Choosing which area to book a Hotel Room in

Amsterdam, a destination that features in almost everyone’s bucket list. So when we finally made our way to the Netherlands, it was over the Easter holidays.

Our booking was done not completely last minute but enough to make me panic (!!!) I did want to book around Schipol though simply because the connectivity to the city centre is brilliant and most airport hotels provide complimentary hotel transportation to Schipol Airport (also the rail station) and back.

If visiting the beautiful Tulips Gardens at Keukenhof is what you have in mind then you might want to consider booking in Haarlem. Advantage of booking here would be cheaper hotel rooms with proximity to Keukenhof but with good connectivity to the city centre via trains.

Steigenberger Hotel

This massive hotel has 440 rooms and suites. Our twin room was spacious and had a beautiful desk and came equipped with all the creature comforts that one would normally expect from a good business hotel.

Each room comes equipped with:

• Free wifi
• A/c
• Safe to store your passport and any valueables
• work-desk
• Flat-screen TV
• Minibar

A slim- concealed wall cupboard to store essentials like the kettle, mugs and trays

Plenty of space to stow away luggage, coats and shoes

I loved the two huge chairs in the room, a massive mirror by the desk and a lovely desk and T.V

The bathroom came equipped with all the basic toiletries and was very clean.

Amenities at Steigenberger

• Shuttle service
• Free wifi
• Fitness area
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• 24-hour room service
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Meeting Rooms

Just some basic pointers here, especially if you are planning to visit Amsterdam over Easter, half-term or any other holiday period:

• Book well in advance
• Always check rates on the hotel website and other booking sites
• Many times airlines offer great deals on hotel and flight bookings done together, always worth checking
• If you are traveling as a group, it is worth emailing the hotel directly to check out any special offers on bulk bookings

Top Tips to make the most of your time while in Amsterdam

Here are some recommendations to plan well and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and vibrant city:

• Plan your visit to the Tulip Gardens at Keukenhof
• Enjoy an evening tasting the best local cheese and wine
• Top 5 fun things to do in Amsterdam

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own. 

A love affair with Venice

Venice, is one of those places I’ve been to, that I dream of going back to, over and over again. If dreams came true then, I would probably rent a nice airy flat by the canal for a few months and spend my days walking along the canals, buying fresh seafood from the fabulous bustling Rialto market, and enjoying cooking in a tiny Venetian kitchen, weekend evenings would be spent bar crawling or as they are referred to in Venice – Bacaros. And of course, I would savour authentic Italian coffee every single day, freshly brewed, maybe sit by the canal, read a book while sipping on some fruity red wine… ah – the perfect life…

Experience Venice like a local

Though I haven’t yet managed to fulfill this dream, I did manage to spend a few magical days in Venice exploring the food, wine and culture.

A quaint Venetian Bacaro

Bacacros or traditional Venetian wine bars are a must-visit when in Venice. This is where the locals go to drink wine, enjoy the atmosphere, and savour some delicious snacks. Rather than spending too much money at the many tourist traps, it’s best to do your research first and plan your visit to at least one of these quaint old bars.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

Located in the Dorsoduro district, this atmospheric bacaro is bursting with character. The crumbling structure adds to the rustic appeal and its proximity to one of the city’s last surviving gondola workshops is a bonus. Situated right in front of a canal, this bacaro is a firm favourite with the locals. It is also a wine shop and is always buzzing with activity. Seating is not available as is the tradition in most of the traditional bacaro’s.

Cicchetti

Cicchetti is to Venice what Tapas are to Spain. These delectable small plates of Venetian finger food are a perfect accompaniment to a glass of Vino. Cantine del Vino già Schiavi serves a great selection, prepared fresh every day at the venue.

The glass counter at the front of Cantine del Vino già Schiavi has shelves heaving with plate after plate full of different cicchetti. The most popular ones seemed to be the ones topped with cheese – ofcourse! Like the pumpkin puree, ricotta and parmesan, the gorgonzola cheese topped with pear and balsamic vinegar, also the gorgonzola cheese and walnut cicchetti was quite delicious.

There were several combinations of cod, tuna and anchovies with olives and cheese and other mouth-watering combinations too.

While it is customary to sample a few wines while enjoying a plate of Cicchetti, it is also highly recommended to round off the session with a taste of Grappa. This potent local alcoholic beverage is quite a heady drink and those not used to it can end up experiencing quite a system shock – like I did 😉 Thankfully, I shared my grappa with DH who absolutely loved it.

Eat and Drink like a local

There is no better way to truly immerse oneself in the local culture than to experience a new city as a local would. Sampling the local food and wine is just one of the ways to get a real taste of the authentic vibe of the place.

Planning a trip to Venice? Why not browse through my review of Hotel Al Ponte Moncenigo here?

I simply can’t seem to get enough of Venice! So if you are planning a trip to Venice then stay tuned for more posts – about Cafe Florian, a day trip to Murano and Burano, and loads more inspiration!

Heading to Venice? Have a look at my review post about our stay at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo. It is centrally located and within walking distance of Rialto Market, this hotel also has beautifully luxurious rooms and they do a fabulous breakfast. Located very close to the local water taxi stop, we actually walked here after the airport bus dropped us at the main hub in Venice!

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed and eaten. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Breathtaking Natural beauty

Finnish Lapland is truly a winter wonderland. Visiting this artic haven in winter had been on our bucket list for a while. We stayed in the small village of Akaslompolo in Lapland and managed to do many adventurous things – most for the first time ever in our lives – which was thrilling and beyond magical. There is something suitable for every type of traveller, right from the straight-up thrill-seekers to the quiet bookworms. There really is so much to see and do, that picking a list of Top 10 is quite tough. But here are my top recommendations.

See the Northern lights

To be perfectly honest I planned this entire trip for two solid reasons, I wanted to chase the Northern Lights, and secondly – I wanted to escape to a place that was remote, beautiful, and experience thick snow at the height of winter, in Lapland. Though unfortunately, we didn’t catch the elusive Aurora Borealis we managed to have many wonderful experiences which really fuelled our sense of adventure.

Go Snowshoeing through a National Park in the dark

Even if you are not the adventurous sort, snowshoeing through the national park is not to be missed. We had the most sublime experience as we walked in pitch darkness as part of a small group with two local Finnish guides and just the light from their headlamps guiding us through the pristine white snow. Highlights of this trek were an introduction to Sami culture, an unforgettable meal of reindeer meat cooked on-site in the wilderness in a cosy hut hidden away deep inside a heavily forested area, and our first ever snowshoeing trek. A trek to remember, so many ‘firsts’, an unforgettable experience.

Relax in a Hot Sauna

Finland is famous for its hot saunas and no trip to Finland is complete with a trip to one. Our eco-friendly hostel has a beautiful sauna which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves. We literally were the only people in the sauna at the time and it was the most relaxing evening ever. After our snowshoeing adventure through the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, it was a well-earned treat.

Stay in Log Cabin

The charm of waking up to see snow all around your log cabin is something that needs to be experienced. We stayed in a beautiful private log cabin fully equipped with its own kitchenette and en-suite. I can never forget how amazing it was to sit by the window and sip a hot cup of tea while watching the snowfall. It was like being inside a snow globe – pure bliss! Curling by a roaring fireplace after sunset and sipping on hot chocolate with a good book for company, soft music playing in the background, is what the holidays are for 🙂

Read my detailed review post about my stay at 7 fells hostel by clicking here

Hop onto a Husky Safari

This is one thing I really wish we had done. But with so many options available this will probably have to wait for our next trip to Lapland. Imagine admiring the breathtaking beauty of Finnish Lapland as you ride a sledge through snow pulled by huskies. You can pick and choose from the many tour companies in Ylläs that offer husky safaris and even combine it with a snowmobile adventure ride.

Hop onto a Reindeer sleigh

Love Christmas? Then the Reindeer Safari is for you! Pretend you riding with Santa while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer takes you through a magical winter wonderland on a sleigh

Dare to book a ride on a Snowmobile

We saw several groups of tourists who signed up for this activity and watched with envy as they practiced right outside the 7 fells Eco-friendly backpackers hostel. We stayed in a private log cabin at the hostel and spent some time in the lounge chatting with many of the enthusiastic folks who loved their adventure.

Get Adventurous with Winter Biking

Imagine biking through the Finnish wilderness under the night sky and stopping to gaze at the Northern Lights, if you are lucky. Feel at one with the universe as you listen to the Arctic silence – a very humbling experience. You can book a tour with a local guide who will take you into the forest or have the most unforgettable bike ride through the magical Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Hit the slopes at Ylläs, or Yllästunturi 

Ylläs or Yllästunturi is the highest fell in Lapland with skiing lifts. They have stunning slopes and are extremely popular with tourists. Cross-country skiing is also a very popular option. There are many ski resorts located in close proximity and the local bus from the closest airport at Kitila airport has a regular route passing by within walking distance from the resorts. The closest rail station is at Kolari.

Experience Sami culture

During our snowshoeing hike through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, our local Finnish guide gave us an introduction to Sami culture. Though it was a very basic peek into this beautiful culture, we really hope someday to meet the Sami and explore their traditions. Maybe visit a reindeer farm, pick berries and enjoy a Sami dinner. Fingers crossed to a visit to Inari village.

Tempted to fly to Helsinki? Dreaming of an escape from your routine to exciting Finnish Lapland? Check out my review post about our amazing stay at the Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel in Lapland called the 7 Fells. We stayed in a private log cabin which was like a huge private studio apartment fully equipped with its own kitchenette, a lovely breakfast table, and a spacious shower and toilet:

Stay in a private log cabin in Finnish Lapland at an Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel called the 7 Fells

While in Helsinki for our first night in Finland we booked an amazing apartment for our one-night stay. It was a massive apartment conveniently located for transport links and we had the whole apartment to ourselves:

Helsinki Plus Apartment Kallio in Finland – Overnight stay review

* I planned my Finnish Lapland adventure entirely on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Planning a last-minute escape to Amsterdam or a leisurely vacation? I have just the thing that would make your holiday even more special – an afternoon exploring brilliant local cheese and understanding wine pairings at the popular Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room.

There are so many things to do and lots to see while exploring Amsterdam. From the famous tulip garden at Keukenhof to many wonderful museums, the Anne Frank house and not to mention the brilliant food scene this capital city has to offer.

Hollands cheesemaking industry is said to date as far back as the 800 B.C. The most widely produced cheese in the Netherlands is Gouda, famous for its distinctive flavour. No surprise then that Gouda cheese is one of Holland’s biggest exports.

The Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room is conveniently located very close to Dam square in the heart of the city centre. It is minutes away from the Anne Frank House and very close to the famous Rijksmuseum.

Reypenaer Cheese is ripened used age-old traditions and benefits from decades of experience and excellent craftsmanship of the master cheese-makers and the unique ripening conditions. Their famous Dutch cheese is matured on planks inside a 100-year old warehouse on the Oude Rijn river in Woerden.

The Reypenaer cheeses are matured in an entirely natural way meaning allowing the natural humidity and fluctuations in ambient temperature to do their magic as compared to factory produced bulk cheese.

Naturally, the resulting rich and complex taste of the Reypenaer cheese is also attributed to non-tangible factors such as the micro-flora of bacteria and mould that thrive in the rich environment of the wood on which the cheese rests.

Over the period of one hour, a Reypenaer cheese expert took us on a journey exploring the history of artisan cheese making. Understanding the ageing process and the difference in the taste of young Gouda and aged gouda by tasting six of their finest cheeses.

Wine pairings – red, white and port – teased our tastebuds and gave us an insight into appreciating the different textures of the fine Reypenaer cheeses.

By the time we were done with the tasting, slightly tipsy with all the wine, the light outside was just perfect for a long stroll along the canals….

Tempted? Why not hop over to the Reypenyer website and book a spot on one of their tasting sessions? Each session lasts for about an hour and caters to not more than 20 people.

Salivating at the thought of all that fabulous cheese?

Who moved your cheese? Did I? Guilty as charged! While you are here, have a gander and read about my other adventures involving cheese – why not? And if you do try any of my recipes please do let me know below in comments! I love to hear from my readers and nothing makes me happier knowing someone tried my recipes and loved them 🙂

• Scandinavian cookery class with Västerbottensost cheese
• Reblochon cheese tart recipe
• Indian Cottage cheese recipe – Paneer firecracker parcels
• French Chaource AOP  cheese omelette recipe
• Costa Rico’s fav meal Casado – recipe

Based in London and looking to book yourself into a wine tasting, have a look at my post where I have shared my experience of booking myself for a Wine Tasting evening at West London Wine School:

• Wine tasting on a cold, frosty evening

And for those of you planning your itinerary for your holiday in Holland, do have a read through some of the experiences I loved while in Amsterdam:

• Top 5 fun things to do in Amsterdam
• Springtime at Keukenhof – The Garden of Europe

And of all the fine things that like has to offer, wine and cheese top my list but am also partial to perfume, if you are too then have a look at this interesting post about the world’s perfume capital.

Looking for pointers about where to stay while in Amsterdam? Then you might want to read my review about my stay at the Steigenberger Hotel in Schipol

*With thanks to Reanyer Cheese, Amsterdam for inviting us. All opinions expressed are as always my own. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.

January and February have brought icy cold weather, wind chills, and snow to many parts of the world.

Reading about the recent polar vortex causing shockingly low temperatures in Chicago, reminded me of our trip to Lapland last year.

We were chasing the Aurora and with that thought in mind wanted to book a slightly remote getaway.

I found the cottages at 7 Fells Resort at Akaslompolo very attractive and was very excited about our trip.

A lot of firsts were to happen on this trip to Finland!

• First ever experience of being surrounded by so much snow
• First ever stay in a secluded cottage
• First ever attempt at chasing the Northern Lights – the elusive Aurora Borealis

But before setting off on our big adventure, we thought it would be a good way to acclimatise to the weather and so we stayed one night in Helsinki at a lovely Air BnB before heading to Lapland.

After a short but great overnight stay we landed at Kittila airport – it a was magical experience landing into a place that is nothing but a  pristine white winter wonderland. The airport itself is tiny but brilliantly managed.

We took the very reliable public transport bus from just outside the airport which goes to most of the popular ski resorts and also towards 7 fells.

Our rest was a short walk uphill (50m) after the last stop on the bus. Now here’s the tricky bit for people like me. It was snowing heavily, the road had no vehicular traffic passing, it was absolutely quiet and all the road signs were covered in snow. All I knew was that we had a short walk uphill and the resort was on the right.

To add to this experience, which felt like we were in a scene straight out of a suspense film, the whole area was suddenly engulfed in semi-darkness with only the weird yellow glow from streetlights. The light from these was barely enough to light the path and seemed to struggle to break through the curtain of heavy snow that was pouring down fast and thick.

Because we had taken a late afternoon flight into Lapland, we made it just before sunset.

Obviously, there was no one around to ask for directions! We ended up walking past the resort, uphill, dragging our suitcases. My lungs were exploding, the snow was coming down so heavily now, it was getting difficult to see properly and the heavy jacket that I was wearing was weighing me down a lot.

Luckily, the resort turned on the lights and we saw a faint light leading down a path behind us… Alleluiah! So much drama for a 600m distance …. lol

As soon we entered the heated reception area, everything seemed perfect again 🙂 As the relief washed over us, the realisation that we had finally made it to our destination began to sink in.

The beautifully done up lounge and the toasty warm interiors are very inviting. One can sit for hours on the comfy couch and watch the snowflakes land softly outside…sighhh

A short wait later, a very friendly staff member checked us in and showed us to our studio cabin.

It was love at first sight for us. This beautiful log cabin has everything one could ask for.

A super comfy bed, a spotlessly clean shower, a very cute kitchenette, a mini-refrigerator, table and chairs, a jar of oats, tea, and coffee. The kitchen is very well equipped with everything one could possibly need to cook a meal – cutlery, glasses, dishes, a kettle, and coffee maker, also packets of spices and soup cubes left behind by previous occupants. Loved that they also kept an eco-friendly wash-up liquid.

One of the main reasons we picked 7 Fells Hostel was because of its location. Located in the beautiful village of Äkäslompolo in Kolari, Lapland, it is conveniently situated for skiers and adventure sports seekers alike. Also, we really wanted to experience what it would be like to live in a little cabin in the woods.

This gorgeous eco-hostel is run by an enthusiastic backpacker Tinja and offers a selection of accommodation options to suit every need.

One can book into single or twin rooms or dorms with shared facilities in the main hostel area. Apart from these rooms which are located in the main building, there are cosy log cabins called studio apartments which come fully equipped with their own shower and kitchenette and there is also a luxury chalet with its own sauna and fully fitted kitchen.

But the most amazing part about this hostel is that it is eco-friendly. They use green energy, provide organic tea and coffee, use eco products for washing up, and the rooms are all painted using plastic-free odourless paint.

After we settled into our room, we walked down to the village supermarket – Jounin Kauppa Supermarket. It is located 1.8 km away from the hostel.

After browsing through the huge and very well stocked supermarket, which has a pharmacy and a cafe inside too, we plodded back uphill, this time our eyes better adjusted to the light. We also had our hiking equipment headlamps so those helped. It is important that I mention this here – the road leading to the supermarket from the main road is very brightly and well-lit and we did see many people walking and driving into the area.

Cooking dinner in our little cabin was great fun and very quick and easy. We enjoyed a spicy chicken and vegetable soup which I made using all the fresh ingredients I’d just purchased from the supermarket.

We had a long day of exploring our surroundings planned starting early the next morning, so we decided to turn in early on our first night in. A bowl of chicken soup and a hot shower later, I think I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.

I love the whole concept behind this hostel. To be able to provide such a beautiful experience on a budget in a remote location, keeping it eco-friendly, warm and welcoming is something to be admired. Plus, ensuring that all rooms and common areas are so well equipped and kept clean is a brilliant achievement. The opportunity to meet and interact with friendly people is an added bonus. So to our lovely Belgian friend Anita, if you are reading this – thank you for all your travel tips, for sharing your chocolates, and for being so warm and friendly 🙂

7 Reasons to book 7 Fells Hostel:

1. Budget-friendly private log cabin – like a huge studio apartment with a kitchenette and private en-suite
2. Eco-friendly
3. Convenient location for transport links, activities and local amenities
4. Fantastic Sauna available for use after a long day
5. Free wifi in the huge lounge
6. Free organic tea and coffee, free food shelves, Free kicksleds and bikes to borrow
7.  Walking distance from Bus stop from Kolari Train Station and Kittilä Airport bus, Frozen lake a short walk away, Ski tracks and Ski Resort Ylläs close by, Restaurant, Pubs and a well stocked Supermarket a stone’s throw away.

I could go on but honestly, you can’t put a price on an experience like this. I am positive that I will return to this beautiful gem of a place, to be one amongst nature once again. And hopefully, be rewarded with stunning views of the Northern Lights.

Make the most of your stay in Finnish Lapland with this list of exciting adventure activities to do. Akaslompolo has so much to offer other than skiing!

Fantastic Finland – Top 10 – To-Do list while Akaslompolo, Lapland

While in Helsinki for our first night in Finland we booked an amazing apartment for our one-night stay. It was a massive apartment conveniently located for transport links and we had the whole apartment to ourselves:

Helsinki Plus Apartment Kallio in Finland – Overnight stay review

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, all travel including flights and local transfers and for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.