The Netherlands, commonly referred to as Holland, is a small country in western Europe that borders the North Sea, Belgium and Germany. Mention of Holland conjures up images windmills and tulips, but it has much more to offer. Tourists enjoy visiting historical landmarks, strolling through immense gardens, and touring world-class museums. Traveling to the Netherlands is a great standalone vacation or an essential leg of any European tour.
Decide when to go. July and August are the busiest months for tourism in the Netherlands, but the "in season" is from April to October. Not only is the weather especially nice this time of year, but the country's famous tulips bloom in April and May. To save money on air travel, lodging and other services, travel to the Netherlands from November through March.
Get a passport. United States citizens must have a valid passport to enter the Netherlands. If visiting for more than three months, Americans need a visa and a passport. You must have a valid photo identification, such as a driver's license and proof of citizenship to obtain a passport.
Arrange air travel. Most major American carriers, such as Delta and Continental, regularly fly from major cities to the Netherlands. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the primary airline of the Amsterdam airport and partners with Northwest Airlines to provide travel from the United States to the Netherlands. Most flights land at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Netherlands' largest international airport. Trains and shuttles transport tourists from the airport to their hotels.
Exchange currency before leaving home. Tourists can exchange foreign currency for the euro upon arrival to the airport, but rates are significantly higher than in the United States. Carry some euros for incidentals, but use credit cards or traveler's checks for most purchases. Most businesses in the Netherlands accept Visa and MasterCard, and some high-end restaurants and hotels also accept American Express.
Determine how you'll get around once you arrive. Train travel is by far the most convenient and least expensive form of transportation. Depending on your itinerary, buy a Eurail Pass, a Benelux Rail Pass or a Holland Rail Pass. For short trips, take a taxi or ride a bicycle. Keep in mind that some taxi fares are negotiable and that the government enforces fare maximums.
Visit the Ann Frank House, Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Another popular attraction is the red light district where customers literally window shop for prostitutes. Ride a canal boat for a relaxing tour of Amsterdam from the water.
Take day trips to Rotterdam and The Hague. Rotterdam offers nice museums such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen where visitors can view pieces by the surrealists Magritte and Dali. See works painted by the Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague. Tourists can easily access both cities by rail.
