8 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to the Netherlands
Are you looking for a beautiful and cultured European destination to travel to this year? If so, consider traveling to the Netherlands! This small but stunning country is located in northwestern Europe and is well known for its windmills, tulips, canals, art museums, and progressive attitude. The Netherlands is a great place to explore and experience Dutch culture, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and interesting history.
However, this fascinating country is quite different from many other European destinations, so it’s important to know what to expect before you visit. With so many amazing things to see and do, it can be easy to miss out on the best experiences if you don’t know what to look for. So here are eight crucial things you should know before visiting this beautiful country:
Plan Amsterdam’s Highlights Carefully
Even though it is the most visited city in the Netherlands, it can also be one of the most overwhelming. With its winding streets, bustling canals, and a seemingly endless number of attractions, it’s important to plan your time here carefully so that you don’t miss out on any of the highlights. The best way to do this is to create an itinerary beforehand – decide which attractions are a must-see for you and research how much time each will take so that you can fit them into your schedule. You can find amazing Amsterdam guides online, along with travel tips to help you explore the city like a local. From where to stay to what to eat, these resources have all the information you need to make your time in this amazing city truly unforgettable.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
Get Used To Cycling Everywhere
Cycling is a way of life in the Netherlands. It’s the preferred mode of transportation for locals, and tourists are quickly catching on to how wonderful it is to get around on two wheels. There are many reasons why cycling is so popular in the Netherlands. For one, the country is quite flat, which makes it easy to cycle long distances. The well-maintained bike paths make cycling safe and convenient, and there are plenty of places to park your bike when you reach your destination. In addition, Dutch culture highly values being active and using alternative forms of transportation, so cycling is encouraged by both government and society alike. So before you visit the Netherlands, make sure you brush up on your cycling skills or take a cycling class!
English Is Widely Spoken
Most Dutch people are quite proficient in English, and many of them can even speak it fluently. This is mostly because English is taught in Dutch schools from an early age as a mandatory subject. When you’re out and about in the Netherlands, you’ll likely be able to communicate in English, even if the locals have a limited vocabulary. This is great for visitors who don’t speak Dutch, as you will have no problems getting around without any language barriers. However, it’s always polite to try and learn Dutch before you visit. Locals appreciate the effort, and it may even open up more opportunities for conversation! Even if you only know the basics, it’s worth a try.
If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for a longer period, it may be worthwhile to learn Dutch. Not only will it make your everyday interactions easier, but it will also help you immerse yourself in the local culture. You can take classes, find a language exchange partner, or use language learning apps to improve your Dutch skills. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as locals will appreciate your efforts to learn their language. Plus, learning a new language is always a valuable experience!
Prepare For The Weather
The Netherlands is known for its temperate climate and is generally cool and wet year-round. Summers can be quite warm, but the weather can quickly change to cooler temperatures with a lot of wind and rain. Winters are cold but not as severe as in other parts of Europe. Be sure to pack accordingly for your trip - bring both warm and cool clothes depending on the time of year you’ll be visiting. It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather forecast before departing for the Netherlands. This way, you can better plan what kinds of activities you want to do each day based on the expected weather conditions!
Understand And Respect Holland’s “Coffee Shop Culture”
The Netherlands is known for its liberal attitude towards marijuana and other recreational drugs. This has resulted in the growth of a “coffee shop” culture, where people can buy and consume cannabis products legally. It’s important to note that these coffee shops are not the same as traditional cafés - only people over 18 years old are allowed inside, and it’s illegal to take any drugs purchased from a coffee shop out of the country. So if you decide to try one of these establishments, be sure to familiarize yourself with all local laws first! It is also a good idea to avoid taking photos of people inside the coffee shops, as this can be considered rude and intrusive.
Check The Prices Before You Go
The Netherlands is not a cheap destination by any means, so it’s important to do your research beforehand and come up with a budget that suits you. Prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year and where in the country you are visiting. For example, Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in the Netherlands, with prices ranging from mid-range to high-end depending on where you stay and what activities you want to do. It’s also worth noting that prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs can add up quickly if you’re not careful! To save money, try to take advantage of discounts or special offers when possible
The Netherlands Is Home To Many Festivals
The Netherlands is home to many exciting festivals throughout the year, and there’s something for everyone. From music festivals like Pinkpop and Lowlands to cultural events like King's Day or Queen's Day, there’s plenty to experience here. If you’re visiting during one of these occasions, it’s worth checking out what’s going on in each city – many events are free of charge and can be a great way to get an authentic Dutch experience! So make sure you check out all the different options before your trip and plan so that you don’t miss out on anything!
Check The Visa Requirements Before You Go
Before traveling to the Netherlands, make sure that you check what visa requirements apply to you. Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen Visa to visit the country and stay for longer than three months. It’s important to note that each country has its specific visa regulations, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your embassy or consulate before booking your flight. And if you are traveling with pets, make sure that they have all the required vaccines before you go as well. In some cases, you may also need to apply for an additional passport or visa and get personalized identification tags for your pet.
More Travel Articles
