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Netherlands is a wonderful country in northwestern Europe that is famous for its tulips, windmills, and flat landscape of canals. Even so, this country remains to be a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by more tourists around the globe.

Unlike the western countries, Netherlands has seemed to preserve its natural beauty away from pollution caused by traffic and smoking factories. So if you are planning to visit this city, you have made the right choice. However, before you head off to your trip to the lowlands, here are some things you should know.

1. There is no need for you to worry about the language barrier.   English is the second language in Netherlands, so expect most Dutch to be fluent in the English language. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and approach locals to take a picture of you. But if you really want to learn Dutch, the good news is that it has been labelled as the easiest language for native speakers.
2. Book in advance. The best time to visit Netherlands is between June and August when the weather is in average. However, take note that this is also a peak season. So make sure that you book your hotel in advance for a smooth-going vacation.
3. Coffee shops are different from cafes. If you want to relax and drink a hot latte while watching the sunset or other tourist roam around the city, you go to the café. However, if you want something unique and probably a little wild, you go to the coffee shop. Coffee shops in Netherlands do not just offer coffee and relaxation spots where you can chit-chat with friends. As far as their laws are concerned, cannabis is legal in Netherlands. And you might find some has brownies or muffins with some cannabis ingredients in them. Don’t be silly though. Make sure to take extra precaution when you try something you have never tried before.
4. Rent a bike and lock it twice if you during your stopover. The best way to tour around Netherlands is to ride a bike.  Just make sure you double-lock it as you leave behind to walk into some tourist spots.
5. Don’t forget to take a picture of the great Amsterdam sign. The Amsterdam sign is very iconic and any trip to the Netherlands is not complete without it. Thereafter, you can take a trip to nearby cities and villages like Volendam, Utrecht, Maastricht, or Giethoorn.

Now that you are ready to visit Moscow, we advise you hold on and go through this packing guide as there could be some essentials that you probably forgot to pack or you just didn’t think you’ll need it. So, just carefully go through this packing list before leaving for Moscow so you don’t have troubles when you get there:

• Scarf

It’s really important to travel with layers, especially when you are visiting somewhere like Moscow. A scarf will come in handy, especially for women who plan to visit religious monuments. This isn’t obligatory but it is advised and religiously appreciated.

• Umbrella

The weather in Moscow and even Russia generally are unpredictable. Even if you’ll be going there in the summer, we urge you to still go with your umbrella.

• Power converter

A power converter is really easy to notice, still, most people always seem to forget theirs. So, put your power converter in your bag as you are reading this.

• Sanitizers

If you’ll be using the train most of the time, you should pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer and Lysol. This will be useful if you need to use the train toilets.

• Souvenirs

Russians love to get souvenirs. It’s usually nice to bring some with you regardless of how little they are, especially if you’ll be staying with a host or if you’ll be around Russians most of the time. Key chains, mugs, t-shirts etc. will be appreciated.

• Money belt

If you have huge plans to see various tourist attractions in Moscow, you have to ensure you have your money kept in a secured place. No! Not your pocket, we recommend a money belt or a fanny pack. We want you to have something that will sit close to your body. Now, your other job is to keep an eye on your property.

• Visa

Be sure you have your visa with you before traveling, and make sure it is valid on the day you’ll be traveling. You should always have your visa with you everywhere you go, just in case of unexpected police checks.

 

The famous Nova Scotia province is the second smallest one in Canada, a beautiful peninsula situated on the Canadian mainland’s eastern edge. The beautiful long coastline is lined with lots of fishing harbors, beautiful sandy beaches, and lush islands. Being located in maritime latitudes, it has a pleasantly breezy if rather damp climate. Summer in Nova Scotia is bright and sunny, but weather conditions often cause fog here, with snowfall in winter.  We were traveling throughout the northeast recently, from Main and Vermont, up into Canada and over to Nova Scotia.  We met up with some ‘snowbirds’ from Arizona and stayed a few days in Nova Scotia with them doing some fishing and leisurely boating and had a great time.  Halifax is the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia.  Here are some other great places to visit:

Cabot Trail

This 300-kilometer long scenic drive rings around the northwest coast of the island and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is an amazing route along the sea, where the highest mountains of Nova Scotia meet the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence. Cliffs, beaches, viewpoints, and a zigzag road give countless photography spots. You can also find a lot of unique small communities and attractions along the route. Autumn is the best time to drive down the Cabot Trail given the region’s unrealistic fall colors.

Peggy’s Cove

Located nearly 43 kilometers southwest from Halifax, the beautiful fishing village of Peggy’s Cove has a historic feel and sits amidst the fog of Atlantic Coast. The much-photographed lighthouse marks an ironic point. It should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you are there for a short time (1-2 days).

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

This historical history museum is famous around the world for the way it recreates mid-18th-century life with its over forty historic buildings, costumed guides, and working establishments. It is a living history museum with a cast of soldiers, servants, fishermen, maids, and merchants who go about daily life. A defensive wall surrounds this beautiful town, and the Frédéric Gate stands on the waterfront, providing better access to ships.

Our trip to Halifax and Nova Scotia in general was a blast!