But there is only so much information and culture you can glean from walking around with the latest guide book in your hands. Why not learn the lay of the land from a local, an expert? Try taking a walking tour.

The best part about walking tours? Well, aside from seeing all the highlights of a city, complete with interesting stories, tidbits and factoids of every statue, building, and nook and cranny along the way, most of them are FREE! That’s right. F-R-E-E. Of course, the tour guides accept tips at the end of the tour. Most times, you will gladly fork over the 5 Euros they recommend for a job well done and two hours of fantastic tour. Most tour guides are extremely friendly and outrageously entertaining. A few hours on your feet fly by under the wings of these tour guide pros.

If you’re heading to Europe, try New Europe Tours. They offer tours in 14 different cities worldwide, including Amsterdam. To take a walking tour, just meet the group at the designated meeting place found on their website. On their website, you can preview the tours and even meet the guides. Tours run all year round. Free tours around Amsterdam often include sites like the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Quarter, the Red Light District, the Royal Palace and lots more. They take you on lesser known back alleyways and roads and you’ll catch a glimpse of the ‘Widest Bridge’ and the ‘Narrowest House’. You’re in for a treat!

Have you ever taken a walking tour? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

Photo credits: Anne Frank Huis, Ariaski, Koninklijk Paleis, Amsterdam, Robert Skarth; Amsterdam, dfyoung; Amsterdam: Floating Tulip Shop; jimderda.

Photo credit: mdid on Flickr.

Curiously enough, Japanese microbrews have only been legal since 1994. Prior to ’94, only uber-large breweries were granted permission to brew. Do the names Sapporo, Asahi, and Kirin sound familiar? That’s because these are some of the few macro-breweries in Japan that were granted permission to produce beer. After the legislation was lifted, sake brewers from far and wide began experimenting with brewing. With high-quality equipment and careers worth of knowledge about the production of alcohol, they quickly began reaching deliciousness.

Add ‘tasting Japanese microbrews’ to your list of to-dos once you get to Tokyo. Here are four of the best bars to get your tasting on: Ant ‘n’ Bee, Popeye, Ushi Tora, and La Cachette. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry. There’s only one word you need to know for this tasty experience: “oishii!” (delicious).

Photo credits: Japanese beers at Meno Mosso, craigemorsels; Japanese Beers, foilman;

Dutch Food: Gaufre Gourmet

SW 9th & Alder

Waffles, anyone? Waffles are a staple in the traditional Dutch diet and a must-try on the streets of Amsterdam. This cart serves European style waffles made from dough, not batter. The delicious, chewy waffles are decked with an array of toppings from maple bacon to goat cheese mousse and balsamic caramel sauce. Sweet and savory waffles are both served at this bountiful food cart.

Japanese Food: Samurai Bento

SW 9th & Alder

While the chicken teriyaki is the most popular item on the menu, you really can’t go wrong here. Almost everything on the menu is sold for less than $7, and each dish packs a powerful and interesting blend of flavor and texture. Other dishes receiving praise from fellow Portlanders include the oyakodon, agedashi tofu and the oyako donburi. This cart has been called the ‘most authentic Japanese food in Portland’.

Have you tried either of these popular spots? Warm your bellies with a little cultural cuisine. If you haven’t made your New Year’s resolution yet, consider aiming to try these delicacies on their home turf. Nonstop Delta flights from PDX to Amsterdam and Tokyo will take you there.

Thanks to dolanh, and MuddyRavine for these photos.

Thanks to Insulinde on Flickr for this great photo.

Nonstop Delta flights from PDX to AMS run all spring to land you right in the center of tulip country.

Check back next week for our next Photo of the Week!

Thanks to BetsyGH on Flickr for this beautiful photo.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Renting bicycles is one of the best ways to see the city and explore neighboring towns. Don’t be discouraged by the city’s intimidating bike network and fast-paced cyclists. Just do your research and be safe. Here are the top 5 bicycle safety tips when riding a rented rig around Amsterdam.

Stay to the Right: Just like in America, the Dutch use the right side of the road. Since you will likely be a slower rider itching to check out the scenery on your ride, stick to the right side of the bike lane as well. Faster riders will pass you on the left. Never come to a complete stop in traffic. This causes a dangerous obstacle for other bikers, and you will not be popular with other cyclists.

Know the Signs: Bikers abide by road signs as well as special bikers-only signs and signals. Watch out for bike traffic lights, because they don’t always match the lights for automobiles.

Yield: As a general rule of thumb, yield to traffic approaching on the right. For all trams and city vehicles, yield at all times. Watch out for tram tracks on the road as well. Catch your tire in a rut and you’ll likely go flying.

Signal: When turning, always use your hands to signal which direction you’re moving. No need to be technical, just simply point in the direction you are turning to give other bikes and vehicles the heads up.

No Bike Parking Signs: Amsterdam is bikes galore. Hundreds of bikes often line sidewalks and pathways. Look for signs that say Hier geen fietsen plaatsen (“Do not park bikes here”). If you fail to obey these signs, your bike might be a goner.

Follow these rules and be careful. It might be scary at first, but renting bikes is the best way to see the city. Happy biking!

Photo credits: Bicycle for beer at Van Gogh, Quasimagyar, We rode our bikes up to the highest cloud, MarcelGermain; Bicycles, Amsterdam, RGS-IBG Urban Geography Research Group; Amsterdam bikes, web4camguy.

Japan is a nation filled with a unique cultural mix of modern society and ancient tradition. This small country is also home to some of the most spectacular natural sites in the world. This is no secret to visitors, and they flock to Japan in the summer for its mild coastal climate. However, while some areas in northern Japan are still snow-covered during the springtime, the early blooming of Japan’s flowers are the first sign that warm seasons are on the horizon.

The spring season means one color is loud and clear in Japan: pink. The spring season in Japan awakens millions of bright, vibrant cherry blossoms. If you stand in front of the average cherry blossom tree during the wintertime, its beauty is hibernating. Leafless, spindling branches trick you into overlooking the majesty the tree will bring in the springtime. The intense pink shades of these beautiful trees will inspire you come spring.

When should I go?

Generally, the best time to see these beautiful blossoms at their best is late February through May. This varies by region. In southern Japan and the Okinawa area, the best time is February until March. In the colder north nearby Hokkaido, April and May are best. Delta Air Lines offers nonstop flights from PDX to Tokyo to take you there.

Where should I go?

1. Areas around Mount Fuji: This beautiful area is complete with historic castles and rivers. It’s a must-see for every spring traveler.
2. Kakunodate Street: This remarkable street in Tokyo is world famous for its blooming cherry blossoms.
3. Ueno Park: One million people per day passing the 620,000 square-foot park all agree – the park turns into a natural paradise during the spring season.
4. Hirosaki Castle: 5,000 cherry blossom trees were cultivated in order to demonstrate the castle’s beauty every year around May.

For more information about Japan’s cherry blossoms, click here.

Photo credits: Cherry Blossoms Ueno, AlexanderMensa; Mt. Fuji, and Cherry Blossoms By Night, skyseeker; Sakura at Kumamoto Castle, JoshBerglund19.

Good news for those with Androids! Google Maps for Android is now offering an internal map of the Portland International Airport. Use your map to navigate within the terminals to find gates, restaurants and security checkpoints.

Did we mention the Portland International Airport offers completely free Wi-Fi? Log into the flypdx network for free internet anywhere in the airport. Happy travels!

For more information, visit www.flyPDX.com.

1. Christmas trees in Japan are most commonly made from which material?

A. Paper

B. Plastic

C. Glass

D. Recyclable Materials

2. Santa Claus in Japan acts most similarly to which other traditional character?

A. The Easter Bunny

B. The Tooth Fairy

C. The Abominable Snowman

D. Cupid

Give us your answers in a comment! What do you think?

Photo credit: エリスマン邸, naitokz; Christmas Lights in Tokyo 5, maggie loves hopey.