"What's special about Amsterdam is that the city is able to connect worlds that are not otherwise connected." — Marcel Wanders
On Friday while exploring Amsterdam, I received an email informing me I was nominated for Gifted Travel Network's 2024 Spotlight Award for "Jetsetter of the Year," and fittingly they received my out of office message in reply. This has been an epic year of travel across North America, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and Africa, and I hope you've enjoyed following along with me through all these adventures.
Last week's trip through London, Paris, and Amsterdam with Avanti Destinations was a lot of work and a lot of fun too. Our cadre of travel advisors made many hotel site visits and got to experience some of the tours and activities we can book for you too. Unfortunately, I dropped my cell phone below the Eiffel Tower after a magical dinner inside at Madame Brasserie, and its cracked screen slowed down my social media game. Once I switch over to my replacement phone, I'll get the pics from Paris and Amsterdam up online, like the selfie above I took in my last moments in Amsterdam on Saturday.
I booked an evening return flight from Amsterdam so in the morning before I left I could fit in more hotel and museum visits on my own including The Willet-Holthuysen House (17th century Amsterdam canal house of period rooms filled with art and antiques) and the contemporary photography museum Foam. In between I toured the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, which houses a two Michelin star restaurant. They're all a five minute walk from each other on Herengracht Canal in the Canal District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The juxtaposition of styles inside each building was intoxicating, and I'm glad I made time to keep getting to know Amsterdam.
In Amsterdam I also took a canal cruise and visited the Dutch Masters at Rijksmuseum and fascinating works in the Van Gogh Museum, including the unfinished painting Vincent was working on the afternoon he shot himself. I was disturbed to find that painting on decorative pillows in the gift shop. The piece gives me a chill.
Did you know the travel industry also has big promotions for Black Friday? Almost every tour operator and cruise line are offering large discounts, and below is a small sample of all that's on sale out there.
Explora Journeys - Up to 50% off sailings
Tauck - Special Italy savings for their 100th anniversary
Paul Gauguin Cruises - Gorgeous cruising to Bora Bora, Fiji, the South Pacific
Aurora Expeditions - Up to 25% off sailings
When you're together this week chatting with friends and family about future travel plans, let me know what destinations you're dreaming of in 2025 because I have access to SO MANY Black Friday promotions right now with tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines. These deals won't last long!!
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
Nine Muses Travel offers a premium experience with flights, guides, drivers, rental vehicles, and the best accommodations to maximize your time, with expert advice on how to get the most out of any destination. We INCLUDE amenities for you at the world's finest hotels, the BEST OF THE BEST!
Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And more!
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional suppliers who add unparalleled value:
Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights
Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer!
Custom-designed routings
Exclusive experiences
24/7 real-time support
Comprehensive travel protection plans
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