For good reasons, the Netherlands is a popular tourist destination and ranks eighth as the best country to live in. It is expat-friendly and boasts one of the most diverse populations in Europe.
However, planning a trip there can be costly if you do not plan and budget within your means. Here are some tips on how you can get started.
Do Your Research
Understanding the culture of a foreign country before visiting is a fundamental thing that most tourists overlook. You do not want to be that person who takes snapshots of something you should not. That’s how you can get into a lot of trouble.
You would be surprised how much cultural research can save you on stress and money.
One great thing you will discover about the Netherlands is that you will not need to worry about the language. The Dutch consider English a second language, narrowly beating the Danish and the Swedes. If you want to know where to go for cheap food, fun activities, or need directions, you will always find someone who can help.
Another wonderful thing about the Netherlands is its ready acceptance of foreigners. They have one of the most diverse populations in Europe. This means that while the Dutch can be straightforward, they are also very friendly to foreigners.
Book in Advance
The Netherlands caters to many different people’s tastes. They have beautiful museums and historical tours but also a gritty and vibrant nightlife. What you can do while in the Netherlands ultimately depends on your preferences.
However, it is always best to plan. You will be more likely to find the best spots to visit and reasonably priced accommodations.
Where You Will Stay
You want to avoid booking a trip during peak season and at the last minute. That is unless you like to pay premium prices. If you want to save every penny, avoid staying in big cities, particularly Amsterdam. Hotel accommodations outside Amsterdam are typically cheaper.
Check out your options in hostels or Airbnb for an even cheaper stay. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
Where You Want To Visit
You need to consider another thing before choosing where you will be staying in your itinerary. The tourist spots you will visit will play a significant role in determining the location of your accommodations.
Ideally, you would want to book your stay somewhere cheap but reasonably close to the places on your itinerary. If you book accommodations too far from the places you want to visit, transportation will become a problem.
How You Will Travel
The Netherlands’ public transport system is excellent. Thus, most tourists prefer to use that instead of renting a car.
However, there are advantages to renting a car, too.
When touring another country, many tourists fail to make the most of their stay. The inevitable wait for public transport and time spent in queues is a sad waste. For the time you wasted waiting for the next bus, you could have explored more of the Netherlands by car.
Most would think it is cheaper to take public transport, but that might be shortsighted. You probably spent quite a bit of money going on a holiday. Spending a little more to lease a car and see all the sites is a practical option.
Moreover, leasing a car would make more sense if you tote heavy bags or luggage wherever you go. You also have more freedom to go wherever you want with a rental car. Because the rental fee includes third-party liability car insurance, you have coverage in case of an accident. Typically, the insurance covers passenger injuries. You might want to include collision insurance to cover property damage to your rental car.
Pack for Emergencies
Preparing for what may go wrong is always good when traveling to any foreign country. Even the best-laid plans can go south, and there will be very little you can do about it.
That is why you should have packed emergency supplies before boarding the plane. Here are some emergency items you may want to bring on your trip:
- Extra Cash – There will be situations where you need to shell out cash, especially when credit cards are not accepted in some establishments. It is always good to have extra cash on hand just in case.
- Power banks – Your phone is the first line of defense in an emergency. Your phone will be about as useful as a paperweight if you run out of battery. Unless there are charging stations nearby, it is always better to have a power bank ready.
- First Aid Kit – Sometimes, injuries or illnesses are unavoidable when traveling. Having all your medication and first aid items with you could save your life.
The Netherlands is not a cheap place to visit, but it is certainly worth the experience. However, following this guide can save you money without sacrificing the travel experience.
