January 2, 2012
Crash Course in Amsterdam Bike Safety: Top 5 Tips
Amsterdam gives the phrase “look both ways before you cross the street” a whole new meaning. For many travelers, it takes a near-death experience and a serious adrenaline rush as you come within inches of colliding with a quickly pedaling biker to realize how important this is. Biking is a way of life in Amsterdam. In a city where there are more bikes than people, bike safety (and pedestrian safety) is not something to take lightly. Two-lane bike paths are painted onto the sides of most larger streets and are always busy with a steady flow of bikers. They move fast, and don’t slow down for the spacey tourist. Watch out and be safe. Read more »
-
October 13, 2011
Embrace Your EuropeanWinterness!
It’s time to embrace your EuropeanWinterness! Starting Friday, October 14th until mid-November, you can enter daily to win European prizes representing four incredible European cities to visit this winter. Winners are chosen weekly. The grand prize winner will enjoy a EuropeanWinterness vacation for two on a nonstop Delta flight from PDX to Amsterdam, plus a $3,000 lodging and ground transportation voucher! Enter by going to http://europeanwinterness.com/ and clicking the “Enter Daily” button.
-
December 3, 2010
Photo Diary: Winter
Snow falls, the wind blows and lights twinkle when winter comes to Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. While all three cities have fairly mild winters, they each receive a makeover when snow makes an appearance. In Amsterdam, bikes find parking wherever they can (even if it means on top of each other); Portlanders leave the car at home and dust off their cross country skies, and in Tokyo, locals leave prayers for family and loved ones at shrines, like the Yushima Tenmangu. Read more »
-
September 22, 2010
The Honeymoon Dreams are Made of
I still can’t believe I won a free trip to Amsterdam. It all seemed too easy. That being said, my wife Keri and I had such a wonderful time on our trip that I have to share my experiences with all of you. Read more »
-
August 27, 2010
Photo Diary: Cycling Races
Last Sunday’s Portland Century inspired this week’s photo diary. Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo are well known as biking cities, so when you are visiting, make sure to rent a bike and tour the neighborhoods. For you more hard core cyclists, consider tackling Reach the Beach (Portland to Pacific City, Oregon) or the Tokyo Century. If you prefer to take in your cycling from the sidelines, watch for grand tours, such as the Giro d’Italia, which started in Amsterdam this past May. Read more »
-
November 20, 2009
Photo Diary: Bicycles
Bicycles are more than a fun past time for many in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam–it’s a way of life. Each city celebrates its love of biking and cycling in different ways. Portland’s annual Providence Bridge Pedal offers locals the opportunity to ride each of Portland’s 10 bridges. Tokyo recently brought together the world’s best bike messengers for the annual Cycle Messenger World Championships (CMWC2009) where participants competed to receive the coveted champion title. If you’re new to Amsterdam, make like a local and rent a bike from Mike’s Bike Tours and explore the city. Read more »
-
November 16, 2009
There and Back Again, A Cycling Tale
People who know me know that cycling is my passion. I love Portland, in part, because so many others here share that passion. And I admire cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen for the same reason. Cycling is also how I make my living, and for both business and personal reasons, I’ve traveled overseas many times. My most comfortable flights have been flying nonstop out of PDX. Read more »
-
November 11, 2009
Green Vacations are Amsterdam’s New Fashion Craze
Love traveling, but feel guilty about increasing your carbon footprint? Relax. It’s easy to relieve your emissions woes with a sustainable vacation in Amsterdam. In a city where bicycles outnumber people, it’s not difficult to find sustainability practiced in the Dutch transportation system, restaurants, outdoor spaces, and nightclubs. With the myriad eco-friendly activities available throughout Holland, you can set aside your impact concerns and enjoy a fashionably green vacation.
-
November 5, 2009
Bike & Barge Tour of the Netherlands
Join a unique summer vacation in the Netherlands—start by spending a few days in Amsterdam and then embark on a weeklong bike and barge adventure! Travel through waterways of the Netherlands with a river barge and explore the picturesque cities and lovely Dutch countryside by bicycle. Under the direction of a professional ship’s crew and experienced tour hosts Evan Heerema and Dan Kroeze, this is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
-
October 5, 2009
Tips from Harry for a Weekend in Amsterdam
Amsterdam for a long weekend? Sure, why not? It’s possible, thanks to Delta’s nonstop from Portland. As crazy as it might sound, more people are looking for interesting short breaks. Why? Because working couples are finding it increasingly difficult to schedule quality time together. So why go to Amsterdam? Read more »