The autumn holidays of 2024 will cause crowds at airports, roads and in tourist hotspots.
Although the exact holiday period varies by region, it is a popular time for the Dutch to escape the daily grind. For the southern region, the holiday started on October 19 and runs until October 27, while the northern and central regions celebrate the holidays from October 26 to November 3. Especially sunny destinations such as Spain, Greece and Turkey are again popular among holidaymakers. The combination of still pleasant temperatures and sunny weather is an attractive alternative to the often wet and changeable weather in the Netherlands.
This increase in popularity for holidays abroad follows a trend that has been noticeable since the corona pandemic: people are increasingly opting for short trips to the Mediterranean. The travel sector is even celebrating one of the best seasons since the pandemic this year, despite the fact that the figures are not yet fully at the level of 2019. Major travel organisations such as TUI and Corendon report a clear increase in the number of bookings. TUI reported that the second week of the autumn holiday is almost fully booked, which shows that the desire to travel among the Dutch is still strong.
local excursions
At the same time, there is also a large group of Dutch people who choose to stay closer to home and make local trips. For many families, the Netherlands offers a wide range of possibilities for day trips. A visit to the Drielandenpunt in Limburg, where the renovated maze is a popular attraction, or a cultural trip to the Modelspoor Museum in Sneek, where a special exhibition is organized for train enthusiasts, are just a few of the many options. Museums and attractions respond to the autumn holiday with special activities, such as interactive exhibitions and workshops for children, so that there is something for everyone to do.
In addition to the popularity of sun holidays and local excursions, the crowds at airports and roads cannot be missed. Schiphol expects around 70.000 passengers daily, which means that holidaymakers departing from the airport are advised to arrive on time. Schiphol offers the possibility to reserve a time slot for the security check in advance, which should prevent long waiting times. This system was introduced in 2022 to counter the chaos of previous years, and seems to be becoming increasingly popular among travellers.
It is not only busy at the airports, it is also a hectic period on the roads. Especially the arterial roads towards popular holiday parks and neighbouring countries such as Belgium and Germany are often full of traffic. The ANWB advises travellers to be well prepared when they set off, especially during peak times. Delays are almost inevitable now that many families are going on holiday at the same time. Traffic jams are mainly expected around large cities and at busy junctions towards the south of Europe, where many Dutch people seek the sun.
short holiday
The autumn holiday of 2024 shows once again that the Dutch can't get enough of a short holiday. Whether it's a sunny beach holiday on the Mediterranean, a cultural city trip to a historic European city or a relaxing day out in our own country, there is something for everyone. It is clear that the desire to travel has not diminished and that many people like to take advantage of this period to leave the daily routine behind for a while.
For those who are still about to leave, good preparation remains essential. Both on the road and at the airport, the necessary measures have been taken to regulate the crowds as best as possible, but some delays cannot be ruled out. Those who have the patience can count on a wonderful holiday period full of relaxation, adventure and cultural discoveries.
