Summer vacation!

Hooray!!! It’s almost summer vacation time! For many people, this is the time to relax and recover.

Before the summer vacations

Before you go on vacation, it is high time to check some things. For example, what about the cancellation policy of your vacation destination? Can you easily cancel or reschedule without incurring annoying costs? After all, we live in a time full of uncertainties and it would be a shame if you lost a lot of money because of a cancellation. And are all passports and ID cards still valid? Is the driver’s license not expired? Because of Corona, municipal offices can be very busy. You can’t just walk into City Hall anymore, but appointments have to be made. Make sure you have your affairs in order well in advance so you can go on vacation with peace of mind.

Get in the mood!

Above all, make sure you don’t go on vacation stressed out. If you do, the first few days at your vacation destination you’ll only be occupied with work in your head, and that won’t help the vacation fun. So don’t complete important matters at work at the last minute, but plan well in advance.

Make sure you have an (almost) empty agenda the week before your vacation so you can finish the last things without stress. Also make sure you are free the day before your vacation so you can pack your bags and take care of the last things. Can’t do that? Then pack your things during the week before departure. Then you will know if you need to buy anything at the drugstore, do some quick laundry, etc.

Turn off your e-mail notifications (from work) and turn on your absence assistant in Outlook. Also tell your colleagues that you are on vacation and will not be available for work-related matters. And get in the mood by eating out before you leave. Choose a nice tapas restaurant, get in the mood at a nice Southern European restaurant or grab a nice terrace with friends.

Vacations abroad

After months of uncertainty about what might and might not be possible, there is finally a bright spot. Not only in the Netherlands are there many relaxations, also in the countries around us more and more is possible. So many people decide to go abroad after all.

To prepare yourself well for the Corona measures that apply in a particular country, it is important to inform yourself well. Do you have to submit a test? Have you been vaccinated long enough? These are questions that are on everyone’s mind when going abroad. The rules do change regularly, so keep checking the measures. You can find information on the central government website. The Travel Guide of the ANWB is also very useful. General travel advice can be found on the RIVM website. Also handy to know whether or not you should bring mouth caps!

Other important things

Going on vacation abroad? Then make sure you are aware of other rules in addition to the Corona regulations. Are you traveling through Switzerland by car? Then make sure you have a valid vignette. You also need a (digital) vignette for Austria. Many countries you travel through have toll roads. How annoying is it to have to wait a very long time in front of a toll gate because someone doesn’t have any spare cash on hand or when it’s your turn to find out that your gate is broken (we have experienced that!).

To avoid annoyance at toll booths, it pays to buy a toll badge. With this device you no longer have to stand in line. The amount of the toll is simply debited from your account later. Also note that some countries have established environmental zones. When you enter such a zone with your car, you must comply with a number of things. Sometimes you also need a sticker or vignette. On the website of the ANWB you can find exactly what applies in which country. Super handy!

Travelling by car

Are you going on vacation by car and have you thought of all of the above? Then you are ready to go! Although, almost then. We learned the hard way that you can’t always count on your navigation. It can also fail! It is therefore always handy to have a road map with you. We also often write down the most important highways on a bill so that it is easier to drive via the signs. Otherwise, of course, there’s always Google Maps. You will surely get there!

Safe vacations

Whether you are vacationing abroad or at home, the goal is for everyone to return home healthy too! Summer is wonderful, but sometimes it brings inconveniences. You can catch an insect sting anywhere and after a walk in the woods it is always important to check yourself for ticks. The processionary caterpillar has also reappeared in Dutch nature and it can also be quite a nuisance. Getting sunburn or even sunstroke is no fun either. In our blog First Aid in Summer we give you tips to prevent and cure.

Summer vacations in the Netherlands

Many people have also booked a vacation in the Netherlands this year. The Netherlands is a beautiful and versatile country, so you certainly won’t regret it. The only thing that can sometimes throw a spanner in the works is the weather, but even this is more often than not good in Dutch summers. Ideal in fact! We have previously written several blogs with tips on vacationing in our own country. Like our blog Summer vacations in the Netherlands.

How about a summer vacation in Drenthe, for example? This province is very versatile and has everything for young and old. Haven’t booked anything yet but still want to get away? Then be sure to check out our blog on the best vacation parks in the Netherlands for inspiration. Don’t want to go away for a whole week but want to go away for a weekend or a night? Then we have a blog for you about special stays. Or maybe you have a shopping weekend planned with a friend. Then we have tips for nice hotels for you.

Too bad, summer vacation is over!

Unfortunately, everything comes to an end, including summer vacation. But how do you keep the vacation feeling for the longest time? In any case, don’t go straight back to work, but make sure you spend a few days at home after you get home (especially if you’ve been away). That way, you can take some time to do your laundry and reminisce about the vacation. We have tips for you to hold on to the vacation feeling for as long as possible. Make it a little more cozy at home by decorating your house with summery home accessories. And after a vacation full of sun, sea, beach and pool water, it is not wrong to pay a little extra attention to your hair, skin and face.

Photos: www.canva.com