D Travels 'Round

Offbeat Attractions in Amsterdam

It is easy to find things to do in Amsterdam. Guidebooks will always include the tried-and-true spots like Anne Frank House, Van Gough Museum, tulip market, canal boat tours, coffee shops, and more. But, what if you want to skip the crowds and check out some of the more fun, funky, and off-beat spots in this gorgeous city?

It can most definitely be done.

While the main tourist attractions are worth a visit (I know the Anne Frank House brought tears to my eyes), there are plenty of other places worthy of checking out. Simply head out of your Amsterdam hotel and see what this city has to offer!

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9 Things to Know About Expat Life

9 things to know about expat life
Today marks three years of life as an expat. If you asked me three years ago, when I arrived wide-eyed to Chiang Mai if I ever would have imagined being in Spain today, I would have likely looked at you and laughed … because really? That notion, then, seemed absurd.

And yet … here I am.

The past three years have been some of the most beautiful, the most amazing and the most challenging three years I have ever lived. I have laughed, loved and struggled more than words could ever convey. I’ve been on elephant rescues, I’ve seen more of the realities of life than I ever thought possible and I’ve battled with my own demons.

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5 Things to Do in Chiang Mai: a Mini Guide to Chiang Mai

A mini-guide to Chiang Mai that covers elephants, food, massage, coffee shops and more! Sweet, gorgeous Chiang Mai. Located in northern Thailand, this city is everything Bangkok is not: it is peaceful, relaxing and blessedly less crowded.

It’s easy to just get sucked into the city when traveling and decide to stick around longer. With so many affordable hotels and guest houses in Chiang Mai (we’re talking under $10 a night, folks!), plus cheap street food to devour, this city is a travelers dream.

There seems to be a never-ending list of things to do in Chiang Mai and so many things to love about the city.

So, if you cross these major tourist attractions off of the list, what is there to do in Chiang Mai?

So. Much.

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The Cool Guide to London

The Cool Guide to London including free attractions, where to eat, bars and where to stay via www.dtravelsround.com
While in London, I was constantly looking for cool places to visit and experience. I like to think I found quite a few little gems, some you may have heard of, and maybe some new ones, too!

Sure, people visiting London tend to do the tourist things like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the West End and on and on … but some of the gems of London aren’t those attractions.

In fact, there are plenty of free places to explore (and, sure, they are likely in guidebooks).

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite free places to visit, walks to take, great restaurants and bars and even some hotels to add to your itinerary.

So, what’s cool to do in London? Why, hello, The Cool London Guide (as curated by yours truly) that includes all of the things to do in London that I love.

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Living it Up at Sofitel St. James

A review of London's Sofitel St. James via www.dtravelsround.com
Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Sofitel St. James. For more, please read my disclosure policy.

We arrive into the grand entry at Sofitel St. James. It’s been a long day, and it has only just begun. Around us, business people and families are spread throughout the posh lobby, readying themselves to take in the rainy London afternoon.

The two of us standout, surrounded by hotel guests who are dressed far nicer than us, but it doesn’t matter to the staff.

Smiles greet us as we check-in and head up to our room. The past few days, we’ve experienced everything from a converted townhouse to a 70s disco room, to the mod Sex Pistol’s room we shared in Brighton, and now we have entered the heart of luxury.

And, I mean luxury.

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The Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Madrid

Looking for the best place to watch the sunset in Madrid? Try the Temple of Debod: http://www.dtravelsround.com/2015/06/25/best-place-to-watch-sunset-in-madrid-temple-debod/
Summer Solstice. The longest day of the year, in terms of sunlight, and also the first day of summer. I’ve never celebrated it before, because, really, it’s just never been important to me. But, I wake up Sunday morning and feel empty. It’s one of the side effects of starting a new life and just getting going. It’s an uphill battle to feel acclimated, and one I’m really not used to climbing.

I just need to do something for me.

For the past month, I have been overwhelmed. Filled with stress over acquiring my student visa for Spain, importing my cats from Thailand, feeling utterly lost and a myriad of other things. I’ve been hauled up in my flat, motionless as I try to sort out who I am, where I am and what the hell I am doing with my life.

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#CityLove: Offbeat Attractions in Florence

Offbeat attractions in Florence via http://www.dtravelsround.com/2015/06/24/citylove-offbeat-attractions-florence/ — Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: Manuel Secher

With roots tied deeply to the Renaissance, Florence, Italy has it all: churches, markets, wine, Italian food … but there is so much more than meets the eye. After you’ve booked your Florence hotel and start the trip planning, (which needs to include spots like the Uffizi Museum and Duomo, for starters), be sure to expand your list. While absolutely breathtaking just to be in the city, there are other, fun and offbeat attractions in this city to create some seriously colorful memories and amazing experiences.

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#CityLove: The Best Beaches in Santa Cruz

The best beaches to check out in Santa Cruz, California via http://www.dtravelsround.com/2015/06/23/citylove-beaches-santa-cruz/ — Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: River and Sky Ramirez

Santa Cruz, located 75 miles south of San Francisco, is an ideal spot for a holiday. An abundance of gorgeous hotels in Santa Cruz, along with its beautiful weather, stunning coastline, towering redwood forests, and more make it a year-round travel destination.

A burgeoning beach resort town, there are certainly no shortage of beaches to explore while vacationing here. But, which beach should you go to you on your trip?

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Let’s Get Lost

Let's get lost
“What do you want to do now?” he asks as we stand in the parking lot of the foot massage spa somewhere in the Valley.

“I don’t care,” I respond. Because, really, I don’t. All that matters is that I am spending time with my friend in his home.

We stand there, in the early summer evening, wondering what to do. We’d already been biking in Santa Monica, wandered around the impressive Fairfax Flea Market …

“We could go on a drive and just get lost,” I suggest.

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#CityLove: The Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for a variety of things: it’s bike-friendly (OK, bike-heavy), the gorgeous canals and boat rides to take, the cultural attractions like the Anne Frank House, the festivals, and — let’s be real — the marijuana tourism.

There are a few things to know before visiting this city, mainly that it isn’t so weed-friendly. Yes, there are coffee shops to go and sample the local goods, but smoking in public isn’t legal (and you can get in big trouble if you do) and having anything more than five ounces can land you in serious hot water. In fact, the topic of drug tourism in Holland has been a hot one lately, as the country made coffee shop owners choose between selling booze or pot. It resulted in many shops opting for selling alcohol, instead. But, drug tourism is still alive and well in the city.

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