Scotland has a lot of coastline so you’d be forgiven for thinking that they would be really easy to find. Unfortunately, they aren’t a short bus journey away from the capital or even somewhere that is easy to get to on public transport at all. The picture perfect ones are almost all on the west coast and some are even on the outermost islands.

I tend to err on the side of the easiest option, especially since we travel with kids, so when I found out about Camusdarach Beach that’s near Mallaig on the west coast we decided that was the one. It was on the mainland so no ferries required, but it was quite a drive away! It’s about 150 miles away from Glasgow and 180 miles from Edinburgh – each over 4 hours away. The nearest large town was Fort William and it’s about an hour drive from there, too.

Fort William is at the foot of Ben Nevis—the highest mountain in the UK—and gets lots of tourists throughout the year so in that sense it’s quite well set up to get to these beaches. A train does go to Mallaig (and also goes over the famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films) so it’s possible to get there via public transport, but car is definitely best.

We chose Camusdarach because it was actually also featured in an old film: Local Hero. If you want a sneak peak of it then watch that film. It definitely got me fired up for the journey! There’s a campsite that leads on to the beach and we chose to stay there.

We love camping for a few reasons but the main one, especially when it comes to Scotland, is that you’re right next to the beach so you can enjoy it that split second that the weather is on your side! I have to admit, the weather can be changeable, but it’s still worth it. Camping with our kids is also a good and cheap way to visit the area which can be filled with many guest houses and hotels that can shoot up in price when you add kids in to the equation.

So, after around 8 hours of driving, another hour at least of putting up the tent and I was ready to see the beach. Ready to see if this place would live up to our expectations. Would the sand be bright white like the pictures? Would the sea be translucent turquoise blue? Or would it look dull and grey like many of the UK beaches end up looking like?

We walked about 5 minutes over some sand dunes and past a small golf course that was nearby and we were there. The beach. It looked a little dull and grey. I had to admit I was a bit disappointed, but then, as if by magic the clouds that were in the sky parted and the sun shone over the sea. It sounds so cliche, and I guess in a way it was, but we’ll never forget that moment. It transformed the sea in to a bright blue which made the sands seem whiter.

We ran down towards the edge of the sea as it lapped against the sand. I even had a little paddle – brrr! It was most definitely not the Caribbean! The views were spectacular though. Not content with being on one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, we also got amazing views over to the Isle of Rum, a jagged island that looks so majestic, and also to the Isle of Eigg, a completely different island that looks flat. It’s such a weird juxtaposition of scenery—the rugged landscape that is so indicative of Scotland and the pristine white beach that seems so out of place.

There’s more than just this beach that is worth finding in the area. Take a small detour off the main road, follow the coast round and you’ll see so many different coves and small areas that are perfect for a picnic, photo opportunities and, possibly most importantly for me, for kids to let off steam. One thing I would warn against in the area though is the midge. If you’re headed to western Scotland you’ll definitely have heard of them. They are small biting insects that are all around that area. Stock up on insect repellent!

Beaches are our favourite thing and we almost always search them out when we go travelling. I was so glad we took the long drive to find these white ones in Scotland and next time we’ll try and push ourselves to go further and find the beaches on Harris which I’ve heard are just as beautiful.

—Kirsty loves to travel with her kids and camping is definitely her preferred method of seeing the great outdoors with them. You can see her tips for camping with kids here: http://getkidsoutside.co.uk/tips-for-camping-with-kids-toddlers/

Last year when it became obvious the Hungarian residency visa wasn’t going to pan out, I began planning our time between when we needed to leave Hungary and when our house sit in the UK was going to begin.

In addition to that gap, we also had my birthday to celebrate. I ended up finding an excellent airfare between Budapest and Eindhoven as well as a cool ferry ride that would take us from the Netherlands to the UK.

I just couldn’t pass up the idea of celebrating my birthday in Amsterdam!

After having an excellent experience using a city pass card in Budapest and Berlin, I did some research about the I amsterdam [they leave it uncapitalized] City Card via their http://www.iamsterdam.com/ website. It looked like it would be a perfect resource for us. They were kind enough to offer us two cards so that we could evaluate how it works for a family visiting Amsterdam.

We had a great time in Eindhoven, so I was even more interested to spend a few days here. As soon as we exited the rail station, we could tell this was one lively city. The energy was great and welcoming. And getting around the city is super easy with its great transportation system.

The city pass covers public transportation which is a really good thing because otherwise you have to deal with getting the appropriate payment cards and making sure you’ve loaded enough funds on them. And it is not exactly inexpensive to ride the buses, metro, etc.

Since it was my birthday and I had some credits from Airbnb after a really rough experience, we were able to stay in a houseboat in the Jordaan neighborhood.

Being able to stay in a typical neighborhood added so much to the trip.

Because the I amsterdam City Card includes admission to a ton of museums, we spent some time trying to figure out which ones we wanted to visit. After spending a lot of time in Europe, Tigger was kind of museum’d out; however, there are so many really cool ones in Amsterdam that she ended up being interested in going to a bunch of them.

Or she was just being kind since it was my birthday.

She wasn’t as interested in the Jewish Historical Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, or the De Hortus botanical garden, so I headed out in the morning and explored those on my own.

I had never known there was so much Jewish history in Amsterdam. I was kind of surprised to see so much history and definitely hadn’t expected a Portuguese component. “Portuguese Jewish” just isn’t a term you hear a lot after all.

I’ll be writing more about these sites in another post.

Later Tigger and I headed out to explore and visit the NEMO Science Museum. When we arrived, they had a really cool physics demonstration going on, so we decided to sit down and check it out. Surprisingly, the demonstration was done in both English and Dutch! I hadn’t expected they would be doing any part of it in English.

This is definitely a museum where you spend some time. There are so many activities kids of all ages can do, and there was plenty of stuff to keep the adults entertained, too. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

The outside of the NEMO museum

Since we were meeting friends for dinner, we didn’t get to go to Micropia or the Dutch Funeral Museum. I was especially bummed about missing Micropia. It’s on the list for when I go back.

One thing that really struck me about Amsterdam was how incredibly charming and inviting it is. You want to constantly walk, take turns on unfamiliar streets, etc. The buildings are amazing and enticing, the life around the canals is somewhat unexpected and tempts you to slow down. You can’t help but go back out at night to see how they’re different.

Additionally, the Dutch are so much more friendly than I had anticipated. We had great experiences in Eindhoven, but I figured Amsterdam is so big it would be typical big city attitude. Not at all! And the Dutch culture is very supportive of family togetherness so you see families everywhere.

When it was time to leave Amsterdam, it was really tough to accept that. I felt kind of depressed during our last night. We were planning on returning to the US in a few months, but I was immediately rethinking those plans and investigating what visa options might be workable in a short time.

Amsterdam and the Netherlands just stole my heart. I can’t wait to go back!

Regarding the city pass card, we definitely found it to be worth it. I ended up walking a lot more than I had originally thought would happen, but the purchase price of the card was easily exceeded just with the museum admissions (you can also find discounts to restaurants and other attractions in the guide that comes with the card). And I really enjoyed not having to deal with getting the typical transportation card and trying to budget all that, etc.

What are your favorite places to visit in Amsterdam?

This is a by-no-means comprehensive guide to eating in this Scottish capital, but it’s a round-up of things we thought the locals did extremely well and that we think are worth trying are your next visit.

Haggis

Yes, it’s cliché, but it’s also all over the place. It’s not as exotic or strange as you would think—it’s similar to Irish black pudding—and it’s worth trying once.

Most pubs serve an entree of “haggis, nips and tatties” (turnips and potatoes), but it’s possible to find smaller portions for trying. At Rosehip, on Rose St. in New Town, we ordered an appetizer that came out with potato, turnip and haggis layered like a savory trifle.

At The Ox gastropub further into New Town we ordered haggis balls, which were surprisingly light and crunchy and good! I could have eaten a half dozen.

My daughter’s opinion: She’s quite the carnivore but I couldn’t get my 8-year-old near the haggis, even covered in a crispy fried coating, which is usually alluring to her no matter what’s inside.

A Full Breakfast

One of the joys of traveling in the U.K. or Ireland for me is the prospect of sitting down to a full breakfast: A plate of fried eggs, bacons, sausage, beans, maybe a fried tomato, brown bread and a pot of good tea is an ideal start to any cold gray day.

We tried the full breakfast at Edinburgh Larder, near Canon Gate in the Old Town. They source as much as they can locally and cook everything fresh. House-made white beans and tomatoes replaced the typical canned variety. The eggs had nice orange-yellow yolks, and the fresh, warm brown bread rounded things out. We didn’t need to eat again until dinner.

Take note that the place is small and a line can form, so it’s best to get there early.

My daughter’s opinion: It would have taken her three days to work her way through a full breakfast, but she liked the Edinburgh bacon and ate a plate of it here and on other mornings as well.

Seafood

Sure, you think of Scotland, you think of smoked salmon, but the country is surrounded by water on three sides and has plenty of other seafood as well.

We had mussels twice —once at the Ox and again at the popular Mussel Inn on Rose St. Each time they were inexpensive, small, mild and just better than any I’ve had in the States. My daughter ate boiled shrimp for dinner at the Mussel Inn. They were small, came with the shells on, and also seemed like they had probably been swimming not too long before landing on her plate.

Of course, we all had fish & chips at least once (my daughter had it three times in a four-day trip). The local style is not too heavily battered. And I have to say the chips were better than any I’ve had in England or Ireland, They were light and crisp and it was quite easy to eat a lot of them.

Our hotel bartender swore to us that the best chipper in Edinburgh is the Tail End in a quiet neighborhood near the Waters of Leith. We believed him but never got there. We’re saving that recommendation for a next visit.

My daughter’s opinion: Clearly the fish & chips were a hit. She also loved the shrimp after we peeled them all for her.

Potpies and stews

When you are in Edinburgh, anytime there is something on the menu that comes in gravy, order it. They have a knack for turning their homey sauces into magical elixirs. In Rosehip I had chicken pie with a shallot and wine sauce that was rich and warming. At a popular New Town place called the Two Dogs, my husband had an oxtail stew in a broth that was equally good. I think he had to resist picking up his bowl and drinking it.

My daughter’s opinion: She was too busy with her fish & chips to care about our gravy. Her loss.

Sunday roast

Instead of eating brunch on Sunday, Edinburgh residents head to their local pubs for Sunday roast. This means plates of roast lamb or pork with fresh veggies, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and more gravy! We ate at the Ox, where they also offer a vegetarian Sunday roast plate. If you can’t get a reservation there (we barely got in without one), plenty of other pubs are known to do it as well. A quick Google search will turn up reliable options.

To Drink

If you don’t mind letting your kids sample the local junk food and want to give them a thrill, buy them a bottle of Irn Bru, a bright orange soda local kids have been drinking since 1901. It’s vaguely orange-flavored but like Coca Cola (which it outsells in Scotland) it tastes like its own thing.

My daughter’s opinion: Irn Bru was a hit. Luckily we can only get it there.

Eileen Gunn is the founder and editor of FamiliesGo!. You can read more about Edinburgh or follow her on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and it’s definitely an appropriate nickname. Its lack of trees, among other things, created unique challenges for its early settlers for not only heating their homes but also with food preparation and preservation.

Without wood or coal to use for fuel, the early inhabits took advantage of the geothermal pools and rivers to prepare their food. We sampled some of their popular brown bread that is still cooked in this manner, and it was quite good.

Angelica is a plant that grows wild in Iceland. Many people consider it to be like a weed. It was a big part of the diet for awhile before it became like currency. It is now making a resurgence and reappearing in some Iceland foods.

We sampled angelica tea as well as had it toasted with some garlic and other ingredients. It had a nice, almost nutty flavor with a subtle hint of licorice. It is a bit “twiggy,” though.

The Tin Can Factory typically serves a traditional lamb soup, but the night we went we enjoyed a seafood soup along with fresh rolls and a cold bottle of Icelandic beer.

One of the really fun parts, besides the good food, was making Icelandic pancakes which are very similar to crepes. Jam is applied to one half of the pancake with whipped cream on the other before it is folded together to eat. Tigger got to try her hand at cooking them and had a lot of fun.

Before we left, we were also treated to a taste of the infamous fermented shark known as hákarl. It is an old Viking food. This particular shark does not have kidneys, so its ammonia and urea is absorbed by the flesh. Because of this, you cannot eat the shark without special preparation.

It is first left to drain for three months to get rid of all the toxic stuff. Once that is completed, it is basically stored and allowed to ferment for a few more months as a means of preserving it.

It is such a strong flavor that most Icelanders don’t eat it. However, it’s kind of a badge of honor thing to sample it when you visit the country. I can honestly say it’s the foulest-tasting thing I have ever put in my mouth.

What’s worse is that the flavor does not leave your palate for hours, so you’re treated to reminders of the taste for a long time. I tried eating various foods and having different drinks to rid my mouth of the residual and was unsuccessful until I sucked on a spoonful of peanut butter.

While Iceland’s cuisine may not be considered impressive overall, they do get an A+ for their most popular street food—hotdogs. These are actually made from lamb and are quite tasty. I am not usually fond of hotdogs, but we ended up getting them at least 3 different times during our 2-week stay.

You will find these booths spread out throughout the city; however, we have been told multiple times that the oldest location, which is across the street from the Harpa is the best. If you get a dog with everything on it, your meal will have ketchup, remoulade, and fried and fresh onions.

They’re absolutely delicious. They’re also popular because they’re pretty darn cheap, something that can’t be said for most of the food found in Iceland. A hotdog costs about $2.80 USD.

We also visited the Sea Baron restaurant (Saegreifinn) which offers sample sizes of minke whale meat for less than $3 USD. I definitely can recommend it. My daughter, who is extremely finicky, liked it so much she wanted to order a minke steak.

They also have a lobster soup which is supposed to be quite excellent, and they have many other great seafood options.

We considered going to SushiSamba which offers an “Icelandic feast,” a multicourse meal with samples of Iceland foods like smoked puffin, arctic char, reindeer, and so on. In the end, we just couldn’t justify spending over $50 USD per person. There are other restaurants offering some of these delicacies at less expensive prices, so if they’re on your list make sure to check out different places.

Another food I definitely fell in love with was Skyr. It’s classified as a soft cheese but is very similar in texture to Greek yogurt. It is absolutely delicious and has a wonderful texture. I get excited every time I find it outside Iceland.

Have you tried traditional Iceland foods? What was your favorite? Are they any you simply would not try?

Equipment

While current cell phones often have tremendous photo quality, if you want even better images, then you’ll want to get a standalone camera.

I think it’s fair to say most professional photographers prefer the control a DSLR camera provides; however, mirrorless cameras are also becoming more popular. They add the versatility you want without the bulk and weight. There are pros and cons of each type of camera, and really it comes down to personal preference and what exactly you want from your camera.

If you can bring a tripod along, then you’ll definitely want to, especially if you’ll be in Iceland during the northern lights season. Trying to capture images of the aurora without a tripod is an exercise in futility. However, a tripod is handy for daytime shots as well.

Make sure to bring a wide-angle lens with you for those amazing landscape shots.

If you’re traveling to Iceland during the cooler seasons, make sure to bring a large Ziploc bag or something similar (more on that later).

Photography Tips for Beginners

If you’re somewhat new to digital photography, or if you just want to up your game, Iceland is the perfect place to really stretch your wings.

In addition to learning some of the tricks of the trade, you might want to consider doing a workshop that combines travel with photography education. Something like a photo tour would not only give you an amazing tour of parts of Iceland but provide you invaluable time with a professional photographer to help you really hone your skills.

It’s also helpful to learn some of the basic terminology and functions of your camera before you go.

• Aperture. This controls how much light enters the lens and strikes the sensor. It functions much like the pupil in your eye. A wider aperture setting lets in more light. When looking at photos, you may notice a reference to an F stop or see something like f/22. The potentially confusing part of this is that the smaller the F stop, the wider the aperture. So f/2.8 is going to be wider (more light) than f/16.
• Depth of field. Have you seen a photo where an object in the image is crisp while other parts of the image are more blurry (see flower example above)? This is decreased depth of field and the effect depends on the aperture setting. A wider aperture will provide this effect while a more narrow aperture will keep the whole scene in focus.
• Macro. This type of photography is probably easiest explained as an extreme close-up. For instance when you’re capturing an image of an insect or dew on moss. Most cameras have a macro setting (look for a flower icon), but you can also get special macro lens which will really increase your ability to get nice, crisp images. I would say this isn’t that common of a technique in Iceland.
• Shutter speed. This basically refers to how long the sensor will be exposed to light (how fast or slow the shutter closes after pressing the button). In low-light conditions, you will need a longer exposure time. If you want to freeze action, you want a much shorter exposure. This speed is usually indicated by fractions of a minute (i.e., 1/16th), although nighttime exposure can be much longer than a minute.
• Noise. You may hear a photographer refer to an image as having noise. This is when you have variations in light and dark on an image. It often looks like small white speckles on a dark photo (see the photo above). While it can be used artistically, generally you’ll want the least amount of noise as possible on your low-light images. You can accomplish this in different ways. Generally, though, you want to decrease your ISO and/or use a faster shutter speed.
• Rule of Thirds. This helps you get a better composition in your photo. Some cameras have a digital grid you can trigger when you’re composing your image. Basically, you visualize a 3 x 3 grid on your monitor/viewfinder. The main subject should end up where the lines intersect.

Waterfalls

When capturing images of moving water, you generally want a slower shutter speed. This is best done with a tripod so you don’t risk hand movement during your exposure. This gives the water a smooth, fluid appearance.

However, there are times when you want to “freeze” the water while in motion. To do that you’ll need good lighting and a faster shutter speed.

Northern Lights Photography Tips

This could really be a post all by itself. There are a lot of factors involved, so I’ll refer you to this very good tutorial for specifics. If you plan on going out and photographing the aurora and you decide to do it as part of a tour, I would not recommend the boat tour. Even with smooth waters, there is just too much motion to capture a really good image, and you may have to jostle around to even find space to set up your tripod.

If this on your bucket list, the best time to try to see the lights in Iceland is between September and mid April. We were there in late January/early February and saw them a few times.

Lighting

You may have heard of the golden and blue hour. The golden hour is when light appears softer and more golden (warmer) and occurs about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. This also gives you longer shadows which can help an image appear more dramatic.

The blue hour is right before sunrise and right after sunset and mostly refers to the color of the sky.

The trick with photography in Iceland is that during the summer the sun doesn’t completely set until very early in the morning and is rising again shortly thereafter. Conversely, in winter the sun may not begin to make an appearance until around 11 AM and will go down a few hours later. So timing things can be a bit of a challenge, especially during winter.

Colors

You’ll get more contrast of colors in the late spring and summer when there is less snow on the ground, but winter shouldn’t be counted out. Colorful buildings and the rugged features of basalt columns and black sand beaches can provide some gorgeous views, too.

Winter Tips

Okay, this is where the Ziploc bag comes into play. Going from cold air into a warm car or building can cause condensation to form on your camera, lens, and the sensor. To avoid this, transfer your gear into a Ziploc bag while you’re still outside. Leave it inside the bag when you move indoors so that condensation doesn’t form on or in the camera.

Cold and batteries are not friends. It’s a good idea to keep an extra battery inside your jacket or pocket where it can stay warmer as batteries tend to lose their juice faster in the cold.

You may also want to invest in a pair of convertible gloves. These are gloves that have a hood that slides over the fingers so that they provide the warmth of a mitten but also allow you to free up your fingertips without having to remove your gloves.

Getting Creative

One of the joys of digital photography is that you can experiment with different angles, settings, and so on without it costing you a small fortune in film and prints. So make sure you look at your subject from different angles both horizontally and vertically. Sometimes even moving just a foot more in one direction can give a completely different appearance.

Fill the Frame

While sometimes you want to incorporate a subject’s surroundings or background, often buildings, monuments, etc., look better when they “fill the frame.” This means that when you’re looking through your viewfinder or at your camera’s monitor, you essentially want the subject to fill that space as much possible.

What other questions do you have that might be good photography tips?

I’ve prepared some tips to help you prepare beforehand and while you’re there.

Preparing for Driving in Iceland

Before you set out on your awesome road trip, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in Iceland.

• In Iceland, ones drives on the right side of the road. If you’ve ever had the fun of having to drive on the left side when you aren’t accustomed to it, you’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief right now.
• The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. Younger children and infants will have to be in safety seats.
• Headlights must be on whenever the car is in motion, day or night.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving in Iceland.
• As with many countries, driving while “under the influence” or while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.
• Speed limits vary depending on the terrain and the level of population. For populated areas, it’s generally 30-50 km/h. On gravel roads, usually the limit is 80 km/h with the limit increasing to 90 km/h on paved roads in rural areas. If you’re from the US and aren’t familiar with the metric system, don’t worry about it. Your car’s speed indicator will be marked in km/h.

Tips for Driving in Iceland

• Smaller bridges are often single lane, so you’ll want to pay extra attention for oncoming traffic as you approach. When stopping, making sure to leave adequate space for the other car to exit the bridge.
• Make sure to slow down when the pavement surface changes, such as from asphalt (tarmac) to gravel. If you aren’t familiar with driving on gravel, it would be a good idea to go slower than the speed limit as you adjust.
• The weather in Iceland can be rather mercurial. You can experience four seasons in the same day. Before heading out, especially if the weather appears rather dubious at the time, make sure to check the road conditions. Naturally, this is more of a concern in the winter when a gentle breeze and sunshine can quickly turn into gale-force winds and blizzard conditions.
• Driving in the highlands can be more hazardous, so remember to take things slowly there.
• Download the safety app to your phone before you head out. This can help emergency services find you in case you need help.
• Even though you may have a 4×4 vehicle, note that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. You can cause considerable ecological damage by not observing this law, as well as endanger yourself.
• Be careful to not get distracted by the scenery. If you spot something interesting, make sure to pull over somewhere safe so you aren’t obstructing traffic as you gaze at the latest wonder you’ve spotted.
• Because of the above, as well as due to possible weather changes, you’ll want to add extra time to any travel estimate. Trust me on this.

Parking in Reykjavik

Parking in the city can be very tricky to find and can be expensive. It is cheaper as you get farther away from downtown.

In the city, P1 is the red zone and is the most expensive. If you have a P1 parking meter ticket, you can park in any of the four zones. A ticket valid for the P2 zone is also valid in zones 3 and 4. You get the idea.

It’s a relatively small city, so if you wish to park in the cheapest zone available, you really won’t have to endure too much of a walk.

Is an Iceland road trip in your plans?

This wish list could be pretty long if I included everything I wanted to do and see when I finally visit Norway, so I’ve included just some of the highlights of things I’ve found during research.

Svalbard Islands

These islands are located between Norway and the North Pole. The main town is Longyearbyen, which is also a certified sustainable destination.

In winter, people get around by snowmobiles and in summer by boat. Visitors can see glaciers, polar bears, the northern lights (during the right time of year), go hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and so on. There are various cruises going around the islands as well so that you can experience all their grandeur.

Viking Ships

I’m fairly fascinated by the Vikings, and a big part of their culture included boats. In Oslo, the Viking Ship Museum has several Viking ships that are fully or nearly fully intact. They’re also known for having the complete Oseberg ship which came from the largest ship burial in the world.

The museum also has various artifacts from Viking life on display.

Lofoten

The Lofoten Islands have a lot to offer people who love nature and adventure, including diving and snorkeling. Sure, you’ll need to wear dry suits, but arctic waters tend to be crystal clear and you’ll likely find marine life you won’t see anywhere else.

There is even the possibility of surfing, and if you’re there in the summer there are wonderful hikes and biking routes.

Gierangerfjord

This area offers some breathtaking scenery. There is a car ferry that also acts as a scenic cruise. The fjord is surrounded by majestic mountains.

There are two incredible waterfalls here—Seven Sisters and the Suitor. The falls face each other from across the fjord, and it’s said that the Suitor is trying to woo the sisters.

The Trollstigen mountain road is considered a must-see. From its description, it isn’t for the faint of heart, though.

Bryggen

This is the old wharf of Bergen. This is one of north Europe’s oldest port cities. It was a famous and popular center for trade in the 12th century. The wharf is now an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Only about a quarter of the original buildings remain, due to multiple fires, but many of the buildings are from the early 1700s.

I really enjoy seeing towns that are literally at the waters’ edge.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

I’m not one for stuffy museums, and while I enjoy viewing art I can’t say I’m really that interested in investing a lot of time in typical museums. This museum, however, has definitely caught my attention. It has more than 150 buildings from all over Norway, and they’re put together in an open-air museum.

It is considered to be the world’s first open-air museum, having been founded in 1881. One of its more impressive occupants is the Gol stave church. I would definitely love to see it in person and see how it looks on the inside.

The museum also focuses on furniture, textiles, technical and social culture as well as Sami culture.

What are your favorite sites when you visit Norway?

Walks of Italy hosted us on on their Florence food tour, and I knew we were in for a treat when our guide announced “We’ll be having wine for breakfast.”

Wine at 9 AM? Why not?

We visited a local wine shop that is bringing back an old tradition. Aged wine is more expensive and certainly has its advantages, but there is also something to say for wine that hasn’t been aged as long.

This shop sells unaged local wines, and you can fill your own bottles right from the vat for a very low price.

Unaged wine doesn’t have a full body, but that also means it’s quite refreshing. Just perfect for a refreshing drink and cheap enough to enjoy as a daily drink.

Along with the trials of the various wines available, they served up quite a spread of different types of bruschetta and treats. I tried to pace myself knowing we’d have more stops, but it wasn’t easy.

We also stopped to sample Firenze’s traditional street food. Before you give lampredotto a taste, it’s important to remember that Tuscany is a deeply agricultural-based culture. Therefore, much of its food is considered “peasant” farmer food. When you’re living off the land, you don’t waste animal parts like we do in the US.

Why does this matter for lampredotto? Well, most people are familiar with the fact that cows basically have four stomachs. Those who are more adventurous or lived in farming areas are probably familiar with tripe, which is mostly commonly the 1st stomach (but can be from the 1st through 3rd stomachs). Lampredotto comes from the 4th stomach which is more glandular and therefore eaten more rarely.

The flavor is . . . an acquired taste. The texture was more of an issue for me than the actual flavor. And it isn’t easy to get rid of the after taste, much like with Iceland’s hákarl. Although not nearly as disgusting memorable.

Lots of Florentines are quite enamored with the stuff, though. This one particular vendor had fairly brisk business.

Being an agricultural area, this also means the fresh markets are quite impressive. We saw so many absolutely luscious and delightful produce. Earlier in our stay, I bought some peaches from a market, and they were the best I’ve ever had.

Juicy, sweet, and without a mushy texture. I miss those peaches!

While at the market, we stopped at a cheese and cured meat vendor. Its owner is a former football star, and he’s quite the card. He expertly flirts with every female customer while under the watchful and nonplussed eye of his wife.

Our guide gave us a great education about the different local cheeses, their processing, and we also learned the difference between prosciutto and Parma ham.

We stopped for lunch at a local haunt that serves food in traditional family style (plates are shared rather than served as individual meals). A large container of house wine is put on the table, and customers pay according to how much they’ve drank. I wonder how many people are surprised when they get the final bill.

The experience is topped off with a visit to a winner of Florence’s esteemed best gelato award. The gelato is freshly made from ingredients he finds that morning in the market. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!

He’s very creative with his ingredients and always trying new things. After having some of his product, I’m absolutely not surprised he won the top prize.

Aside from the great food on this tour, my favorite part was visiting places that the typical tourist would probably never see or experience. These aren’t tourist haunts. You go, eat, and drink where the locals visit in Firenze.

And you definitely don’t want to eat anything before you go on this tour!

Do you do foor tours when you travel? Which was your favorite?

Unique Museums

Iceland has a nice representation of museums, and some of them are definitely more. . . unique. Let’s begin with Strandagaldur, the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. Located in the northern part of the island, this museum houses various items related to the practice of magic in Iceland’s early history.

One of their more peculiar items on display are the necropants, which are a pair of pants made from human skin. They guaranteed the wearer an endless supply of money.

The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik boasts the world’s largest collection of penises and penile parts. They also claim to have troll and elf penises, but as those creatures are invisible you can’t actually see them.

There’s even a documentary about the museum.

Waterfalls

Iceland has some very popular waterfalls which are usually seen as part of an organized tour or road trip. However, there are a couple that are particularly impressive but most people don’t know about them.

Svartifoss is a very unique waterfall located in Vatnajökull National Park. One of things that sets this waterfall apart is that it flows over basalt columns. When you see amazing, mythical-appearing landscapes such as this it’s easy to see why many modern Icelanders believe in trolls and elves.

Another waterfall to make sure you visit, which is off the infamous Ring Road, is Gljúfrafoss. This waterfall is hidden in a cave located behind a cliff. There is a trail for hikers to be able to see it up close. Visitors will also find a staircase so they can get a different view of the impressive falls.

Interesting Natural Formations

In northwest Iceland, you can observe Hvítserkur. This huge basalt sea stack looks like a monster rising up from the ocean. Some see a dragon dipping its head into the waters for a drink. Local legend says it was a troll that wanted to destroy a nearby convent’s bells, but it was hit by sunlight which, of course, petrified it.

The area is also home to a large population of sea lions, probably the largest gathering in Iceland. There are also a lot of birds. In fact, the formation’s white appearance is from their guano.

Near the small coastal town of Vík, located in Iceland’s south coast, you’ll find one of my most favorite places—Reynisdrangar. Here you’ll find a gorgeous black beach with a basalt column formation to one side and very cool sea stacks to the other. The basalt cliff forms a small cave that looks like the entrance to another dimension.

The formations in the ocean are, of course, pesky trolls who turned to stone while trying to drag a ship back to shore.

The whole scene is just so other-worldly it shouldn’t be missed. South coast tours usually include this location as a stop, but it’s also not a far drive from the capital.

Quirky Activities

If you have an affinity for elves and their kind, then you should consider going to Hafnarfjörður where you can take a tour of their hidden world. You could also take a more in-depth course about them through The Elfschool.

Geothermal pools are not unusual at all in Iceland; however, between May 15 and August 1, you can visit the golden sand geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík. You can bathe in the waters in the lagoon, but there is also a sauna and two pools, one of which is designed for small children. Conveniently, there are also changing rooms, towel and swimsuit rentals as well as food vendors. Use of the facilities, including the pools, is free during the summer.

Unusual Food

As one might imagine, agriculture wasn’t a booming industry in Iceland’s early history. This has resulted in some unique cuisine.

One of the country’s most popular foods is the hot dog. The Icelandic version is made from lamb. These are traditionally served with raw and fried onions, ketchup, a slightly sweet brown mustard and remoulade. They are absolutely delicious and surprisingly inexpensive. We still crave them from time to time.

One of the more famous infamous foods in this country is hákarl. This is essentially fermented shark. This particular sea creature lacks kidneys, so the fish is left for months to drain the urea from its body before being cured. Some might argue the smell is worse than the flavor, but I think it’s really a draw.

If you decide to partake, plan on having a big spoon of peanut butter at the ready. You’ll want to slowly suck on the peanut butter to partially rid yourself of the aftertaste. It’s a gift that keeps on giving for hours.

Minke whale is another popular seafood dish, and it’s quite delicious. The flesh is dark red and has a similar consistency to beef. You can find it in many restaurants, but it’s also available in grocery stores and at the flea market in downtown Reykjavik.

One food item I didn’t get to try while there was puffin. This tends to be a seasonal item, but there are some restaurants that serve it year round. It is usually smoked but is sometimes served broiled. Some people have described the flavor as being reminiscent of pastrami.

Not quite as unusual but still particular to modern-day Iceland is Skyr. It is very similar to Greek yogurt in its consistency but is technically a soft cheese. It is high in protein, very low in fat, and high in calcium. I always look for it in markets elsewhere. It’s a great gustatory reminder of this wonderful country.

Which unique things to do in Iceland will make it onto your list? Will you brave sampling hákarl?

It is much cheaper than traveling by plane, although the journey does take longer. The flight can be as fast as 50 minutes (between Amsterdam and Norwich) while the ferry crossing lasts about 7 hours. Although, the Stena ferry can be more than 10 times cheaper (and that’s before you add extra airline fees such as checked baggage) which is a very significant difference. We paid £51 total (about $65 USD; excluding the cabin) for the two of us.

Since we weren’t pressed for time, this was an easy decision.

 What is the Stena ferry like?

When we first boarded the ferry, Tigger’s comment was “Fancy shmancy! Are you sure this isn’t a cruise ship?”

The ferry has various lounges both indoors and outdoors. In addition to the general sitting areas there are:

• An internet center (although there is free WiFi on board)
• An on-board cinema which were showing two different new release movies
• A teen gaming center
• A play center for younger kids
• Duty free shop
• Bars and coffee vendors
• A cafeteria-style restaurant and a sit-down restaurant with a fancier menu
• A premium lounge (extra fee) that is a designated quiet zone and has decent work areas plus complimentary beverages and snacks
• Sun deck
• ATM machine
• Currency exchange
• Private cabins.

What are the cabins like?

They have various cabins. They start with a basic interior (no window) two-person berth and go up from there. We chose the comfort 2-person berth. This level was 64€ and included complimentary beverages (including wine and beer, teas and coffee, etc.), snacks, and came with one twin bed and one queen (which is a full-size bed in the US) bed. The beds were extremely comfortable. We had an ocean view, and the cabin also included a small sitting area, electric kettle, and en suite bathroom with a shower. Linens, including towels, and shampoo/body wash were provided. There is also a TV with several English-language satellite channels available.

I figured for a 7-hour trip, I’d rather have the comfort of a private space where we could just relax, and it was absolutely worth it. I enjoyed a nice hot shower with great water pressure followed by a luxurious nap.

We went into the public areas a couple of times, and I loved being able to retreat to our room to escape all the people and noise.

Restaurants

We had some pretty good food on board, and I was surprised at the reasonable prices (in the 5-8€ range for a large portion of food). I expected they would charge quite a bit more for the convenience factor, but their prices were actually lower than most of the restaurants on the mainland in the Netherlands.

For night crossings, they serve a breakfast buffet in the morning.

You can also bring your own food on board.  I didn’t see a microwave for public use, but there were plenty of people who had ice boxes, etc., with their food and drinks.

Baggage & Check-in

There is no charge to check baggage, and you aren’t restricted to the number of bags you can check which is nice.

Check-in was super easy. I purchased our tickets for the Stena ferry via Direct Ferries, which is a comparison site. Their prices were cheaper. If you aren’t purchasing a ferry plus train package, then you get an electronic ticket and don’t have to print out anything. For rail service, you’ll have to print out your tickets.

Border control is right after the check-in desk, and everything moves pretty quickly.

Reserving a Cabin

The above site only offers you an upgrade to the captain level cabins. If you don’t want that level of upgrade, just wait until you board. Go straight to the Guest Services area (not hard to find) and you’ll easily see the area for getting a cabin.

If you do a night crossing, then a cabin is cheaper accommodation than a hotel.

Payments on Board

There is an ATM which dispenses both euros and pounds. On this route, all prices are in euros, but they will accept pounds as payment. There is also a currency exchange if you require that. I used my US-based debit card to make payments on board and had zero issues.

Transportation to/from the Ports

Rail service is located at both ports, so it’s very easy to get to and from the ports in both countries. There is bus service as well.

The port on the Netherlands side is really close to Rotterdam, which is a really cool city, so you may want to plan to spend some time there.

As mentioned previously, there is a package deal that enables you to pay for your rail and ferry tickets at a better price. It’s also known as the Dutchflyer service.

Taking the ferry was really a wonderful experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to travel that way again. We both really enjoyed it.

Have you taken the Hook of Holland to Harwich ferry with Stena or another ship? What was your experience?