I’ve got the travel bug. I mean, bad. Luckily, my career takes me to some really cool places that I otherwise wouldn’t have to opportunity to enjoy. I have been to destinations close to the continental US such as Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean but never across an ocean. This was a chance to see an incredible city! But….I would be traveling alone in Amsterdam.

Can I do this alone?

I’m not a huge risk taker but I’m also not about to let being alone stop me from this adventure! Since I was going to Germany for work, I had to see some sights. Turned out, all my co-workers were either busy or not interested in joining me. My other dilemma was there wasn’t another female on this company trip. Not that I’m worried about my male co-workers but I didn’t feel like it was appropriate to go on a trip with a male.

What about a friend or family member to come along? Welp, the hubs was stuck at home with our child and it just wasn’t enough notice for anyone else to join me.

Okay — I’m doing this! Alone.

Hotel Selection

Since I had a ton of Marriott points, I went ahead and booked a Moxy with points. I’m all about saving $. Moxy is a modern brand of Marriott that is geared toward Millenials and a little eccentric, which I loved!

Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens – a sassy playground in the new, climate-neutral city hotspot. Unleash your creativity among industrial design and awe-inspiring views of the Amsterdam Harbor.

– Moxy website

Booking Activities

There were soooo many sites to see in Holland! I had to book a few things since I’m a planner. 😉 One thing I was super bummed about was the Anne Frank House was sold out. Sad face. The good news? I had plenty of other super neat things to do.

Travel Tip – If you REALLY want to see something, book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Once I arrived and got settled into my hotel it was GO TIME! I only had 36 hours to see and do everything I had planned. And dang it, I wanted to see it all! Too bad the weather wasn’t cooperating. It was pouring rain. Luckily I packed a raincoat — but it was a little too small. Ooops! See my travel tip on this topic in my Tips for Traveling Abroad post.

Day 1 – City Activities

Van Gogh Museum

Fun Fact – I am a history nerd.

The Van Gogh Museum was a dream come true. There were so many beautiful pieces to admire. When I turned sweet 16, my boyfriend got me a sunflower knit blanket similar to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, which I still own. I have been a fan of his work ever since.

Travel Tip – Plan enough time at each destination. I could have easily spent another hour here.

Remember the little oops about my rain jacket? Well, I ended up buying this crazy Van Gogh poncho to stay dry!

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience (I love beer), was my second stop and it was amazing, even by myself. The group got a super interesting history lesson and I even won a beer pouring contest! It truly was an experience, I highly recommend it. Have I mentioned that I love beer? Hahaha!

Icebar

The Xtra Cold Icebar (more booze) was my third stop of the day. Even after 2 beers, I was able to navigate to the Icebar which was a sort of hole-in-the-wall place. Boy was it cool – literally! See what I did there? 😂 You entered into what appears to be a dive bar and wait for your group to be called. Then you are given a super warm parka and head inside the Icebar.

Oh my gosh! The whole room was ice. Sculptures, walls, glasses for drinks…everything. You get to select 2 drinks inside the Icebar and there are tons of opportunities for photos. I chose nougat flavored vodka and let me tell you, there is nothing like it. Delightful.

Canal Dinner Cruise

A Canal Dinner Cruise (Even more booze. What was I thinking?!) was my last stop. Okay, so I was feeling pretty tipsy when I arrived for this excursion but I made it safe and sound! I should have realized when I booked this dinner cruise that it would be a romantic ‘date night’ event and I was….alone. 😳 Oh well!

I sat across from an older couple from Britain who weren’t overly lovey-dovey so that was nice. Dinner was great but the views were to-die-for. It has been a dream of mine to boat through the canals of Amsterdam and it was actually happening! Can you say, Bucket List?! I was taking it all in. What a glorious evening to end an adventurous and jam-packed day.

Day 2 – Dutch Countryside

Zaanse Schans

I hopped on a tour bus to the Dutch Countryside. First stop was the pretty town of Zaanse Schans on the Zaan River. It had well-preserved iconic Holland windmills, some dating back to the 17th century! I was able to go inside a working windmill that was crushing peanuts to produce peanut oil.

We were invited to wander around the little town and buy handmade items. I bought the most beautiful Christmas tree ornament — one of my traditions when visiting another country. I also had some traditional Dutch hot chocolate, YUM!

Volendam and Marken

These quaint towns were full of activities. First, we ate lunch at a local outdoor restaurant and enjoyed the views of the fishing boats and people about town wearing traditional Dutch clothes. Then we watched a stroopwafel demonstration where we were able to taste a fresh stroopwafel. Delicious! Next, we toured a cheese factory complete with plenty of samples. I’m a fool for good cheese. Finally, we got to visit a local shoemaker and watched them carving and painting traditional wooden clogs. So dang fascinating! At the end of the tour, I bought the most ridiculous pink clog slippers. 😜 See below.

Final Thoughts

While the thought of traveling alone in Amsterdam made me anxious, you can see that I made the most of it! I would do it again. You can totally have a vacation abroad by yourself. See additional travel tips in my post Tips for Traveling Abroad.

Amsterdam has more than 150 canals and 1,250 bridges, but it never seems crowded, nor bent and bitter from fleecing the tourist.

-Julie Burchill

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