Amsterdam has a plan to curb the tourist crowd – it just means a visit there will cost you more than before

The reality of trying to see a sight like the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower is not what you see on an influencer’s Instagram. It’s overcrowded, loud, and you’ll be stuck in line forever. From Barcelona to Venice, places are struggling with overtourism, but there is one particular city having a hard time reigning in the visitors, and it’s going to make you pay big time if you want to go there. Amsterdam is trying to control its visiting population with a hike in its tourism tax in hopes of evening out the numbers for the locals.

The tax it takes to travel

A little travel tip — the tourism tax is already a part of travel no matter where you go, from hotel fares to airline fees. The tourism tax helps the place you visit in several ways, from keeping the buildings and other structures in good condition to protecting the gorgeous environment you want to see.

A few ways the tourism tax is collected

• Departure tax is a thing.

Japan has an actual sayonara tax for everyone that leaves the country.

• Arrival taxes make a little more sense.

Going to New Zealand will cost you around $37 to be allowed to enter.

• Hotel taxes are the most common.

Most places around the world, including the United States, have an additional fee for hotel rooms and other accommodations for tourists.

The city taxing its way to the top

Famous artists (hello, Van Gogh), stunning tulip fields, unique canals, and those gorgeous clogs are all things we love about the Netherlands. The capital of Amsterdam knows it is one of the top cities to visit in the European Union — and wants visitors to pay the price for it.

• Amsterdam’s tourist tax was already the highest, sitting at 7% of the cost of the visitor’s hotel total.
• In 2024, that will jump to an eye-popping 12.5%.
• Day visitors coming off a cruise ship will see their tax increased from $8.50 to $11.60.

Whether you stay in Amsterdam on an incredible cruise ship or in a fabulous hotel, you’re paying the toll. This increase will continue to make it the highest tax in Europe for tourists.

Why Amsterdam is targeting tourists

The tax will do two things, both benefiting Amsterdam.

• The higher fee will deter those who only want to check out the city for partying. Those who want to visit for the culture, food, and history won’t mind the increase. (At least, that’s the theory.)
• The money goes to maintaining and keeping the stunning city, well, stunning, so when the tourists leave, it’s still a beautiful place for the locals to live.

Amsterdam is small, land-wise, and when you add in the over 150 canals and more than 900,000 people living there, it feels cramped. So, when you dump the more than five million people who checked into a hotel in 2022, things are not going to get better.

You know when one of your favorite spots gets blown up on social media, and now everyone visits it, making it overcrowded and taking all the fun away? How awful is that?

Overtourism is killing these cities where people live all of the time, not just during a specific holiday, and they want the burden of being overcrowded eased. Amsterdam is saying pay up or stay out, and we’ll have to see if it helps curb the crowds.

If you have been putting off that solo travel plan, it’s time to go ahead and do it. There are a host of reasons to persuade you to tick off a solo trip from your bucket list.

It’s always good to tag along with your bunch of people while traveling. For ages, we have all glorified luxury breaks and romantic travels. But have you ever thought of solo travel? The idea of being all by yourself in your own company could seem intimidating. However, this time will give you a chance to look within yourself. It will allow you to punch those fears and worries right in their face and give you a chance to step beyond them. It might make you uncomfortable in the beginning, but you will learn to walk sure-footed and own up to all the decision-making. Also, that “me-time” in a paradise alone would bring unfathomable bliss and joy.

Dr Kamna Chhibber, a clinical psychologist, Head of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare helps us understand why you must give solo travel at least one chance.

1. Solo travel can lead to self-discovery

Spending some alone time in an exotic destination is a great way of re-discovering yourself and learning about parts of yourself that were earlier buried or hidden. You can always do some experimentation and find out the things and activities you liked or disliked by indulging in them.

2. It gives a boost of confidence

In the words of Dr Chhibber, “Travelling solo gives you the confidence to be able to do things independently”. There always exists the fear of the unknown for first-timers.

But, when we are aware that we are all on our own in a destination far away from home, we tend to try and make informed decisions. This, in turn, will boost your confidence when it comes to sound decision-making. So, next trip when you again decide to go solo, you really won’t have an eyelid at the thought of being alone in another destination.

3. Travelling solo can enhance problem-solving abilities

To this, Dr Chhibber adds, “Solo travel helps you find your own ways of being able to work through problems and situations that may be seemingly difficult”.

Problems or conundrums are inevitable when we fly off to an altogether unknown place. But as problems and unforeseen situations hit us, we also learn to navigate our way through them to emerge out better and stronger.

4. It’s a chance to trust ourselves

Many of us dwell for years in feelings of self-doubt about our own capabilities. Traveling alone helps us build that trust within ourselves and our skills and abilities. It also aids us in finding out ways to be able to further enhance them. Rather than going nuts all alone on a trip, you’ll learn to trust your intuition and gut feelings.

5. A solo trip will help you build new connections

You will meet new people who might offer you a fresh perspective towards life and help broaden your horizon. This might be your best chance at building connections and gain new and different experiences. Who knows you might get a friend for life. It’s also the best chance for introverts to learn to open up themselves.

New mum on the road? Here’s everything you need to know about flying with children, from air travel comfort to the right kind of packing and safety tips

Travelling with a kid can be intimidating for new mothers. You are constantly concerned that you will forget to pack something. Depending on your child’s mood, the journey can also feel twice as long. But do not fret. Here is a quick guide for mothers travelling with children.

Pack Smart

All mothers of toddlers know how important it is to pack the right things in an organised manner. Packing cubes and Ziploc bags can help you organise clothes and other stuff.

What To Carry

Carry weather-appropriate clothes, such as sun hats in the summer and sweaters and gloves in the winter. Make a checklist of lotions, creams, pain relievers, and ointments you may need. Take along favoured dry snacks, toys and books for distraction and sleep time. Bring your child’s favourite stuffed animals as they might be a comforting element during stressful situations. Check that your hand luggage contains everything you might need, including anything from wet wipes to hand sanitiser to toys and books.

Airplane Travel

When reserving tickets, book seats with extra space on the plane. Take a window seat as during beverage service, aisle seats might be dangerous for kids. You should also try to book off-peak flights. They will be safer because there will be fewer people at the airport. Try and get to the airport much before the time of departure.

For Ear Pressure

When flying, breastfeed your infant throughout takeoff and landing. This will assist to protect your child’s ears from ear ache caused by variations in cabin pressure. Pack hard treats like lollipops for older children. The difference in air pressure as you take off and level out at altitude can be excruciatingly uncomfortable, but it’s extremely difficult for those who aren’t used to it. Sweets can help ears pop and return to normal pressure.

The Right Accommodation

It is advisable to take your children’s requirements in mind while choosing a place to stay. Many places cater to families, offering amenities such as children’s menus. Or you could rent a bed and breakfast, a vacation apartment, or book a homestay.

Plan A Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Study your destination and create a fun itinerary with places, activities and attractions that your children will enjoy. This way, you’ll keep your children happy and entertained. Focus on sustainable travel, supporting local experiences, and ethical encounters. Most places have an excellent repertoire of child-friendly vacation ideas and things to do.

For Safety

Keep a wristband with your phone number on it on your youngster. Nobody wants to think of their child going missing, but if they do, this is a fantastic way for anyone who finds them to contact you.

Here’s a quick list of 10 tips to help you keep your camera safe while on holiday so you can enjoy yourself and not worry about your photography kit.

1. Make A Checklist

Before you leave for the airport make a list of all the equipment you’re taking with you, writing down the serial and model numbers, too. It’ll also help if you take photos of your equipment for your records.

2. Check Your Insurance

Make sure you have the right insurance just in case your equipment’s stolen or damaged. If you’re unsure if your equipment’s covered, read your policy or ring your insurer.

3. Put Your Equipment In Your Hand-Luggage

Camera gear is fragile so don’t pack it in the case you plan on checking in at the airport. If you do, you run the risk of equipment getting damaged. Do remember to check the size and weight restrictions on luggage with the company you’re travelling with as airlines tend to have different rules/restrictions when it comes to luggage you can carry-on.

4. Don’t Take Trips On Your Own

If you’re planning a few day trips don’t go alone. That way, when you’re framing up your shot, your ‘buddy’ can watch your camera bag and any other equipment you have.

5. What’s Your Bag Look Like?

Don’t use a bag that screams: “Look! I have a very expensive camera in here.”

6. Don’t Put Your Bag Down

Even when you’re taking a photo don’t leave your bag on the floor and never leave it unattended. When you’re in busy locations such as markets, carry the bag on your front as if it’s on your back, there is the chance that someone could access it without you knowing. You may think you look a little silly but that’s better than finding all of your gear’s gone.

7. Carry Spare Memory Cards

Don’t just take one memory card with you as if it’s stolen or lost that’s it. Always carry a spare in your bag and keep one locked away in your hotel room too, just in case.

8. Try To Fit In

Having confidence and looking like you know where you’re going (even if you don’t) will mean you’re less likely to be bothered. Try to blend in rather than stand out as a tourist.

9. Put Your Equipment In A Net

You can buy safety nets which you place your equipment in and then you fasten the net to a solid object that’s fastened down.

10. Use A Safe

Most rooms have safes that will fit memory cards, chargers, a smartphone or a small DSLR body in. If you have lots of kit or there’s no safe in your room, ask at reception to see if they have them available at the desk. Just make sure you make a note of everything you hand over and take images so you have proof if anything goes missing.