Country Guide: The Netherlands

Name: The Netherlands (in Dutch: Nederland)

Continent: Europe

Capital (and Largest) City: Amsterdam

Language: Dutch

Currency: Euro

Drives on the: Right

Time Zone: Central European Time

Adaptor Types: Type C and Type F

Description: The Netherlands is a country in western Europe, known for its flat landscapes, canals, windmills and tulips. Contrary to popular belief, the terms "Holland" and "The Netherlands" are not synonymous - Holland is actually a region in the west of the country, which includes the capital city, Amsterdam, as well as the second and third largest cities, Rotterdam and The Hague, while "The Netherlands" refers to the entire country, as well as its overseas territories in the Caribbean.

Why You Should Visit: The city of Amsterdam receives a lot more tourists than the rest of the country, and not always for the right reasons, which is why the Dutch government is currently trying to encourage tourism to other regions. Though strangely enough, I was pleasantly surprised during our trip to Amsterdam last year to find that attractions such as the Rijksmuseum and the canal boat cruises were not crowded at all, and the city generally had a less touristy vibe than other European capitals. The architecture there really is beautiful and unique, so I'd definitely recommend going at least once in your life, but if I return to the Netherlands in the future, I'd want to visit some of the other beautiful cities and regions around the country.

Fun Fact: There are twice as many bikes in the Netherlands as there are cars.

My Blogposts About the Netherlands

Charlotte's Travel Adventures

- Zaandam: A Fairytale Town Near Amsterdam

- Amsterdam

Clockwise starting from top left: Zaandam; Begijnhof, Amsterdam; Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Amsterdam; Zaandam; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Traditional Amsterdam houses

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Country Guide: Malta

Name: Malta 

Continent: Europe

Capital City: Valletta (in Maltese: il-Belt Valletta)

Largest Town: Saint Paul's Bay (in Maltese: San Pawl il-Baħar)

Languages: Maltese and English

Currency: Euro

Drives on the: Left

Time Zones: Central European Time

Adaptor Type: Type G (same as UK!)

Description: Malta is a small island country located right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, between Tunisia, Sicily and Libya. It is made up of three main islands: Malta (the biggest one), Gozo (a more peaceful, rural island) and Comino (the smallest one, where you can find the famous Blue Lagoon). Because of its position and the fact that it has been ruled by various groups throughout history, it has a wide variety of cultural influences.

Why You Should Visit: Malta is a great place to visit for several reasons. In the UK at least, it is mostly known as a destination to enjoy sunshine and beaches, and of course that's true, although most of its beaches are rocky rather than sandy. However, there is a lot more to discover throughout the country, including beautiful medieval citadels, such as Mdina on Malta and Cittadella on Gozo, as well as prehistoric temples that are even older than Stonehenge!

Fun Fact: Malta has no permanent rivers.

My Blogposts About Malta

Charlotte's Travel Adventures

- UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Valletta and Megalithic Temples)

- My Dream Travel Destinations: Updated!

- Valletta

- A Day Trip to the Blue Lagoon

- Mdina and Rabat

- Gozo

- Life in Malta

- Travel Tips: Ten More of My Favourite Beach Destinations (Ramla Beach, Gozo)

- Travel Tips: The Best Hotels I've Ever Stayed in (Victoria/Rabat, Gozo)

- Charlotte's Travel Adventures is 5 Years Old!

- Travel Tips: The Best Destinations to Live in - Part One

Clockwise starting from top left: Ta' Pinu, Gozo; Spinola Bay, St Julian's; Mdina; Valletta viewed from Sliema; Tarxien Temples; The Blue Lagoon, Comino

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Country Guide: Brazil

Name: Brazil (in Portuguese: Brasil)

Continent: South America

Capital City: Brasília

Largest City: São Paulo

Languages: Portuguese

Currency: Real

Drives on the: Right

Time Zones: Acre Time (UTC -5), Amazon Time (UTC -4), Brasília Time (UTC -3), and Fernando de Noronha Time (UTC -2)

Adaptor Types: Type C and Type N

Description: Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America. 60% of the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, is located within its borders, meaning that it is one of the most diverse countries in terms of flora and fauna. Other than this, Brazil is also well-known for its beaches, success in football, samba music and dance, and the Rio Carnival.

Why You Should Visit: Rio de Janeiro is a city unlike anywhere else in the world - its mountains, beaches and cultural attractions are incredible and it has amazing vibes. Even though it rained most days during our visit in December 2022, we still had a fantastic time and plan to go back sometime in the future. We also loved visiting the paradise beaches of Arraial do Cabo, a few hours away from the city. Other places in Brazil that look fascinating to visit include the Iguazú waterfalls and, of course, the Amazon rainforest.

Fun Fact: Brazil has won 5 World Cup titles, which is more than any other country.

My Blogposts About Brazil

Charlotte's Travel Adventures

- My Dream Travel Destinations (Rio de Janeiro)

- UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Rio de Janeiro)

- Rio de Janeiro: Day One

- Rio de Janeiro: Day Two

- Rio de Janeiro: Day Three

- Rio de Janeiro: Day Four

- Arraial do Cabo

- Travel Tips: Ten More of My Favourite Beach Destinations (Rio de Janeiro and Arraial do Cabo)

- Charlotte's Travel Adventures is 5 Years Old! (Rio de Janeiro)

Clockwise starting from top left: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro; Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro; Arraial do Cabo; Botafogo Beach, Rio de Janeiro; Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro; Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

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Country Guide: Peru

Name: Peru (in Spanish: Perú)

Continent: South America

Capital (and Largest) City: Lima

Languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara

Currency: Sol

Drives on the: Right

Time Zone: Peru Standard Time (UTC -5)

Adaptor Types: Type A and Type C

Description: Peru is a country on the western side of South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It has a coastline along the Pacific Ocean on its western side, as well as the Andes mountain range in the centre and the Amazon rainforest in the east. Best-known for its archaeological sites and traditional culture dating back to the Inca period and earlier, Peru is a destination on many people's bucket lists.

Why You Should Visit: Of course, Machu Picchu is the place that everyone wants to visit in Peru, and with good reason - it's absolutely spectacular - but there are many other interesting places to visit all over the country. Personally, I've visited two regions of Peru: the Cusco region, which is beautiful and fascinating, but very touristy, and the Tacna region in the far south, which is rarely visited by anyone other than Peruvians or Chileans. Despite being off the radar, Tacna has some great architecture, interesting archaeological sites and dramatic landscapes, and I'm sure the same applies to every region of the country.

Fun Fact: Peru is home to over 70% of the world's alpaca population!

My Blogposts About Peru

Charlotte's Travel Adventures

- UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Cusco and Machu Picchu)

- Movie Travels (Cusco and Machu Picchu)

- Our Day Trip to Peru (Tacna region)

- Cusco

- Sacred Valley of the Incas

- Maras and Moray

- Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)

- Machu Picchu

- Travel Tips: The Best Hotels I've Ever Stayed in (Cusco and Aguas Calientes)

- Charlotte's Travel Adventures is 5 Years Old! (Machu Picchu)

- My Year of Adventurous Travel (Cusco region)

Clockwise starting from top left: Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Chinchero, Tacna, Machu Picchu, Maras

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