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Travel Blog

First hand experiences, destination guides and stories for the open minded traveler.

The Amsterdam Woods: Get Away From The City 

8/17/2016

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This would have to be one of my favorite spots to hit up when looking for a change of scenery and an escape from the hustle and bustle. It's huge, well signposted, beautifully green and in the summer, bustling with activity!


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Get Your Grunge On in Amsterdam: Hill Street Booze

8/13/2016

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Sticker bombed walls. Graffiti strewn corridors. Live drum n' bass. Cheap beer. A waterside view and inside smoking permitted. I was shown this spot by a local on arrival to Amsterdam a year ago; and it's since been a venue I'm always more than happy to visit in my downtime and when showing friends around. 

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Best View Over Amsterdam: The Hilton SkyLounge

8/12/2016

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Many visitors' experiences in in Amsterdam are limited to a street view of the city due to limited rooftop space to the city's restrictions on high rise buildings. So to get a view like this is a special treat and I'm going to let you in on how to do it.

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Sonny's Falafel: The Best in Amsterdam

7/26/2016

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Sonny sure know's what he's doing when It comes to throwing together a delicious snack for the locals, I mean, he should do. He's been doing it for fifteen years. All the food at Sonny’s is made by Sonny himself, every day of the week, with olive oil and without preservatives or food coloring.

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10 Essential Things to do in Barcelona: A Travelers Guide

7/21/2016

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Above: Afternoon at Platja Nova Icaria Beach
A friend I landed in Barcelona with about as many plans as the UK has hope of entering back into the EU. Despite this, it was agreed upon to be "the best holiday" of our lives! So  we've carefully collaborated a bunch of activities that we partook in so that you, too, can chill, hike, rave, tan, eat and drink your way through this beautiful city like a pro. 

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Best Coffeeshops In Amsterdam: Top 5

7/11/2016

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As a year-long expat in Amsterdam, a host of many guests to the city and an avid smoker, the  most frequently asked question I receive by far is "which are the best coffeeshops to visit?". What you'll find below are reviews of the five of the best coffeeshops, where they're located and when they're open. Happy smoking.  

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What To Do In Amsterdam: Top Picks Of An Expatriate

7/7/2016

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My induction to Amsterdam included a repertoire of go-to's such as: visiting the nearest bar with the biggest sign, indulging in street food, getting high off my face and staring at a wall in a coffeeshop and taking photos of canals. These whilst being being acceptable for the time being, grew soon to be tiresome. Thus the search for; and discovery of the real magic Amsterdam has to offer.

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Amsterdam Best Places To Drink Coffee: 7 Picks

7/6/2016

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There are a handful of places in Amsterdam where I look forward to nestling myself among the aroma of freshly ground beans and chatter of patrons; of which I've strung together so that you, too can enjoy them. What you'll find below are my personal picks of where I choose to kick back and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in the sweet, dark nectar we call coffee. 

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Katsu Coffeeshop: One Of Amsterdam's Best Kept Secrets

6/30/2016

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After something a little off the well beaten track? Meet Katsu, a funky coffeeshop with friendly staff and some nice bits and pieces for atmosphere. ​​A great variety of both buds and hash, quality edibles and a mix of people from all over the world. Katsu is a little gem that most people find out about only by word of mouth.

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What You'll Learn From Hosting An Airbnb Listing Incl. Tips & Tricks

6/27/2016

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So you've heard about this crazy, new phenominon they call Airbnb; and you want a piece of the pie. Well here are a few things you may not yet know to help you use your valuable resource – a spare room/couch/air mattress  – to make a little money, while learning more about people from other countries and cultures.

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For The Beer Lovers: Springfest vs Oktoberfest

6/24/2016

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One beer festival a year isn't enough for the Germans. Oktoberfest, widely publicised as the biggest and best, is now being challenged by Springfest, which if it was a person, would be arguing “even though I’ve got it, size isn’t everything”. And as Spring is just around the corner, we thought we’d look take a look at the differences between the two. ​

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Thailand: Mainland Must-Do's & Western Island Wonders

6/24/2016

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Those cheap package deals and island life Insta posts have worn you down. You've given in and booked flights to Thailand. We feel ya. We understand why the land of smiles is such a popular destination with it's white sand beaches,  grand temples, exotic animals, tasty cuisine and endless adventure. Whether you're the free spirited backpacker, the expat packing in the office life or the jet-setter with  frequent flyer miles to burn, Thailand's got something for you.

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Top Male Long Hair Styles: 5 Most Popular

6/24/2016

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Top Male Long Hair Styles Dam essential
A full head of hair is a sign of your health and good genes, so why to hide this treasure from the world?  You may be lucky to adopt one of those wash-scrunch-and-go dos which won’t dare to put on you any styling pressure at all. Here are 5 effortless and eye-catching styles for men who opt to sport their long locks with style.

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Europe's Surf Hot Spots: 6 Picks

6/20/2016

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Summer is in the air, heck, the sun is poking its big beautiful nose around the corner, bringing with it hope and dreams of surfing in warmer spots. With temperatures heating up, it’s time to get excited about a balmy break. Europe has a huge host of brilliant options for surfers of all experience levels and budgets.

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Learning a New Language Has Never Been Easier With These 5 Tips

6/13/2016

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Being born and raised a speaker of English in an isolated part of the world, I never thought it important nor possible to pick up another language. Turns out I was wrong on both accounts! Bi-bilingualism is associated credibly with enhanced high level thought, multi-tasking and attention span, and is also incredibly possible to achieve by putting the following five simple measures in place.   ​​

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Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao Highlights

6/11/2016

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Self Explanatory © Dam Essential
With raging parties, white sand beaches, world class diving, beachfront resorts and dirt cheap alcohol; it's no surprise the islands off the eastern Thai peninsular are so popular. From waking up on the beach with a fresh ass tat and no wallet in Koh Phangan, to scoring a PADI dive cert in Koh Tao, we've got you covered with this blog on the Eastern Thai Island's.

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Amsterdam: Top 5 Summer Waterfront Hangouts

6/8/2016

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Summer's here so we thought we'd chuck together a list of our favorite canal front hangouts for 2016. Fill the boat or jump on your fiets and head down to one of these local spots this summer for a few cold one's in the sun.

5. Amsterdam Roest

Dam Essential Blog Amsterdam Roest Picture
Amsterdam Roest. A new love, creative city oasis, café and bar, town beach and cultural sanctuary.

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Get the Most out of Amsterdam: 5 Hacks

6/7/2016

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5. Get on a Bike

Life's too short to walk. It's also too short to drive a car and ride the metro! You're only here for a while so get among a special part of the culture that is whizzing through the city's ancient, cobbled streets on a fixed speed bicycle. 

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New Zealand: 11 Reasons not to visit (With Pictures)

5/25/2016

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Cardrona Ski Resort, Wanaka © John Lolos
So you've heard about that little slice of paradise all the way down there next to Australia? Maybe your friends have recently returned and told you of its beauty? Perhaps it's "crystal clear" waters or "golden sand" beaches? Sorry pal, but we're here to reveal the truth about New Zealand. 

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Science Backed Ways to be Happier: 10 Tips

5/23/2016

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1. Practice Gratitude

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Photo: GettyImages
According to research, consciously counting your blessings is a workout for your brain's capacity for gratitude, making it easier to be more positive--and happier--going forward. (Complaining works in the opposite way, causing your brain to default to gloom.) How do you cultivate appreciation for the good things in your life? Here are a few practical, science-backed ideas.

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    Festivals: Top 5 Festivals for your next Eurotrip
    Dam Essential Blog: Top 5 Fetivals for your next Eurotrip
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    Thailand: Mainland Must-do's and Western Island Wonders
    Dam Essential Blog: Thailand: Mainland Must-do's and Western Island Wonders
    What To Do In Amsterdam: An Expat's Top Picks
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