Amsterdam and the Art of the Pivot

Springtime in Amsterdam

There’s a special kind of magic in Amsterdam during May. The flowers are blooming, the canals shimmer under soft sunlight, and the entire city hums with an artistic, creative vibe. It’s truly the perfect time to visit—cool but not cold, lively yet not overrun with summer crowds.

Our family trip to Amsterdam was meant to be the start of a longer Scandinavian adventure. While our plans took a few unexpected turns, Amsterdam offered us beauty, culture, good food, and an important reminder that sometimes, life has its own itinerary.

One really can't talk about Amsterdam without mentioning flowers. Let's face it. The Netherlands is the tulip capital of the world and is what comes to mind when anyone mentions this gorgeous country. Based on family schedules, we arrived just a week too late for peak tulip season at Keukenhof Gardens. If this iconic display of Dutch florals is on your list (and it should be!), plan to go in late April or early May. The gardens close mid-month, and timing is everything if you want to see the tulips in full bloom. If your travel window doesn't fall in peak tulip season, you can still visit the Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market that sells all things of floral persuasion.

There was no shortage of natural beauty to enjoy in this unique city. The tree-lined canals and flower-dotted door steps of Amsterdam are stunning. Just walking through the city feels like a scene from a painting—especially when paired with the whir of bicycles and the glow of spring.

Exploring and Knowing Your Limits

Travel isn’t always easy for me—as it isn’t for many people managing health challenges—but it’s always worth the effort. I live with a chronic condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and other aspects of the autonomic nervous system. It means that some days I can explore freely—and others, I need to rest.

This trip was a mix of both. I wasn’t feeling well enough to join my family on their visit to Zaanse Schans, the charming village just outside the city with its iconic windmills and sweeping green pastures. They had a fantastic day meeting a clog-making artisan and sampling cheese from a local cheese maker. Though I missed out on that adventure, I was so happy knowing they had the opportunity to experience the countryside. Their pictures were stunning, and it gives me a reason to want to go back. Many times we all want to jam every bucket list item from a country into one trip. Here's a gentle reminder to listen to your body, know your limits, and remember that your health comes first--and it's a good excuse to book that return trip!

Canals, Culture, and Cuisine

While I may have missed our family outing to the windmills, I did manage to immerse myself in Amsterdam's culture, art, and history.

The Rijksmuseum took my breath away with its masterworks by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and so many more. Just across the green lawns of Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum was a deeply emotional experience—a peek into the mind of a genius whose struggles made his art even more intriguing. Seeing these world-renowned paintings face-to-face was surreal.

Amsterdam is a city where creativity is woven into its fabric. From contemporary street art to the colorful dancing houses along the canals, there’s inspiration around every corner.

We also made time to quietly reflect at the Anne Frank House. While I didn’t go inside, just standing outside the home where her family hid during the war was profoundly moving. If you want to tour the inside of the house, be sure to book your tickets early—they are released online exactly six weeks in advance and sell out quickly. Please also watch for the Stolpersteine (or "Stumbling Stones") located around the city. These brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks outside of homes and businesses of other victims of the Holocaust that lived or worked there.

What Travel Teaches You

Yes, I missed out on seeing a few countries on this trip. But I gained something more important: the reminder that flexibility is a superpower when you travel. Everything might not go as planned, and that’s okay. In fact, sometimes those pivots become the most memorable chapters in your travel story.

Our spring visit to Amsterdam (and London) was filled with unexpected moments, quiet beauty, and the deep assurance that even when plans unravel, we are never truly lost. The world is full of kind people, open doors, and new beginnings—even when they look different from what you imagined.

Keep traveling. Keep trusting. And remember: the story you come home with might just be better than the one you planned.

When Plans Change: The Art of the Pivot

Three nights isn't nearly enough time to devote to this destination, but we had planned this little taste of the city as part of a much broader Scandinavian adventure. The real curveball came when my POTS reared its ugly head as we were about to board the flight to our next location, Norway. I was wheeled to the infirmary inside Amsterdam Schiphol Airport—yes….an infirmary IN the airport!

The care I received there was compassionate and thorough. The medical team listened closely, asked what had helped in the past, and understood the delicate balance of low blood volume and electrolyte imbalance that comes with POTS. They administered three IV bags of fluids, and after a few hours of attentive care, I felt like a new person. But by then, our flight to Norway had already departed. We had earned ourselves an extra evening in this beautiful country.

This is where travel meets life head-on. Sometimes, no matter how well you plan, the universe hands you a detour. Your ability to remain flexible and pivot are what can make or break the next part of your vacation. This is where you have a choice to push on, at all costs, no matter what calamity has occurred, or to pivot and see a roadblock as an opportunity to course correct. We opted for the pivot and turned our multi-city, jammed-packed Scandinavian adventure into a relaxing week in Amsterdam and London. Arriving by train into King's Cross Station the next morning felt both like a new adventure and a warm hug from an old friend. While I'm a little bummed that we missed Norway, Sweden and Denmark, I have no regrets.

Now, before anyone starts rethinking their travel plans for fear of something going wrong, let me reassure you: you will be cared for. There are incredible doctors, compassionate gate agents, and experienced travel advisors ready to help from any corner of the world. While our plans changed, our journey simply took a different direction—and sometimes, that’s where the magic happens.

Tips to Prepare for Unexpected Delays or Illnesses:

1. Buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip delays, and cancellations.

2. Pack a basic medical kit.

3. Keep important documents (passports, insurance, meds list) easily accessible.

4. Know how to contact local emergency services.

5. Learn a few helpful phrases in the local language & make sure you have a translation app.

6. Have a flexible mindset and try to view changes as opportunities.

7. Reach out to your travel advisor for support and options—they’re your advocate!

In terms of cuisine, Amsterdam is a foodie's paradise. They take great pride in their stroop waffles and fries. Neither should be missed! For great sit-down dining recommendations, don't miss the quaint Restaurant Belhammel. This charming Art Nouveau venue serves a French-Italian menu with Dutch and Flemish classics that paired flavor with ambiance. And don't you dare make a trip to this city without visiting Winkel 43. This institution is world famous for their apple pie. People line up around the block for a slice, and I can honestly say it's worth any kind of wait. A slice is pretty much a meal-sized portion of decadent, comforting love.