Netherlands Travel Information

The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a small country located in northwest Europe. It is famous for its flat landscape, canals, windmills, and tulip fields. The country is also home to several important cultural centers, including Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, which are known for their museums, art, and architecture. The Netherlands has a rich history, and there are many fascinating attractions to discover, making it a popular tourist destination. Here are ten must-visit attractions when in the Netherlands:

1. Explore Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, and discover its historic canals, world-renowned museums, and vibrant nightlife.

2. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in flowers and gardens. With more than 7 million tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, it's a colorful and fragrant feast for the senses.

3. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the world's most famous museums and is home to thousands of works of art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many other Dutch masters.

4. Take a bike tour

The Netherlands is a bike-friendly country, and taking a bike tour is a great way to explore the countryside and visit small towns and villages.

5. Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family. It is located in the center of Amsterdam and offers a moving insight into the events of the Holocaust.

6. Visit the Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a popular tourist destination located just outside Amsterdam. It is a collection of historic windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and workshops.

7. Explore the Dutch countryside

The Dutch countryside is dotted with quaint villages, historic castles, and beautiful landscapes, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

8. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most important museums dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh. It is located in Amsterdam and is home to over 200 of the artist's paintings.

9. Visit the Maastricht Underground

The Maastricht Underground is a network of tunnels and caves that run beneath the city of Maastricht. It offers an exciting and unique glimpse into the city's history.

10. Take a boat tour of the canals

A boat tour of Amsterdam's historic canals is a must-do activity. You can admire the city's beautiful architecture and learn about its history while enjoying a relaxed boat ride.

Climate

The climate in the Netherlands is temperate maritime, which means that it is mild and damp throughout the year. The summers are generally cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, while winters are mild, with temperatures averaging around 5°C. Rain is common throughout the year, with the wettest months being October to January.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Netherlands depends on what you are looking to do and see. For those who want to experience the country's famous tulip fields, the best time to visit is between late April and early May when the tulips are in full bloom. If you are looking to explore the country's cities, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, these months can also be the busiest and the most crowded, so it's best to book in advance.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

The Netherlands is home to many hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Amsterdam, in particular, has a large selection of hotels, including boutique hotels, design hotels, and traditional hotels.

Hostels

Hostels are a popular budget-friendly option in the Netherlands. They offer dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities and are a great option for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts are a popular option for those who prefer a more personal and homely experience. They are usually run by local families and offer a cozy, homely atmosphere.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments, houses, and villas, are a great option for those who want more space, privacy, and independence. They are often more cost-effective for families or groups traveling together.

Campsites

The Netherlands has a large number of campsites, making it a great option for those who love the great outdoors. They range from basic campsites to luxury campsites with a wide range of facilities.

Trains

The train system in the Netherlands is fast, frequent, and reliable. It connects major cities and tourist destinations and is a great way to get around the country.

Buses

Buses are a good alternative to trains, especially for traveling to smaller towns and villages. They are usually slower than trains but are more convenient for exploring rural areas.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in the Netherlands, especially in major cities. They are a convenient option for those who want a private mode of transportation but are more expensive than public transportation.

Bikes

Biking is a popular mode of transportation in the Netherlands, and many cities have extensive bike lanes and bike rental services. This is a great option for those who want to explore the country at their own pace and get some exercise.

Ferries

Ferries are a convenient way to travel between the Netherlands and its neighboring countries. They operate between the main ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Hook of Holland.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.