Save money on vacation: How to enjoy the Netherlands cheaply!

Save money on vacation: How to enjoy the Netherlands cheaply!

The Netherlands attracts many tourists every year, but experts warn that the country is not considered a cheap travel destination. According to the online travel guide “Exploring Holland”, the daily budget for a mid-range holiday is around 215 euros. However, the prices for accommodation, food and activities can be reduced to around 75 euros per day through targeted savings measures, which offers significant savings potential. The biggest savings can be made on accommodation, food and drink. It is advisable to order tap water instead of lemonade in a restaurant or to cook yourself to keep costs down. Cheaper snacks from Friturien, such as Bitterballen or Frikandel, are also a good alternative to visits to restaurants, which can be significantly more expensive.

The rising prices for hotels, holiday homes and campsites are another factor that makes traveling to the Netherlands more expensive. This development is due to higher energy, personnel and tourism taxes. Accommodation costs are at their highest, particularly during school holidays, so it is advisable to travel outside of these times. Cheaper accommodation can often be found inland, for example in Gelderland and North Brabant, while accommodation closer to the coast drives up prices.

Savings measures in detail

The choice of accommodation plays a central role in saving on vacation. Stayokay hostels, which offer adult rooms across the country, including the islands of Terschelling and Texel, are a cost-effective alternative to traditional hotels. A double room in a youth hostel costs around 60 euros per person during the German autumn holidays. Campgrounds also often offer cheaper rental accommodation compared to holiday parks.

Transport costs are another aspect that travelers should keep in mind. Parking in large cities like Amsterdam in particular can be very expensive, with prices of up to 60 euros per day. We recommend the P & R parking spaces, which offer cheaper parking options with access to public transport. Alternatively, traveling by train is possible, although there are no saver fare tickets like in Germany. The OV-Chipkaart, the standard ticket for local public transport, costs 7.50 euros. The trip is free for children under 3 years old, while children aged 4 to 11 can travel with the Railrunner Ticket for 2.50 euros.

The impact of VAT

A key cost driver in the Netherlands is the higher VAT of 21%, which leads to higher prices for many products, especially animal foods, tobacco, hard alcohol, cosmetics and gasoline. Shopping on the German side of the border can therefore be advantageous. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, are often cheaper, especially at local markets. Clothing often offers discounts of up to 70%, which are well worth it.

For the catering sector, Eetcafés and pick-up restaurants in the second row are cheaper and offer a good selection at lower prices. Choosing to shop at the supermarket can also save you money, especially if you use discounters like Lidl and Aldi. The online platform “HotelSpecials” also offers the opportunity to find attractive hotel offers.

Overall, there are numerous ways to reduce costs and have a great vacation in the Netherlands. Whether by choosing the right accommodation, making smart dining decisions or taking advantage of transport connections, the savings potential is diverse and worthwhile.