Keukenhof Archives - Traveling Archive

Dear Dutch-American by Deb Roskamp

Deb Roskamp — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:39:54 +0000

Dear Dutch-American –

I am planning a trip to Amsterdam. My plan is to purchase Dutch products for gifts. I have an hour or two at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for a layover. I noticed in the past there were tulip bulbs for sale, which I thought would make a perfect gift for friends and families. But I’d heard that they are not of the highest quality and sometimes don’t even grow. What is the best place in Holland to purchase the bulbs?
— Linda of Vancouver, Washington

Keukenhof Gardens features more than seven million flower bulbs, which are planted in the garden each year. Photograph courtesy of Ed Boitano.

Dear Linda –

Schiphol generally tops the list for the world’s best airport shopping, in particular for chocolates, Stroopwafle, Dutch Genever Gin, Gouda and Edam cheeses, Delft Pottery – but definitely not tulip bulbs, often old and difficult to grow.

The most well-known flower bulb ‘sanctuaries’ in the Netherlands can be found in the region south of Amsterdam, in the uppermost part of the province of North Holland, and in a section of the province of Frevoland.

Linda, will you be visiting Holland in spring? If so, make sure to put Keukenhof Gardens on your list; you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidescape of blooming Dutch tulips at the most famous and largest flower park in the world. Keukenhof’s spectacle of 320,0000 square meters of flowers is a short and easy drive from Amsterdam, and it is essential to plan your visit in advance. AND YES, this is the place to purchase tulip bulbs.

Tulips grow best in maritime areas, preferably not further away than 30-50 miles from the coast. In the Netherlands the area most like this is near the North Sea. The best types of soil are the sandy-clay grounds in the provinces of South and North Holland, Flevoland and the Noordoostpolder. In particular, the maritime climate and the vicinity of water are optimum conditions for growing tulips. I noticed that you live in Vancouver, Western Washington State, which is close to the Skagit Valley. Once a year there is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which should prove to be an easy location to access the bulbs when not visiting the Nethlerlands.

Dear Dutch-American –

Why are there so many bicyclists in the Netherlands when the nation has public transit, automobiles, trucks and buses?
— Barry of Omaha, Nebraska

Two cyclists navigate through the gentle terrain of Oostzaan, a town in the Zaanstreek, Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Photograph courtesy of Netherland’s Board of Tourism.

The Netherlands boasts over 32,000 km. of safe cycling paths, most of which are separated from traffic. Photograph courtesy of Netherland’s Board of Tourism.

Dear Barry –

The Dutch can afford automobiles, but the price of petrol is over $9/gallon. City fathers have made parking cars in town centers highly expensive, making it much more affordable to simply pedal into the cities. Plus, over 26% of the Netherlands is under sea level, and for centuries the Dutch have battled against the ocean water with a system of polders, dykes and weirs. This has created a stunning and unique flat as a pannekoeken (pancake) landscape of reclaimed land across the country, ideal for bicycling. As one of the world’s most forward thinking democracies, Dutch citizens are highly educated, aware that unregulated fossil fuel could not only damage their health, but also the life of our own planet. I’ve noticed that many Dutch people find it perplexing that ignorant far-right Americans consider monetary profiteering more important than the health of their own children. Please note: When strolling through a popular tourist destination, it is the bicyclist who have the right aways on the pathways — so keep your wits about you and be quick on your feet.

Dear Dutch-American –

My time in Amsterdam is far too limited to see all that needs to be seen. What is your pick for the city’s best museum?
— Wendy of Portland, Maine

The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world.
Photograph courtesy of the Van Gogh Museum.

Dear Wendy –

This is a win-win situation. You really can’t go wrong.

MUSEUM SQUARE is a brief tram ride from Amsterdam’s city center, home to the RIJKSMUSEUM, which includes the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

The VAN GOGH MUSEUM is short walk away, and contains the world’s largest collection of paintings and drawings by the artist.

JOODS HISTORIC MUSEUM consists of four adjoining synagogues, linked by internal walkways to form one large museum. The synagogues were central to Jewish life until WWII, and were restored in the 1980s. Most Dutch tourist who visit the museum today are not Jewish, and consider the museum a part of their own history, as well.

ZUIDERZEE MUSEUM in Enkhuizen, an hour away from Amsterdam by train, recreates local Dutch village life throughout history.

The last known photograph of Anne Frank, circa May 1942, taken from her passport. (Photo collection
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam. Public Domain Work).

“You can always give something, even if it is only kindness.” – Anne Frank.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE & ADJOINING MUSEUM: During World War II, over 103,000 Europeans of Jewish ancestry were deported from the Netherlands to Nazi concentration camps. The most famous was a 13-year-old German girl named Annelies Marie “Anne” Frank. In 1942, the Frank and van Pels families went into hiding in the secret upstair’s annex of a canal building in Amsterdam. For two years, Anne worked on her diary, giving an account of growing up during one of the most inhumane periods of modern history. She made her last entry three days before being arrested. Anne and her older sister Margot died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen in March 1945, only a few weeks before the concentration camp was liberated. The heroic Amsterdamer, Miep Gies, who had helped to hide and feed the Frank and van Pels families at the risk of her own life, found Anne’s manuscripts and gave them to Otto Frank, Anne’s father, the only family member who had survived the concentration camps. With the utmost respect for the privacy of the Frank family, Ms. Gies never once opened the manuscript. In 1947 the first Dutch edition of the diary, “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” appeared. Since then the diary has been published in more than 55 languages. Anne’s hiding place is the most visited site in the Netherlands. Today you can retrace her steps where she entered the secret annex hidden behind the bookcase.

During Medieval times, Canal Houses in Amsterdam were designed to be narrow, yet tall and functional, because owners were required to pay for the meter of the façade facing the canals. Photograph courtesy of Netherland’s Board of Tourism.

Prior to the Covid Pandemic, over 8.84 million tourists visited Amersterdam in 2019. Photograph courtesy of Netherland’s Board of Tourism.

Meet our Dutch-American: Deb Roskamp

Photographer Deb Roskamp.

This installment of our advice column comes to you from T-Boy photographer Deb Roskamp, a first generation Dutch-American, whose ancestral home hails from Andijk in the province of North Holland, the place of her mother’s birth

Readers, feel free to ask our staff any questions regarding their ancestral homeland of your choice at ed****@tr**********.com . T-Boy has an illustrious team of writers ranging from British-Americans, Chinese-Americans, Nigerian-Americans, Norwegian-Americans, and more, who have an acute understanding of their ancestral homeland.

The post Dear Dutch-American by Deb Roskamp appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock

Ed Boitano — Thu, 09 May 2019 14:11:53 +0000

Happy May from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this spring season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

British Airways has used facial-recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for more than 250,000 passengers traveling internationally from US airports. The airline worked closely with US Customs and Border Protection to implement the technology.

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

British Airways’ biometric self-boarding gates. Image by British Airways.

The future of airport travel is happening now with more than 250,000 British Airways passengers using biometric tech on international flights from the US.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Courtesy Ed Perkins

The U.S. State Department issues two versions of a passport: a traditional passport book vs. a passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrival/departure stamps; the passport card is a one-piece credit-card-sized ID card. Which you should get, passport book vs. passport card, depends on how you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Photo courtesy of Ed Boitano

Will you be visiting Holland in spring? Then be sure to visit Keukenhof, where you will experience the gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers for which Holland is famous. Keukenhof is the most famous and largest flower park in the world and lies not far from Amsterdam. In 2019 Keukenhof will be open until May 19th. This comes down to a total of 59 days to visit, compared to 53 last year. So you’ll have one week extra to visit the spectacle of 320.0000 square meters full of flowers.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Photos courtesy of Deb Roskamp

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

It’s a dilemma for many travelers: You want a better photo than you can take with your smartphone, but you don’t want to lug around a big camera. Sony’s Cyber-Shot RX100 VI solves your problem by putting a high-quality camera into a tiny, pocket-sized package. Upgrade your travel pictures without adding a big camera.

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

In a big win for Britain’s consumers, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told big online travel agencies that they must include any mandatory charges like hotel “resort” fees (which are often applied by non-resort hotels in big cities, as well) in the up-front listed price. It’s ok, says CMA, for hotels to break the full price into a base charge plus a mandatory fee, but all mandatory fees must be included in the initially displayed cost.

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

Photo courtesy of SmarterTravel

When flying, the following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs.

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that there are increasingly more inhabitants and endangered species whilst the forests and animal populations decline, based on estimates by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Mexico and the Caribbean Dominate the 10 Most Popular International Summer Destinations for American Travelers in 2019

A sinkhole (cenote) in Mexico’s Yucatan. Photo by Deb Roskamp

Travel to Cancun Declines, While London and Paris Disappear from Top International Destinations List, Shows Travel Data by Allianz Global Assistance.

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

New research has revealed that as many as 14% of Americans have lied to someone about going on holiday, with the top reasons being because they’re embarrassed, they’re wanting to seem well-traveled and they may be wanting to impress someone.

Along with one in seven lying about the destinations that they’ve travelled to, two thirds of Americans who have been on holiday have also lied about their experiences, with the weather, quality of accommodation and amount of sightseeing done found to be the most common untruths.

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

If you know what you’re doing, cruising can be an enriching form of travel. But plenty of people swear off the big ships because of some terrible experience that ruined their first time out. To prevent yourself from becoming yet another cruise hater, take note of these rookie mistakes—and don’t make them.

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

It’s officially train season at Nevada Northern Railway. Nevada Northern Railway is offering train rides now through Oct. 2019. See highlights for this year along with new offerings in the release below.

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

Furusato Sushi: Furusato Sushi reopened its doors following an extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior of its restaurant. The restaurant serves traditional and contemporary styles of sushi using the finest and freshest ingredients. Furusato Sushi is located on the 1^st Floor, Diamond Head Tower fronting Kalakaua Avenue.

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Frenette Photography/Quebec City Tourism

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Keukenhof in Spring, Summer in Québec

Ed Boitano — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 03:11:51 +0000

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this spring season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Photo courtesy of Ed Boitano

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Photos courtesy of Deb Roskamp

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

The White House Correspondents Dinner Celebrate Freedom of the Press

“In the First Amendment the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
– Justice Hugo Black

On behalf of the director and the executive producer of Mosul, Dan Gabriel we would like to extend an exclusive invitation to Embed, a celebration of War Correspondents. On Friday, April 26, 2019 we will honor the First Amendment to the United States Constitution by bringing together the most influential and celebrated leaders in our American communities of journalism, entertainment, public service and politics.

Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Frenette Photography/Quebec City Tourism

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Keukenhof in Spring, Summer in Québec appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Keukenhof Archives - Traveling Archive

Dear Dutch-American by Deb Roskamp

Dear Dutch-American –

Dear Linda –

Dear Dutch-American –

Why are there so many bicyclists in the Netherlands when the nation has public transit, automobiles, trucks and buses?— Barry of Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Barry –

Dear Dutch-American –

My time in Amsterdam is far too limited to see all that needs to be seen. What is your pick for the city’s best museum? — Wendy of Portland, Maine

Dear Wendy –

Meet our Dutch-American: Deb Roskamp

Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock

Happy May from the Staff at Traveling Boy

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

Mexico and the Caribbean Dominate the 10 Most Popular International Summer Destinations for American Travelers in 2019

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Keukenhof in Spring, Summer in Québec

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

The Night Before

The White House Correspondents Dinner Celebrate Freedom of the Press

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

Why are there so many bicyclists in the Netherlands when the nation has public transit, automobiles, trucks and buses?
— Barry of Omaha, Nebraska

My time in Amsterdam is far too limited to see all that needs to be seen. What is your pick for the city’s best museum?
— Wendy of Portland, Maine