The Netherlands Travel Guide
The Netherlands, or Holland, as it’s affectionately known, holds a VERY special place in my heart. I was born on the island of Curacao, in the Netherlands Antilles and half of my family still lives in Holland. I have been fortunate to have spent many Christmas vacations visiting with friends and family. It’s a beautiful country where Spring brings the colorful tulip fields, where you can spot windmills dotting the horizon and where you can find the best food (in my opinion!).
The history of the Netherlands dates back farther than you think. It’s reported that the earliest known habitants in the area were the hunter-gatherers that were there about 40,000 years ago. Fast forward quite a few centuries and you see the country starting to prosper. Through the Romans, The Middle Ages, the Netherlands saw achievements in Dutch culture and language, the building of towns and military structures.
Wars plagued the Netherlands beginning in the 1500s and continued through their Golden Age into the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, and ending with the World Wars in the early 1900s. Since then, the Netherlands has continued to prosper. They have evolved into one of most accepting countries in the world. Coupled with growing tourism, the Netherlands should definitely be on list to travel to if it isn’t already!
Know Before You Go
But, what exactly do you need to know before you go? In this Netherlands Travel Guide, I have compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!
If you’re flying into the Netherlands, there are several options on how to get there. The most well known option is, of course, to fly into Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, located in the capital city of Amsterdam. If you choose instead to begin your journey in another European city, there are several other ways to get to the Netherlands. The first option is by train. The railway system connects all of Europe together and makes city hopping easy and convenient. The second option is arrive by boat. There are ferry services from the United Kingdom and of course, cruises that also make stops in the country. The last option is to drive. Similar to taking the train, the major highways also connect all of Europe together. I personally love the idea of driving because I’m not hindered by any time tables and I can move at my own pace.
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know to travel to the Netherlands? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although the Netherlands is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.
Language
The main language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch. However, English is widely spoken throughout the country. Fun fact: Dutch is also spoken in the South American country, Surniame and the Flanders region of Belgium. When you hear Dutch, you might realize its similar to German. As a Germanic language, that is to be expected. Despite only knowing a small amount of conversational Dutch, I never find it difficult to communicate!
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit the Netherlands depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Currency
This travel guide to the Netherlands would not be complete without knowing more about the currency used within the country. The Euro is the official currency of the Netherlands. The value of it is a 1-to-1.09 ratio with the U.S. dollar. Euro notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Euro is also divided into 100 cents; coins come in denominations of €2, €1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies and recommend carrying some with you. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a too much cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.
Where to Stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. There are many modern hotels in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Rotterdam and Utrecht. I personally stay at either the Marriott in Amsterdam City Center or the Marriott in The Hague near the World Forum when I’m visiting family. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.
No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to The Netherlands!
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