Adventures for Anyone

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

A Little Sidestep Into Embracing Winter! Northern, Arctic and Antarctic Travel in Winter!

Ah, winter. That season that makes you want to run away to a tropical paradise, curl up with a good book, do in home projects, or just be cozy. It can also make you stir crazy and want to do something a little nuts.

I'm a person who hates February. By that point, I've had enough of waiting for Spring. I also am not made for a tropical paradise. This leaves me in a bind. Going stir crazy is one of the hardest things to overcome when living in northern latitudes.

On top of being stir crazy in February, Covid-19 has rendered us all but travel free. Planes are dealing with nutjobs. Crossing borders can be tricky. Crowds are to be avoided. Therefore, I give you northern winter travel. I also give you extreme southern winter travel. One thing you don't see much of is Covid amongst people who spend their time in frozen areas outside.

I know what you're thinking. She's nuts. Maybe, but I've done this. I've been to car racing on a lake. I've been to St. Petersburg in January. I've been on vacation inside a mall for days in Edmonton in February. Let me tell you. You don't have to ski, snow machine, snowboard, or ice fish to enjoy the winter. You can be a plain old boring tourist and have a great time.

Let's start with the basics; accommodation. Have you ever wondered what an ice hotel was really like? They have them in several locations now, including Alaska. If you don't want to get a passport for an exotic frozen adventure, there you go. You can stay in Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Canada, and Russia in an ice hotel, but Alaska has one too. You don't have to be active, young, talented on skis or anything to stay at an ice hotel. Most of the ice hotels have local activities to go along with your experience. You can meet the local Sami and their reindeer. You can go dog sledding. You can see the northern lights. You can experience Banya, Sauna, and even drinking vodka right out of holes in a lake. It's your choice.

Dog sledding is one of the most universal winter activities/sports in the world. If it's something that you've always wanted to do, you can do it almost anywhere that there's snow. Nunavut even has winter tours that include dog sledding. So, if you ever wanted to go to the North Pole, there you go. There's a winter tour to Svalbard. This is the island at the top of the world. It will be dark, but you WILL see the northern lights, you WILL travel by dog sled and you WILL see some of the most amazing terrain in the world.

Winter is dark in the northern parts of the world. However, the people are hearty and warm. In Iceland, you can go out and do any number of things in the winter and enjoy the blue light. In a lot of northern areas, it never gets to be bright sunlight during the day in the winter. It's called the blue light and it's the direct opposite of the summer's white nights.

There are northern lights tours all over the world. Most recently Atlas Obscura joined the ranks with an offering of a tour from St. Petersburg to Murmansk in Russia. They are all guided tours with special accommodations to bring out the best of the northern lights. They also include many other activities and the chance to experience life in a completely different culture.

In many places, festivals are held in the middle of winter. In Quebec City, they have one of the world's most famous winter festivals. It lasts for weeks and visitors get a chance to see competition, participate in activities and try local food. In Quebec City you can take a ride on the icy toboggan run and learn to sculpt ice, in addition to many other things.

In Fairbanks, Alaska, they hold the world championship of ice sculpting. Artists come from all over the world to compete and they have a great festival to go with it. There's an ice hotel in the area, and Alaska is famous for their dog sledding. It's an all around win in a climate that you probably aren't used to.

On Moosehead Lake in Northern Maine on most Saturdays in February you can watch car racing. Right on the ice. On some weekends they have snow machine drag racing too. In February they also have a local chocolate festival. It's a great time. I can personally vouch for that.

There are so many ways to take a chance and enjoy the great north in winter. But, if you have to be extravagant, there's always Antarctica. It's their version of summer down there in winter, but visitors are limited. Once again, you won't get into much of a crowd. You can take a cruise, which is highly recommended. You can go on ship, icebreaker, or even sail to Antarctica on a schooner. It's a once in a lifetime experience and shouldn't be missed if you have the time.

Churchill, Manitoba is another great arctic destination. They are famous for their tundra buggies that take visitors out to have a real life encounter with polar bears. It's the only place in the world you can do that, and what an adventure.

Iceland. There you can do just about anything year round. You can take four wheel drive tours year round to see the sights of Iceland. Winter doesn't phase these locals one bit. The great thing about Iceland is the swimming. From the spa at the Blue Lagoon to over 300 swimming venues around the country, you can just ignore the cold and enjoy a swim. They have both outdoor and indoor facilities. There are hot springs, pools, and water parks available. It's a must experience in summer or winter, but in winter you get to see the Norther Lights.

So, let's say you aren't hearty enough to spend your time outside in the cold to beat the winter blues. That's okay. A few years back I found the best alternative in the world. I went to stay at a mall. The West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America. I spent four days there and had a great time. The entire time it was below zero outside. I spent the day in an indoor water park and even went zip lining. I went to an amusement park and rode rides. I went to the movies. I celebrated Chinese New Year in a Chinatown. I watched the winter Olympics on Bourbon Street. I played mini golf, went to the movies, went to an aquarium and tried all kinds of food and drink. I also went shopping. My hotel was right in the mall, and it was an amazing time.

Don't think that you should try to go to Canada during a pandemic? That's okay. Minneapolis is home to the Mall of America, and you can visit that one. Also an amazing super mall with tons of things to do.

I took a few years and experimented with ways to survive the winter blues, and I've come to know that doing something a little crazy is the best way. You can throw caution to the wind and do something amazing. It will bust up those winter blahs. There are a lot of ways to have fun in the frozen depths of winter, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving some of them a try. Stay in an ice hotel, race on a lake, see the Northern Lights, or take an indoor vacation in a super mall. Whatever it is, embrace the winter and enjoy!

https://www.atlasobscura.com/unusual-trips/arctic-russia

https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/winter-travel/?rf=m055-23&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=winter%20arctic%20tours&utm_content=iceland+winter+tour+s+23&utm_campaign=IS+m055+iceland+winter&msclkid=c5df2677132c14086f35478df407f38c

https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/destination/antarctica-cruises/

https://www.goarctica.com/winter-tours

https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/us/tour/spitsbergen-arctic-darkness

https://hughrosephotography.com/tour/winter-arctic-alaska-and-northern-lights/

https://travelnunavut.ca/nunavut-svoffers/arctic-discovery-winter-2/

https://northernalaska.com/tours/arctic-circle-winter-drive-adventure/

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/iceland?c3api=bing,1298523449565795,81157848586536&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81157765884065_k_81157848586536_w_kwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086_g_1298523449565795_n_o_e__h_44736_ii__p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81157765884065%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20northern%20lights%20tour%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1298523449565795%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Iceland-November%202019&utm_term=iceland%20northern%20lights%20tour&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81157765884065%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20northern%20lights%20tour%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1298523449565795%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1298523449565795&ptaid=kwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086&msclkid=5f8ef8b1941a1186f474994b7cb77552

https://www.nathab.com/alaska-northern-adventures/northern-lights-tour/?utm_content=northern%20light%20tour&utm_source=Bing_Yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=8453793d28971abb34e918c7c03a715d&utm_campaign=Search%20-%20Northern%20Lights&utm_term=northern%20lights%20trips

https://www.tourradar.com/v/region-northern-lights

https://www.nordicvisitor.com/europe-tours/scandinavia-northern-lights/

https://alaskatours.com/alaska-natural-attractions/alaska-northern-lights/

https://www.re.is/northern-lights-tours/

https://www.tourradar.com/i/canada-northern-lights

https://northernlighttromso.com/

https://authentic-scandinavia.com/themes/finland-winter-tours

https://www.globaljourneys.com/tours/finland/winter

https://www.tourradar.com/u/d-winter-2021-finland

https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/finland-winter-holidays/

https://authentic-scandinavia.com/tours/winter-finland-ice-hotel-hurtigruten

https://www.tourstolapland.com/tours/winter-sweden-finland

https://www.56thparallel.com/russia-tours/northern-lights-arctic-winter-magic/

https://russianarctictravel.com/tours/

https://anotherrussia.com/arctic-circle/4-days-winter/

https://www.56thparallel.com/trip-style/russia-winter-tours/

https://www.smarttravel.ee/holiday/murmansk-winter-discovery-tour/

https://www.kolatravel.com/ktor13.htm

https://www.globaljourneys.com/tours/norway/winter

https://www.norwaynutshell.com/winter-tours-in-norway/

https://nordicsaga.com/norway-independent-winter-packages

https://www.fjordtravel.no/tours-cruises-norway/winter-christmas-tours/

https://www.truenaturesweden.com/winter-experience-tours

https://www.wildsweden.com/winter-tours

https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/tours/northern-lights-winter-nights/

https://www.andersonvacation.com/canada-winter-tours

https://arctictourscanada.rezdy.com/catalog/339451/winter-hotel-packages

https://www.globaljourneys.com/trip/apt-utw15

https://www.canadianbucketlist.com/canadas-top-10-winter-festivals/

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https://www.carnifest.com/winterlude-ottawa-canadas-winter-festival-2022/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXknTR-x_0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuIIHky9zH4

https://www.facebook.com/westcoveice

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https://www.mallofamerica.com/#

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Jenn Wants to Get Away From it All...Easter Island!

As I perused Jenn's bucket list, I noticed an item that would allow us all to get away from it all. It's also a particularly good time of year to run away to Easter Island!

Most of us are aware of the giant stone figures with long heads and sometimes enormous hats that inhabit the island. We are aware that the Rapa Nui inhabit this island as well. Then what? What else do we really know about this mysterious island?

Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It belongs to Chile and lies almost 2300 miles off that country's coast. Strangely, its closest neighbor is a mere 1200 miles away at Pitcairn Island. Pitcairn Island is the most isolated place on Earth.

Isla de Pascua, or Easter Island, is a mysterious place of volcanic craters, giant sculptures, traditional peoples, sea turtles and some original traditions.

The indigenous peoples have only been there since sometime between 800 and 1200 AD. The exact time of their arrival isn't clear. The Rapa Nui are Polynesian people who immigrated to the island centuries ago.

Today, the area inhabited by the some 1,000 sculptures is a national park. It is easily approached by car or other vehicle. Wear you walking shoes, because there's a lot of land to cover. Other areas that are commonly visited by tourists are Rano Raraku, believed to be the quarry where the stones originated, and Orongo, home of the fort like dwellings within a crater where it's believed people once lived. Some of the in ground buildings in Orongo align with certain celestial bodies at certain times of year, leading scientists to believe that they may have been designed as observatories.

Just a sidebar: Robert Doherty wrote an entire series of books called "The Area 51 Series." It's one of the best series of books to find stories of Easter Island in the later part of the series.

Easter Island was once an active volcanic area. There are a few massive craters on the island, and hiking is permitted in most areas. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many protected areas and animals. Hiking is a popular activity on Easter Island.

Sea Turtles are king on Easter Island. The species of Sea Turtles that live on the island are beautiful and reproduce there as well. But, poaching is a huge offense and highly illegal, so don't harm the turtles.

Easter Island has all the expected activities. You can go to the beach and scuba dive in season. Unlike some other South Pacific islands, Easter Island is less temperate. It can get too cold to swim in the season that we call summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In our winter, beaches are a great place to spend the day.

Have to add another sidebar here, and I find this fascinating. Where I live, we all know of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. As with most polar events, there are Southern Lights or Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere. It is not common to see the Southern Lights on Easter Island, but it does happen. If you happen to be on Easter Island during March or September, there is a chance you could see them.

The Rapa Nui welcome visitors. Most people, 90 percent, live in Hanga Roa, the island's only real town. Here you will find the small airport that you can fly in from Tahiti on LAN Airlines from. It sounds strange to me that the travel hub in the area is in Papeete. You can also visit by any number of cruise lines in season and may be able to include the Galapagos Islands in that way. Winter, by our standards is the high tourist season and it will get crowded...for Easter Island. Population on the island is somewhere around 7,000, so it doesn't get crowded by American standards.

If you like seafood, Polynesian food, or foods from South America; you will be happy eating on Easter Island. Seafood is the staple, so don't expect much else. The Central Market is a good place to find souvenirs in Hanga Roa, and visiting the Ballet Kari Kari is a must. The Rapa Nui enjoy sharing their culture, whether it be through language, food, crafts, or dance and music. If you attend events you will learn about their culture, and it is a rich one.

Dance is the featured cultural item most of the year, but in February there's something else. The Tapati Festival is a cultural festival that takes place the first half of February each year. There are traditional games and sporting events, including a triathalon, Rapa Nui style. There are events of sledding banana trunks down mountains and surfing canoes on the ocean, as well as many other exciting events. It's the height of the warm season there and a great time to visit.

Hanga Roa is full of hotels and resorts from basic to luxury to ecological. The choice is yours. You can take a tour that includes Easter Island and have a guide the whole way. You can come in by South Pacific cruise if you like and also have guides. You can always take a tour with a local guide, which would be my favorite choice. I also wouldn't stay at a resort, because I would want to interact with local people.

Easter Island is a mysterious place and should be respected. Don't dive without a guide. Don't hike without at least a map. Don't expect to find American food or shopping. Learn a little bit of the language; just a phrase or two out of respect. Go with the flow and respect the ways of the locals.

Do I think you should take a tour to visit this place? I think that I might consult a travel agent to make arrangements, but I don't think you need to book a guided trip. A cruise might be a good idea if you have the time to spend on a boat for a very long time. That being said, if you do, it could be a great trip. I wouldn't rent a car, even if you can. I would make arrangements with locals to see this island. Bigger companies might miss something fabulous.

When should you go? Interesting question. November to April is the height of tour season there. March through September can be a bit cool, but it's never truly cold on Easter Island. Sometimes cooler and less crowded are better. If you want to catch the Tapati Festival, you must go the first two weeks of February. It depends on what you want to see and do.

Most cultural activities happen year round. Remember, there are barely any trees left on Easter Island, which has that Iceland effect. It can be windy, whether it's hot or cold, so dress for wind. Wind can also be a factor in boating. Obviously boating, diving, fishing are all popular activity options on Easter Island, but be aware that the weather can change boating plans in an instant. Also, if you wish to sail yourself to the island, be aware that the South Pacific can be treacherous at times.

There are a few activities that are exclusive to Easter Island. The Rapa Nui are known for their traditional tatoos, which are well worth checking out. They make a hell of a souvenir. There are lava tubes and caves that you can hike to with a guide, some of them overlook the ocean and have quite a view. You can take lessons to learn the dances that you see at Ballet Kari Kari. The lessons are only available at certain times during the year, so check ahead before you book if you are interested.

There are many things to do on Easter Island. You will find bars and clubs as always, so don't think that you've completely gotten away from it all. They are designed for the traveler, so don't expect to see locals hanging out there. There are museums and visitor centers in key areas. They have a wealth of information about the history of the island and its peoples. I always try to learn while I visit.

Easter Island is one of the most exotic places on Earth to visit. The mysterious sculptures are what bring us there, but the people and the culture make us want to stay. Always check the State Department for Covid-19 and other recommendations when visiting anywhere. Also know that as of January 2022, this trip is truly a bucket list, because the island is currently closed to outsiders. Hopefully that ends soon.

When you do get to visit, dive into the culture. This is the kind of place where you can go and live in another world for a short time. There are so few places in the world where that is possible. Take the chance, take the plunge, take the one airline out of Papeete to Easter Island and enjoy!

http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/easter_island/

https://www.expeditions.com/itineraries/easter-island-tahiti?mrkgcl=1244&mrkgadid=1000000&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=US%7CSouth+Pacific+%28DSA%29&utm_content=246078373%7C442672336%7C0&utm_term=DSA&msclkid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.expedia.com/Easter-Island.d6053648.Destination-Travel-Guides?msclkid=0501a5b2044910f28f43c44387e1fb12&pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa&semcid=US.UB.BING.DL-c-EN.PACKAGE&semdtl=a1268809100.b11280931209703859.r1.g1kwd-80058312926505%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1e.m1&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADL%3AAMER%3AX%3AE%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AXX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3AE%3ANC%3Atravel%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=travel%20to%20easter%20island

https://www.travelocity.com/Vacation-Packages?SEMCID=TRAVELOCITY-US.UB.BING.GT-c-EN.EPACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1412282776.b11198468322568920.r1.g1kwd-74904466342701:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&msclkid=cdd18d1d2eec1354677aececad44da30&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AX%3AX%3Acatchall%3A&utm_term=%2Btavel&utm_content=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ATravel%3A

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/south-america/chile/easter-island?k_clickid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&ds_kids=p65301357872&ds_kid=43700065301357872&ksprof_id=700000002209551&ksdevice=c&ktarget=kwd-72430934426764:loc-190&kloct=142101&klocf=44736&utm_source=MICROSOFT&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DL:AMER:CHL:X:X:CON:Chile:36:CL:&utm_term=easter+island&utm_content=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DT:AMER:CHL:X:Chile:36:Easter_Island:6053648:destinationonly:&&msclkid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AX%3ACON%3AChile%3A36%3ACL%3A&utm_term=easter%20island&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3Adestinationonly%3A&gclid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&gclsrc=3p.ds

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https://www.guestreservations.com/hangaroa-eco-village-spa/booking?msclkid=afc7f4cd32ec1eb41d66953cb984355e

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1049073-Activities-Hanga_Roa_Easter_Island.html

https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-ballet-kari-kari-hanga-roa-easter-island-rapa-nui-chile-166612137.html

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/things-to-do-on-easter-island/easter-island-dances/ballet-cultural-kari-kari/

https://moevarua.com/en/ballet-kari-kari/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktU4d-joGng

https://www.easterisland.travel/things-to-do/get-a-tattoo/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/hanga-roa/hanga-roa-municipal-stadium/

http://www.wesailors.com/marina/profile/826/

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/easter-island-chile-port-425

https://world.expeditions.com/itineraries/easter-island-tahiti#extensions?mrkgcl=1244&mrkgadid=1000000&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=US|South%20Pacific%20(DSA)&utm_content=246078373|442672336|0&utm_term=DSA&msclkid=aafac3c7c8111f6c3d72a2365b5ba2f1&gclid=aafac3c7c8111f6c3d72a2365b5ba2f1&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=6048

https://www.seascanner.com/cruises-easter-island

https://www.affordabletours.com/cruises/ports/easter_island/

https://en.ponant.com/destinations/easter-island

https://www.azamara.com/easter-island-chile-cruises

https://www.adventure-life.com/chile/easter-island

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/ports/easter-island-chile.html

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/robert-doherty/235344

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/chile/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g1049073-Hanga_Roa_Easter_Island.html

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Where the Tulips Come From...My First Post About Holland for Merle!

Merle put Holland on her bucket list, and I suppose that most people would expect me to start out by talking about Amsterdam, but that's not my style. So, to start our discussion about Holland, I decided to concentrate on Flevoland.

Holland is part of the Netherlands, which can be confusing for most people. Like most countries in Europe, The Netherlands evolved over thousands of years into the organized country that it now is. Holland is where the Dutch folks are from and tends to be in the southeastern portion of the country with places like Gelderland (if you've ever seen "A Knight's Tale" surprise! It does exist).

Holland is one of the wateriest countries in Europe and sits largely on the North Sea. Land, or the lack of, and water have always been a topic, an issue, and conflict, and something that needs to be resolved. Flevoland, didn't used to exist. The Dutch have always been the leading edge of dealing with water. Long famous for their shipbuilding, they then turned to controlling the water against floods. Holland is filled with dikes that are there to control the water and where it goes in the Netherlands. Flevoland is a result of some of those projects. It is, in fact, the largest land reclamation project in the world. It is still creating land today.

It's called The Afsluitdijk. That's a mouthful. It's a 32 kilometer long dike and is quite literally a bridge across the sea. It was designed to block the North Sea from flooding all the areas inside the IJsselmeer. As a result 17% of the land in The Netherlands has been reclaimed from the sea, and a lot of it is in what they call the Polders. The area inside the IJsselmeer, that the Afsluitdijk cuts off from the North Sea is a lot of that area.

Now, there are dikes all over the country. The Dutch are quite accomplished in building them. There is a place called Deltawerk where you can look at art, based on dike building. It's a great stop along the way. There's a national park for birding in the area. There are archaeological sites all over that particular area since the land appeared digging up signs that there were people there thousands of years ago.

But, why on Earth did I pick a place that's over 30 feet below sea level and didn't exist a hundred years ago to talk about?

Because, you can tiptoe through the Tulips, baby! Flevoland is largely the home of the massive Tulip farms we've all heard about. Over 1 billion Tulip bulbs are produced and sold by the Dutch. From March to May, it becomes a symphony of colors as the tulips are blooming. You are perfectly welcome to go the opposite direction from Amsterdam and go to Keukenhof Park, famous for it's Tulip display, but the fields where they grow are largely in Flevoland.

First, some facts about Tulips. They aren't native to Holland. They come from Turkey. Back when the Dutch were famous for shipping and building ships, they discovered the flowers and transplanted them. Holland is now the biggest supplier of Tulips and Tulip bulbs around the world.

Second, the Tulips that you see in the fields are largely not sold as flowers. The Tulip bulb industry is far larger than the flower industry. Most of the Tulips that you see blooming in the spring will run their course and the bulbs will be harvested for sale. For this reason, you have a couple of months to look at them and enjoy the sight.

There are small, family owned farms in the area that you can visit, and have a great day among the Tulips while you are in the area. Check the links below.

Water and land go together like no other place on Earth in Holland. As you travel through the Tulip farms, you will find yourself along the shore of the inland sea, looking at miles of wind turbines both on land and in water. Holland has long since been at the forefront of wind power, and are famous for their wind turbine fields.

The Dutch love the water, and spend a lot of time enjoying it. They have beaches to hang out on and about a hundred different kinds of boats to enjoy on all kinds of water.

The people of the Netherlands are extremely progressive. Rotterdam is at the forefront of shipping and architecture. They've figured out how to control water. They thrive on wind power.

But, in lieu of boating, driving and other things; biking is the way to tour in The Netherlands if you can. You can drive anywhere you want to and go over some amazing water control projects. You can take a boat or ferry to a lot of places. But, the most Dutch way to go out and enjoy the Tulips is by bicycle. If you're able, I recommend it.

The Dutch have a laid back lifestyle when they aren't working. Biking allows you to meander. You can stop for a cup of coffee or tea and watch the world go by, or just enjoy the shore. You can stop and look at giant metal sculptures along the coast. You can thoroughly enjoy the Tulip farms. It's the best way to enjoy the flat, shoreline and countryside of The Netherlands.

As far as taking a tour to look at Tulips, I don't think that's necessary. There are lots of places that you can get a map. The roads are well marked. The locals are friendly and helpful. Meandering is a fun way to explore such a country, and it would be my choice. There are, however, a lot of companies that provide many different kinds of tours of the country. Be aware, that if you are coming from another country, you will probably be flying in and out of Amsterdam, so plan on that being your hub for travel.

Before I let this one go, I wanted to help out parents. If you have kids, I know for a fact that looking at Tulips is only going to last for so long. But, Flevoland has things for the whole family. As I said, they have beaches, restaurants, resorts and things.

One of the big attractions is Walibi Park. This roller coaster oriented amusement park is fun for the whole family and will keep the kids entertained.

So, Flevoland, the part of Holland that didn't used to exist is a delight, from scenic harbors and lighthouses, to amusement parks and Tulip farms, there's something for everyone. You can stop by an archaeological dig and see old ships that sank centuries ago. You can marvel at wind power and water control in this land that is so unique, they even have their own flag. If you enjoy something a little different, come to Holland in the spring and enjoy!

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/the-netherlands/articles/the-best-places-to-see-tulips-in-the-netherlands/

https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/tulip-farms-amsterdam/

https://www.booking.com/city/nl/Emmeloord.html?aid=346685&label=msn-wZz0t5Cg2l5u*00BUjHbTg-1394532415:tikwd-80607961337953:aud-807859093:loc-190:neo:mte:lp44736:dec:qsemmeloord%20netherlands&utm_campaign=Netherlands&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=wZz0t5Cg2l5u*00BUjHbTg&msclkid=91e93042a8781ce3123051a58db89df6

https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g1087508-Emmeloord_Flevoland_Province-Hotel-Deals.html

https://www.luxuryhotelsguides.com/?fullufi=-2144141&msclkid=cbe3776d873618b853c8168aa2f6b00f

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1087508-Activities-Emmeloord_Flevoland_Province.html

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/travel-inspiration/traditional/tulip-season-in-the-netherlands.htm

https://keukenhof.nl/en/discover-the-park/

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/noordoostpolder-3.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/schokland-and-urk.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/urk-en.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/north-holland/enkhuizen.htm