Travel Holland: The Netherlands Experience

If you have never been to Europe, or specifically to the warm and friendly country of The Netherlands, then you are missing out on a rich culture, plenty of history and a truly enjoyable experience.

Urban Excitement

If big city atmosphere packed with sightseeing options and nightlife are what you seek, Amsterdam is the place to be. Just a short taxi ride from Schiphol International Airport, the bustling metropolis offers a wonderful blend of old world charm with new world excitement.

During the daytime hours, take a stroll around Dam Square. The locals abound here, and the views of the Royal Palace are terrific. The city centrum is bursting with vendors and shops and provides a true step back in time amongst the modern music, art and styles. If walking becomes mundane, bicycle rentals are easily found throughout the city and provide a true Dutch experience.

Also within Amsterdam are the wonderfully relaxing and scenic tours, which can be taken by boat along the many canals. There are Canal Buses, which can be boarded and used as transportation between various shopping areas, museums and city attractions. In addition, the museum boats can provide you will a breathtaking architectural view from the Anne Frank house all the way to the Rijksmuseum.

If nightlife is more your style, you won't be disappointed. On Reguliersdwarsstraat alone there are bars, restaurants and clubs that cater to every adult from any sexual preference or gender. Local celebrities are often frequent patrons of this area of Amsterdam and those who enjoy media entertainment should truly enjoy.

Of course what would a stay in Amsterdam be without a visit to the Red Light District? This area is famous for its legal prostitution, which means taking the kids would probably not be wise. Window fronts are aglow with vibrant red lighting, which sets the mood for the 'working folks'. Mingled in amongst these sights are more adult themed forms of entertainment, such as erotica bars, the famous Sex Museum and the world renowned Casa Rosso, Amsterdam's largest and busiest nightclub offering nightly shows and encouraged audience participation. A trip here is definitely unforgettable!

Country Fare

Apart from the bright lights and thrills of the country's hotspot, Amsterdam, visitors seeking a true Dutch experience will want to venture out into the countryside and engage in the real cultural experience that is Holland.

Once again, travel from Schiphol International Airport is made simple and affordable. Taxis, resembling small buses here, can be hired and shared with others to transport you to any location within the country. That's correct, any location. Fares typically run approximately 50 Euros, and a view of the country can be enjoyed as you ride in comfort and simply take in the sights.

For the best cultural and welcoming experience, the northern province of Friesland is highly recommended. Traditional Windmills, Grist Mills, and local village fare provide the true beauty of Holland.

Leewarden's city centrum provides a wealth of shops and eateries, a vast and elegant library and inviting works of art. About 20km southwest on the A32 is Heerenveen, a smaller but entertaining community. Here, football is the main event and with the recent improvements and additions to the Abe Lenstra stadium, you too will join the crowd and go wild!

If history is more your thing, there are two outstanding locals to consider (besides of course the phenomenal Anne Frank house in the heart of Amsterdam). One is the North Sea coast, where bunkers constructed during the time of World War II are still visible and in some areas accessible to truly take you back in time. The other is Westerbork Concentration Camp, located in the eastern province of Drenthe approximately an hour's drive from Heerenveen or Groningen. Although Westerbork was considered more a transit camp, only housing detainees until they were moved on to Auschwitz, the history and remnants of the complex camp are sure to evoke an abundance of emotion and thoughts to ponder.

Tips for your trip

Depending upon your budget, there are a couple things to keep in mind and take into careful consideration when planning your trip to Holland.

Springtime is the epitome of high season, when all the country is bursting with color from the tulip festivals. Tourism is high this time of year and travel expenses both for flights and accommodations tend to be higher than most any other time of year.

Summer plays a close second to tulip season with the tourists. Although the weather is usually mild and not scorching hot, there are other things to keep in mind if this is intended to be a family vacation. Houseboat rentals soar this time year and can be seen docked or cruising along the vast majority of Holland's many waterways and canals. These provide a wonderful get-a-way experience-for a price. Also, if heading to the beach is in your plans, keep in mind that many of Holland's beaches are clothing optional.

For the cost conscious, I've found that January and February are the best times for travel to this friendly and welcoming country. Airfares are typically half the cost of spring and summer fares, as are the accommodations. Being from the northern portion of the United States where winters generally mean temperatures in the single digits or teens, Holland in the timeframe of these two months is an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit-which I'll take any day over wind chills.

The citizens of Holland are friendly, helpful and quite polite. For the non-Dutch speaker, have no fear, with exception of the older residents beyond the age of 50, most Dutch locals can speak English and many signs and products nationwide are provided in English as well as Dutch.

The Netherlands has a vast array of options for the traveling businessperson or family. Allow history and vibrant culture unfold before you as you visit Historic Amsterdam or the quiet and casual countryside. Holland has something for everyone!