TRAVEL

Travel: Why Amsterdam Might Be My New Favorite City

Ah, Amsterdam. From picturesque canals, to delightfully narrow homes and stylish people speeding by on bikes, spending a long weekend here is a memorable experience.

I was fortunate to end a 10-day trip in Europe in Amsterdam over 4th of July. While celebrating America’s freedom from the British was not on the agenda, here is what I would recommend to stay, what to see and where to eat and drink for a few days.

What To See

Sandemans Free Walking Tour As I was a solo traveler for my time in Amsterdam, I opted for a free group walking tour from Sandemans. I’ve done a few trips solo and my general rule is to find some sort of activity that’s social each day. It could be a walking tour, eating at the bar at a lively restaurant, but it helps to have some casual conversations with people.

As for the walking tour, I enjoyed it. It was the first thing I did in Amsterdam and it helped me to get my bearings. We went through the Red Light District, saw the Anne Frank House, and much, much more. While the tour is free, the guides do work on tips, so be prepared to give them 10 euros or so per person for their time. You can also put down a small fee to reserve a specific tour time, but FYI, that $$$ does not make its way to the guides (or so our guide told us).

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TRAVEL

Travel: The Many Sides of Berlin

Berlin has been on my travel bucket list for some time and this summer, I finally got the chance to visit. Between the history, edgy street art, interesting bars and restaurants, I enjoyed exploring Berlin. Here’s what I would recommend for attractions, restaurants, bars and a great place to stay.

What To See

The Berlin Wall While this photo was taken near Potsdamer Platz, there are several locations to see the Berlin Wall. TimeOut does a nice job of documenting the areas.

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LONDON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS, TRAVEL

Travel: A Long Weekend In London

Ah, London. My favorite city in the world! After living in London for six months as a student, I cherish every opportunity to come back. So, when my friend Maria and I started planning a European holiday, London seemed like the perfect first destination.

Looking to visit London in the future? Here are my recommendations on what to see/do, where to eat and where to stay.

What To See & Do

Take A Stroll In Regent’s Park While everyone knows about Hyde Park, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Regent’s Park is even more beautiful. From the Queen’s rose garden, to stunning hedges and a pond where you can rent paddle boats, definitely spend a few hours exploring!

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RECIPES

Recipe: Quick & Healthy Kale Salad with Butternut Squash, Edamame, Apple Cider & Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

Kale SaladThis salad is one of my go-to’s when I want a quick, healthy lunch. Combining items I already have in my apartment, plus a teensy bit of prep work, this salad comes together in a flash. I take chopped kale, roasted butternut squash, edamame, peas, feta and dried cranberries and toss it in a homemade apple cider/Dijon mustard vinaigrette. The end result is so delicious and a great way to add extra veggies into your diet.

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