Queen’s Day travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

April 30th is the celebration all (almost all) Dutch people wait for all year long. Akin to the American Fourth of July this day takes on special patriotic meaning. The 30th celebrates teh birth of the former Queen, Queen Julianna and has become the largest national holiday in Holland. The House of “Oranje” the longest ruling family in Holland has of course inspired the Dutch color of bright orange to symbolize all of Holland. Amsterdam a city normally inhabited by 750,000 people heralds over 3.2 MILLION on Queens day and it is probably one of the biggest parties anyone has ever seen. I found myself on a house boat on the Prinsesgracht (Princes Canal) for the celebration. Watching the boats and people floating by in an adult version of the “Lazy River” from my child hood. Much beer, food and jubilation was had by all!