The ins and outs of the Netherlands

Growing up in the Netherlands, I have made many trips within the country. When I was younger, we would often go to Vlieland, one of the five small islands north of the Netherlands. All the islands are great but I would recommend going to one of the smaller ones and skipping Texel (the largest). The islands are good for a relaxing holiday. A large part of the island consists of beaches which stretch very wide so there it is never busy. By renting a bike you can get around really easily and there are amazing campings that can accomodate to all your needs. The Netherlands might not seem the best place for beach days but the islands are actually quite sunny, especially in summer. And if you go in any of the other seasons, it will be cold but the wind and sea air will give it a nice atmosphere regardless. 

Another trip I made during the christmas holidays was to the south of Limburg. This area is a popular destination for Dutch people because it feels like you are not in the Netherlands. All of the Netherlands is completely flat but in the south of Limburg hills start to appear. This makes it look more like Belgium or Germany. The city of Maastricht with its large international community and particular architecture also gives of a very un-dutch vibe and I love that. There are many beautiful hikes you can take around the area, including the one at the drielandenpunt (the point where the boarders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands collide). In Maastricht we visited the mergelgroeven (marl quarries), sort of manmade caves that are very interesting and scary (because of the darkness). On top of that, the location is also very convenient if you would like to visit Germany or Belgium as well. Both are less than half an hour by car or train. 

The last place I would like to write about is not really a trip. It is the place where I have lived for the past couple of years: Utrecht. Utrecht is one of the bigger cities in the Netherlands and it is, in my opinion, also one of the most charming ones. Just like Amsterdam it has canals and typical Dutch architecture but it doesn't have all of the tourists. It is a progressive student city where you are allowed to be and express yourself. the city centre is full with hip coffee places, restaurants and vintage stores. The dom tower makes Utrechts skyline instantly recognizable and can be seen from almost all places of the historical centre. You can climb the tower and enjoy the beautiful view over the city.  Also during the night there is enought to do. Tivoli Vredenburg, the music building of the city, hosts concerts and parties almost every night.