The Dutch Vacation: No Place Like a Portable Home

Even with the rise of exotic getaways and spontaneous flights to sunny destinations, many Dutch still cling to their beloved holiday traditions—planning and packing up the car, camper or (motor)bike for a road trip across Europe.

Holiday destinations

According to a recent holiday research by the ANWB, 73% of all Dutch people will have gone (or still will go) on holiday this year. A majority will travel by car (53%) whereas 32% has chosen the plane and 7% the train to carry them to their destination. Favourite destinations within Europe are: the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Belgium. Another remarkable trend this summer is the growth of intercontinental trips (+5%) About 15% of Dutch travellers will travel outside Europe.

Caravan Migration

Every summer, a familiar scene unfolds: Dutch caravans, fondly known in Dutch as ‘sleurhuts’ (literally “dragging huts”), begin their slow and steady migration south. Loaded with bicycles, Dutch cheese, potatoes and all the comforts of home, these caravans head for campsites across Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.

Route de Soleil

Our German neighbors often joke about the endless stream of Dutch caravans clogging up the Autobahn, but for the Dutch, this isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cherished tradition. Why risk foreign hotels (especially after Covid) when you can tow your own little piece of the Netherlands with you, complete with a fridge full of familiar foods and the all-important ‘vla’ for dessert?

Bring your own food

What people abroad are most surprised about when meeting Dutchmen on vacation, is that while they are eager to explore new places, their taste buds stay firmly rooted at home. A classic Dutch holiday isn’t complete without bringing along a stockpile of traditional foods—think canned meat, cheese, peanut butter, chocolate sprinkles (‘hagelslag’) and, of course, their cherished potatoes. It’s almost as if the Dutch are on a mission to prove that no foreign cuisine can rival their beloved Dutch staples.

Sticking to what you know

And don’t expect to see them dining out at local restaurants either. The idea of trusting Spanish tapas, French bistro fare, or Italian pasta is a step too far for many (or maybe just the pizza). They’d rather whip up a meal from their own pantry, even if it means setting up a miniature Dutch kitchen in the middle of a picturesque French or Italian village.

Toetje

After all, why risk it when you can end your meal with the comfort of your own Dutch dairy delights like flavoured yoghurt or a good old Dutch ‘vla’? For them, dessert (‘toetje’ in Dutch) is best served ‘home-made’—even when they’re far from home!” So, while their surroundings may change from the Dutch countryside to the

Mediterranean coast, their holiday habits remain steadfastly, humorously Dutch. And that’s part of the charm of their adventurous spirit—a blend of new experiences with the comforting taste of home.

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