Get ready to wow your clients with unforgettable journeys found in The Travel Institute’s Destination Specialist Netherlands course! You will uncover the hidden gems and all of the must-see landmarks. You can also take advantage of suggested itineraries that will boost your expertise and offer your clients a lifetime trip!
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Below are 5 tips to know when crafting trips to The Netherlands for your clients:
1. The Dutch people in general, are friendly and welcoming. They are known to be open-minded to others’ beliefs and lifestyle choices. In addition to Dutch, most speak English, and many will speak an additional language, usually German or French. Citizens are known for their directness and punctuality. Over half the population does not identify with any religion at all. The rest of the population identify as either Catholic or Protestant. Five percent of the population is Muslim.
2. The Dutch typically dress in a way that can be described as high-quality, smart casual. This type of attire is suitable for almost every type of event or dining experience. Visitors to the Netherlands should pack accordingly.
3. The Netherlands is one of the few countries that still has a king and queen. Each year on the King’s birthday (April 27th), the entire country celebrates the tradition of King’s Day with food, drink, and live music. Everyone has the day off, and the country is just one big party. Part of the celebration means everyone wears orange. Orange represents the royal family, or the House of Orange, a dynasty dating to 1544 when 11-year-old William of Orange inherited the estate and the title.
In addition to celebrating, the entire country has (what we would call in North America), a yard sale or garage sale. Anyone having things lying around the house or upstairs in the attic they don’t use anymore can sell them in the streets on King’s Day.
4. The Dutch also enjoy an event called Nijmegen Vierdaagse. Because bicycles are the number-one form of transportation in the Netherlands—and most everyone owns a bike—it stands to reason that the Dutch like to be active. Many enjoy an athletic lifestyle. The Nijmegen Vierdaagse is a huge walking event, attracting about 45,000 walkers representing over 70 different nationalities. This event occurs in mid-July each year in Nijmegen. While originally a military training exercise (marching) for the Dutch infantry, it has become a popular athletic event for everyone. Participants can choose to walk either 19, 25, or 30 miles, depending on their age and gender. This is done over four days. Each day, walkers start and finish in Nijmegen, but they head in a different direction every day.
5. Another beloved Dutch tradition is Beschuit met Muisjes (Biscuit with mice), a thick cracker with sprinkles on top. The sweet sprinkles are called mice. When a baby is born, the parents traditionally serve their guests a beschuit met muisjes, pink with white mice for a girl, or blue with white mice for a boy.
BONUS:
When greeting close friends and family, it is customary to first kiss the right cheek, then the left cheek, and then the right again (the three kiss greeting).
