I recently found myself in some corners of Schiphol airport that I had never seen before. Comfy nooks and unique spaces where some creative ideas have been put into action. And in the coming week I'll show you a few of those places and moments using video.

Today I wanted to start with a 1 minute glance of the Rijksmuseum Schiphol. Now plenty of people have heard about the big Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, one of the most important art museums in the country. But what you may not have realized is that somehow they built a little Rijksmuseum for Schiphol airport where travellers can take in some of the same beloved pieces one might also spot in the big museum. And of course, just like at the main museum, if you really like something you see on display, you can just walk downstairs to the giftshop and pick up a poster and get over to your gate in time for takeoff.

Interesting factoid that I learned while I was there: the box structure the museum is housed in, was specially built to be uneffected by the vibration of planes landing and taking off outside. In effect, it is almost like it is suspended in mid-air.

Here's that 1-minute glance of what I'm talking about.

The Dutch are heading to Berne! It’s time for the European Football Championships, and the Dutch play their first game on June 9, with two more to follow on June 13 and 17.

So how many Dutch plan to support their team? According to Expatica, an estimated 40,000 Dutch supporters will travel to Switzerland. Camp sites have been opened and quickly booked – and even named things like Orange Village and Orange Camping.

Sounds like it should be interesting – but I’m glad to be back here, safe in the Netherlands!

Greetings from, gasp... Bangkok, Thailand.

What does that have to do with tourism and the Netherlands? I'll let you in on a non-secret; tons of people travel through Amsterdam en route to Asia, especially Thailand.

I took yee ol' KLM 747 direct flight to Bangkok from Amsterdam, 12 hours and with the help of a neck pillow from some new friends I'll tell you about soon, I arrived happy and ready to run around this infamous city. Had I not left the plane, the same flight goes on to Taipei... which is something to keep in mind for any of you planning a trip to Asia and eager to spend a few days in Amsterdam before its GO time.

KLM isn't the only service to Thailand from the Netherlands. Thai air should have something or otherwise consult cheaptickets.nl.

Either way its a very nice and popular corridor, a gateway to the East, believe it or not. And if that weren't enough you're guaranteed to find plenty of Dutch people in Thailand.

If you’re based in the Netherlands and looking for a great holiday getaway, it may seem easier to just go to the websites of the big airlines and pay whatever they’re asking. But in the Netherlands, just like anywhere else, sometimes it’s better to check around for a good deal first. My top two suggestions:

Kilroy Travels. Particularly handy if you’re a student, they provide both basic and flexible fares. The flexible fares in particular have great perks – a pretty rare bonus when shopping for airfare these days.

D-Reizen. If you live in the Netherlands, you’ve seen this chain. Skip the package deals – you’ll be on chartered flights that depart in the middle of the night and leave you at a crappy hotel full of Dutch tourists – but check out the airfares online.

A few years ago I witnessed the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) being constructed and I thought to myself -- huh? A cruise ship terminal in the middle of the city, right smack next to Central Station?

Now I suppose I must eat my words, as the PTA is reporting that business is booming. 118 ships are expected this year alone, and 200,000 people are expected, breaking all previous records. Not only that, according to a recent report, more and more cruise ship companies are choosing the PTA and Amsterdam as their home port. Which still makes me wonder, how to they even fit?

But nevermind that.. they do fit. And chances are, some of you will be on a cruiseline that passes through Amsterdam at some point, and you'll come through that beautiful glass building next door to the Bimhuis and the Muziekgebouw. What cruiselines serve Amsterdam? Here's a list to start you off, though I'm sure there are more.

Well it finally happenned... Starbuck's Coffee has opened up in the main plaza at Schiphol airport. It has actually been open for a month or two, as prior to this one only ticketed passengers could frequent the only Starbuck's in the country.

From here on in, all you have to do to drink a Tall Laté Moccachino Watchamacallit, is take the train to the airport and right when you come up from the trains, there she is.

One thing to keep in mind about Starbuck's at the airport, both stores are constantly busy; you will stand in a fairly significant line. Also you're paying in euros yet the prices look like numbers you'd normally see in dollars.

And that, ladies and gentlement, is your Starbuck's in the Netherlands report.

A nice weekend can be made of Belgium, contrary to popular opinion. In fact, you will probably see a whole lot of the Netherlands in Belgium, in the people, in the food, and in the attitude. Depending on how long you've been in region, you may not even be able to tell the difference. In the north, everyone speaks Dutch, albeit with an accent many find cute. And in the south, there you will find French speakers. There is even a piece of German language only. In Bruxelles, you will be treated to not a blend but a distinct dual language environment. Street names, advertisements, instructions.. pretty much everything is presented in both languages. Interesting to note is that while many Dutch speakers learn at least basic French, most French speakers never learn more than a word or two of Dutch. And this applied mainly to the younger or professional sectors of the society.

Rivalries exist between the groups. But one thing everyone can agree upon are fresh thick waffles topped with chocolate sauce.

A round trip ticket on the train (2nd class, without discount) can range from under 100 euros to 150, but Eurolines, the discount travel bus, will take you on overnight journeys for around 50 euros return.

Looking for a day of pure, unadulterated luxury? I have to share this fabulous spa that I discovered last year. Although it is located in the middle of nowhere (if you're coming from Amsterdam, that is) it is completely worth the train/bus ride. This place has to be seen to be believed. Saunas of all sizes and temperatures, steam rooms with herbal themes, outdoor hot tubs, swimming pools, and lounge chairs. Last time I was there I had a heavenly hot stone massage to top off a day of relaxation. Not to mention delicious food!

Even better - every first Tuesday of the month they have a "bathing suit day" - which of course means all other days you have to go naked, So pick your preference and check it out!

Last weekend I took a little weekend trip from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, and since many of you might consider doing the same one day, I figure I could tell you something about it.

First off I flew. While I try not to fly for the good of the environment if there are alternatives, all the other alternatives for getting to Denmark take ALOT of time, whereas the flight only takes an hour. Another reason its a decent option is that the flight itself (I took transavia) is relatively cheap, 8 euros each way before taxes, which of course becomes 80 euros or so round trip.

Now anyone who's been to Copenhagen will point out that it is expensive there. Which is true. Not only do they not use the Euro, despite being part of the EU, things generally cost more there.

Despite the prices, if you choose late February or early March, you can easily afford a good hotel room in the center of the city for not much money. That would be my second choice after staying with friends, which is always best.

During my 2.5 days I spent half a day in Christiania, the freetown located in the heart of the city, where a group of individuals formed their own community back in 1971. And its still going strong and a must-see when you're in town.

Of course there are the more traditional tourist spots, such as Tivoli Gardens, which was closed since spring has not arrived yet. I also managed to spend an afternoon at the Royal Museum of Art, just down the road from Rosenborg Castle, which is also lovely. I highly recommend each of these places if you only have a weekend in Copenhagen. Public transport is plentiful, but like in Amsterdam, a bike will give you mobility and freedom during your time there.

Trippist reader Michelle asked in the comments about vegetarian restaurants and day trips from Amsterdam. Actually lot's of people have been emailing me with similar questions.

Naturally here on trippist, we've been writing for quite a while on all kinds of places you can go. You can use the search option or click on the different categories at any time to read those posts. Still, if you're new here, today I'll give you a quick list of vegetarian restaurants and day trips that we've covered on trippist.

Vegetarian Restaurants:

Foodism
Renzo's
Vrije Fork
Golden Temple
OT301 (peper)

Day Trips from Amsterdam:

Arnhem
Leiden
The Beach via Fast Ferry
Antwerp, Belgium
The Hague