The Netherlands is a wonderful place with many different sights to see. If you’re thinking of hitting the road and seeing all that the Netherlands offers on a road trip, there are a few things you need to know to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Wherever you go in the world, if you’re planning to drive abroad the first thing on the list is to get an international driving license. This will give you the peace of mind that if you run into any issues, you’ve got a means of identification that can be used in over 150 countries across the world.
So, with that out of the way, let’s talk about the top tips for going on a road trip in the Netherlands:
Plan your Route
Everyone loves the idea of seeing where the road takes them, but this easily lead to wasted time, disappointment and even chaos! When you only have a limited amount of holiday, time should be used wisely. One of the best ways to do that is by planning your route in advance and create an itinerary.
The Netherlands may be small, but there’s a lot to see. Get a map out and start planning your route so that you don’t miss anything you really want to see and do.
Think About Parking in Advance
Unfortunately, parking can be difficult in the Netherlands. This is especially true in larger cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Due to it being a small country, and one that favours bikes and bicycles over other forms of transport, you’ll often find it a struggle to find spaces.
However, by checking for parking via the trusty web the day before, you can take the stress out of finding parking spaces and go straight there.
Another thing you should know is that you almost always have to pay for street parking. You will see blue pay and display machines along the roads, ready for you to pay for your ticket. This can be paid for with either cash or a card.
Get a Bike Rack
You can’t go to the Netherlands without jumping on a bicycle at least once. This country is the most bike-friendly country in the world, and with more bikes than there are people, it is no wonder! There are many fantastic bicycle trails for you to go on and explore the Netherlands in a different way.
If this floats your boat, we recommend that you install a bike rack or get one installed so you can take your bikes with you wherever you go on your road trip.
If you’re flying to the Netherlands or don’t want to bring your own bike, don’t worry! There are thousands of bike rental places everywhere you go, which are very cheap too.
Keep a Look Out for the Weather
Like the UK, the Netherlands has a moderate marine climate comprised of mild summers and cold winters. And just like the UK, it can rain at the drop of a hat. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to pack umbrellas and rain jackets to stay prepared for all seasons. What’s more, we recommend you periodically check the weather forecasts and plan your sightseeing according to the weather.
Drive to the Places with the Best Food
The Netherlands has lots of great food for you to try, and each city specialises in a different type of delicious delicacy. For example, you could go to Gouda to try its delicious cheeses and savoury stroopwafels, feast on authentic croquettes in Amsterdam, and even taste some raw pickled herring.
Look Out for Speed Limits
Dutch people love to take things at a leisurely pace. So, although the speed limit for motorways is up to 130km per hour, most drivers stay under that. Moreover, when driving through cities, you will find that the limit ranges from 30 to 50km per hour and is even lower in some areas. With many roads lined with speed camera after speed camera, we recommend that you take good care to follow the speed limit wherever you go.
Don’t Forget the Beach
When visiting many north European countries, many people just think about the cultural cities and not the beaches. However, the Netherlands has many fantastic beaches that make for great days out away from the road. Although it might not be the hottest destination for sunbathing, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches you will come across in western Europe.
