Amsterdam Destination Guide

Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful canals, top art museums, cycling culture and so on. It is the capital and most Populous city in the Netherlands and often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its expansive system of bridges and canals. Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.

Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre, which is full of traditional architecture, shopping centers, and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District. which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark. The top museums to visit there are the Rijksmusuem, the Ann Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.

There are several other unique districts in Amsterdam, and you should try to explore as many of them as time allows. The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy homeowners and is a center for celebrity spotting and nightlife today. The Plantage area has most of the city’s museums, including the Jewish Historical Museum. the Scheepvaart Museum, and the botanical gardens.

Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香)blooming. don’t book hotels or flights between mid-March and mid-May. This is when hotel and flight prices rise.

●Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District, where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.

●Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.

●Instead of hiring a tour guide’ hop on a canal boat. They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.

Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights, hotels, and rental cars before you book them.

Incredibly Beautiful Villages in China

Built in the year 1010, Likeng Village in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province preserves the area’s unique Hui architecture. Though the village charges tourists an entrance fee, it is a worthwhile point from which they can view the blossoming canola flowers (油菜花) in the spring and admire the local calligraphy under camphor trees (樟树) as old as the village itself.

With few tourists aware of Sichuan Province’s Garzȇ Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, those who do make the trip are rewarded with views unlike those anywhere else. And within the heart of the area, far away from polluted cities, lie the Danba Villages, considered by some as the most beautiful villages in China. Each village is made up of unique Tibetan-style folk houses.

Though Hongcun is one of China’s most well-known ancient villages，its popularity has not ruined its uniqueness. After a climb through the great Yellow Mountains in Anhui Province, rest for a while in this foothill village, which was the filming site for select scenes from Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Centered around a moon-shaped pond, the village was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its well-preserved Ming-and Qing-era architecture.

Nicknamed “China Snow Town” for its annual seven-month-long snowfall, Shuangfeng Forest Farm in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province is where you want to go if you wish to experience China’s deepest snows. Over the years, the village has transformed into a charming tourist destination.

It's so relaxing to take a bath in a hot spring while looking at beautiful scenery. If you travel in the U.S., plan to visit one of these hot springs:

At the edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California are the Travertine Hot Springs. The orange, green and red rocks create beautiful views for you to enjoy while you bathe. Each pool is a different temperature, so you can find one that you like.

These springs are easy to get to by car. Go south from Bridgeport and turn left onto Jack Sawyer Road. In about a mile you’ll arrive at the springs. If you like to camp, you can camp along the road. While you are there, try visiting Mono Lake and Yosemite National Park.

The Bagby Hot Springs are located in an old forest. At the springs there are bathhouses, with private and shared baths. Spring water in the baths is at 136°F. If that's too hot, you can add cold water until it is suitable for you.

The Bagby Springs are about 45 minutes from Oregon. To get to the bathhouse there is a 1.5-mile walk through the Mt. Hood National Forest. Make sure to also visit Portland, which is known for its coffee, local beer and music.

If you like to hike, the Conundrum Hot Springs in Colorado are a great choice. There is an 8.5-mile hike to the springs. You can walk out and camp nearby the springs. After the hike, rest your muscles in the water and enjoy the mountain views.

While you are in the area, check out the Curecanti National Recreation Area. There, you can enjoy boating, fishing and bird watching,