The Travel Peoples

  Because Zaanse Schans , one of the iconic spots in the Netherlands , is going to charge an entrance fee beginning this year (2026), we decided to give a sneak preview of some of the areas that are within the open-air museum. We went there in 2025 twice --- one in February, and one in December. The place is not just about the old windmills that are still running today; it is also where cheese and chocolate factories and stores are.  One of the attractions in Zaanse Schans is this chocolate house called Blik op Cacao . It features the quaint town as a cocoa producer , with factories in the area that process world-famous Dutch chocolates . Visit Zaanse Schans and tell us what you think. 

  Fancying a trip to Spain? We always go to the not-so-touristy spots, as much as possible. So on one winter trip, we decided to hop on the bus and feasted on the sights along the six-hour ride going to San Sebastian. The magical wintry path going from Madrid was worth the long journey up north. Our team enjoyed the best of San Sebastian, which included the stunning sunset, its coastline, seafood, and of course, THE cheesecake! Best to go before or after Christmas, so that the shops and restaurants are open. Don't forget to try Bar Sport for the seafood pinchos. The place is always full but never disappoints! Tips (mostly at the Old Town): For tapas - Bar Sport Historic accommodation - Hotel Maria Cristina Affordable but reallyyyy nice accommodation - Hotel Zinema 7 Cheesecake - Bassk Cheesecakers Bus ride cost - 44 euros, Madrid to San Sebastián via Alsa

  More than flying, the train is a better way to explore Antwerp in Belgium . At the first sight of its Grand Central Station , the fine architecture will wow every traveler. Discovering the city on foot begins by checking out the station first. Every attraction is nearby. The Centrum has a plethora of stores and restaurants that will suit every sojourner's taste. Don't forget to stop by the Chocolate Nation , which is not far from the main train station. Trivia (but many may already know): French fries began in Belgium, not France. It just so happened that Belgians speak French, too, that those who first named the fried potatoes thought they were French. For our team, though, the fries in The Netherlands taste better than in Belgium. Potatoes are the former's main crop, so that explains it. But that's for another video. Make sure to like and share this short presentation of Antwerp.

  Six-minute video here . Voila! And just like that! Paris is now part of my cities-I-love list (with Kuala Lumpur, New York City, Adelaide, Makati, and Muntinlupa). I managed my expectations when the family decided to visit. The city is at the bottom of my trip priorities because of the stories I heard. Past travelers said so much about pickpockets and tourist traps. So when we came, I had to up my antennae to be always on guard. But it first captivated me. Seeing its Christmassy streets, adorable decorations, well-placed parks, and Christmas markets, some stars popped out of my eyes. Haha! "Lovely" is an understatement. I like that everything is walkable, especially for people like me and my husband, who collect 10k steps or more daily.  The highlight of the trip is our Eiffel Tower Tour, which is featured on the YouTube short above. Our Facebook page also features a reel about one of the glitzy Christmas markets in the city.  If you try the Eiffel Tour, you have two c...

If you are in Madrid, make it a point to take that trip to the nearby Segovia. It is another historic place minus the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. We tried both transportation means. First, we took the bus, which was an hour-and-a-half ride. It was only EUR4 per person for a departure at 11 AM. Returning, we rode the fast train at only EUR14 per passenger departing at 5:30 PM. The other options are whole-day packaged tours, including bus fares, to and fro. Get Your Guide offers convenient choices for activities and fares in Segovia. The bus ride offered nice views of what lies outside of Madrid. The train windows were closed throughout the trip because it was super hot! In fact, it was a bit warm inside the train. Our first stop was the Alcazar de Segovia, which was said to be the inspiration behind Disneyland's castles. You can see it in the video and you can tell why.  The true feast to the eyes was the Segovia Cathedral. In the video, we had a lengthy portion that sho...

Transported back in time! This was the feeling when we set foot in Madrid, the capital of Spain, a former global superpower ( conquistador or conqueror). The city is bustling with history. Everything we saw, the places we ate in, and the streets we walked on, teem with colorful past. Not that I'm complaining. We love stories that we can tell when we go back home.   The iconic landmark, Plaza Mayor, is a crowd favorite with its restaurant rows and various touristy fares. We visited Madrid in the Summer --- not a smart move. The heat was too much, at 40 degrees Celsius daily. Coming from The Netherlands , the Spanish weather was too much to bear. So, when visiting Spain this season, be ready with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and lots of water.  We first noticed the country's terrain from the plane when it was about to land. It resembles most of California --- dry and brown (with few trees), and of course, sunny. Somehow some parts looked like the desert surfac...

Ever found yourself daydreaming about the enchanting life within castle walls? Reysa Alenzuela, Ph.D. recently turned that dream into a reality. According to this frequent traveler, the experience was nothing short of magical: "Living in a castle is like stepping into a world that seamlessly blends charm, tranquility, opulence, and a sense of privilege that transcends reality." Read the rest of her castle living. As a perpetual wanderer looking for unique experiences, my recent activities include staying in medieval houses, chateaux, and unique abodes. During this quest for a new and extraordinary adventure, a friend, aware of my fascination, recommended exploring places within their proximity. Thanks to the wonders of online aggregators, my search led me to an extraordinary find – the newly renovated Merlo Slott , with an enticingly substantial discount. The prospect of sleeping in a castle, with its historical allure and modern amenities following renovation, beckoned me to...