The Netherlands is again the favorite destination for the upcoming May holiday this year. Of holidaymakers, 42 percent choose a holiday in their own country. The Netherlands is ideal for a shorter holiday: the coast, forest and heathland, but also historic towns and villages are popular. Preferably by bike. High prices still play a role, with almost 50 percent indicating that this influences their plans.
The largest group (33%) goes on holiday in their own country for a midweek, followed by a week (26%) or a weekend (26%). They choose to holiday in the Netherlands because it suits a shorter holiday and there are many beautiful destinations – such as city and nature – within easy reach. The vast majority go by car (87%) and a small proportion choose public transport (7%). The high prices will also affect holiday plans this year. As a result, holidaymakers in the Netherlands are choosing to take shorter holidays, take fewer paid outings and eat out less. Compared to previous years, more than a quarter indicate that they are spending less. More than a third spend the same amount this May holiday.
Almost half pay a maximum of 50 euros per person per day for accommodation. The majority of holidaymakers spend around 50 euros per person per day on activities, food and drinks. A family with two parents and two children that goes on holiday in the Netherlands for a midweek – 4 nights and 5 days – will spend between €700 and €2600 this May holiday.
Limburg, Drenthe and Gelderland are the most popular provinces with holidaymakers. They choose a house, hotel/B&B or camping with their own resources. This May holiday, 53 percent will take their bike. They bring their own bicycle (30%) and of those holidaymakers who do not do this, 23 percent still choose to rent a bicycle on site.
Popular cities
Popular villages in the Netherlands
- Giethoorn
- Volendam
- Texel/De Koog
- Orvelte
- Ootmarsum
Paid outings such as a museum, zoo and amusement park are on the agenda of many Dutch people this May holiday. 4 out of 10 take advantage of a discount promotion for these outings. Furthermore, the Dutch will go into nature a lot this week for walking and cycling. Popular areas for this are the North Sea coast, the Achterhoek, the Drents Friese Wold National Park, the Veluwe and South Limburg. Visiting a city or village, eating out and shopping are also often mentioned.
A third of respondents consider sustainability important. They separate waste, use their bicycle more often or opt for sustainable accommodation. The ANWB survey is a representative, quantitative survey among more than 1,000 Dutch people aged 18 and over and was conducted in April 2024. The research target group ‘holidaymakers in the Netherlands’ will go on holiday between April 27 and May 12, 2024.
Tags: Lots beautiful close home high prices continue play role holiday
