6 top day trips from Amsterdam less than an hour away

Last month I traveled by train from London to Berlin and back.

From major European cities to small US ports, coastal communities around the world are attempting to curb the number (and size) of massive cruise ships looming over their shores. 

The vote is in, but cruises to Amsterdam are not yet out: After Amsterdam’s City Council voted in favor of banning cruise ships from the city center on July 20, the future of voyages docking in the heart of Amsterdam still remains unclear.

Enter the Conde Nast “Readers’ Choice Awards” sweepstakes by June 1, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a 15-day Viking River Cruises trip for two from Amsterdam to Budapest, including air and transfers.

Apparently, Icelandair neglected to patent its recently launched Stopover Buddy program.

Enter the Draft Publishing “Bon Voyage Belgium” sweepstakes by September 5, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-night beer cruise between Amsterdam and Brussles, including air between New York and Brussels, train between Brussels and Amsterdam, meals, brewery tours, and tastings.

Enter the Visit St. Pete Clearwater “Get Amped Getaway” sweepstakes by September 8, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a five-day trip for four people to St. Pete, Florida, including four nights at the Loews Don CeSar Resort, a $250 resort credit, first-class air, $500 gift card, and private car hire.

Enter the Copa Airlines “My Paradise” sweepstakes by July 5, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a four-day trip for four to Nassau, Bahamas, including air, transfers, hotel, some meals, and a dolphin swim.

If you’re looking to find the least expensive accommodations in a destination regardless of what kind of accommodation it is, you might be surprised to learn that Airbnb isn’t always the cheapest. A new study from Compare the Market shows that hotels can sometimes beat Airbnb prices. The study covered the average Airbnb vs. hotel rates (per night) in 52 important destinations around the world.

With its Golden Age canals, treasure-filled museums and cutting-edge art, entertainment and design scenes, Amsterdam is one of Europe's jewels, but it can be pricey.

For the second time this year, I have taken a European high-speed train to Paris in lieu of a flight from a neighboring country.

Radiating from its central Canal Ring, Amsterdam's characterful neighborhoods are made up of intricate networks of streets filled with one-off boutiques, cozy restaurants and cafes and lively bars, along with open green spaces.