I currently have a man in my life who likes to be spontaneous… Well at least likes for me to be spontaneous. And he is lucky enough that I value spontaneity quite highly.

So when I was asked at 11:00pm on a Saturday night to be in Amsterdam by 08:00am the following morning I set my alarm and accepted a little less sleep.

I met him and his family in Amsterdams’ surprisingly quaint and friendly harbour, we set sail (stopping at a waterside bar for a caffeine hit) and sailed through all four seasons.

We were heading for the gorgeous Volendam.

Amsterdam’s popularity is well-deserved but tourists passing through Holland tend to skip venturing outside of the big Dutch city. Unfortunately many are missing out on some of Europe’s most charming countryside and seaside towns.

Day-tripping is no challenge in a country the size of The Netherlands, and even if you don’t have your own personal sailing-instructor to invite you on tours around the country you should make an effort to see Volendam.

The fishing village of Volendam is one of the most popular promenades in Holland. It sits on the edges of IJsselmeer lake. With colourful souvenir shops selling clogs and treats, charming bars and welcoming fish shops (yes, fish shops can actually look welcoming) it is a gorgeous and touristy was to enjoy all things stereotypically Dutch.

It is even possible to get a cute snap taken in some classy tradition Dutch outfits… My Dutch man wasn’t too keen on the idea though (I did manage to quickly take a snap of him standing in some giant clogs though).