Taking the road less traveled by.
“Ruminations” means thinking something over carefully. It’s also what cows do: chewing their cud. I’m the cow, chewing over my thoughts about what I see and experience before I sit down and write about them. Rachel’s Ruminations is a travel blog focused on independent travel with an emphasis on cultural and historical sites. I also occasionally write about my life in the Netherlands, as well as reviews of hotels, resorts, cruises, tours, etc. Thank you for visiting!
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Latest from the Blog
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Arasan Spa, Almaty: A naked, awkward, and surprisingly great cultural experience
A step-by-step guide to Arasan Spa in Almaty, Kazakhstan + the awkward, funny story of my naked bathhouse experience + why I’d still recommend it.
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Biosphere Expeditions: An adventure in citizen science
Contributing to wildlife research on a Biosphere Expedition: my experience as a citizen scientist collecting data on whales and dolphins in the Azores.
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Herculaneum or Pompeii: Which should you visit?
Pompeii gives a vivid impression of life in Ancient Rome. So does Herculaneum. Read this article for help deciding which to visit: Herculaneum or Pompeii.
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How to handle money in Europe
Lots of tips to help you handle money in Europe: advice about cash, debit and credit cards, etc., plus a free checklist to help keep track.
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Cruises | Europe travel | Nordics | Norway | Travel
What is the best time of year for a Norway coastal cruise?
Trying to decide when to take your Norway coastal cruise? Here are some things to think about, based on my winter and summer experiences.
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Cruises | Europe travel | Norway | Travel
Havila vs Hurtigruten on the Norway coastal route: Which is better?
A direct comparison of Havila vs Hurtigruten, both running the same route along the Norway coast, with similarities and differences in the onboard experience, the cabins, and their progress toward sustainability.
