• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

  • Destinations
    • United States
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Mexico and Caribbean
    • Central and South America
    • Australia and South Pacific
    • Africa
    • Middle East
    • Antarctica and Arctic
    • See All
  • Activities & Interests
    • History and Culture
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Food and Drink
    • Sightseeing
    • Seasonal Travel
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Wildlife
    • Beaches
    • Shopping
    • Festivals and Special Events
    • Theme Parks
    • Photography
    • Reading
    • See All
  • Types of Travel
    • Cruises and Sailing
    • Road Trips
    • Group Travel
    • RVing
    • Camping
    • Rail
    • Wellness Travel
    • Adventure Travel
    • Ancestry Travel
    • Naturism
    • LGBTQ+ Travel
    • Budget Travel
    • Weekend Getaway
    • Bucket List Trips
    • Family Vacations
    • Solo Travel
    • Full-Time Travel
    • Pet-Friendly Travel
    • See All
  • News & Tips
    • Travel News
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Products
    • Travel With Confidence
    • Gift Guides
    • See All
  • Inspire
  • Retire
  • Best Of Travel Awards

Hunting for Druid Sites in Ireland & the UK? Start Here

Hunting for Druid Sites in Ireland & the UK? Start Here

Get your hat, your satchel, and your bullwhip out—it’s time to head out on an Indiana Jones-style adventure.

No, we’re not going to the famous Ciudad Perdida in South America. No, we’re not heading to a stone-hewn temple in India. No, we aren’t delving into Europe’s oldest archaeological sites.

We’re heading across the Atlantic to the British Isles.

And we’re on the hunt for druid ruins.

While the British Isles are a hotspot for history buffs, the most famous sites in Ireland and Great Britain date to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 20th century, during World Wars I and II. In reality, some sites in the British Isles date back to the Mesolithic era around 8,000 years ago.

That’s about the time when ancient Celtic peoples would have been crisscrossing the islands—and they would have been relying on priestly druids for things like political advice, spiritual guidance, medical aid, and the fine art of storytelling.

And while we know little about the druid class thanks to the fact that they left no written word behind, we do have proof of their existence.

First, we have the oldest-known description of druids, which came from Julius Caesar himself. The descriptions were part of the Gallic Wars, a written record of his nine-year campaign against the Celts and Germanic tribes around Europe. (You can read a translation from the University of Chicago, if you want.)

Second, we have the druid sites in Ireland and the UK that can be analyzed, dated, and otherwise studied. They offer a narrow glimpse into the past. And while you’ve likely already heard of (and maybe visited) popular sites like Stonehenge, Newgrange, and the Hill of Tara, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

While we can’t be sure the precise purpose of the archaeological sites listed below, it’s likely that they were built with the purview and guidance of the powerful druid class.

Just a note: Druids aren’t a thing of the past; some modern pagans have taken up the role, and some modern practitioners still visit the druid ruins mentioned here. If you visit one of these sites, you might notice that they aren’t solely the domain of history buffs and archaeologists. As you would with any religious site, be respectful and mindful of believers.

Druid sites in Ireland and the UK

  • Avebury
  • Anglesey, Holy Isle and Bryn Celli Ddu
  • Wistman’s Woods
  • Kilmartin Glen
  • Calanais Standing Stones
  • Dromberg
  • Knowth & Dowth
  • Loughcrew
  • Grianan Ailigh
  • Beaghmore Stones

Druid ruins in the UK

Avebury (England)

Avebury Henge, Wiltshire, UK. October 12 2021. A dramatic misty sunrise behind the Standing Stones at Avebury in Wiltshire (Getty)

The largest megalithic stone circle in the world is in Avebury, which dates back to the third millennium BCE. In reality, there are three stone circles for you to explore around Avebury. The first is a large henge, meaning it has a bank around it, then two smaller circles located inside the largest. What rituals and ceremonies were they used for? And why was it abandoned before the Roman Period?

Pro tip: If you enjoy your time in Avebury, head south to visit the West Kennet Long Barrow, an underground chamber. It’s one of around thirty barrows that dot the Wiltshire landscape. Some estimates date them all the way back to 3,700 BCE.

Anglesey (Wales)

Bryn Celli Ddu, Neolithic Burial Chamber on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, UK (Getty)

Anglesey is known for its ancient sites and stones. If you’re dedicated enough to head to Anglesey, you should have it in you to visit the nearby Holy Isle, aka Ynys Gybi in Welsh. There, you can explore standing stones, ancient burial chambers, and replicas of wooden long houses.

There’s also Bryn Celli Ddu (also in Welsh), which is located just off the mainland. It’s the most famous burial chamber on the island, which includes plenty of standing megaliths and an inner chamber where the sun’s light narrowly enters during the summer solstice.

Wistman’s Woods (England)

Trees in upland oakwood moss covered granite boulders, Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor, south Devon, England, UK. (Photo by: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A rainforest… in England? Welcome to Wistman’s Woods—a place where oaks grow tall and wide and are layered with bright green horsehair lichen. That alone should get your attention—but I’d like to point out that archaeologists and anthropologists think this could have been a hub for druids because of its oak trees. Druids have long been associated with oak groves, which would have made Wistman’s Woods a poular hangout.

Kilmartin Glen (Scotland)

Two of the large standing stones in Kilmartin Glen after a rainfall and under a double rainbow (Getty)

This grand monument includes a henge monument with standing stones, along with underground ‘cists’ or chambers. There are also five large ‘cairns’, which are pillars of carefully stacked rocks. Many are lined with circular ring marks that look like ‘whirls’, which are a popular ancient motif that druids might have carved onto the stones themselves. As an added bonus, there’s a great museum on the premises, which let you dive deep into the history.

Calanais Standing Stones (Scotland)

The ancient standing stones of Callanish (or Calanais) on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland (Getty)

If Kilmartin Glen captures your attention, head further into the Scottish countryside to the Isle of Lewis. There, you’ll find a standing stone structure that’s arranged in a cross shape with one central stone. According to archaeological and anthropological studies, it’s believed that this area was of important religious significance for almost 1,500 years.

Druid sites in Ireland

Dromberg (Ireland)

Getty

This small stone circle was recently excavated in the mid-1900s and has since become one of the most accessible druid ruins in Ireland. Like Kilmartin Glen, the stones were decorated with ring marks. Unlike many other druid sites around the British Isles, this henge was constructed to align with the setting sun during the winter solstice—not the summer solstice.

Knowth & Dowth (Ireland)

Knowth, Ireland – May 23, 2015: Visitors leave the Knowth megalithic burial site, constructed between 5,000 B.C. and 3,000 B.C. (Getty)

I’m clumping these two passage tombs together because they’re located near Newgrange in the overall Brú na Bóinne complex. While most tours clump these three burial chambers together, I’m pointing out Knowth and Dowth just in case they flew under the radar for you.

Knowth is a large passage tomb, aka a covered hill, with a whopping 17 smaller tombs around it. There’s plenty of megalithic art to enjoy inside—which might have been left by druids. Dowth, by contrast, hasn’t been excavated extensively; instead, it looks like a grassy hill, hiding ancient druid ruins within.

Loughcrew (Ireland)

The Loughcrew Passage Tombs near Oldcastle in County Meath, Ireland. (Getty)

Explore ancient tombs at Loughcrew—usually without hordes of tourists around you. Along with Brú na Bóinne (mentioned above), Loughcrew is one of four megalithic, druid sites in Ireland. (If you want to check out the other two, they’re called Carrowmore and Carrowkeel.)

Loughcrew stands out for its megalithic art, along with its hills and tombs. Those tomb-riddled hills are known as the ‘mountain of Cailleach’, which refers to a divine hag character from Irish Mythology.

Grianan Ailigh (Ireland)

The Grianan of Aileach is a historical site located in County Donegal, Ireland. (Getty)

Also called An Grianán Fort, this ancient fort sits atop a hill, dating back to the 6th or 7th century BCE. That puts Grianan Ailigh’s construction directly in line with the final years that the Celtic druids would have had power and influence in the region.

In fact, this fort is believed to have served as an important meeting place for Celtic royalty. Shortly after it was built, the island was Christianized, meaning this might be one of the last druid sites in Ireland to be constructed.

Beaghmore Stones (Ireland)

Getty

The Beaghmore Stones mark what could have been a Bronze Age community. The Beaghmore Stones consist of more than 1,200 stones arranged in concentric circles, rows, and stacked into cairns. Since then, archaeologists have discovered flint tools and other clues that the druids once ruled over the area.

It’s believed that Celtic peoples were tearing down the local forest to create farmland at the time of its construction. That’s about all we know, or suspect, about its origins.

Take On Salt Lake City’s Outdoor Attractions With These Nature Tours

With the gorgeous, towering Wasatch Range in view, Salt Lake City’s outdoor attractions are never far from mind.

That being said, Utah’s wilderness isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s one of the most rugged and least developed states in the US, home to cloud-scraping mountains, dramatic canyons, and hordes of wildlife.

And, uniquely, there’s something to do any time of year—from skiing the powdery slopes in winter to hiking through those slot canyons in summer.

Those non-stop adventures make Salt Lake City great for any nature-lovers. That being said, you don’t need to rent a car and drive hours into the mountains. In fact, even if you’re just stopping over for a casual visit, you can book nature tours that showcase Salt Lake City’s coolest outdoor attractions.

From the salt flats to parks where the bison roam, these are the best experiences you can enjoy from Salt Lake City on a fully guided tour.

11 nature tours that showcase Salt Lake City’s outdoor attractions

Wildlife Sunset Experience

There’s a sunset tour available in just about every city on the globe. In Salt Lake City, that golden hour adventure will take you in proximity to bison, porcupine, antelope, and other little beasts as you watch from a safe distance. Aside from spotting wildlife, you can also soak up the lovely views of Antelope Island as the sun sets in a colorful show of lights.

Explore Antelope Island

If you’d rather explore Antelope Island during the day, head out on this Get Your Guide adventure. The tour includes a stop at the Great Salt Lake before heading on to Antelope Island. At both locations, you’ll learn from a qualified guide about nature, wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts in the area.

Dark Sky Tour of Antelope Island

Antelope Island is also an International Dark Sky Park, despite its proximity to the city. That means you can stargaze like a pro as you leave the city lights behind. This nighttime tour lets you experience the full force of the night sky, letting you learn a thing or two about the cosmos as you stare up in wonder.

Half-day Antelope Island Tour

I promise—I’m going to shut up about Antelope Island after this. But just in case the three tours above (sunset wildlife tour, day tour, and dark sky night tour) are a little too involved, you can also explore Antelope Island via a half-day tour. That way, you haven’t spent the whole day out in nature sweating like a little javelina.

4-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Tour

Visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton from Salt Lake City is a long shot. I mean that literally—it takes around 6.5 hours to drive the almost 360-mile distance between SLC and Yellowstone.

But if you’re someone who rarely, if ever, makes it to the other side of the Rockies, then you might consider booking this four-day tour. It’s one of the breeziest ways that you’ll ever visit Yellowstone or Grand Teton, since you’ll have a qualified guide.

Plus, even if you don’t have the necessary supplies, they shouldn’t be hard to find in an outdoorsy town like Salt Lake City.

Wildlife Experience

If the sunset wildlife experience (the first tour listed here) is a little too hands-off, take this wildlife-focused tour. You can spot the same bison, porcupines, and antelope, along with other animals like the bobcat, coyote, big-horn sheep, and plenty of migratory birds. (If you’re into birding, just wait—I have two towards that are great for you!)

Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure

As someone who has listened to too many podcasts and read too many pieces on the doomed Donner Party, I have a fascination with the Bonneville Salt Flats. (It’s where things went from bad to doomed for the Donner party.) This tour takes you onto the expansive flats with an expert guide. After learning about the flats and posing for photos, you also get to stop at the Tree of Life.

Half-day Private Tour through Canyons

Forget the bison and the salt flats. Salt Lake City puts you in proximity to some gorgeous canyons, hidden in the Wasatch Range. This tour drives you to sites like American Fork Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. At the end, you’ll have the option to do a hike if you’re feeling up for it.

Tiny Owl Experience (Flammulated Owling)

A flammulated owl is a tiny, tiny owl (around the size of a fist) that migrates through Salt Lake City a few times a year—and these tour guides have been obsessed with them for decades. If you want to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous little predator, the experts at Pitta Tours can almost guarantee a sighting.

Great Salt Lake Birding Tour

Courtesy of Pitta Tours

The same company that offers the flammulated owling experience (above), Pitta Tours, also offers extended birding tours around the Salt Lake City area. I personally love birding wherever I am, but Salt Lake City is renowned amongst birders because it’s an important stopover for many migratory species. Who knows what you might see when you’re in town?

Private Wild Horse Safari

Head into the Tooele wilderness to spot a famous band of wild horses, the Onaquil Wild Horse Herd. You can learn about the land, the horses, and the fight to keep them roaming free. You even get to ride out to the Pony Express National Historic Trail. After, photographers will have the chance to capture the unforgettable experience.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 9—The Secret of the Universe

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

  • Chapter 1: The Scorpion
  • Chapter 2: The Bucket Shower
  • Chapter 3: The Goat Sacrifice
  • Chapter 4: The Idol
  • Chapter 5: The Boot
  • Chapter 6: The Monastery (Part I)
  • Chapter 7: The Monastery (Part II)
  • Chapter 8: The Ujjayi Breath

Part I / college

When I turned eighteen, I had two international trips under my belt: my adventures in Cambodia (see: Chapters 1 & 2) and India (see: Chapters 3–8). Those experiences helped earn me a scholarship to a tiny college called (drum roll, please) Global College.

Originally, the college was known as Friends’ World when it was launched in 1965. It was a hippie-esque Quaker school that sprang up in Washington, DC.

The goal was to educate young Americans in the realms of anthropology and ethnography without visiting Europe. The idea was for us to learn about culture beyond the scope of traditional Western academia.

During my four-year degree coursework, I studied in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, India, and the United States. My graduating class consisted of around thirty students.

Rather than file into university classrooms, we took lectures and courses from local professors. Instead of midterms, we designed our own independent studies, then went out in the field to complete them. We had professors, local contacts, and the friends we made along the way to help us out.

The school’s slogan was ‘the world is our classroom’. We usually recited the line when things went wrong. And they did—often.

Welcome to my freshman year of college, which took place in Costa Rica and included field trips to Panama and Nicaragua. Welcome to the hard start of my miseducation.

During my first semester at Global College, I’d learn the secret of the universe from a really bad person.

Part II / Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro has become one of Panama’s most popular little beach towns over the last decade, but back when I visited, it was still sleepy and off the map.

It’s a small chain of islands that is reachable only by boat. I vividly remember one of our college guides (a Tica, or Costa Rican) reminding us not to knock into the coral when we swam because, “It takes hundreds of years to grow back.”

Our class was staying at a tiny hotel overlooking the water. We were learning about international development and other topics from the local Ngäbe tribe.

At night, we had free rein to wander around, make friends, and otherwise get to know Bocas del Toro. Me and a few classmates made friends with a Cuban driftwood sculptor. He liked life on the islands because, as he said, “You never hear the sounds of sirens.”

We hung out with him because he had party favors.

Part III / The secret of the universe

The driftwood sculptor wasn’t a good person. I was young, and I didn’t know how to recognize that yet. And it got me into trouble.

That isn’t necessarily confusing or surprising; young adults learn worldly lessons the hard way.

The real shock was when the driftwood sculptor took me and one of my classmates to a local bar during the trip. We were watching a football game on a small TV with a grainy pixelation. At some point, we started trading ideas about the nature of life and existence.

That’s when the sculptor shared the secret of the universe with us; I’m now imparting it to you.

I know—sounds a little casual, right? Shouldn’t I have prepped you to learn this knowledge? Shouldn’t you have grand plans about what to do with it?

After all, you would think learning such a devastatingly profound truth from such a shitty person would be the finale of my World Tour of Oopsies.

You would think the secret of the universe should be my grand thesis—the linchpin on which all previous entries in the World Tour of Oopsies hinge.

But life isn’t a narrative, travel isn’t a pony show, and knowing the secret of the universe won’t necessarily help you survive, thrive, or come out unscathed. (Or maybe it will—who am I to judge?)

Without further ado—

The secret of the universe is that life is a series of macrocosms and microcosms, woven together into infinity. Notice the patterns, and you will wield more power over your fate.

TL; DR my World Tour of travel stories: Sometimes, there is nothing to do with knowledge.

Relaxing Beach Towns in California: 10 Spots to Find Peace & Quiet

Coastal views, happy people, and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean—it’s not hard to see why California’s beach towns are some of the best in the world.

That being said, the Golden State has close to 850 miles of coast that are home to around 550 distinct beaches and just over 2,000 towns.

The big question is… where should you go on your next sun-filled getaway?

If you’re looking for relaxing beach towns in California where you don’t need to seek out peace and quiet, start here. I’ve got some of the state’s top selections when it comes to romantic coastal getaways, perfect small towns, and never-before-heard-of outposts that are perfect for downtime.

No noisy crowds, no hours-long traffic jams, no bachelorette parties. Just the ocean breeze in a peaceful, sandy setting.

10 relaxing beach towns in California

  • Carlsbad
  • Ventura
  • Pismo Beach
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Davenport
  • Half Moon Bay
  • Gualala
  • Shelter Cove
  • Trinidad
  • Garberville
  • Crescent City

Relaxing beach towns in California from south to north

Carlsbad

Sea Lavender flowers bordering the beach along the Pacific Ocean (Getty)

Let’s kick this list off with what might not be considered a quiet beach town. Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s got a population just over 100,000—meaning it’s not necessarily quiet. That being said, Carlsbad is one of the most accessible and relaxing beach towns in California, thanks to its slightly larger size.

You can easily find an affordable place to stay while you enjoy the city’s popular beaches, family-friendly venues and restaurants, and explore its historic village center. It’s an ideal beach town for larger groups, as well, thanks to its list of unique activities, from go-karting to DIY strawberry picking to exploring its state parks.

Ventura

A breathtaking view of Solimar Beach in Ventura County, California (Getty)

Like Carlsbad, Ventura has a slightly larger population—but it won’t get in the way of any downtime-focused vacations you’re planning. Its location in Southern California guarantees sunny beach days, and the city’s dedication to preserving wildlife and marine life can be felt.

But I think the real appeal of Ventura is giving you an LA-style or Santa Barbara-style adventure with a much more affordable price tag. If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly and relaxing beach town in California, Ventura should be top of mind.

Pismo Beach

Image of Pismo Beach, California, United States of America (Getty)

Located near San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach has become one of the state’s most famous seaside towns. Visitors love its outdoor adventures, which are slightly more diverse than other small towns. You can off-road on sand dunes, go deep-sea fishing, and more. Plus, the town is known for its slightly eclectic and homegrown style, letting you kick back with classic Cali vibes.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

empty trail by coastline, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (Getty)

Often billed as the most romantic town in the United States, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town with a gorgeous landscape that’s similar to Santa Barbara. Think: Mediterranean vibes packaged in an ultra-quaint and walkable town. Plus, much of the architecture is historic and well-kept, making the entire town feel like a Hollywood set. (In the good way, of course.)

Davenport

Pigeon Point Lighthouse on scenic coastal highway Route 1 at dusk (Getty)

When it comes to relaxing beach towns in California, you’re in for small-town vibes with grand scenic views. If you’re focused on getting out into nature, you can easily hike, camp, fish, and even bird watch around Davenport. Plus, you can explore the town’s unique historical sites, including a historic jail and a church that was a popular subject for photographer Ansel Adams.

Half Moon Bay

Distant shot of family exploring estuaries, reefs and beach in Half Moon Bay, California (Getty)

Close to San Francisco but away from the hustle, Half Moon Bay has remained a popular choice for coast-hunters in the city. It offers a small-town atmosphere that’s easily accessible from the Bay Area. Expect a rugged coastline that’s ready to explore, from hiking coastal hills to walking sandy beaches. Plus, you’ll be able to kayak, kite surf, hike, and more—if that’s your thing.

Gualala

Gualala River in Mendocino California with bridge in panoramic sunset (Getty)

Tiny, happy, and welcoming to visitors, Gualala is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to relaxing beach towns in California. It’s got an adorable pygmy forest, coastal areas perfect for whale-watching, and even its own Redwoods park. As an added perk, it’s also not too far from Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley, in case you want to tack on a little winery day trip on your way back to SF.

Shelter Cove

Aerial view of the black sand beach of Shelter Cove on California’s Lost Coast at sunset (Getty)

If Gualala feels a little too metropolitan for you, don’t worry—Northern California has dozens of easy-to-miss coastal towns. Shelter Cove is a tiny outpost in Humboldt County, where you can find redwoods, rugged coastline, and black sand beaches. You might know the area for its Lost Coast Trail, which is a popular 25-mile trail that includes cliff views, moody drifts of fog, and potential wildlife sightings.

Trinidad

Getty

If beach time is your priority, Trinidad needs to be on your radar. This Yurok town has just over 300 residents and ten public beaches, meaning you can expect plenty of privacy. It’s a great pick for anyone who wants to camp, hike, or otherwise be out in some of California’s most untamed landscapes.

Garberville

Legend of Bigfoot, Roadside Attraction, Garberville, California – September 14th, 2022: Roadside attraction right off the 101 in Garberville, California (Getty)

Funky, small, and surrounded by stunning forested hills (home to redwoods), Garberville has a strong sense of community and history. If you like small towns with strong identities and artsy inclinations, this is a great pick. Not only are locals happy and laid-back, but they’re also willing to give visitors a few suggestions on where to go and what to do.

Crescent City

Battery Point Light – a lighthouse in Crescent City, California, United States (Getty)

As one of the best jumping-off points to see the state’s most prolific redwood forests, Crescent City isn’t just one of the most relaxing beach towns in California. You can soak up those small-town vibes, disappear in an ancient and towering redwood forest, or head to the beach to watch the fog play across the waves. There’s even a cool interactive marine exhibit.

Amsterdam Drug Policy for Tourists: Your Guide to Cannabis & More

Amsterdam is one of the most open-minded places in the world when it comes to legal, semi-legal, and loophole drug use.

The city has a reputation that precedes itself, thanks to its coffee shops selling cannabis and its regulated red light district—but it’s well-known for other proclivities, too.

From psilocybin truffles to public drug-testing stations, it’s easy to see how Amsterdam looks like a free-for-all, especially for Americans who live in more conservative areas.

Ready to peel back the layers of Amsterdam’s drug policy for tourists?

It’s a deceptively complex topic—and one that tourists, especially those who like a little toke, should know about. Similar to Catalonia’s half-in stance on cannabis clubs, aka associations, it can be a bit of a mind-bender.

Let’s dig in.

Coffee shops & beyond: Amsterdam’s drug policy for tourists who smoke

The Netherlands has not legalized cannabis. Instead, the country’s approach works similarly to cannabis clubs in Barcelona, like I just mentioned.

Like in Catalonia, the Netherlands has decriminalized (or, according to the official website, there is a ‘tolerance policy’ for) small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

The goal is to allow upstanding citizens to enjoy a smoke now and again while discouraging people from growing, selling, and distributing cannabis on a large scale. You can’t have more than five grams in your possession, or it’s assumed you’ll be selling it. The idea is for you to actually pick up and smoke inside the coffee shop.

In addition to finding all types of cannabis at coffee shops, you can also legally purchase hash. (Plus a few more items, but I’ll dig into that below.)

As I mentioned at the top of the article, the Netherlands is very open-minded—and they don’t want to over-police locals or visitors. However, as Amsterdam gained a reputation as a cannabis haven, bad behavior and illegal practices created disruptive issues for residents.

As such, local authorities monitor cannabis coffee shops—and they recently made it legal for owners to deny entry to tourists. Between 1999 and 2024, authorities also cracked down on problematic coffee shops, thinning the herd from 350 coffee shops to 165.

In short, it’s good the police are involved because it ensures regulation and quality control.

The rules at Amsterdam coffee shops

  • Having up to five grams on your person is decriminalized throughout the city—though officials are hoping that you’ll smoke your share inside the coffee shop
  • The coffee shop can only sell you five grams maximum
  • Coffee shop owners must have valid permits to do business, and can only have 500 grams total on-site at any given time
  • Guests must be over the age of 18
  • Coffee shops cannot sell alcohol or hard drugs
  • You cannot smoke in the streets in many places—don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of signs reminding you where it’s not allowed
  • Coffee shop owners are allowed to deny entry to any tourists, though residents have the right to enter

What about non-cannabis products?

Here’s the thing—Amsterdam, and the surrounding areas, don’t want to be seen as a cannabis capital. But they really don’t want to be categorized as a hard drug haven.

In the early 2000s, many coffee shops began selling ‘magic’ psilocybin mushrooms, often raw or in a truffle form. This culminated in a tragic death in 2007, which kick-started discussions of the city’s liberal stance on drugs.

By 2008, the Netherlands had enacted a ban on magic mushrooms due to their hallucinogenic effect. That being said, you’ll still see ‘psilocybin truffles’ on sale at coffee shops. Like hash and cannabis, it’s legal to sell and use these truffles in the coffee shop.

The truffles are the hardened part of the mushroom that grows underground, while magic mushrooms are the part of the fungus that blooms above-ground. Both contain psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic effects.

These are the only three legal drugs that you will see in Amsterdam coffee shops: cannabis, hash, and psilocybin truffles.

If you haven’t tried psilocybin before, I don’t recommend enjoying your first ‘trip’ in the city, unless you feel very comfortable in Amsterdam. However, if you insist, I highly recommend assigning someone in your group the role of ‘babysitter’—even if you’re only going into a coffee shop for cannabis, that’s probably still a good rule.

YOTELAIR Launches New Layover Hotel Program in France, UK, & Netherlands

The travel world is filled with projects and ideas that fly under the radar.

YOTELAIR, though part of the well-known YOTEL brand, is one of those projects, in my opinion. You might recognize YOTEL as one of the most affordable, chic, and trendy hostel-style brands in the world. That’s their YOTEL brand.

But the company has two other projects. First, YOTELPAD, which specializes in long-term stays. The third is YOTELAIR, a highly unique chain of hotels that are situated in popular airports.

It launched in 2007 when it opened its first YOTELAIR ‘pad’ at London Gatwick International Airport.

That’s right—Gatwick has had a little-known but ultra-cool mini-hotel operating inside the South Terminal for 18 years.

Back in 2016, YOTELAIR opened up a second location at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. A year later, they went live at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport.

YOTELAIR locations are designed to allow passengers with unruly layovers to experience serenity and downtime with a little privacy, great Wi-Fi, a warm shower, and a bed. You can rent a room by the hour, letting you catch shut-eye for as little or as long as needed.

Oh, and the whole arrangement just got cooler thanks to YOTELAIR’s brand-new ‘Slayover’ program.

Whether you’ve heard of YOTELAIR before, consider this your sign to start booking affordable flights with long layovers at London Gatwick International Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Not only can you find an affordable place to rest with YOTELAIR, but you also have access to their brand-new Slayover experiences.

Added perks from YOTELAIR at London, Paris, & Amsterdam airports

Let me reiterate one more time: if you have a long layover in London at Gatwick, in Paris at Charles de Gaulle, or in Amsterdam at Schiphol, look into booking a YOTELAIR room for an hour or ten.

And don’t miss out on the very cool Slayover experience.

The Slayover is a project from YOTELAIR and G Spot, a ‘functional’ drinks company. The word ‘functional’ just means that G Spot drinks are designed to be healthy and include adaptogens and nootropics that will help your brain and body stay healthy during travel.

G Spot might sound a little outlandish for a drinks company name, but you’ve probably seen them advertised by now. The catchy name is thanks to the company’s founder, Gillian Anderson—who you might know from shows like The X-Files or Sex Education.

The Slayover Experience comes with unique perks that you can find in your YOTELAIR smart room, including:

  • A dedicated Slayover concierge
  • One of three themed layover rescue kits
  • A G Spot drink
  • Other curated goodies

Themed layover rescue kits come in three styles: moment of pause (for unwinding), rest & reset (for immunity support during long-haul journeys), and power-up (for a pick-me-up).

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 21
  • Go to page 22
  • Go to page 23
  • Go to page 24
  • Go to page 25
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 1347
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

  • News and Tips
  • Travel News
  • Most Popular Stories

    EuropeBreakdown of European Union Countries—Plus, Other Things to Know
    Halloween7 Spooky Places to Visit in October in California this Halloween Season
    Travel NewsDrone Sightings Shut Down Munich Airport Mirroring Norway & Denmark Incidents
    Travel NewsUS ‘Fly Rights’ Plans Nixed by Department of Transportation

    Related Stories

    Destinations5 Unique & Popular Fall Festivals in the US
    VietnamThe World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 17—The Museum (Part I)
    Food and Drink12 Cafes Serving the Best Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Seattle, America’s Coffee Capital
    Sign up for our newsletter
    Travel tips & inspiration for the modern explorer
    Our Mission Is To Empower Travelers
    We cover bucket list destinations and hidden gems around the world, along with the latest travel tools and tips to get you there. Whether staying local or jet-setting across the planet, we’ve got the inside scoop.
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    Do Not Sell My Personal Information Change Consent