Travel tips

Compare several airports

Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Groningen and Maastricht are sometimes cheaper or easier than Schiphol. Brussels, Düsseldorf and Weeze are also close for many people in the Netherlands.

Be flexible with your dates

Leaving a day earlier or later can make a big difference. Flying midweek is often cheaper than at the weekend, and hotels cost less outside school holidays.

Watch out for luggage and extra costs

Many budget airlines only include a small bag. Include checked luggage, seat selection and transfers when you compare prices.

Check your travel documents

Make sure your passport or ID card is valid for long enough and check whether you need a visa or travel authorisation, such as an ESTA for the United States or an ETA for the United Kingdom. With a residence permit, also check whether you may travel with it to your destination.

Insurance and healthcare

Check what your health insurance covers abroad and whether you need travel insurance. Within the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) helps; it is often printed on the back of your Dutch health insurance card.

Package or separate?

A holiday package (flight, hotel and transfer from one tour operator) is protected: if something goes wrong, the tour operator must help you, and your money is guaranteed if it goes bankrupt. If you book flight and hotel separately, you arrange everything yourself.

Travel advice

Before you leave, check the Dutch government’s travel advice on nederlandwereldwijd.nl, which also lists current entry rules per country.