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The pass comprises a transportation ticket, admission to the museumsand a Pass guide (a voucher booklet for discounts at restaurants and attractions). The Amsterdam Pass is available from the local tourist information (VVV) offices. Amsterdam Pass is your entrance ticket to Amsterdam. There are three types of Amsterdam Pass available: for 24 hours/ 1 day (EUR 31), 48 hours/ two days (EUR 41) or 72 hours/ 3 days (EUR 51). Leave a Comment
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My wife and I checked two large roller bags on our flights, that contained mostly clothing. We each had a carry-on that contained, in a worst-case scenario of checked luggage being delayed or lost, items such as one change of clothes, toiletries, minor first-aid, personal items, camera, guidebook and other maps and pre-trip to-do lists and notes, pretty much everything that would be a pain or costly or impossible to replace if lost. You could always buy more clothes in a pinch.
Prior to our trip we bought TSA-approved combination locks for our checked luggage and carry-ons, with nifty red/green indicator lights that would go from green to red if a bag had been opened by an inspector with a TSA lock tool. Nice peace of mind after reading reports of baggage handlers stealing items from luggage at various airports. Neither checked bag indicated having been opened on the trip over or back, and we didn't lock our carry-ons until passing through airport gate areas in case they needed to be inspected.
Winter, even early Winter in Amsterdam, means being dressed for anything from sub-freezing temps to surprisingly mild, almost warm days. Also for the very high probabllity of some rain and maybe a windy, gusty day. Keep in mind that the prevailing winds and weather systems are usually coming from the direction of the sea, with the attendant moisture.
We took only a digital camera, mainly for compactness and its ease of carrying, but also due to not having to be concerned with film issues and luggage x-ray machines at airports. We also own a nice 35mm film camera, and I would argue with anyone that if you know what you're doing can take better quality with those than a digital, but chose to leave it at home.
I honestly could not tell you exactly how Customs works as far as going into the Netherlands, and I know that sounds weird. When we exited our plane, with our two carry-on bags, we went to the baggage claim carousels and got our two larger, checked bags. Back behind some of these was obviously what was a Customs area, with a long line and several tables at an inspection point with luggage being opened and items strewn about on the tables. We started over that way, then noticed that quite a few people carrying or pulling luggage seemed to be just walking to the other end of that area from the carousels and getting in a shorter, line leading through some doorways. Unsure of what the deal was, we turned and went into that line, which also included those that had been in the inspection area and coming out the other end. Right on through some corridor areas we walked with everyone else and we were on our way.
If someone can explain this to me, I'd love to hear it. Still scratching our heads on this one! Leave a Comment
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 by acemj
Don't forget your photo gear so you're ready any situation. You might need some faster film for capturing sights from a moving canal boat and be prepared for sudden rains by having the right protective gear for your expensive camera equipment. Leave a Comment
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Take very good care of your luggage all the way from your home to your Hotel in Amsterdam.
Be particularly alert if you arrive in Amsterdam via Centraal (Central) Railway Station. Keep tickets, money etc on you in an inner pocket and /or money belt throughout the whole journey. A flat fabric shoulder bag ( the old "Hippy" type) worn INSIDE your outermost garment, (coat, jacket etc,) is also good for this.
Ensure essential things like Passport, Credit Cards,Travellers Cheques, large amounts of money, tickets, etc are not easy pickings for thieves.
A good pair of comfortable waterproof shoes/boots/trainers, 2 pairs if possible in case one pair gets wet. Similarly, a change of clothing is recommended, even for a short stay. Waterproof over clothing - forget about umbrellas - these often get destroyed in the wind or lost. Maybe take a plastic raincoat/mac, while not the height of fashion, they are cheap and compact when folded- and they keep you dry. A warm sweater, Amsterdam can get cold even in Summer
Minor first-aid things like plasters for cuts & blisters, headache pills etc. and prescription drugs. Pharmacies/Drugstores -"Apotheek" - are rare in the centre of Amsterdam. Consider taking some earplugs if you are a light sleeper, Amsterdam is noisy most hours of the day and night, as might your Hotel also be !!
Cameras: Pocket sized ones are best for security & convenience, take spare batteries - hard to find in the central shops & stores.
Mosquitoes are said to be a problem in Summer due to the canals. Electricity voltage in the Netherlands is 220V, 50 cycle AC, which is compatible with the UK however, Travel Plug adapter required for electric razors etc.
2 (round) pin plug are used for razors etc. - USA Note: Sockets are larger than your plugs, adapter required as well as voltage adjustment.
You may also need to adjust voltages and buy a plug adapter if you live elsewhere in the world. Most en-suite hotel bathrooms have hair dryers.
Maps, Guides etc. : You will need a good map of Amsterdam, this can be purchased at Amsterdam Rail Station`s magazine/bookshop/store , near the main entrance or any Souvenir shop on Damrak.
American & English cigarettes are expensive, hand-rolling cigarettes is the norm in the Netherlands and Tobacco is relatively cheap: 3.70, UK£2.46p/US$3,70 for 50 grams.
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 ahh what a set up! a u.s style
eighth and kif !! by excitableone
otherwise the prerolled cones are quite amazing and most shops have bongs or free papers..
pokers are also provided by the shops.
ask before snapping photo's of yourself toking a bowl, or of your nice stash..most allow it some won't!
never camp at a coffeeshop, this is not the grand canyon you cannot stay all night, drink your drink smoke your spliff or whatever, relax for a bit..but never set up camp, this is not cool behavior! Leave a Comment
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 .... a good Travel Guide! by csordila
Only travel for as many days as you have underwear for!!!!!!
Medications, contact lens paraphernalia, asthma tools, and a little handy-pack of tissues should always go into your carry-on bag.
Do not forget a small camera and a good Travel Guide! They won't add much space or weight, and are well worth it if you end up spending more time that you expected still and waiting.
Most airlines allow you a carry-on bag and one personal item (briefcase, laptop or something like that). Pack your carry-on as if you expect your checked baggage to be lost. Choose a bag that is large enough to handle all the things you need to take, but small enough to fit the size requirements at your airline. Things like this should be carried on your person or packed in a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat.
Small valuables: cash, credit cards, jewelry, cameras.
Critical items: medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, tickets.
Irreplaceable items: manuscripts, heirlooms.
Fragile items: eyeglasses, glass containers, liquids.
Personal need: toiletries, a change of underwear, some food, a sweater, wet wipes,
Remember, the only way to be sure your valuables are not damaged or lost is to keep them with you.
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 Souviners by BlueBerry_7
Always pack something warm, even in Summer months, it tends to get chilly in Amterdam. And BE SURE to have good comfortable walking shoes, this is a MUST because you will be doing a lot of walking! It rains a lot too so make certain the shoes are very slip resistant:)
A WASHCLOTH is definitely a necessity to pack. And always take cold meds, just in case.
Always take a good camera, I have learned after two trips, that I WILL HAVE a digital next time:)
UMBRELLA, absolutely necessary!! Leave a Comment
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 daytrip to Maastricht by mindcrime
I was there in July and we had our rainy moments :) so bring a umbrella although you will find many stores selling many of them in nice colors
You will easily find painkillers but bring your own medicines
You will take dozens of photos so big memory cards please! :)
At least one city guide, read some info before arrival so to know some things about the city, u will find a lot of info at VT pages/forums too and take a look at a map so to know where is your hotel etc. The tourist Info is right opposite the central station and there you can buy a map and ask anything you want (room, tickets, directions etc) but you have to know that many other people will do the same
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Tourists are often easy targets for pickpockets. Make sure your bags don't make this too easy!
A warm jacket is definately needed in winter, it can get pretty cold and windy. Umbrella's are sold on every corner, should you need one.
Etos, Bijenkorf and Hema sell just about anything you may need. Medical supplies can be found at the pharmacist (apotheek), often after a doctor's prescription. Bringing medication from home can prevent you from having to see a Dutch doctor (apart from emergencies of course!).
No need to bring stuff, you can get everything here at a reasonable price. Try Albert Heijn, Blokker or Hema for films and developing, they are a lot cheaper than the photoshops on Damrak and Rokin. Developing and printing 24 photo's will cost you about 7 euro's (about $6). Takes a few days then. Leave a Comment
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 by Krystynn
However, if you plan on having a relaxing holiday and visiting museums et al, then I'd suggest that you pack along some smart casuals and a lovely pair of shoes. Remember, no matter which country you are in, there are always a group of people who'd judge you by the way you dress. So, it is always advisable to look presentable at all times... unless of course, you are Madonna. Then you can get away with ANYTHING! :-)
This is what I would generally pack along with me for a SUMMER vacation abroad - say, to Europe (unless of course I'm busy conquering Petra: A pair of black jeans, a pair of denim blue jeans, 2 mini-skirts, 2 evening dresses, a pair of shorts, 4 T-shirts/ tank tops (cotton material), a swimming costume, 2 sleepwear outfits, a blazer (that'll match my daywear outfits, a pair of sandals and a pair of high-heel shoes for evening. Too many clothes? Hey, you must excuse me... I'm a woman!
You can always do some more shopping at the country you're visiting....
(1) Pour your face lotion, toner, cleanser et al into miniature bottles
(2) Remember, everything else should be transferred into miniature plastic bottles to save luggage space
Medicine: VERY important. Don't forget to bring it along with you e.g. a box of strong aspirins. I was down with a high fever on my last trip to Paris and had to run to the local pharmacy to grab a box of aspirin. Wanna guess how much that box of 20 aspirins cost me? US$15!!! I'm not kidding. My eyeballs nearly popped out of its sockets. Don't forget your Decolgen Pills to combat the flu bug and some Lozenges. In case your throat gives way mid-way through your trip!
These are the major pills that I bring along with me. Most importantly, you must know your body and health condition well. Some of you may be more prone to suffering from stomach ailments, so in that case, you should be packing along pills to combat that. Hope the above info will help you out a little. :-) Happy packing for your trip!
I ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring along at least 2 camaras with me... just in case one breaks down. My friends used to laugh at me.... until their one and only camera broke down. Then when they had to RELY SOLELY on me and my amateurish photographic skills, they stopped laughing. Yes, immediately. Serve them right! :-))
DON'T forget to bring along your ATM card and.... an open mind.
Remember, if your ATM card is linked to international networks like 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange' and 'Maestro', you can withdraw money from any ATM machines in the world. What's more, you'd even benefit from the low interbank exchange rates being given to you vis-a-vis if you were to change it at your local money-changer.
I have survived on this method for ALL my trips abroad and so far, no ATM machines have failed me. Yes, even in the remotest villages in Africa. :-)) If you haven't tried this method, I challenge you to do so today. And be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save at the end of the day using this method. I kid you not!
Photo below: That's me at Europe's #1 high-tech airport - The Schipol International Airport, one of my personal favorites (besides Changi International Airport in Singapore and, the Kansai International Airport in Osaka).
'The Tourist debauches the great monuments of antiquity, a comic figure, always inapt in his comments, incongruous in his appearance; . . . avarice and deceit attack him at every step; the shops that he patronizes are full of forgeries. . . But we need feel no scruple or twinge of uncertainty; 'We' are Travelers and cosmopolitans; the Tourist is the other fellow.' - Evelyn Waugh on the tourist.
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- Hotel Alfa Plantage
Plantage Middenlaan 26, Amsterdam - Mozart Hotel
Prinsengracht 518 - 520, Amsterdam - Nh City Centre
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam - Maas Hotel Amsterdam
Leidsekade 91, Amsterdam - Beursstraat
Beursstraat 7, Amsterdam - Nh Museum Quarter
Hobbemakade 50, Amsterdam - Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam - Comfort Hotel Terminus
Beursstraat 11-19, Amsterdam - Hotel Rembrandt Centrum Amsterdam
Herengracht 255, Amsterdam - Hotel van de Kasteelen
Frans van Mierisstraat 34, Amsterdam - Hotel De Korenaer
Damrak 50, Amsterdam - Hotel De Oude Taveerne
Durgerdammerdijk 73, Amsterdam - The Veteran Amsterdam
Herengracht 561, Amsterdam - Nes
Kloveniersburgwal 137-139, Amsterdam - Hotel Di-Ann Amsterdam
Raadhuisstraat 27, Amsterdam
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