A Wanderlust For Life

01/06/2026

I have 5 giveaways happening this month for my birthday 🎂 month for those living in the Netherlands. And the first one is live over on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZC1AlzDhYC/?igsh=M25sbnQxM3VzNnI1

13/05/2026

It's time for in Amsterdam!

In Westerpark, you'll find this huge (and FREE) food truck festival full of 80 food trucks, bars, and music.

It's been going on since 2008 and being so close to it is a big reason we miss our old neighborhood!

We didn't see one of our favorites this year (Smokey Goodness) but there are some others worth trying!

20/12/2025

Helsinki, Finland is full of the Christmas vibes 🎄

Have you ever thought of visiting Helsinki for Christmas? Maybe I'll inspire you, then!

My friend and I took the (crazy early ferry) over from Tallinn, Estonia for a day in Helsinki and it did not disappoint.

If you’re dreaming of a cute Christmas market, Helsinki is where it’s at. The city lights up, the air is crisp, and the market is just… so cozy. It has so much food and the coolest products to buy.

❄️ Grab a cup of warm glögi (Finnish mulled wine) or hot chocolate and wander around the stalls — they’ve got everything from handmade gifts to sweet treats.

❄️ Snack on local sweets, indulge in reindeer soup, or other Finnish goodies while you explore, because trust me, you’ll want to try everything.

❄️ And yes, the huge Christmas tree at Senate Square? Totally magical and perfect for photos.

I made a video walking through Helsinki’s Christmas Market so you can see all the lights, treats, and cozy vibes for yourself.

JOIN our Patreon for EXCLUSIVE videos, updates, and livestreams: https://www.patreon.com/awanderlustforlifeI could not stop smiling at the Helsinki Christmas...

17/12/2025

🎄 Don't miss this Christmas market in Estonia!

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a real-life fairytale, Tallinn’s Old Town is where it happens. Cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and a Christmas market that honestly feels like it belongs in a storybook.

❄️ Grab a hot Glögi (Estonia's version of gluhwein) and wander the stalls filled with handmade gifts, festive decorations, and local treats.

❄️ Don’t skip the giant Christmas tree in Town Hall Square — it’s one of the oldest in Europe and seriously impressive.

❄️ Snack on local treats and even get a full traditional Christmas meal while soaking in that medieval charm.

I actually made a video about the Tallinn Christmas Market with my friend Edna, so you can see all the magic yourself! https://youtu.be/QfjvEyhC3FE?si=-12r3rqlKZrJfSWL

13/12/2025

🍴 Cozy Dutch winter treats you have to try

Winter in the Netherlands isn’t just about twinkling lights and festive markets, it’s about all the warm, comforting food and drinks that make the season feel extra magical and cozy.

Here's what I recommend:

❄️ Oliebollen – These little deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar are basically happiness in your hands. Sometimes they have raisins or apples, but I prefer the plain ones.

❄️ Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup) – Thick, hearty, and perfect for chilly days. There’s nothing like a steaming bowl to warm your hands and belly at the same time. Despite they name, it's rarely vegan.

❄️ Stamppot – Mashed potatoes with kale, sauerkraut, or other winter veggies, usually served with sausage. It’s cozy, filling, and so, so Dutch.

❄️ Appeltaart – Dutch apple pie with whipped cream is perfect. I have my go-to spot at Café Papeneiland, but Winkel 43 is always a classic.

❄️ Warme Chocomel – Creamy hot chocolate that feels like a warm hug. Also great with whipped cream!

❄️ Glühwein – Mulled wine spiced just right for sipping at a Christmas market or while watching the snow (or rain… winter in the Netherlands, right?).

❄️ Speculaas & Pepernoten – Spiced cookies and tiny bites that are an important part of the season. If you find gevulde speculaas, you HAVE to get it.

❄️ Bitterballen – Not sweet, but hot and perfect with a beer in a cozy brown café when you need a little savory pick-me-up.

Honestly, winter here is just one big excuse to eat ALL the comfort food while sipping something warm and cozy. My personal goal every December? Taste everything at least once 😉

Looking for what to eat in the winter while visiting Amsterdam? Look no further!Foods mentioned in this video:Dutch Pea Soup (Snert, Erwtensoep): We visited ...

10/12/2025

Christmas markets in the Netherlands are a whole vibe ✨

Most of these aren't what you might expect as being similar to German Christmas markets, but they are still fun, full of good food and drinks, and plenty of shopping!

🎄 Amsterdam Winter Paradise – 13 Dec–3 Jan, RAI Convention Center: indoor + outdoor, easy to reach by metro, tram, or train

🎄 Haarlem Christmas Market – 12–14 Dec: ~350 stalls in the city center, tons of entertainment

🎄 Gouda Winter Fair – 12 & 13 Dec: magical “Gouda by Candlelight” with opening concert at 2:30pm on Friday and the Winter Fair on Saturday

🎄 Leiden Nostalgic Christmas Market – 12–14 & 18–21 Dec: cozy chalets and holiday eats

🎄 The Hague Royal Christmas Fair – 4–23 Dec, Het Lange Voorhout: Well-organized with festive vibes (The is where the photo was taken!)

🎄 Dordrecht Christmas Market – 12–14 (Market) & 26–30 (Winter Garden) Dec: different experiences are happening throughout December

🎄 Valkenburg Christmas Markets – 14 Nov–5 Jan: unique underground markets in Velvet Caves & Fluweelengrot

🎄 Maastricht Magical Market – 28 Nov–29 Dec, Vrijthof: lights, ice rink, Ferris wheel, and glühwein!

🎄 Groningen Winterwelvaart + Wintergoud – 28 Nov–4 Jan: Ferris wheel, ice rink, cozy drinks, chalets, kids’ train

🎄 Deventer Dickens Festival – 13 & 14 Dec: step into a Dickensian 19th-century city with 950 characters

I love wandering these markets, discovering local goodies, and grabbing a warm drink while soaking up the holiday atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience winter in the Netherlands.

Which of these would you visit first?

08/12/2025

Happy Birthday to my one and only! It's been a crazy couple of months between traveling, work, and house things (we are finishing up a medium-sized reno 🫣) and I'm a little sad the house is in a * state * for his birthday lucky for me, he is way more chill than I am 😂 and it doesn't bother him quite as much!

I love birthdays with him because I love to have a day when I can shower him with extra attention (like this!) and yummy things.

If you want to share birthday wishes here, I'll make sure he sees them!

He's the man behind the camera and the one lifting me up and encouraging me to believe in myself. He's made sure I always feel supported and has made sacrifices so we can live a life we want. He's the kind of husband that gives me the kind of relationship I wasn't sure was possible.

Anyway, I'm trying not to be too mushy, but I just wish I could give him the world...or just an old church in Italy to turn into a home 🤣

To Sean, I love you so very much 😘

06/12/2025

I finally found the Christmas market that surprised me 😍

This is one you'll want to share with friends!

You know how sometimes Christmas markets are hyped up and then feel kinda… normal? Or at the very least, not so different from every other market? The Christmas markets in Valkenburg, NL were the opposite for me. They felt unique, cozy, and honestly a little magical because they are underground inside these beautiful caves.

I didn’t realize how ✨magical✨ that would feel until I was actually walking through them. Warm lighting, sweet smells, handmade gifts, that echo-y cave quiet… it honestly didn’t feel like anywhere else in the Netherlands.

If you want something a little unexpected this winter (and not just another cute, busy outdoor market) this one is worth adding to your list. And don't forget to save this post!

If you're curious what they actually look like, how they feel, and whether it’s worth the trip, I made a full video sharing everything.

Bonus: They are open until January 4, 2026!

https://youtu.be/x-6KXKKrU4o?si=oCCxlqKRCFg17nw9

03/12/2025

🎄Christmas markets in Amsterdam? Sort of...
It's time to get festive!

If you’re visiting Amsterdam this December, you cannot miss the festive markets popping up around the city.

Christmas Village – 4–28 Dec, Museumplein: twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and a classic holiday atmosphere

Christmas Maker’s Market – 13 Dec, Amsterdam Noord at Stretch and Fold: local creativity and holiday cheer

Sustainable Christmas Market – 13 Dec, De Ceuvel: eco-friendly gifts and conscious holiday finds

Funky Christmas Market – 21 Dec, Westergas: local makers, fun gifts, and good vibes

The Maker Market – 20 & 21 Dec, De Hallen: artsy gifts and festive surprises

I love wandering through these markets, grabbing a warm drink, and seeing what hidden gems you stumble across. It’s my favorite way to soak up Amsterdam’s cozy winter vibes.

Which one would you check out first?