Erin Hynes - Gouda Cheese Market, Den Bosch Canals & Dreamy Delft – Exploring the Netherlands with Pina Travels

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Hynes from Pina Travels and the Curious Tourism Podcast for a rich, wide-ranging journey through the Netherlands — from bustling cheese markets to hidden medieval canals, national parks to charming historic cities.

Erin’s deep personal connection to the Netherlands, through her family’s roots in Friesland, brings a unique insight into Dutch heritage and culture. Together, we explore well-known highlights and lesser-visited locations, weaving in stories about history, food, cycling culture, and the everyday beauty of life in this fascinating country.

We cover:

• Delft – Iconic blue Delftware pottery, historic churches, and postcard-perfect canals.
• Gouda – The world-famous cheese market and the traditions that keep it alive.
• Den Bosch – One of the best-preserved medieval city centres, with canals running beneath the streets.
• Dordrecht – A laid-back city with picturesque streets and waterside cafés.
• Werkendam & Biesbosch National Park – Wetlands, birdlife, and the Dutch art of water management.
• Utrecht – Two-level canals, lively cycling culture, and a vibrant student city vibe.
• Friesland – A unique province with its own language, traditions, and proud heritage.

Along the way, we dive into Dutch cuisine (from bitterballen to pannenkoeken), the country’s ingenious engineering solutions for living below sea level, and why cycling here is more than just a mode of transport — it’s part of the national identity. We also talk about the warm historical ties between the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands or love hearing about destinations beyond the obvious, this conversation will give you fresh ideas, practical travel tips, and a deeper appreciation for Dutch culture.

🎧 Listen to the Curious Tourism Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/curious-tourism-responsible-travel-podcast/id1449041086

🌍 Follow Erin (Pina Travels) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinatravels/

🌍 Visit Pina Travels Website for awesome blogs: https://pinatravels.org/

🔔 Subscribe, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, and support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee!

#Netherlands #Gouda #DenBosch #Delft #Utrecht #Friesland #Dordrecht #Berkendam #Biesbosch #NetherlandsTravel #TravelPodcast #PinaTravels #DutchHeritage #WingingItTravelPodcast

Timestamps

00:00 Understanding the Netherlands and Holland

11:40 Personal Connections to the Netherlands

23:31 Cultural Insights and Travel Experiences

35:29 Exploring Delft: A Hidden Gem

47:31 Food and Drink in the Netherlands

59:42 Traveling with Dietary Restrictions

46:04 Culinary Culture in the Netherlands

47:41 Exploring Verkendam and Family Ties

50:46 The Beauty of Dutch Marshlands

53:36 Cheese Markets and Dutch Delicacies

56:25 Den Bosch: A Hidden Gem

01:00:32 Utrecht: Cycling and Canals

01:09:16 Windmills and Tulip Fields

01:11:58 Amsterdam: Beyond the Tourist Trail

01:12:50 Travel Tips for the Netherlands

01:18:50 Reflections on Colonial History

01:22:20 The Future of Travel Blogging

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com 

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Cheers, James.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: