If you have any interest at all in history, don’t visit Oahu without going to Pearl Harbor. Named ‘Wai Momi’, meaning ‘Water of Pearl’ for the pearls that used to be abundant in it’s waters, Pearl Harbor is now an important historical site and memorial marking the resting place of 1102 of the 1177 sailors and marines that lost their lives in the Japanese attack in December 1941. This surprise attack directly led to United States involvement in WWII.
Still an active military base, Pearl Harbor is now home to the USS Arizona – a moving memorial marking the final resting place of 1102 of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as three other features that make up this National Landmark: the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Visiting these sites is a solemn and educational experience, and they are all historically significant tributes to the people who lost their lives on December 7 1941.
It is a highly moving experience to be in the harbor where the devastating surprise attack took place, and to stand on the deck of the Battleship Missouri, where the surrender was signed. You will be educated, you will think, and you will be moved by a visit to Pearl Harbor, and it will change the way you see Hawaii, and twentieth century history.
Important Tip: As Pearl Harbor is still an active military base, bags of any size are not permitted anywhere at the memorial. You can store yours bags at the baggage storage area for a fee of $5 per bag, but I recommend leaving the bag behind and just wearing something with pockets.
Let me know if you’ve been to Pearl Harbour, and what your experience was like in the comments below.
So, it’s time for an embarrassing story. I was in New York for three weeks last year, and yes, I did fall victim to a couple of scams in my time there. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. See, in my real, non-travelling life, I consider myself to be a very savvy and aware person. But I think there’s something about being a tourist in a strange city, that probably makes you let your guard down a little, making you more vulnerable to being scammed. Unfortunately, there are people in every city in the world who will target tourists for this reason.
So, here it is: a cautionary tale for you, so hopefully the same won’t happen when you are travelling.
So, how did it happen?
This particular morning, we had tickets for a particular time-slot at the One World Tower, and we were cutting it fine to make it downtown in time. I remember rushing down the stairs to the subway station, which in hindsight, made us the perfect targets. We were in a hurry, and anybody in the area would have been able to tell that we really wanted to catch the next subway. We all needed to buy new tickets, and so we were headed to the ticket machine, when a man yelled to the station in general that the ticket machines were out of order.
Red Flag no. 1: He wasn’t wearing a metro uniform.
Red Flag no. 2: He said we could buy new tickets from him instead.
You can guess what happened next right?
Yes, we bought ‘tickets’ from an uniformed ‘metro’ employee.
To be honest, I don’t have much of a defense, apart from the fact that none of us were really thinking, (evidently), and that the man pulled out key with which he unlocked the locked gate to the platform.
But, here comes the really stupid part: we gave him money for the ‘weekly subway passes’. As in, cash money. We just handed it over, and got – you guessed it – expired subway passes in return.
Yes, this man disappeared as soon as he pocketed the cash
Yes, we realised immediately that we had just been scammed
Yes, we panicked. We had just handed over roughly $150 US to a scammer
Yes, we felt, (and feel), exceptionally stupid about it
Realising we had just been scammed, we found the nearest Police Officer, who directed us to the nearest Police Station. A report was made, though nothing came of it. Of course, I don’t hold anything against the NYPD; the officers took out report dilligently, and likely did as much as they could do. After all, police have much bigger fish to fry than tourists willingly giving $150 to a scammer.
Note: I always recommend reporting any scam or crime you are a victim of to the Police, even if you think nothing will come of it.
Top Tips to Not Get Scammed
Stay Aware: I believe we were caught off guard because we were in such a rush; we had blinkers on, and we just wanted to catch the next subway. When you’re travelling, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re doing; in trying to make a reservation you’re late for, or in exploring the attraction you’re visiting. But remember to keep your wits about you – and to keep a bit of paranoia in the back of your mind. I know it’s not very pleasant to be questioning the genuineness of everyone around you, but it’s necessary when you’re a tourist – as I found out.
Pay Attention to Red Flags: Listen to your gut. When something feels uncomfortable, it’s a sign that something probably isn’t right. I remember the thought crossing my mind that the man should have been wearing a Metro uniform, but I dismissed it, because of how confident he was – with his Subway station key, and carrying out his scam in the middle of the day in the station, where there are cameras. It all seemed too brazen to be a scam. I now know that I should have listened to my gut. Yes, you risk offending someone, but caution can go a long way when you’re travelling.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR TIMES SQUARE:
You will probably be drawn to Times Square on your first visit to New York, but it is a hotbed of underhanded activity, under the guise of busking
When in Times Square, do not let anybody hand you anything – people will try to ‘give’ tourists their ‘music’ on CD’s, but once you have it in your hand, you will be hard pressed to get away without making a ‘donation’ to their ‘musical career’. Spoiler Alert: the CD is blank, and there is no musical career.
To avoid this, don’t make verbal or physical contact with anybody who tries to hand you anything. Just don’t. Keep your head down, and just keep walking.
Also important: there is an area of Times Square that is designated by a large green square on the pavement, where anyone is allowed to busk. Avoid this area like native New Yorker’s avoide Times Square. Do not step into this green square. Don’t talk to anyone in the green square. If you find it hard to walk away when salespeople are pitching to you, just give the green square a wide berth.
New York is a wonderful city, 99% full of wonderful people. However, like you will find in any city in the world, there are people who will take advantage of vulnerable tourists. While I hope you enjoy the city, and open yourself up to everything it has to offer, I also hope my story helps to remember to always keep your wits about you and listen to your gut.
Waimea Valley is an historic and sacred cultural site located on the North Shore of Oahu. Beautiful and expansive, Waimea Valley 1,875 acre botanical garden and ahupa’a – division of land stretching from mountain to sea.
Waimea Valley is recognised as the ‘Valley of the Priests’, after having been given in perpetuity to the Kahuna Nui, (high priests), as early as 1902 AD. Waimea Valley features a beautiful botanical garden, and many significant cultural sites, as well as a beautiful waterfall.
Take the 1.2 kilometre trail through lush gardens and be rewarded with a beautiful ‘wailele’, (waterfall). The name of this waterfall actually changes depending on how the water is running at any given time. Called Waihe’e when the water is gently trickling, and Waihi when the water is rushing, this waterfall is breathtaking.
My tip is to wear your bathers to Waimea Valley, because you can actually swim in the stream below the waterfall. Borrow a free life jacket from the lifeguards and take a dip; it’s a lovely way to experience the waterfall and the valley.
Let me know if you’ve ever been to Oahu, and if you have, leave me a comment below if you have seen beautiful Waimea Valley. I’d love to hear about your Hawaiian adventures!
Have you ever wondered what the Disney Dining Plan is, and if it’s worth it to purchase one for your trip? Read on below to find out all about the Disney Dining Plan, and for my tip before purchasing one.
What is it?
Disney Dining Plans are available exclusively to Disney hotel guests, and are a way to prepay for your meals, snacks and drinks prior to your visit to the Parks. With three plans to choose from, depending on your needs and budget, the Disney Dining Plan is something to consider when customising your Disney visit.
How does it work?
Once you select your package, all your meal entitlements are loaded onto your Magic Band. When you want to redeem a meal, snack or beverage, you simply touch your magic band to the sensor at the kiosk, quick-service diner or restaurant.
So, what are my options?
The three Dining Plan options range from a basic plan for those looking for ease and convenience to a deluxe option for those looking for some extra-special meal experiences.
1. QUICK SERVICE DINING PLAN
The first of the plans includes meals at over 50 Quick-Service dining locations. This means you have a wide range of food options to choose from, including pasta, burgers, soup and fish available from self-service restaurants.
Included in your plan, per night of your visit, per guest:
2 Self-Service meals
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug
2. DISNEY DINING PLAN
This plan is the middle point between the basic plan and the deluxe plan, offering a balance of convenient Quick-Service meals, and more relaxing Waiter-Service meals. You have the option to choose character dining and buffets, or to grab a light meal on the go at a Self-Service restaurant.
Included in your plan, per night of your visit, per guest:
1 Waiter-Service meal
1 Self-Service meal
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug
3. DELUXE DINING PLAN
The deluxe plan includes 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Parks! Available at over 100 locations, your meals can feature gourmet food options, as well as meals at Signature Restaurants and Character Dining. This premium product is a Disney luxury.
Included in your plan, per night of your stay, per guest:
3 Waiter-Service or Self-Service meals
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug
My Tip:
Make sure you consider whether the Disney Dining Plan is for you. When I did Disney on a budget, the Dining Plan definitely wouldn’t have worked me – Kate and I ate light and took advantage of the free iced water, so the dining plan wasn’t practical for us. If you know you will want to eat square meals and have regular snacks, it may be advantageous for you to have prepaid for your food before getting to the Parks. If like us, you aim to eat less inside the Parks, and more outside, the Disney Dining Plan may not be for you.
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you’ll know what an amazing place it is. Check out my post about why you have to see Oahu here, and my post about the best beaches on Oahu here. But, if you’re looking for a way to make the most out of your time in Hawaii, read on to find out some unique ways to discover beautiful Oahu.
By Outrigger
What better way to see Oahu than from the ocean, as the early Hawaiians did? While the Outrigger Canoe didn’t originate in Hawaii, it arrived there around 200 AD, and is now an iconic symbol of Hawaii. In fact, Outrigger Canoeing is actually the official state team sport of Hawaii. Outrigger is a fantastic way for you to see Waikiki Beach, as well as some of the other beaches on Oahu. Paddle out with two experienced Oarsmen and, if you’re lucky, catch some waves in your very own Outrigger; a thrilling way to see the sparkling ocean, the beach, and lush green Diamond Head in the distance. There are plenty of opportunities for Outrigger Canoe tours on Oahu, and it is a unique and relatively inexpensive way to see Hawaii.
By Air
Yes, you can experience the island by helicopter, and these tours are a spectacular and thrilling, albeit expensive, way to see Oahu. I have seen Oahu by open-door helicopter, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Oahu. You will be stunned by seeing the commanding majesty of Diamond Head from the air – with the ocean to it’s right, and the specks of the city at it’s base. Do almost a full loop of the island in your helicopter, seeing not only Diamond Head, but Waikiki, Honolulu, the Dole Plantation and some of Oahu’s most beautiful valleys from above. It is an amazing way to see the island, and an unforgettable experience in itself. Long pants and a jacket are definitely a must for helicopter tours – while Oahu is generally warm and muggy, it is freezing up there! And remember, closed toe shoes are required to board helicopters, so pack some runners if you want to see Oahu from the air.
By Car
Oahu is a very drive-able place, provided you can get your head around driving on the wrong side of the road! Sure, Waikiki is built up, and can be confusing with it’s abundance of one-way streets, but the freeways are well signed, and with a GPS, they can be easy to navigate. When I was in Hawaii, we rented a car and took trips up to the North Shore, driving from beach to beach, and did the same for the East Shore too. This is a fantastic way to explore the real Oahu, and to pack a lot into your days. Rent a car and drive yourself around for a shopping day at the Premium Outlets and Ala Moana, or drive up to the Polynesian Cultural Center for a day of education. You can even drive yourself to Pearl Harbor, though it can be very difficult to find a car park there! My tip for renting a car in Hawaii: try to stay on the road for a full day, so you don’t need to park your car in Waikiki, though if you must, spaces can usually be found at the International Marketplace car park.
On Horseback
If you love animals, consider experiencing Oahu and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful valleys by horseback. I recommend renting a car and driving yourself up to Kualoa Ranch; a 4000 acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on the East Shore. There are so many exciting activities offered at Kualoa Ranch, and horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the ranch, and see Oahu’s natural beauty. Both one and two hour tours with an experienced guide are available at Kualoa, and closed toe shoes are essential.
By Zipline
Also operated from Kualoa Ranch, zipline tours are another way to see Oahu from above, and more specifically, to see Ka’a’awa Valley, which you may recognise from the film Jurassic World. The zipline experience takes roughly three hours, and includes some education on Hawaiian culture and traditions from your experienced guides, as well as some short hikes, before you zip your way through the treetop canopy zipline.
If, like many of us, you’ve fallen in love with Hamilton: An American Musical and you’re heading to the greatest city in the world, you may want to visit some of the historic sites that you’ve heard all about. Here’s a guide to all the places in Manhattan that every Hamilton-lover should go see.
The Richard Rogers Theatre
If you can get tickets to this insanely popular musical then what are you waiting for? The Richard Rogers is located on West 46th Street right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Times Square. But if you didn’t manage to get a ticket, don’t despair, there are plenty of other Hamilton related things to do and see in New York and you can always try the lottery, who knows? You might get lucky. Check out my article, How To Save Money On Broadway Tickets and get the lowdown on how to enter the Hamilton lottery.
Trinity Church
If you’re familiar with the show then the name Trinity Church will sound familiar to you from the lines ‘I rely on Angelica/While she’s alive we tell your story/She is buried in Trinity Church near you/When I needed her most she was right on time’ from final number of the show. You’ll find Hamilton’s grave on the edge of the churchyard and Eliza’s right next to her husband’s. People throw pennies onto Hamilton’s grave as a symbol of his great contributes to the American banking system. You’ll also find Angelica close by, though her name does not appear on her grave, as well as the graves of Philip Hamilton, Alexander and Eliza’s oldest son, who was killed in a duel and Hercules Mulligan, a revolutionary who fought in the war for America’s Independence.
Federal Hall, The Financial District
A short walk away from Trinity Church is Federal Hall, located on Wall Street, in the heart of the Financial District of New York. George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States in 1789 on the steps of Federal Hall. This historic event is marked by a statue of George Washington, which has been placed on the steps in the approximate place of the inauguration.
Fraunces Tavern Museum
If you take another short walk towards South Ferry from Federal Hall you’ll find Fraunces Tavern Museum on Pearl Street. This is a historic tavern where George Washington bid farewell to his troops and where Hamilton and Burr shared a meal one week before their duel in 1804 where Hamilton was killed. Lin-Manuel Miranda has spoken out about the Fraunces Tavern as being the setting for the iconic song ‘My Shot’ in the show. You can still eat at Fraunces Tavern Museum as well as visit the galleries on the second and third floors, where you will find portraits of George Washington and maps that were used during the Revolution.
Central Park Statue
You’ll find this statue of Hamilton on the East Drive of the park, opposite 83rd Street and close by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was erected in 1880 (76 years after Hamilton’s death) by his son, John C. Hamilton. This statue stands at more than 15 feet high and is carved out of granite.
Hamilton Hall, Columbia
Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton and his son Philip all attended Columbia when it was still knows as King’s College. Hamilton Hall is an academic building named after Hamilton, one of Columbia’s most notable alumni. A statue of Hamilton stands at the entrance to the building, which was erected in 1908. Hamilton Hall is located on Amsterdam Avenue. The 1 subway line will drop you off at 116 Street, right outside Columbia.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
If you do visit Columbia, while you’re there jump back on the subway and follow the 1 line to 137 Street to Hamilton Heights and check out Hamilton Grange National Memorial. Here you’ll see Hamilton’s writing desk as well as Eliza’s tea set and the pianoforte, gifted to the Hamiltons by Eliza’s sister, Angelica. The Grange is thought to be the only home that Hamilton ever own and the construction of the house was only completed two years before his death though the house remained the Hamilton family home for 30 years after he died. The house had been relocated twice but now sits on the corner of St. Nicholas Park, just north of The City College of New York. Entry is free.
New York is full of history and you’ll be seeing familiar names on street signs and building names wherever you go. While you’re on your Hamilton tour of New York you’ll be using the Subway a lot so don’t forget to check out Laura’s article on how to use the New York Subway System.
What’s your favourite thing from the musical that you want to see in real life and will you check out any of these things on this list? Let us know in the comments!
If you have seen a tourism photo for Hawaii, then you’ve already seen the Diamond Head State Monument; that lush, green mountain to the left of Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head is actually a volcanic tuff cone, formed over 300,000 years ago by a single and brief volcanic eruption. This created a 350 acre wide crater, and the crater is actually wider than it is high.
Diamond Head is actually climbable, and it is a fantastic way to see Oahu. The Diamond Head trail was built in 1908 as part of a defense system of the US Army. While people climb Diamond Head every day, the trail is uneven and hard going, and includes some very steep stairs. Proper, enclosed walking shoes are a must; don’t make the same mistake as me and wear birkenstocks!
Diamond Head from above
1.3 kilometers long and a 171 meter climb from the crater floor, the trail is difficult, (unless you are super fit!), but it is highly rewarding to get to the summit and see the ocean and the city below you. You’ll get some fantastic photos from up there, and you might even get a rain shower to cool you down from your climb, like I did.
Take your time at the summit, and then have a much easier downward climb back to the bottom. My tip is to grab a huge Shave Ice to enjoy on the way home, from the truck just before the car park. Shave Ice is the Hawaiian version of a snow-cone, and yours will taste all the sweeter for just having scaled Diamond Head.
As a Harry Potter fan, London holds more magic than most cities. Being able to go to locations described by J.K. Rowling, such as King’s Cross Station was really a surreal experience for me and there’s so much more that London has to offer for the casual or die-hard Harry Potter fan.
Platform 9¾ Kings Cross Station
King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾
This one is probably the most accessible, just jump off the tube at King’s Cross/St. Pancras (which is serviced by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly, Metropolitan, Northern and Victoria lines) and you’ll be at the iconic train station. You can get your photo taken at the barrier of Platform 9¾ while wearing your house colours. Get there early to avoid the lines or buy thisVIP photo passfor £15.00, which will allow you skip the queues and get your photo for free (or go after hours with a friend and you can take your own photo). Next to the Platform 9¾ barrier is the Harry Potter Shop where you can buy all the offical Harry Potter merchandise such as Hogwarts scarves and jumpers, pin badges, personalised Hogwarts acceptance letters and replica wands.
The enormous Hogwarts ‘miniature’ at Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
If you don’t want to hang out in that queue at Platform 9¾ for your photo and you were already planning on heading to the Warner Bother’s Studio Tour then don’t waste your time, you get the same opportunity at the Tour. You can get to Leavesden Studios from Euston Station by jumping on the London Overground to Watford Junction. The journey takes around 20 minutes. From there a shuttle bus will take you to the Studio Tour, which costs £2.50 for a return ticket back to Watford Junction. There’s so much to see that the Studio Tour including costumes, sets of the Great Hall, the Boy’s Dormitory, Dumbledore and Umbridge’s Offices, Diagon Alley, 4 Privet Drive and the Hogwarts Express. Be warned, when you see the miniature of Hogwarts you may cry. This room is right at the end of the tour and it’s oddly emotional. John William’s score is playing and you walk in and there it is, it in all it’s glory and you can see every tiny detail the castle and the grounds.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre on the West End
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you are lucky enough to get tickets to this incredible show then this one is a no brainer for the Harry Potter fan. Cursed Child is a beautifully staged show where the magic comes to life in front of your eyes and though some of the storyline is questionable it really is an experience not to miss for the die-hard Potter fan. If you can’t make it to the show, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other Harry Potter sites and attractions in London that are much cheaper and more accessible.
The House of MinaLima
If you’re around the theatre district then just a short walk away from the Palace Theatre to Greek Street is the House of MinaLima, which is well worth any Harry Potter fan’s time. MinaLima is the combined name of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima who worked on the iconic artwork in all eight Harry Potter films as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and subsequent sequels. Everything from Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter the Sirius Black’s wanted poster to the Marauders’ Map to Umbridge’s proclamations to the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes product labels were designed by these two. The House of MinaLima is three stories of art prints on display but you can also by them. If you can’t make it to London you can also by the prints online here.
Harry Potter Walking Tours
If seeing filming locations is something that you are interested in then there are dozens of walking tours that you can go on and see everything from the Millennium Bridge, which the Death Eaters destroyed in Half Blood Prince to the alleyway that was used as Knockturn Alley in Chamber of Secrets. Some are free, others cost around £10-15. Most will require you to have an Oyster card to get from location to location. Walking tours are a great and inexpensive way to see and learn about a city, not to mention meet new people and get some exercise. Strawberry Tours provides free walking tours around London, including a Harry Potter themed tour, a Jack the Ripper tour, Street art and Graffiti Tour and more general London based tours. Their tours range from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 7 hour, full day tours.
You’ll be using the Tube a lot so check out my post about how to use the London Underground. There’s so much for the Harry Potter fan to see in London that will make your heart heart happy. Which ones are at the top of your list?
Amsterdam isn’t all cafes and sex shows (though if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty). These winding streets are full of mysterious places lurking behind hidden doors. Here are just some of Amsterdam’s hidden gems that you must check out when you visit.
1. Vincent on Fridays
I know what you’re thinking, the Van Gogh Museum isn’t a ‘hidden gem’, everyone knows about it. But not everyone knows that every Friday night they host parties at the museum, complete with tours of the museum, comedy, music and cocktails. The weeks are generally themed (the most recent one being on Failure) and the first Friday of each month is generally the most extravagant. Tickets cost 18 Euros and sell out quickly. The event goes from 7 to 10pm so it’s the perfect way to begin your Friday before heading to one of Amsterdam’s bars for the rest of your evening.
2. Oude Kerk (Old Church)
Oude Kerk was one of my favourite places that I visited in Amsterdam. The floor is made entirely from tombstones because the church was built on a graveyard and there are 10,000 bodies buried beneath the floors. Today the church is more likely to be the venue for art exhibitions than Sunday mass Oude Kerk is located on Oudekerksplein (Old Church Square), not far from the Red Light District, where the bronze statue of Belle honours the prostitutes of the world and an anonymous artist set a bronze torso of a woman and a hand caressing her breast into the cobblestones. The sacristy of the church has been converted into one of Amsterdam’s most charming cafe’s, Koffieschenkerij de Oude Kerk.
3. Cafe Papeneiland’s Hidden Tunnel
Cafe Papeneiland has been around since 1642. Papeneiland (meaning Papists’ Island) dates all the way back to the Reformation. At this time there was a secret Church that Amsterdam’s Catholic population worshiped at when Catholicism was illegal. The tunnel through the basement of Papeneiland led beneath the canal into a church called Posthoornkerk. The hidden church is now gone and another (not hidden) church named Posthoonkerk was built in its stead, but you can still see the tunnel, just ask the bar staff to point you in the direction of the stairs.
3. The Vrankrijk Squat’s Bar
In the Nederland there are many squats, where people are able to live for free in abandoned buildings due to a legal grey area. The Vrankrijk is one of them and it has a bar and hosts events. Every Wednesday is WTF Night, which is hosted by Drag Queers Amsterdam. There are different themed performances every week and you’ll find vegan food available from 7pm and the party starts at 10. Every Friday is Punk night, vegan food is available from 7pm and the bar opens at 9. Most Saturday nights are various parties or concerts but the first Saturday of every month is Hip Hop night with De Rauwe School. If you’re looking for the bar, just find the chequered door.
Did you know Gin comes from Holland? Gin or jenever is the national drink of Holland and you can go to Wynand Fockink, one of Amsterdam’s oldest tasting taverns (dating back to 1679) to try some. The tasting bar is open every day from 2 – 9pm and the gin is free to try. You’ll find the tasting tavern in an alleyway behind the National Monument on the Dam square.
5. The Smallest House in Amsterdam
Located just around the corner from the Red Light District is the Smallest House in Amsterdam (and even in all of Europe). This house is only 2.02 meters wide (6 feet and 7.5 inches) and 5 meters deep (16 feet and 4 inches). Built with the iconic bell-gable and in the canal-side style that Amsterdam is famous for, this tiny house has been converted into a tea shop. The upper floor has a capacity of only five people.
6. The Trippenhuis and the Fetish Store across the Canal
If the Smallest House in Amsterdam intrigues you then you may want to visit the Trippenhuis, which is the largest house (more of a mansion) in Amsterdam. It was built for the wealthy Trip family who wanted to have the largest possible house in Amsterdam. In those days you were taxed on how large the front of your house was, facing the canal. The driver of the Trip family was reportedly jealous of the mansion and is said to have told the family that he wished he could have a house on the canal too, even if it was only as large as the Trip’s front door. The family granted this wish and built a house for their driver, right across the canal, which today has been converted into a fetish sex store.
7. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Sweet Lord in the Attic)
If you liked Cafe Papeneiland then this church in an attic is for you. Built in 1663, this bourgeois house had a concealed Catholic Church in its attic, which was frequented by upper echelon business men who were forced to worship in secret. Today the Attic Church is a museum, which displays much of the church’s silver, paintings and other religious artefacts.
8. OT301
This is another squat house but this time it’s been turned into an art space, filled with street art inside. In 1999 the house was being squatted in by a group of artists, who decided to turn the space into somewhere that artists could live and work together on new, alternative and experimental forms of art. Today there is also a zero waste restaurant, which is run by volunteers and you should book ahead if you want to get a seat.
9. De Poezenboot (The Catboat)
De Poezenboot is the only floating cat shelter is the world (niche, I know) but it’s a must visit for any cat-lovers heading to Amsterdam. This canal boat is a sanctuary for stray and abandoned cats in Amsterdam and it has been floating since 1968. You can visit for free (though donations are welcome) and opening hours are between 1 and 3pm. The Catboat is closed to visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays. De Poezenboot is located on the canal close to Centraal Station.
10. In’t Aepjen
What would this list be without a hidden bar in the Red Light District? In’t Aepjen is located on the main street of the Red Light District but most people walk right by it. This bar has a colourful history as a place where sailors of the Dutch East India Company would return from their travels with pockets full of money and exotic monkeys. When the sailors inevitably spent all the money on booze they would offer up their monkeys to the staff, who often accepted the trade. There are no monkeys at In’t Aepjen anymore, except in the decorations. The owners, who ended up having a rather large flee issue created what is now the Amsterdam Zoo, to house all of their monkeys. The name of the bar, In’t Aepjen, comes from the dutch phrase ‘in the monkeys’ referring to the bizarre practice the sailors had of paying their bills with monkeys. They were ‘in the monkeys’ rather than ‘in the money’. You can get a great beer, ale or jenever at In’t Aepjen but they no longer accept monkeys as currency.
Amsterdam is full of hidden gems (sometimes literally hidden) and all it takes is a little exploring and know-how to get you in the door. What are some hidden gems you’ve found while travelling? Let us in on the secrets in the comments.
*This post has been written with Walt Disney World Orlando in mind*
Disney’s Fastpass+ System is, in essence, a free way to skip the lines of your favourite rides and attractions, that can really enhance the magic of your Disney visit by minimising wait times. The Fastpass+ system is included in the price of your admission, though not all guests are aware of the system, even though it is user-friendly and easy to control with an app on your smartphone.
Read on to find out how to use the Fastpass+ system to make your visit to Disney that much better.
So, how does Fastpass+ Work?
The Fastpass+ system allows guests to preselect a window of time to ride or see an attraction, giving them the opportunity to bypass the general queue and enter the shorter and swifter Fastpass+ queue.
Your selections are made using the Disney app on your smartphone.
So what’s the catch?
There are some restrictions on the Fastpass+ system that you should be aware of
It isn’t unlimited.
Each guest receives three Fastpass+ selections. You must use your three selections before you can make another.
Your ticket or package can change how you use the Fastpass+ system:
If you have a general ticket to the parks, you can access the Fastpass+ system 30 days before your visit, while guests staying at a Disney Resort can access the system 60 days before arriving at the parks
So how do I use my Fastpasses+ in the Parks?
There are two ways to use your Fastpasses+ and both involve using the Disney app on your phone or smart device.
If you have a general ticket or park admission, you will receive a card, (resembling a credit card) upon your entry to the park. This is linked to your park ticket, and thus to your preselected Fastpasses+. When it is time to use your Fastpass+, you simply touch the sensor at your chosen attraction, and enter the Fastpass+ line.
If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you will receive a Magic Band, which is also linked to your pre-selected Fastpasses+. When you need to use your Fastpass+, you simply touch your sensor at the start of Fastpass+ line at your chosen attraction.
Our top-tips for Fastpasses+ :
Time is of the essence:
Our tip is to take advantage of your Fastpass selections as soon as they become available to you. Whether you have 30 or 60 days to make your choices, it is wise to use the time you have because allocations for your favourite attractions will fill up!
Check back!
Checking back on the Disney app after you’ve made your three selections can pay off big time. Slots for the most popular rides and attractions often open up unexpectedly, and you can come across some of the most coveted Fastpasses+ by keeping an eye on the app. This is especially important to do while you are at the Parks!
Go in all guns blazing
Have a favourite ride? A character you simply have to meet? Don’t wait, grab a Fastpass+ for it whenever you can, because chances are it’s someone else’s must-do attraction too!
Our top-tip for first timers:
Familiarise yourself with the must-do rides and must-see attractions that Disney World has to offer before you even get to the Parks. If you need some help, see our list below of valuable Fastpasses+ to pick up if you come across them.
Xenomania: the love of foreign things 