Holland

Holland can be visited year-round — every season has something going for it.

That said, April through October is when the weather is at its best, with more sunshine and (in spring) the famous tulip blooms. For a city trip, spring and fall are our top picks — fewer crowds and still very pleasant.

Spring is actually the driest season, which might surprise you.

For a beach vacation with actual swimming, you’ll want the summer months.

But honestly, don’t rule out winter either. We love a long walk along the coast when the beaches are completely empty — and warming up afterwards with a hot chocolate at a beach café is seriously one of the best feelings.

By Car

If you’re planning a beach vacation or want the flexibility to explore the countryside, we’d recommend driving. Having your own car makes a huge difference, especially outside the cities.

By Train or Plane

Prefer not to drive? You can fly or take the train — both work well.

Amsterdam Schiphol is by far the main airport, with connections from cities all across Europe.

The train is also a great option and often surprisingly affordable if you book ahead. Direct trains run to Amsterdam from several European cities, including Hanover, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne.

Once you’re there, the Dutch rail network is excellent — trains run frequently and are generally very punctual.

Yes and no. Holland is actually just one part of the Netherlands — made up of two provinces: Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland. The Netherlands as a whole has 12 provinces in total.

That said, people (including many Dutch locals) often use “Holland” to mean the entire country. It goes back to the region’s outsized role in Dutch history.

We think “Holland” sounds nicer anyway — and we’re happy to go along with it.

Holland uses the euro, and paying by card is completely normal — you’ll rarely need cash.

Prices are on the slightly higher end overall. Amsterdam in particular tends to be more expensive than other Dutch cities, so budget accordingly if that’s your base.

For a city trip, one to two days is a solid start — though Amsterdam really deserves two to three days to do it justice.

For a beach vacation, plan for at least a long weekend.

Holland’s weather is famously unpredictable — especially along the coast, where conditions can change fast. We always carry a windproof layer, because even in summer the wind can feel really cold.

When it does rain, just duck into the nearest café and wait it out. The good news: prolonged rain is actually pretty rare. Showers tend to pass quickly, and you’re on your way again.