THE NETHERLANDS is one of the smallest countries of Western Europe, yet interesting to visit. The country boasts a rich history of being the biggest global naval force, founding the city of nowadays New York City and many exploration quests around the world. Much of this history can still be seen in and around the bigger cities. The capital city of Amsterdam is a city everyone knows but is far from the only place in the country worth visiting.
Traveling to the Netherlands is easy, as almost any airline flies to Schiphol airport. US Airways, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Lufhansa, Emirates Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Group and Air China are just a select group of airlines flying to Schiphol. Flights can be booked at most big agencies like Expedia, EasyJets, Liberty Travel and many more offer holidays in the Netherlands. Because of the mild sea climate in the Netherlands, it would be best travelling there during summer, but even in summer you should anticipate on rainy days as they are not that rare in July or August. When in the Netherlands, of course be sure to visit the Amsterdam Canals, the Rembrandt Museum, the famous Anne Frank house, the Van Gogh museum and the old railway station.
When you have seen enough of the old streets of Amsterdam, a 25 minute train travel to the city of Utrecht is definitely worth it. Just like Amsterdam it has old canals, but the atmosphere of the city is much more like a small village. The city boasts many great restaurants like “de oude Muntkelder” which serves typically Dutch pancakes.
The Netherlands is a pretty crowded country. Do not expect huge nature scenery, but there are some nice areas with lots of nature. Visit the “Veluwe”, one of the view areas in Holland that’s not completely flat. Wandering through the forests you might even be lucky enough to stumble across wild boar, deer and foxes. Make sure you visit the dolmens in the Drenthe province in the east of the country. These stones have been placed here by old tribes thousands of years ago. While you’re there, enjoy the Dutch rural area. The east of Holland is much less densely populated than the west.
The summers are cool here but the winters are severe with some chances of snowfall. Rainfall can be expected in any month of the year. Dutch is the official language here. English, French and German are the other languages that are spoken, out of which English is widely spoken. Incase of emergency call 112.
Culture
Handshake is the commonly practiced form of greeting. Although tipping is not mandatory, but it’s better to pay rounds figure in restaurants and taxis. A humble gift should be taken to the host’s house always when invited for a meal. Informal clothes are worn on a daily basis, but people are expected to turn up in formals at social functions and smart restaurants.
Shopping
Pottery of Delft, Makkum and Workum is a must buy. Silverware from Schoonhoven, crystals from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam are highly recommended.
Site Seeing
Apenheul Primate Park is a place to visit which is a home to more than thirty species of mammals. It remains closed during the winter. De Hoge Veluwe is the oldest and largest park of Holland. Bicycles can be used to explore the 5,500 hectares of the park. Paleis Het Loo is a magnificent Palace surrounded by gardens and remains open year round except on public holidays.
Travel
The national airline that operates in Holland is KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines. It connects to almost all the major cities of Europe, North America and Asia. Amsterdam Airport is the hub for many international and local flights. It is located at 15 km away from the city and it takes 20 minutes to reach there by train. The Airline, KLM, provides bus service every 15-30 minutes which takes passengers to some of the famous hotels of the city. Public buses can be availed too, to reach destination. Trains connect to Amsterdam’s Central Station and Zuid Station. Taxis take tourists to almost any location. The Airport features duty free shops, banks, showers, business centre, baby rooms, and car hire.
Rotterdam airport and Eindhoven airport are 8km away from the city. Trains and buses operate every 15 minutes to transport passengers to their hotels. Facilities such as duty free shops, eateries, car rental, and internet can be availed at these airports. No departure tax is implemented on passengers at any of these airports.
The main sea ports are Hook of Holland, Vlissingen and Rotteradm. Stena Line, P&O ferries and DFDS seaways provide ferry service to get to Holland.
If travelling by railway, Eurostar provides the best service and connects to all the major cities of Europe. It provides high grade services. Good offers are provided on regular basis and to utilize them they should be monitored from time to time. Unused tickets are easily refunded. The Inter-Rail pass can be bought to avail the unlimited second class train travel within 29 European countries.
Top class road network connects Holland to majority of cities in Europe. They are well maintained and signs are posted every where for safe driving. 120kph is the speed limit while driving on highways. Many car dealing agents exist if opting for car-rental. Some of them are Avis, Europcar and Budget.
Cycling is also a major means of transportation in Holland and is part and parcel of daily life. Tourists can hire cycles from the airport or other service providers with some money-deposit.
Thinking about planning a vacation to Holland? Why not choose Amsterdam? Before flying there, you want to learn some basic facts about the city. Provided below are some facts for those who are thinking about or planning to vacation in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is an instantly likable and compact European city. Many who have vacationed in Amsterdam have reported that the city is not only attractive to look at, but Amsterdam is also fun to walk around with his dreamy canals and cozy cafes. Amsterdam is where international and bigoted behavior participate. That’s where the positions of the visitors are welcoming. This position is a result of embracing liberal counterculture over the last four decades.
Most people in Amsterdam can speak fluent English. Some speak German and French, but if you are an English speaker, it is recommended that you speak in English instead of French or German.
The layout of Amsterdam includes a network of canals that radiate out from a historical core and loops around to the center. Many Amsterdam vacation resources aware that these extensions of the seventeenth century make for an elegant and distinctive urban environment. Some Amsterdam vacationers consider the city as a most charming because it is far away from the noise and traffic of many other urban centers in Europe. These facts make Amsterdam a popular holiday destination in Europe.
Amsterdam is known throughout the world for being tolerant of different styles of dress and behavior. An interesting fact that you should be aware of before vacationing in Amsterdam is that it is also commonly known as a place where the sale and possession of cannabis is decriminalized. For the most part, however, the citizens of Amsterdam not be bothered with it.
The above information should be helpful in giving you some insight into what Amsterdam is like. But if you’re planning a holiday in Amsterdam, it is suggested that you do further research and learn even more about the fabulous city of Amsterdam.