The Netherlands (mainland) is located in North-West Europe and borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east. The Netherlands also includes some islands in the Caribbean. The Netherlands is a low lying country, with around 25% of its territory and 21% of its population located below sea level. Half of its mainland area is just than one metre above sea level. The Netherlands is often referred to as Holland in English, although North and South Holland are actually only two of the 12 provinces that make up The Netherlands. With Belgium and Luxembourg, The Netherlands forms the Benelux economic union. The capital of The Netherlands is Amsterdam.

The Netherlands has an estimated population of 16.7m ranking it as the 11th most populated country in Europe. The largest city in terms of population is Amsterdam (the capital city) with a population of 790k, placing it ahead of Rotterdam with 616k people. With a population of 16.7m and a landmass of 16,485 square miles, The Netherlands is ranked the 30th most densely populated country in the world. Rotterdam, the second largest city in The Netherlands (based on population) is home to the largest port in Europe. The Dutch have a strong tradition of learning additional languages and, as a consequence, many speak conversational English, German, and French as well as their native tongue.

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch is the titular head of state. The Queen's function is largely ceremonial, but she does have some influence deriving from the traditional veneration of the House of Orange, from which Dutch monarchs for more than 3 centuries have descended. Her influence also derives from her personal qualities and her power to appoint the "formateur," who forms the Council of Ministers following elections.

The Service sector accounts for around 75% of the national income; this sector includes transportation, distribution, logistics, and financial areas such as banking and insurance. Industrial activity generates around 25% of the national product and is dominated by the metalworking, oil refining, chemical, and food processing industries. Although Dutch crude oil production is small, in 2009 the Netherlands was the second largest producer and the second largest net exporter of natural gas in Europe, after Norway.

The Netherlands can boast a wealth of cultural heritage and is, of course, famous for its painters, windmills, clogs and flat lands. It is also known for its liberal mentality. The sale, possession, and consumption of small quantities of cannabis whilst technically still illegal, is officially tolerated, but coffee shops are subject to increasing restrictions. In Amsterdam, sex shops, sex shows, sex museums and drugs museums are very popular amongst tourists. The famous 'red light' district of Amsterdam often form a part of a travellers itinerary, but what is not so well understood is that alongside the girls, there shops offering a variety of goods from young and talented designers. The 'Spiegelkwartier' (Mirror Quarter) is located behind Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and is a gathering place for art and antique stores. The largest shopping malls in Amsterdam are the 'Bijenkorf' and 'Magna Plaza', both located near Dam Square.

The Netherlands have a temperate climate, which means that summers are generally cool and winters are generally mild. Every month of the year has rainfall, some are although very dry or wet. The best time to go is from May to September with daily average temperatures of 18-19°c and up to 23°c.

The Netherlands has 20 national parks and hundreds of other nature reserves, which include lakes, heaths, woods, dunes and other habitats. The 'Museum Quarter' in Amsterdam has the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum all adjacent to to each other, all three with excellent collections of paintings. The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam is home to a large collection of drawings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other masters. Attractions in The Netherlands include zoos, such as Blijdorp, GaiaPark, Dolfinarium Safaripark Beekse Bergen and the Apenheul, and amusement parks such as Madurodam, Neeltje Jans, Duinrell and the world famous Efteling.

The two most important architectonic highlights are the city of Rotterdam, also known as 'Manhattan on the Meuse', and the UNESCO monument the Rietveld Schroder House in Utrecht. There are also architectural museums, such as ARCAM and the Museum Het Schip in Amsterdam.

The 'Kalverstraat' and 'Leidsestraat' are the main shopping streets of Amsterdam offering a range of goods, including designer clothes and other apparel. The Nine Street area of Amsterdam is home to vintage shops, trendy boutiques, designer studios, jewellers, art galleries, specialty foods stores and lot's of fine cafes, lunchrooms and restaurants.

The Netherlands has good roads to Belgium and Germany, and ferry links to Great Britain. The country has a dense, well maintained trunk road network. Borders are open under the terms of the Schengen Agreement. Cars may still be stopped at the border for random checks, but this rarely happens. There are car ferry services from the United Kingdom. As the UK is not part of the Schengen zone, full border checks apply. The Dutch public transport system consists of a train network which serves as back-bone, this is supported by a network of both local and regional bus services. Comfortable and fact, long distance buses are available on a small number of routes that are not covered by the rail network. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have a metro network, and Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag and Utrecht also have a tram system.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following advice: British nationals must have a valid full UK driving licence, insurance, vehicle documents and identification to drive in the Netherlands. If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. Traffic regulations in the Netherlands are very similar to those of other countries in continental Europe. Roads are generally good and well sign posted in The Netherlands, but are very overcrowded. Long traffic jams can be expected on motorways, particularly near the major cities. Traffic offences can carry heavy on the spot penalties. If you are fined, you should always ask for a receipt. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and carries a heavy financial penalty, drivers are encouraged to use "hands free" equipment. Driving in areas where there are trams requires more caution because trams have priority over all other traffic. If a tram or a bus stops in the middle of the road to allow passengers on and off, you must stop.

Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used to monitor speeding; exceeding the maximum speed limit can incur heavy penalties including substantial fines. In the major cities, paid parking is the norm and it is an expensive exercise. Clamping and towing vehicles away is commonplace and the fines for recovery are high.

Planning your Trip

Things always seem to go better when they are carefully planned and flying to another destination is no exception. Plan well and all things being equal, you should have an uneventful trip with less stress. Here are the top tips:

Before you leave

• Ensure that you have your airline tickets, vouchers for hotel bookings, car rental and/or airport shuttle transfers, your passport, visa (if required), money, credit cards and travellers cheques. If you are renting a car at your destination, make sure you have your driver's licence (paper and photo) and, if necessary, an international drivers permit. These items should all be kept in your hand luggage.
• Familiarise yourself with the 'banned item' list, these change from time to time, but it is important to know what can go in your hand luggage, what must go in the hold and what you simply cannot take with you.
• Avoid wrapping items such as gifts or presents because these may be opened by security at your departing or destination airport.
• If you are taking essential medicines, ensure that that they are in their original packaging and, if they are prescription drugs, try and get a letter from your doctor confirming that these have been prescribed for you. Also remember, that is some countries, certain drugs are banned, even if you have been prescribed them by your doctor. If in doubt, check with the airline and/or embassy.
• Make sure that you choose comfortable clothing, especially if it is a long journey, also be cognisant of the weather at your destination, which may influence your choice of clothes.
• Check the weight of your luggage. Most airlines have a strict policy on exceeding baggage limits and airport surcharges can be very expensive. In addition, some airlines will not allow you to pay in excess at checkin, which could lead to delays and inconvenience.

Heading for the airport

• Always remember to allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport. As a general rule, if you are taking an international flight, you should aim to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For local or domestic flights, at least one hour.
• Make sure you know what terminal you are departing from, some airports are very large and the distance between the terminal buildings can be considerable.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Road maintenance often happens at night, and this can occasionally lead to unexpected road closures, so check before you travel and allow ample time for your journey. If you are travelling during the day, then traffic may become your curse, once again, check on travel information sites and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
• If you are driving to the airport yourself, it is advisable to book your airport parking in advance. Many websites no offer this service and it can be much cheaper than attempting to find parking on arrival.
• If you are using public transport to get to the airport, then make sure you have booked advance tickets and also, that there are no planned maintenance (in respect of railways) or anticipated road works in the case of coach travel.
• If you are travelling by hire car and intend to leave it at the airport, make sure the rental company has facilities to allow you to drop it off. Not all car rental companies have airport facilities, many are located just outside.

On arrival at the airport terminal

• Since 2001, airport security has been tightened considerably and, on occasion, additional security measures are employed at very short notice. As a consequence, the amount of time taken to go through airport security has lengthened considerably and it can also be unpredictable, especially if additional measures have been introduced.
• Make sure you are familiar with what you can take through security, particularly in relation to banned items and liquids. Remember, even if you have purchased something at the airport (such as drinks), you may not be able to take it through security and/or on the airline.
• You must keep your baggage with you at all times. In part because of the security issues at airports, but also because it will almost certainly contain your essential travel documents and you would not want to lose them or have them stolen. You should never look after the belongings of other people or agree to carry anything onto the aircraft on their behalf.
• Once you are through passport control and security, make sure you keep a close eye on the 'departure boards', many airport no longer make verbal announcements and you need to know which gate number your flight is departing from. Also consider the amount of time it takes to get from where you are to the gate, some airport are very large, such as Heathrow and it can take up to 30 minutes to get to the gate.

On the plane

• If you are going on a long journey, then try to relax and get some sleep. For shorter journeys you may want to read a book, watch a movie or listen to music on your MP3 player. So make sure you have packed laptops, tablets and/or music players into your hand luggage.
• It is advisable not to eat too much on long haul flights, because this can lead to an inability to sleep or indigestion. Move around the aircraft as much as you can to keep your circulation working. If you have flight socks, then consider using them.
• Avoid too much alcohol, but drink plenty of other beverages to avoid dehydration.

• Even if you are a seasoned traveller, it is worthwhile spending a few minutes to decide exactly what you need from your hire car. 
• When considering the type of vehicle you wish to hire, consider the passengers and the luggage. Hiring a Suzuki jeep for 4 people with luggage could really be a problem. All too often hirers count the seats, but not the luggage.
• If you are going on holiday and want to relax consider carefully whether you want a manual or automatic gearbox. 
• Most cars have air conditioning as standard, but some of the economy vehicles may not, therefore if this is important to you, check carefully before you book and upgrade to the next model if necessary.
• If you are not familiar with the country you are travelling to, then you need to think ahead. Planning the journey from your arrival airport to your destination is often overlooked. Do you need a local map, SatNav or will you take written directions? There is nothing worse than arriving at the airport in the middle of the night and getting lost! 
• Do you need booster seats, child seats or a ski rack? These are often available from the hire companies at an additional charge, but they have to be booked in advance.  
• Will you be the only driver? Some rental companies will allow a second driver at no additional charge (or for a small fee), but this needs to be booked in advance.
• It is recommended that you remove the identiying tag from the car key ring and keep it in a safe place until the termination of your hire to avoid highlighting that you are a tourist and using a rental car. 
• One Way Hires or dropping the car off at a different location can be convenient, but expensive. Most car hire companies allow this option, but it is worth checking the difference between these options and returning the car to the airport terminal. 
• Check the terms of your hire carefully. Some rental companies will supply the car with a full tank of petrol and will expect you to return it with a full tank. If you don’t, then there could be additional charges levied and the cost of fuel may not be the most competitive. If your car is not provided with a full tank of petrol then you should plan to stop as early as possible refuel. 
• Before you accept the car, make sure you check the condition carefully, noting any damage, including scratches, dents, tyres or windscreen damage. You should ensure that these are written on the handover form to avoid any arguments when the vehicle is returned. Also remember that, as the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that the hire car meets local road and traffic regulations, this includes, but is not limited to tyres, lights, wipers and brakes. If you are not happy, reject the vehicle and ask for an alternative. 
• Above all, familiarise yourself with the car before you drive. Being in a different country with an unfamiliar car can be stressful. Take your time.
• Rules of the road and more specifically traffic laws and regulations vary enormously between different countries. Therefore, whilst your drivers licence may be valid, your appreciation of local driving laws may not. To avoid frustration, fines, arrest or accidents, all travellers would be well advised to familiarise themselves with the local driving regulations before they embark on their journey. Many European countries also impose 'on the spot' fines for offences such as speeding. Also worth noting is that the car hire company will hold you personally liable for any fines incurred whilst you are using the vehicle, for example, parking fines

Guide to common rental car definitions:

These definitions are provided only as a guide and it essential that you refer to the terms and conditions of your rental agreement for specific terms relative to your hire.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), also referred to as: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
If the hired car or any of its parts or accessories is damaged other than by theft, attempted theft or vandalism, while on rental, CDW limits your liability to the amount of the non-waivable excess, if any, which applies in each country, provided that you have adhered to all the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. CDW does not cover any damage caused as a result of theft, attempted theft or vandalism.

Theft Waiver (TW)
It is an insurance offered by the car rental firm limiting your liability to the excess amount in case of theft of the vehicle. This does not over negligence, if for example you can't return the ignition key, or you left it in an unsafe place, you could be liabel for the full cost of the vehicle, as would be the case with most domestic car insurance policies.

Third Party Liability Protection
Offers protection against any third pary liability such as damage to another vehicle or personal injuries to an individual not travelling in the hire car. TPLP typically does not have an excess or deductible amount to pay.

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)

Covers tyres, roof and windscreen.

Personal Insurance (PI) Insures against the cost if you accidentally kill yourself or a passenger. (Also see ALI below)

 

Personal Effects Cover (PEC)

Covers property that has been stolen from a vehicle.

 

Additional Liability Insurance (ALI)
This is an optional insurance that protects the hirer and other other authorised drivers against claims made by third parties for personal injuries, death and property damage caused by the use of or the operation of the rental car.

The top 20 tourist destinations around the world for British nationals are as follows; 1. Spain 17m, 2. France 14m, 3. USA 6.5m, 4. Ireland 3.579m, 5. Italy 3.5m, 6. Greece 3m, 7. Germany 2.372m, 8. Portugal 2.254m, 9. Turkey 1.920m, 10. Cyprus 1.3m, 11. China (including Hong Kong) 1.212m, 12. Egypt 1.202m, 13. UAE 1.1m, 14. Thailand 812k, 15. India 734k, 16. Australia 670k, 17. Canada 650k, 18. South Africa 451k, 19. New Zealand 300k, 20. Pakistan 285k.

The coveted, top 10 most visited countries in the world are; 1. France 75.5m, 2. United States 50.9m, 3. Spain 48.2m, 4. Italy 41.2m, 5. China 31.2m, 6. United Kingdom 25.2m, 7. Russia 21.2m, 8. Mexico 20.6m, 9. Canada 20.4m and 10. Germany 19m.

According to SkiHorizon, the top winter ski resorts were Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy. The French preferred, Val Thorens, Les Deux, Avoriaz, Les Arcs 1800, Les Menuires, The village of Les Coches, Saint Sorlin d'Arves, Risoul, Tignes Val Claret and Plagne Bellecote. For the British, it was; Morzine, Les Arcs, Saas Fee, Serre Chevalier, Avoriaz, La Plagne, St. Anton, Megeve, Puy St. Vincent and Alpe D'Huez. Whilst the Dutch opted for Risoul, Val Thorens, La Plagne, Saint Sorlin 'dArves, Menuires, Les Deaux Alpes, Avoriaz, SFL, Arca and Oz.

Although France leads the league table in terms of visitor numbers, the top spot in terms of revenue earned from tourism goes to America (World Tourism Organisation figures for 2010) of $103.5bn. 2. Spain $52.5bn, 3. France 46.3bn, 4. China $45.8bn, 5. Italy 38.8bn, 6. Germany $34.7bn, 7. United Kingdom $30.4bn, 8. Australia $30.1 bn, 9. Hong Kong (China) 23bn and 10. Turkey $20.8bn.

The worlds safest roads based on the estimated number of road traffic deaths per 100,000 of population are; 1. Netherlands(49), 2. Sweden (53), 3. Norway (56), 4. United Kingdom (57), 5. Switzerland (69), 6. Germany (71), 7. Finland (72), 8. Denmark (74) 9. Japan (75) and 10. Iceland (79).

The top selling cars in Europe in 2011 are; 1. VW Golf, 2. Ford Fiesta, 3. W Polo, 4. Opel Corsa, 5. Renault Clio, 6. OFord Focus, 7. Opel Astra, 8. Peugeot 207, 9. Fiat Punt0, 10. Renault Megane, 11. VW Passat, 12. Nissa Qashqai, 13. Fiat Panda, 14. Citroen C3 and 15. Skoda Octavia.