Why did you choose to visit Amsterdam?
We were living in London and it was a cheap destination with a short flight (85 minutes from London Heathrow). We travelled in May so the weather was perfect as well. Had always heard about The Red Light district (which has now become a real tourist attraction) so also wanted to see what all the hype was about!

Tell us a little about the itinerary?
We spent three days in Amsterdam and enjoyed a day trip to Marken, Volendam and a Windmill Village, this excursion included a visit to a wooden shoemaker, a fishing village, a cheese farm and a boat trip. Three days was enough time to get a brief overview of Amsterdam city as long as you did all the sightseeing quite quickly — we didn’t visit many museums, only the famous ones (Van Gogh Museum and The Rijksmuseum). We did a lot of walking and a lot of eating en route to save time!

Where did you stay along the way, and why?
We stayed at Victoria Hotel, located across the road from Central Station; the main train station where the trains from Schiphol airport arrive at — perfect location for walking to all sights and it was safe and very clean.

Your favourite meal during your time away?
FEBO — this is a Dutch chain of hot fast-food vending machines. It was only my favourite because it was so unusual. It is a machine where you insert your coin into the slot next to the meal you want (mostly Krokets) and the door opens automatically, you then help yourself to the food inside after which the door closes and the meal is replaced — so unique and fun! Heineken was also part of most meals as it is the local Dutch beer of course.

Did you find any 'hidden secrets' during your travels?
Hard Rock Cafe located near Leidseplein. There is an outside wooden deck/terrace on the canal and you could step right into the water after having too many! The atmosphere is so relaxed yet you still feel you are 'sightseeing' and experiencing the Dutch culture as you are overlooking the calm canal with the ringing of bicycle bells in the background.

Also visit the flower market (Bloemenmarkt) at Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein. Here you will see hundreds of flowers, bulbs, seeds and souvenirs. For those who are travelling back home on an international flights and cannot take fauna with you, there are wooden tulips in every colour you can imagine.

Zaanse Schans is a windmill village and this was really a hidden treasure that can be visited by doing the day trip to Volendam and Marken. It is everything you see in the postcards and magazines — windmills, canals, streams, little wooden houses and even the cows lazing in the grass!

Your best travel tip for others planning a visit there?
Take the Gray Line Canal-Bus cruise boat — it is a 'Hop on-Hop off' boat cruise along the canals and stops at 14 places of interest while a very informative tour guide tells you what you are passing at every turn. It is just so typical of Amsterdam and is a great way to orientate yourself when first arriving.

Meet any interesting locals?
The Red Light District has many weird and wonderful locals, but we didn’t get to know any!

What's the best way to get around?
From Schiphol airport, there is a train which takes you straight into the heart of Amsterdam. From here you can walk to most of the main areas (depending on what time of day you arrive) otherwise taxis are available, but walking is the best way to get around as you will miss very interesting little streets if you take public transport!

By taking a stroll along the canal we found many little shops with unique items, one of which was a liquor store with the biggest collection of miniature bottles I have ever seen as well as a Clog shop with a wooden clog outside that I could sit in!

Where's next on your travel 'to-do list'?
Thailand!