Low budget holidays are actually the most memorable

Summer holiday on a tight budget: here's how to make the most of it!

The holiday season has finally begun. No early alarm, no obligations, and endless possibilities. But what if your wallet isn't quite as enthusiastic as you are? Don't panic! A great holiday has nothing to do with how much you spend. With the right mindset and a few smart tips, you can make it a summer to never forget — whether you're with a big group of friends or going it alone.

Camping: the ultimate budget holiday

Camping is perhaps the best way to go on holiday without breaking the bank. In the Netherlands, there are countless beautiful campsites, from the Veluwe to the Zeeland coast. You can rent a tent for just a few dozen euros per night, or maybe a friend or family member has a tent you can borrow. You do your own grocery shopping, cook together over a campfire, and in the evening you sit under the stars with an inexpensive bottle of wine. Doesn't that sound amazing?

Feeling more adventurous? It's also possible to camp in neighbouring countries like Germany, Belgium, or France. By train or a shared car, you'll be there in no time. Have a look on platforms like Camping.info or HipCamp for unique and affordable places to sleep, from a farm to a forest.

With friends: it's all about teamwork

A holiday with friends doesn't have to be expensive, as long as you work well together. Make clear agreements about the budget beforehand so that no one feels uncomfortable. Split the costs fairly: one person cooks, another buys groceries, and someone else arranges the transport. Apps like Splitwise make sharing costs very easy and prevent any hassle afterwards.

Keep in mind that the best moments are often the cheapest ones. Organise a game night, go cycling together, have a barbecue in the park, or take a day trip to a city you haven't visited yet. In cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Groningen, there's always something free to do: markets, festivals, parks, and museums with free entry will fill your schedule effortlessly.

Enjoying solo: the art of travelling alone

No friends available, or simply feel like heading out on your own? Solo travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. You're completely free in your choices, you get to know yourself better, and you meet new people more easily along the way. Stay in a hostel — they're specifically designed to bring travellers together — and before you know it, you'll be surrounded by like-minded people from all over the world.

Popular destinations for solo budget travel include Prague, Budapest, Kraków, and Lisbon. In these cities, you can go a long way on a small budget and the atmosphere is fantastic. Book your train or bus early via Flixbus or Trainline for the lowest prices, and look for free tours through platforms like Freetour.com.

Smart budget tips that actually work

• Cook for yourself: Eating at restaurants is the fastest way to burn through your budget. Buy fresh produce at local markets and cook your own meals. Delicious, healthy, and incredibly cheap.
• Cycle or walk: Rent a bike or explore a city on your own two feet. Free and healthy!
• Use apps: Apps like Too Good To Go offer cheap food at the end of the day. Perfect for an affordable but tasty meal.
• Free activities: Always check whether there are free events nearby. Summer festivals, open-air films, and art markets are often free to attend.
• Couchsurfing: Through Couchsurfing, you can stay with local people for free. You don't pay for a bed, and on top of that you get genuine local tips thrown in.

Closer to home is great too

Don't forget that the Netherlands itself has a lot to offer. The Waddeneilanden, the Hoge Veluwe, the Groene Hart, or the canal cities — there is so much beauty to discover without ever setting foot on a plane. A day trip to Texel, a weekend away to Zeeland, or a city trip to Den Haag are all achievable on a modest budget.

Make smart use of public transport: with a weekend train ticket you can travel unlimited by train for an entire weekend for a fixed price. Perfect for heading off on a spontaneous adventure without it costing a fortune.

The best holiday starts with the right mindset

Ultimately, the best holiday is the one where you are fully present and enjoy what is there — not what could have been with a bigger budget. Laugh a lot, discover new places, make real connections with the people around you, and take good care of yourself. Summer is short, so make the most of it. You deserve it!