The Netherlands

A country that will forever hold a special place in Jasmine’s heart. For when you live in a foreign country, you learn to see more than the stereotypes. In between the Red Light District, the legal “coffee shops” and rows upon rows of tulips, you’ll find a non-touristy side of Amsterdam that you’re bound to fall in love with.

When the weather turns grey, head inside to get cultured. The Netherlands produced several Dutch Masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer & Van Gogh, and several of their iconic masterpieces hang in world-renowned art museums throughout Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag.

Visit between March and May and witness immaculate rows of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bursting with colour. It’s easy enough to engage in some incidental exercise too. Being one of the flattest countries in the world (more than a quarter of the landscape sits below sea level), you’re best to do as the Dutch do and grab a bicycle to explore the terrain. Two-wheel along the gingerbread houses lining the canals or head out to the countryside in search of windmills along the dykes.

The summertime is one of the best seasons to visit. This is the time when Dutch cafe culture is in peak form. Make your way to one of the canal side cafes that serve sensational third-wave coffee or grab your mates and pull up a seat at a groovy spot for an unashamedly delectable brunch. Plonk yourself down at one of the canal-side watering holes over borrel (drinks) at dusk and soon you’ll be feeling plenty of gezelligheid. If you choose to cycle home after a few drinks, make sure not to ride too close to the side of the canals!