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

BY  Sibashree Mar 13, 2026

Amsterdam is one of the best family vacation spots in the world.  Well, the canals and bikes are legendary. However, you also get something that you probably did not expect.  Amsterdam teaches you the art of slow traveling and the thrill of “doing nothing” as a tourist looking for meaningful and authentic experiences.  So, as a believer of TheLowDownUnder Travel, the capital of the Netherlands became my instant favorite.  Furthermore, once you reach Amsterdam, you find out that nothing is superficial about it, and the layered history of the city keeps the intrigue alive.  Hence, you always want to come back to Amsterdam.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Amsterdam. Also, if you are in the Dutch capital for the first time, read my guide on Amsterdam travel tips before booking your tickets.  What Are The Things To Do In Amsterdam? (Beyond Ticking The Bucket List) The Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam have all the credit for being one of the best places in the world to see flowers.  Furthermore, it is home to historical and cultural landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.  However, the things to do in Amsterdam are not limited to exploring these places. The real thing to do here is to soak in the history, culture, and livelihood of the city.  So, this is how I experienced Amsterdam.  1. Know A City Built On Water And Ambition A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring was engineered in the 17th century.  The 17th century was the Dutch Golden Age, and it is no wonder that Amsterdam was one of the most powerful trade hubs in the world then.  Till today, these waterways lined with tilting canal houses continue to be the backbone of daily life.  You can cycle along the banks like a local or enjoy your time in the houseboats, which bob quietly in the morning mist. These also connect the neighborhoods.  Moreover, the city is very walkable.  The city centre has a series of concentric canals radiating outward from Central Station. Also, most of the major attractions are within cycling or walking distance.  2. Explore Culture At Every Corner The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel in the cultural landscape of the Dutch capital.  Here, you can see all the great work from the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Furthermore, it has works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.  A short walk away, the Van Gogh Museum draws visitors from across the globe, while the Stedelijk offers a strong programme of modern and contemporary art.  For something more intimate, the smaller canal house museums like Museum Van Loon or the Willet-Holthuysen give you a glimpse into how Amsterdam's merchant elite actually lived. Then there's the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht, a sobering and essential visit that tells one of history's most important stories within the very walls where it unfolded. Book tickets well in advance. Beyond the museums, Amsterdam rewards wandering.  The Nine Streets district is a tangle of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee bars tucked between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht.  The Jordaan neighbourhood, once a working-class area, is now one of the most charming parts of the city, full of small galleries, brown cafés, and local markets. 3. Enjoy The Food, Drink, And The Art Of Doing Nothing Dutch food has come a long way from its reputation for simplicity.  Amsterdam's restaurant scene now spans everything from Indonesian rijsttafel, a legacy of the country's colonial history, to outstanding French bistros, modern European tasting menus, and some of the best street-level snacking in Northern Europe.  Grab a fresh herring from a harbour stall, settle into a traditional brown café for a local beer, or book ahead at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants. The café culture here is worth embracing fully.  Amsterdam's brown cafés, or bruine kroegen, are warm, unhurried spaces designed for long conversations and slow afternoons. They are as much a part of the city's identity as the canals. Where To Stay In Amsterdam? Choose Ambassade Hotel Are you looking for accommodation that feels like an extension of the city itself? Then, the Ambassade Hotel on the Herengracht is a natural choice.  1. Live The History And Enjoy The Art It is spread across 16 historic canal houses that date back to the 17th century. So, a stay here gives you the chance to be a part of the city’s history.  Also, most rooms here look over the Herengracht canal. So, you can enjoy the streetscape of the city.  Furthermore, this hotel has a rich legacy in the field of Dutch hospitality. It has been welcoming guests since 1953, and the moment you step into this hotel in Amsterdam, you get that whiff of history and feel the warmth.  Moreover, this hotel was an informal art gallery for me as it has decorations with works from the CoBrA art movement.  Artists from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam founded this bold post-war avant-garde school. 2. Check Its Vast Collection Of Literature  This Amsterdam hotel is also famous for its connection to literature. So, it can be a favorite stay for the dark academia fans.  Furthermore, writers and intellectuals have loved gathering here since the 1980s, and it has a Library Bar housing more than 5000 books.  Moreover, each book is signed by an author who stayed here.  So, this Dutch hotel is not just a place to stay. It is a destination in itself.  3. Indulge In The Cuisine  The Brasserie Ambassade serves French-inspired cuisine seven days a week. Moreover, if you want to explore the city more deeply, you can also join the private tours offered.  These tours cover Amsterdam's art, architecture, and canal history. Choose A Stay That Gives You The Ease To Explore  Staying at The Ambassade Hotel gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. It is located at Herengracht 341.  So, this hotel is located within walking distance of the major attractions in the city.  Moreover, booking directly via ambassade-hotel.nl gives you the best available rate, up to 15% lower than third-party platforms, along with seasonal offers and the possibility of a complimentary room upgrade. Overall, Amsterdam is a city that rewards travelers who take it slow and yearn for authentic experiences.  Hence, staying at a place that is imbued with the city’s character is very important for a perfect vacation.

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

I just planned a road trip last month. It was a pretty bold step, and my daughter kept reminding me, “Mama, you will throw up again.” She was referring to an earlier road trip last year.  It’s hard to miss the allure of a long-planned road trip, especially when it’s about celebrating the post-exam fun with my daughter. But I do have motion sickness and nausea, giddiness, and throwing up are the common problems I face.  Thankfully, with time, I have learned how to manage motion sickness and still enjoy the ride.  So, in this article, I will break down how you can take control of your symptoms and get the most out of your trip. It begins with talking to your doctor and sharing your symptoms of motion sickness. Sometimes, these medications help to alleviate your discomfort.  Common medications include: Dramamine Meclizine Scopolamine Patches. For more details on how to manage motion sickness during traveling, continue reading below. Understanding Motion Sickness And How Treatment Works. Any treatment for motion sickness blocks the neurotransmitter associated with motion sickness. Here are some signs of motion sickness you must pay attention to.  Nausea Feeling Warm Sweating Vomiting Feeling Drowsy Stomach Unrest Salivating More Than Usual You can talk to your doctor and look out for more indications that it may be at work. How To Manage Motion Sickness When You Are On A Road Trip?  So, you are all set for the road trip. I usually start my trips in the morning, but you can start them at any time of the day.  Now, whenever I go out on a trip, I eat light. However, it does not mean that you have to start the trip with an empty stomach. Just have your usual staples and preferably something with a high carb quotient, low fat, and spices.  Then, drink enough water and take the medications. Now, I have my BP problems. So, I cannot start a day without it.  It’s time to start the car. However, there are some other important aspects of how to manage your motion sickness on a road trip.  So, here are the details.  1. Strategically Plan For Prevention Dress in lightweight clothing to offset feelings of warmth and overheating if you do experience symptoms.  Take a sweater with you if you do get cold, but stick to breathable, lightweight fabrics and footwear while you're traveling.. Sitting on the passenger side may make it more challenging to avoid seeing visual movement because of the wider windowscape you have access to from that seat. 2. Avoid Activities That May Exacerbate Symptoms Additionally, avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. Activities to avoid include reading, using your phone or other devices to watch videos, or scrolling. Do not engage in drinking or late-night eating the day before traveling to ensure you’ll feel healthy for your trip. Experiencing a hangover or poor digestion can easily exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. However, to keep your mind relaxed, you can always listen to your favorite road trip songs.  3. Get Good Sleep The Night Before When we don’t sleep well, it is harder for the body to regulate body temperature.  You may find yourself feeling overheated after a night of poor rest. Since feeling warm is already a symptom of motion sickness, make sure you get good rest the night before traveling to avoid worsening these symptoms.  Get to bed early and block out any lights that may interrupt your sleep cycle. Further, to calm your nerves and get a sound sleep on the day before your road trip, you can drink chamomile tea. It works for me!  4. Take Your Medications On Time Take the motion sickness medications recommended to you by your doctor to prevent the onset of symptoms as best as possible.  Follow the timing directions for your medications to get the most benefit before heading out on your road trip.  For example, prescription Scopolamine patches might be applied 30-60 minutes prior to traveling in order to work.  Talk to your doctor to determine when it's the best time to take your medications in order to manage your motion sickness. 5. Look For Balancing Visual Cues Looking at a stationary object as you travel can help your brain and inner ear find a constant understanding of motion, making you less susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.  If you do find yourself feeling woozy, rest your head on the back of the seat to promote physical stability.  You can help establish a greater balance by keeping yourself grounded in your seat. Close your eyes to reduce visual exposure to any changing movement in front of or to the side of you while in the car. 6. Take Short Breaks, Use Soothing Herbs, And Avoid Triggers I take short breaks throughout the trip to get fresh air. Furthermore, ginger and peppermints are my best friends to keep my stomach settled.  Caffeine is a big NO for me when I am traveling. Also, it’s better to avoid smoking and using devices on the go.  Moreover, I avoid wearing strong perfumes or using any strong odor in my car when I am on a road trip. This is my little secret on how to manage motion sickness on a road trip.  7. Take A Nap If You’re The Passenger. When I am not driving the car, I prefer to take a short nap. It may sound boring, but it works! If you can’t sleep, at least get some shut-eye by using an eye mask. Thus, your brain will get the signal of a consistent reality, and it will be easier for you to offset symptoms.  Get Road Trip Ready Medication Use of Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon Eating Right Taking Short Breaks All these help to manage motion sickness on the go. However, your symptoms can be different from mine or vice versa. So, for medications and tips to alleviate the symptoms, you need a prior medical consultation.  Get road trip ready by doing all you can ahead of time to manage your symptoms. Read Also: Atlanta to Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss! Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey Essential Car Checks Before a Long Journey: Road Trip Ready

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.