Located on the west coast of Ireland, the Connemara is an area of dramatic scenery and unique character, steeped in years of history. Bounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, on land the Connemara’s eastern border line runs between Kilkieran Bay and Killary Harbour. For anyone looking to discover all of the delights of this region on a short break, we’ve put together a quick guide to the must do activities, sights to see and food to eat for a real Connemara experience.

The Great Outdoors

The Connemara is a top holiday destination for those who love the great outdoors, with a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and explore the region at the same time. We recommend that you start by testing your skills on the Eddie Hackett designed championship golf course which incorporates the stunning natural features of the countryside. Later, why not see the Connemara from a different perspective and discover the rolling mountainsides from horse-back, with one of the many trekking companies offering tours in the region. If you prefer walking to riding, take a trip to the Connemara National Park, where a number of tracks with varying levels of difficulty wind through the 2957 nature reserve. After getting to know Connemara from land, charter a fishing boat and try your luck in catching skate, mackerel, cod, blue shark or even tuna. Land-lubbers who want to see if they can hook “the big one” don’t have to miss out - try fly fishing for salmon and sea-trout in the rivers instead.

History & Sightseeing

Perhaps the best place to begin to experience the history of Connemara is at the Connemara Heritage and History Centre. The centre has been created to tell the story of the original settlers of the region and includes reconstructions of a fort and a crannog (island house). Another place worth visiting is Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens, where you’ll find that you can easily wile away and hour or two. Constructed in 1867 as a castle, Kylemore became an abbey in 1920. The walled gardens are fascinating as they display only plants which would have been grown in the Victorian era. You’ll also find a cosy tearoom offering light snacks, and hand-made pottery which is produced using traditional techniques. After the tranquillity of the Kylemore, something more lively may appeal - a trip to the capital of Connemara is in order. Clifden Town is a hotspot for shopping, and has many bars and restaurants. While you are there, be sure to catch a music night and listen to some of the local talent - Connemara at its best!

Flavours of Connemara

No visit to the Connemara would be complete without sampling the best cuisine that peninsula has to offer. Hill-lamb, with its fresh, sweet flavour is a speciality, while seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice with mussels, prawns and more. Locally produced beech-smoked salmon is also well-worth trying and makes a favourable partner to Connemara whiskey, with its fruity, smoky aromas and flavours.

We want to know if you have been here and if so, what was the highlight?

Inhabited since the Stone Age, and with an unusually welcoming climate, the Isles of Scilly lie just 28km off the shore of Cornwall. England’s only archipelago with 145 islands rises in the Celtic Sea (part of the Atlantic Ocean) and it is believed that the small islands once formed a single land mass, before water levels rose circa 400 - 500 A.D. This group of islands is designated as an Area of Natural Beauty and tends to be warmer and milder than the rest of the UK, making the Isles of Scilly into an interesting choice for a short break, or a day trip for visitors based in Penzance.

The Islands

The Isles of Scilly consists of 5 inhabited islands, while the remaining 140, known as the Uninhabited Islands now provide accommodation only for the abundant wildlife and birds of the region, although once some of them did host their own small communities.

Bryher

Bryher is the smallest of the main Scilly Isles, and is the most north-westerly of the archipelago. The west coast of Bryher bears the brunt of storms from the Atlantic, creating a wind-swept contrast to the sheltered eastern coast where some of the island’s best beaches to be found. Some not to miss activities during a visit to Bryher include taking a stroll up to Watch Hill and marvelling at the unspoilt ocean views, or simply enjoying the tranquil natural setting of this special little island.

St Mary’s

As the largest of the islands, St Mary’s covers 629 hectares and its harbour at Hugh Town forms a central hub for goods being transported to and from the archipelago. This creates a bustling and friendly atmosphere on the island, however this doesn’t mean that you won’t find plenty of secluded spots where you can relax. Over 30 miles of coastal paths and nature trails are spread across the island making this a great choice for hikers, while history fans will be fascinated by the remains of the neolithic settlement at Bant’s Carn.

Tresco

Peaceful but with plenty to keep even the most demanding visitors occupied, the unique beauty of Tresco makes it a favourite for families and couples. Tresco is the second biggest of the Isles of Scilly, and offers a wealth of activities from fishing and kayaking to browsing art galleries. One of Tresco’s most stunning attractions is the Abbey Garden, a sub-tropical paradise where more than 20,000 plants from 80 countries are grown. The gardens are also home to the “Valhalla” exhibition of decorative figure-heads, recovered from some of the many ships which have been wrecked in the region throughout history.

St Agne’s

St Agne’s is the most south-westerly point of Britain, and is home to a thriving community of flower farmers, who produce narcissus and pinks to be sold in the UK and further afield. Considered to be at its best in the spring-time, when wild and cultivated flowers bloom in abundance, St Agne’s is delightfully laid-back and a wonderful place to forget the outside world! The island is joined to the smaller, unoccupied, island of Gugh by a sandbar which is only revealed at low-tide.

St Martin’s

At just two miles in length, St Martin’s is tiny, but has plenty to offer visitors. The island has its own vineyard, which visitors can tour, as well as a number of splendid beaches. Lawrence’s Bay is one of the best beaches for those visiting with kids, as the water tends to be calm, and there are lots of rock-pools to keep the little ones busy. St Martin’s also has a diving school - the perfect opportunity to discover what is lurking under the sea!

The Uninhabited Islands

Numerous trips to explore the Uninhabited Isles of Scilly run from the main islands on a daily basis and allow visitors to discover the natural wonders of this little known region of Cornwall. An unmissable opportunity for wildlife lovers and bird-watchers, as many rare species have been spotted in this area!

How to Get There

It is possible to travel to the Isles of Scilly by ferry, helicopter or air-plane. Most visitors take advantage of the regular 2 hour 40 minute boat service to get to the island, while the 20 minute helicopter flight from Penzance is a dramatic but more costly option. Scheduled flights by air-plane run from Exeter, Southampton and Bristol during the peak season, and from Land’s End and Newquay year round.

Imagine relaxing on a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, listening to waves softly crashing onto the sandy shore. With not a care in the world, your only problem is deciding whether to spend the afternoon snorkelling, sampling tropical fruit cocktails at the beach bar or simply chilling out under those clear blue skies. If this sounds like your dream holiday, then why not make this the year when that fantasy visit to paradise becomes a reality? Here are our top picks for three of the best exotic beach destinations across the globe.

Madagascar

If exploring hidden coves, bathing in crystal clear waters and spotting fascinating wildlife appeals to you, Madagascar could be the ideal choice for an exotic beach holiday. Madagascar, which has become even more popular with travellers since the release of the animated movie series of the same name, is located off the coast of Africa and is the world’s forth largest island. Madagascar has much more to offer than great beaches, with rainforests and mountains offering environments which are home to unusual species such as the lemur. Some of Madagascar’s best beaches can be found on the smaller islands which lie off the coast such as Andilana on Nosy Be, while Ile Sant Marie on the west coast is a beautiful spot which has excellent coral reefs.

Goa

Goa may be India’s smallest state, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with an abundance of glorious sandy beaches providing a perfect setting for a exotic holiday in the sun. Located in West India, Goa has a tropical monsoon climate, which means that the zone experiences high levels of rainfall between May and October and has a dry season from November to April making this period the best time to travel to the area. As for choosing a resort, with Goa you are quite literally spoilt for choice. In the northern region, Calangute beach is one of the most popular due to the excellent tourist facilities in the area, however Baga beach is worth considering if you are looking for a more peaceful and romantic break. To the south, Agonda provides a secluded retreat in dramatic settings, but no facilities, whereas Colva beach provides a more family friendly option with all mod-cons to hand.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Once used as a U.S Military base, the island of Vieques is located around 8km off the Puerto Rican coast and is a top choice for eco-conscious travellers. While many people only take time to visit Vieques on a day-trip as part of a holiday in Puerto Rico, if you are looking for an exotic stay in a truly special place, it is worth staying longer. Vieques is famed for its herd of wild horses, which roam freely and are thought to be descendants of stock brought to the island by European settlers, and is also home to two bio luminescent bays. These breath-taking lagoons glow at night, due to the presence of tiny marine organisms, and can only be visited in registered tour groups, which helps to protect the fragile eco-system for future generations. The best beaches on the island include Media Luna, a crescent moon shaped bay with shallow, gentle waters and Green Beach, which is fringed with trees and shrubs, giving it an isolated and relaxed vibe.

So there’s our three favourite exotice beach destinations but we want to know if we’ve missed any out? What do you think we should add to the list? Please leave your comments below…

With their unmistakeable bitter and piquant flavour, capers have long been considered a gourmet treat. Legend has it that Cleopatra considered the tiny caper to have aphrodisiac properties, while other ancient writings suggest that the caper plant was also used for medicinal purposes.

Today, step into almost any delicatessen or quality food store, and it is likely that you will come across this surprising tasty nibble. Let’s take a closer look at capers, discovering where they come from and how to use them in the kitchen.

What are capers?

Capers are made from the unopened flower buds of a shrubby perennial plant called Capparis spinosa. The plant has thick, green leaves and spiny stems, and if left to bloom, has rose-like white flowers with pinky-purple stamens. There are several different varieties of caper plant which are used for food production, with some capers being significantly larger than others.

Where are capers grown?

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Some food historians believe that the caper plant was brought to Europe from the dry zones of Central Asia by the Greeks. The hardy plant flourished in the high temperatures and arid habitats of the Mediterranean, particularly in Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco and France. More recently, farmers in California and some parts of Australia have also started to cultivate capers, which has broadened the market and allows connoisseurs to sample the differences in flavours from across the globe.

How are capers harvested?

Due to their small size and delicacy, the flower buds of the caper plant are usually harvested by hand early each morning. This is a time-consuming task, which is often reflected in the price of better quality caper products.

After picking, the capers are processed, helping to create the unique texture and flavour which they are known for. Some caper producers soak the buds in brine (salt and water), others use vinegar or oil and others pack them into sea salt. The capers are then packaged into jars or larger containers to be sold to the public. Capers are not the only part of the plant that can be eaten - you may also spot olive-sized caperberries, which are the fruit, and less frequently, the preserved stems.

How to use capers in cookery

Capers are traditionally used as to create accompaniments for fish dishes, but are also excellent with meat or sprinkled over summer salads. Whether you add capers to sauces or use them to garnish a cocktail, the unusual tangy flavour is well worth experimenting with!

So are do you hold the aquired taste for capers? How do you use them in your cooking?

Summer is fast approaching, and with it people are busy making holiday planes. However, this brings up a great question: Where should you go? Well, there are millions of answers to this question. Since we can’t possibly cover all of them, we are going to cover the top five places you and your family should consider going this summer.

Orlando, Florida

There are few places that scream fun like Orlando, Florida in the United States. This place is known around the world for its theme parks, great beaches and sunny weather. To tell you the truth, Orlando is a place that your kids will just go crazy at! However, saying that you won’t have fun is completely untrue. The only problem you are going to have when you get to Orlando is trying to figure out what theme parks you want to hit. If you ask me, you have to at least hit the three major ones: Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. For younger kids, Disney World is a must. However, for teens to adults, Universal Studios has everything you could possibly want, including Islands of Adventure!

Muskoka Cottage Country, Ontario, Canada

Alright, if you don’t want to have to deal with the crowds that will be in Orlando (oh yes, there will be crowds), then maybe you should try Muskoka Cottage Country. Now, this is a destination that is more for the “outdoors” kind of traveler. The great thing about holidaying here is you get to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you will find over 2,500 square miles of wilderness. On top of that, you can enjoy 8.699 miles of shoreline. With that much coast, you can bet you will find a nice little spot all to yourself!

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Looking to beat the heat? Well, there is no better place to do that than at Glacier Bay National park in Alaska. This summer is going to be a hot one, so why not holiday in a place that is nice and cool! This National Park is actually 27 percent covered by glaciers. While you are here, you are bound to see some moose, black and brown bears, harbor porpoises, and even humpback whales. Sure you can see this National Park by way of cruise (which is how most people view this area), but you can also enjoy guided and unguided tours of this area as well. It’s the best way to truly see all this area has to offer.

Azores, Portugal

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So, you say you want to beat the crowds but don’t want to give up your sunshine? Well, then you might want to consider Azores in Portugal. The great thing about this area is it’s very remote. In fact, it is actually located about a thousand miles west of continental Portugal. Due to its location, it has actually helped keep tourist traffic to a minimum. However, for the people who are willing to make the trip, they are treated with unspoiled beaches and crystal clear water. This is one location that is surely worth the trip!

Cardiff, Wales

The last location we are going to talk about today could be right out your backdoor! Cardiff, Wales is a historical city with beautiful castles. However, it has a lot more going for it than just history. In fact, Wales has recently been emerging as a modern sports entertainment destination. One of people’s favorite locations is Cardiff Bay. This area once was the world’s largest coal-exporting port, but now it is a 500-acre freshwater lake with almost eight full miles of waterfront! I should also inform you that Cardiff happens to be home to some of the best dinning spots you are going to find in all of Europe! These meals are one of a kind, and you truly cannot find them anywhere else.

So there you have it! Those are my top five summer destinations for this year. Where are you heading this summer?

Located in north-west England, Liverpool is a top destination for a romantic weekend away or short break with friends. Founded in 1207, the city’s eclectic mix of historical architecture provides a fascinating backdrop to its lively modern atmosphere. If you are thinking of booking a self catering getaway in Liverpool, here are five suggestions of things to do during your stay.

Go on A Shopping Spree

The vast Liverpool ONE Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and is a paradise for shopaholics . Amongst the many leading name stores are Apple, John Lewis and Cath Kidston, the shopping centre also has restaurants and eateries catering to a variety of tastes. For quirkier purchases, don’t miss out on the Bold Street shopping area, which is mainly pedestrianised and is packed with unique shops and speciality food stores.

Browse the Art at Tate Liverpool

Located on Albert Dock, the Tate holds the National Collection of Modern Art as well as presenting exhibitions from international and British artists. Housed within a Grade I listed building, the gallery presents special events throughout the year and has enough variety to captivate visitors of all ages.

Get Beatlesmania

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A visit to Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without discovering The Beatles Story, also found within Albert Dock. The award-winning exhibition tells the history of The Beatles with an audio guide, and creates a fun 60’s vibe. The memorabilia collection makes this exhibition into a must for Beatles fans, while an amazing 4D cinema experience is the newest addition to the attraction.

Eat a Dish of Scouse

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If you’ve ever wondered why Liverpudlians are sometimes referred to as “Scousers”, a trip to the city is an ideal time to find out. Scouse is, in fact, a rich, meaty stew which was once favoured by sailors. Made from mutton or lamb, along with vegetables, the recipe for scouse was probably brought to the Liverpool by seamen from Scandinavia. Discover scouse for yourself at the Baltic Fleet, a Grade II listed pub which has its own microbrewery and is located on the famous waterfront - ideally placed for a rest after visiting the many other attractions nearby.

Relax at Sefton Park Palm House

One of Liverpool’s less well known gems is Sefton Park Palm House. The elegant hothouse building is filled with tropical plants from around the globe as well as a selection of statues depicting historical figures. The Palm House is open all year round, and its glass roof means that the flowers can be enjoyed rain or shine. As an added bonus, the Palm House charges no fee for entry.

With 1000 kilometres of coastline, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has been attracting tourists from across the globe for decades. It is easy to see the appeal of the island - surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, it benefits from a mild climate, hosts a wealth of significant historic sites and the locals are renown for their friendliness to visitors. The size of the island means that some areas have been developed to provide greater appeal to holiday-makers, while other areas remain typically Cretan. This makes it quite possible for a visitor to get a true taste of the traditions of the island, while still enjoying the modern facilities such as shopping malls and night-life that make a holiday more fun.

There are dozens of villages and towns where accommodation can be found, so deciding where to stay can be tricky when planning a trip to Crete. To give you a helping hand, we take a brief look at five of the most popular destinations on the island and what you can expect from them.

Chania

Located at the western end of Crete, Chania is the capital town of the region, which somewhat confusingly for non-locals, is also called Chania. The town of Chania is the second biggest on the island, and makes an ideal choice for visitors who enjoy absorbing culture and history during their travels. The ancient Venetian Harbour in the old town is atmospheric, while the new town offers an abundance of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Malia

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Located on the eastern coast of Crete, Malia is the island’s hot-spot for travellers whose main aim is to party and have a good time. Packed with bars, night-clubs and restaurants serving an mix of Brit and Greek cuisine, Malia is favoured by the younger generation for its buzzy ambience and anything goes attitude, and so is less advisable for those of you who prefer a tranquil location, particularly in the peak season of July and August.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos, or Ag Nik as it is affectionately called by many of the Brits who make their home there, is the largest town in the eastern region of Crete. Famous for the scenic Voulismeni Lake, which connects to the sea by a canal, Agios Nikolaos has a choice of beaches within walking distance, making it an ideal option if you are looking for sun, sea and sand during your vacation. Night-life in the area is fairly lively, with a good mix of cafés and bars to choose from.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital city of Crete and has a history dating back thousands of years to the Neolithic period. As a modern city, Heraklion balances the best of the past and the present, with ancient buildings reminding today’s traveller of the rich culture of the island, and contemporary shops, dining and accommodation to make a stay in the area a true pleasure. As many areas of Heraklion have recently been pedestrianised, exploring the city on foot is the most comfortable option.

Plaka

With its attractive position overlooking the beautiful Souda bay, Plaka is a tourist friendly resort which still retains its charming village character. Plaka feels like “real” Crete and is great for couples and families who enjoy getting closer to nature as it is set on a forested hill-side, while foodies will love the olive oil and wine that are produced in the village.

So that’s our top 5, we want to know if you have any to add to our list? Please leave your comments below…

If you enjoy regular holidays as a family, it is quite possible that one day soon, your child or children will pipe up with the question “Mum, can my friend come too?”. Of course, you might feel that this is a complete no-no, and prefer to keep your holidays as quality family only time, however if you are open to the idea there is quite a lot that you should think about before you commit by saying “yes!”.

We’ve gathered together some of the most important questions that you should ask before you book that extra flight, and offer some handy tips to make a taking a companion for your child on holiday with you an all-round enjoyable experience.

Who will pay and for what?

Deciding who pays for flights, accommodation, entertainment and food during a holiday is something which every family has to decide for themselves according to their budget and lifestyle. Ideally, plans to travel with someone else child should start with a chat between parents to decide what costs will need to be covered and whose responsibility each area will be. You may be happy to pay for everything except treats or vice versa - it is all down to what you feel comfortable with and what you can afford. In all cases, you should ensure that you are able to access a fund of cash in case of emergencies or unavoidable additional costs.

What about pocket money?

Again, the situation of pocket money is something which needs to be discussed between parents. Depending on the level of responsibility that the child is used to and their age, it is usually best for you to hold the balance of cash yourself, and hand out an agreed amount each day.

Won’t customs be concerned about me travelling with someone else’s kid?

According to the UK Border Agency, customs may request further information from anyone travelling out of or entering the country with a non-related child. This is the same at many border control points throughout the world, and will not cause unnecessary delays if you carry a signed letter of permission with parent’s contact details which has been authorised by a solicitor. The child will also need an up to date passport and relevant health insurance documentation.

How can I be sure the kids won’t “fall out”?

Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed in this life, but there are a few things you can do to prevent nightmare situations like a disagreement between your child and his or her friend from ruining your holiday. One of the main things to consider would be to choose a child who you have known for a long time, and who has already spent extended periods with your family at your home, so knows your “rules” and what behaviour is expected for them. If you don’t know the child well, try a few short sleepover weekends before planning to invite them on a holiday away from home. This will allow you to assess whether they get home-sick, as well as seeing whether the child in question is someone who you would want to spend a holiday in charge of!

We want to know, do you have any tried and tested tips for us? Please leave your comments in the box below…

Located on the Adriatic coastline, Croatia remains an undiscovered gem for holidaymakers searching for a vacation with a difference.

The resort of Porec in the region of Istria has been a traditional base for visitors to the area for over one hundred years, maintaining its quaint charm while providing an excellent variety of facilities and accommodation. Unlike many top European destinations, Porec has developed in a restrained way, and despite being the most popular resort in the country is still peaceful and an ideal choice for first time visitors to Croatia.

Getting There & Getting Around

Pula Airport is the closest airport, located around 55km south of Porec, and regular bus service and taxis providing transfers to the resort, however, it is well worth considering booking a hire car for the duration of your holiday. This will give you freedom to explore at your own pace, rather than to the schedule of an arranged excursion.

What to See

One of the reasons why Porec is a popular choice for tourists in Croatia is the fact that you don’t have to go far to find a diverse selection of things to do. The young and young at heart will find discos and nightclubs and shopping zones, as well as water sports and sailing, while those who are looking for a more peaceful break are spoilt for choice with beaches, nature reserves and historical places to visit.

A stroll around Porec Old Town is essential on even the shortest of breaks, with its pretty harbour, charming coffee shops plus the ancient Euphrasian Basilica and Byzantine mosaics. Porec has a large number of very fine beaches along the coastline, though for an extra special experience, take a short boat ride to Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas), a small tree-clad island which has been used as a swimming spot for at least one hundred years.

Travelling further afield, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is certainly one of the region’s most spectacular natural beauty spots. The 300 sq km. reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been an attraction for visitors and locals alike since the end of the 19^th Century. With sixteen blue-green lakes, connected by waterfalls of varying heights and surrounded by woodlands, the park is home to rare bird species, boars, wolves and deer, and a wonderful place to spend an hour or two.

What to Eat

Istria’s traditional cuisine celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and restaurant menus often reflect this by serving the best of what is available each season. Seafood and fish dishes which blend the catch of the day with herbs and vegetables are not to be missed, while preserved meats and goats cheeses make an excellent snack or light meal served with salad and fruit. The region is also well-known for producing honey, truffles and olive oil, all of which make great foodie souvenirs to take home with you.

We want to know, what’s on your list of ‘Must See’s’?

Looking for ideas for a memorable spring getaway? Then why not take a trip to see the famous flower fields in Holland. For just a short period each year, the bulb growing region near Amsterdam becomes a mass of sweetly scented, multi coloured blooms…arrive just a few weeks too late and the same fields will be filled with vegetables. Don’t leave it too late, start planning your spring break now, with our essential travel guide.

How to Get There

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Holland is well connected to the UK with regular flights from major cities including London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and ferry services are also readily available. Another excellent alternative is to depart from London on the Eurostar, then take a connection by local train from Brussels to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay

Most tourists travelling to Holland to see the flower fields choose to make Amsterdam their base for the duration of their holiday due to its central location. World-class cultural and historical attractions and lots of different shopping areas mean that if you get bored of checking out the spring blooms, there are plenty of other options on offer.

Getting Around

Getting from place to place in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas is very easy, with an exceptional public transport system combining tram, metro and bus services. Hiring bicycles is also another popular option, while hire cars offer freedom to explore a wider area.

What to See

If you want to focus your trip on seeing the marvellous spring blooms that the Netherlands are famous for, one of the first locations to fit into your itinerary is the Keukenhof in Lisse, a short trip away from Amsterdam. Once a hunting park and kitchen garden on the estates of Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria, the 32 hectare park has hosted an outdoor exhibition of more than 7 million bulb flowers every year since 1949. With over 15km of footpaths, you’ll need to wear comfortable walking shoes and allow plenty of time to experience the delights of this short-lived and awe-inspiring floral masterpiece.

In Amsterdam itself, a visit to the Floating Flower Market is a must. Dating back to 1862 when barges were the main form of transport, the market is open daily. The rainbow of bouquets of all kinds create an exotic ambience, while nearby gift shops and cafés offer ample opportunities to buy souvenirs or relax and watch the world go by.

As for visiting the flower fields themselves, plan to follow some of the marked cycle or walking routes around the countryside. Although you can drive or take coach trips around the fields, being out in the fresh air, with the heavenly scent of spring blooms filling the air will make your trip truly unforgettable. Tourist information centres will supply maps and further details of the best routes to take.

What to Eat

During your Dutch getaway, be sure to sample some of the local cuisine. Holland is, of course, famous for more than flowers - the nation are also very proud of their cheeses such as gouda and edam. Other speciality dishes include hearty stews and soups, while salted herrings served with onions are recommended for those of you with more adventurous tastes. Sweet toothed visitors should indulge in a sweet pancake poffertje or two, and if you really want to eat like the locals, a classic snack is French fries, doused in mayonnaise.

When to Go

The annual spectacular of Holland’s flower fields is a strictly springtime event, lasting from the end of March to the second week of May, depending on weather conditions. Dainty crocus flowers are the first to bloom, followed by early narcissus and tulips in the first weeks of April. However, the peak of the flowering season takes place during the last half of April, when the fields brim over with daffodils and hyacinths, and finally, the famous Netherland tulips.

So we want to know what you think the must see’s are when visiting the Netherlands or are you yet to plan your trip?