de tolantongo, there are a lot of places you can do there, and a few of these things that you can do. The area is divided between two areas, which are La Gruta Zone and El Paraiso Escondido.  1. Tolantongo Hot Springs (El Paraiso Zone) The hot springs of Tolantongo in the El Paraiso Zone are known as a stunning sight to see. There is a variety of hot springs, present here are mostly infinite pools, built on the side of grottos, cliffs, and swimming pools.  The temperature is somewhere around 96F and 100F. The hot springs were very relaxing and very popular, which have people flock there for this relaxing activity, so having a swimsuit with yourself is a must if you wanna go to the hot springs. Read More: Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter 2. Tolantongo Cave & Tunnel (La Gruta) There are beautiful dark and wet caves and tunnels that you can visit and explore by yourself. Since the walls of the caves and tunnels are wet, you should carry water shoes, to avoid slipping. You can also go swimming in the pools in the caves, where you will find beautiful waterfalls.  3. Tolantongo River (La Gruta) All of you who want to stay overnight at Tolantongo would mostly camp out near the Tolantongo river. The blue and warm Tolantongo river is a beautiful place to camp. There is more open space for people to gather and enjoy themselves.  Read More: 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas 4. Suspension Bridge (El Paraiso) One of the famous places of Tolantongo is the swing bridge which allows visitors a beautiful and luscious green environment.  The suspension bridge is an attractive tourist destination when you are visiting Grutas de Tolantongo. You should remember to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking for a while.  5. Zipline (El Paraiso) If you are an adrenaline junky and love adventure sports, then you are going to love Ziplining through the greenery of Tolantongo. Although it is not free, the price for ziplining is not as much, only about $10.  Wrapping Up! Now that you know that Grutas de Tolantongo is a beautiful place state in Mexico. Then if you are visiting there you will find a comfortable grutas de tolantongo hotel. Or if you are staying there only for a night, then camping is the best option.  So if you think this article helped you in knowing more about grutas de tolantongo, then give your own article a like and comment down below. Read Also: Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations! Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY  Mashum Mar 21, 2025

It is possible to find a car rental company that provides a car rental service in Tirana without the need for a deposit. However, it is worthwhile to carefully search for a reliable company without the risk of fraud. Finding a car abroad is more difficult than in your home country. Choose a rental company carefully. Use the services of trusted companies. Their official websites should have a large number of reviews from satisfied customers. Read the rental conditions in detail to avoid unforeseen situations while traveling. How to Rent a Car in Tirana When Traveling? When visiting Tirana, you will know that you can have a crazy experience with the diverse topography offering you the feel of both the mountain and the sea! Be it the northern Alps or the Albanian Riviera, you must experience the bustling life you will face in Tirana. Renting a car is the best way to explore everything! So, pack your bags and let’s go on this amazing trip. Is it Safe to Rent a Car in Tirana, Albania? When Traveling to Albania, I would say renting a car is quite safe especially if you are booking through reputable organizations. Agencies such as Avis and Europcar are rental car companies that provide an extra layer of confidence to you with their reputation in the market. One of the best deals that one of my acquaintances got was booking a rented car through Discover Cars, because they are really helpful when it comes to grabbing the cheapest deals available. The reviews and feedback on Discover Cars might be a little different as compared to TrustPilot and Google reviews. This might be an issue sometimes. I would suggest a secondary check. It will be helpful from all ends and give you a better understanding of the whole situation. Also, you can always seek legal assistance in case you are facing drink driving charges during your vacation.  The best service for deposit-free car rental RosCar.al is a leading car rental service in Albania that specializes in providing quality transportation solutions for tourists and business clients. The company's official website has a section of cars that are available without a deposit. When renting a car with extended insurance, a deposit is also not required. However, customers should regularly monitor the catalog of available vehicles. Some cars are available without a deposit only if you book early. The car rental service provides an opportunity to make a payment without the need to block funds on the card. Thus, each client will receive a car without unnecessary risks. The RosCar.al assortment includes: economy class cars mini-cars SUVs and crossovers; convertibles minivans luxury cars. Additional services, such as GPS navigation, child car seats, additional insurance, etc. will make traveling in an unfamiliar country easier. What are the Best Places for Car Rentals in Albania? One of the first places that you can hire car rentals in Tirana is at the airport where there are several companies available. Yet, if you do not want to book there, how to rent a car in Tirana? Considering it is the capital of Albania, there are a lot of options available with competitive prices. You will easily find Albania Car Rentals, Select, iRent Albania and Sixt and other companies that are well known for renting a car when going to Tirana. There are other organizations such as Durres which offer you to provide the car to the specific location you request for access. Additionally, other places to rent a car are from Saranda, a southern coastal town which you will find as an entry point from Corfu when you are traveling. Or if you are coming from Greece, this is the place where you can easily rent a car from enterprises such as Optima, Aris and Select. The 4rth largest city Shkoder in Albania is also an entry point if you are traveling from Montenegro. So, you can easily rent a car for Tirana from here where you will find several options if you go through Discover Cars, be it Sur Price, Green Motion and Select. What documents do I need to rent a car without a deposit? A driver's license and a passport are enough to book and complete the rental. To apply for a car you like, you need to: choose a car on the official website of RosCar.al; indicate the date, place of pickup and time of return; confirm the order by receiving a letter to the specified e-mail; receive the car in the chosen place or at the airport of Tirana. The possibility of returning a car in another city makes it easier to travel in a new country. How to avoid scams when looking for a safe car rental company? Read the terms of the proposed rental carefully. Before signing the contract, make sure you are familiar with all the terms and conditions, including the policy on deposits, insurance, and possible additional payments. If you have any questions about the rental conditions, do not hesitate to contact the company's representatives to clarify the details. Renting a car without a deposit can be a convenient option, but it is important to be careful when choosing a rental company and not to risk your personal data. Do not give the company representatives your personal banking information without prior approval. Use well-known international services or local companies with a good reputation, such as RosCar.al. Check the company's official website and contacts. If the offer is too cheap, it may be a sign of fraud or additional hidden fees. Tips for your Rental Car in Albania You should book your car in advance when going to Tirana because it is not like they have an endless supply of rental cars. So, it is better if you check with rental agencies with Discover Cars. Also, mention what is your preference when it comes to manual or automatic early so that you can get according to your preference. You also need to have a full insurance cover because there might be several risks when it comes to driving a car in Albania. I am not saying you will fall into a crisis but, Albania is known for their high rates of road traffic deaths in all of Europe. Use a credit card when paying because most agencies deduct holding fees for any future damage. When you use a credit card, this is not deducted from your account henceforth, protecting your money in the long term. Wrapping up! In conclusion, when you are wondering how to rent a car in Tirana, you have to keep all the tips shared here. Furthermore, there are several practical risks when traveling with a car, so be aware of your surroundings. Comment down below on what you think about the safety tips I have shared with you. With these tips, I am sure you will have some of the best experiences when traveling to Tirana.