Tulips & Windmills

For those who have always wanted to visit the Netherlands, formerly known as Holland, to see fields of tulips in the Spring, I have two words of advice: do it! Imagining that funds are not an issue, I'll share some common misconceptions about traveling to and within the Netherlands. I'll also share a few favorites or tips from my recent trip.

Misconception #1: Language is a barrier (e.g., "I don't speak Dutch"). Not to worry! Although for my recent trip to Amsterdam, I had practiced rudimentary Dutch via the Duolingo app AND brought an electronic translator, neither was needed. The general population speaks English, French, and a number of other languages very well, nearly to my disappointment. Regardless, I uttered my share of "bedankt" (thank you) and "alsjeblieft" (please) out of politeness. I believe most people will have an easy time conversing as needed while in the Netherlands.

Misconception #2: Getting around a major city is complicated. When contemplating getting around other major cities, such as Los Angeles, we may realize that transportation is challenging. Not so in the major city of Amsterdam, close to the country's international Schiphol Airport. Not only are the trains to and from the airport convenient and fast, but city travel within Amsterdam is world-class. If you've ever been to Amsterdam, you surely quickly learned that Amsterdam (and beyond) has a bike culture. Although city metro trains, trams, and buses are convenient, locals depend heavily upon two wheels to commute to work, school, and other activities -- even in the rain. Technically, the following may not be true, but my impression is that cyclists have the right of way in Amsterdam. Always. Cars stopped regularly and patiently for pedestrians (were we all tourists?), but not so for pedestrians. I applaud the Dutch for such a healthy lifestyle, and I left with not only respect but with a little fear of those on bicycles, having nearly been taken out once or twice by my own lack of awareness.

Misconception #3: Amsterdam is "sketchy." Oh, might you be thinking of Amsterdam's famed Red Light District? Sure, that small city segment is active with business, but this is Europe, and the area is clean and unthreatening. Compared to U.S. cities where that type of area may be unsafe, my traveling companions and I were completely comfortable shopping at a fabric store one street over or strolling along the canal sidewalks in front of that district. The rest of the city is rife with history, incredible architecture, world-renowned museums, and scenic views not found elsewhere. Restaurants, pubs, statues, and artwork are everywhere one may turn.

Misconception #4: Tulips and Windmills are Everywhere. Although shopkeepers or the city of Amsterdam might have small gardens or pots overflowing with tulips and hyacinths come springtime, you have to travel north from the city of Amsterdam to visit tulip fields and flower gardens. The same may be said for windmills, though some dot the landscape all around the Netherlands, as they are or once were needed to pump water from this low-lying land. Again, don't worry. As with any cosmopolitan city, Amsterdam has its share of travel guides and tourist attraction operations. A brief online search will yield many viable options.

As for my personal favorites or recommendations:

1. My personal favorite way to schedule activities in Amsterdam is through a popular app, www.viator.com, which is excellent for planning and tracking booked excursions in the Netherlands and in many other countries.

2. Should my own trip have occurred one to two weeks later in the Spring (now I know the ideal time is the last three weeks in April), the weather may have been a little warmer, but if you go to see tulips and windmills, I highly recommend at least a windbreaker jacket, a warm hat, and perhaps gloves. The fields are within less than 20 km of the North Sea, so it will be very windy and chilly in the Spring.

3. Bring and wear comfortable shoes! Walking around Amsterdam (and later through muddy tulip fields) can be hard on the feet. On the plus side, there is much to see and walk to, and it's easy to lose weight by eschewing the tram or metro and metro. The downside is if your footwear is not up to par, the concrete will make your feet miserable, just as with any large city.

4. Nix the outdoor Amsterdam Flower Market on Singel, along a canal. Each shop sells essentially the same thing: tulip bulbs and tourist trinkets. The trinkets you can find elsewhere without the elbow-to-elbow crowding, and the tulip growers I met advised that the tulip bulbs sold there have quality issues. Buy your bulbs online instead, and have them shipped directly to your home, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere.

5. If you want Disneyland-like organization and facilities, schedule a tour bus excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens. It does not disappoint. If you prefer a more personal, authentic Dutch life experience, try a smaller operator, such as "Tulip Tours Holland." My travel companions and I experienced both, and they both have their advantages.

Windmill North of Amsterdam

Tulip Field North of Amsterdam