Travel Tips Archives - Page 2 of 4

July 3, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

How You Can Sell Your Mobile Phone

With the increased speed at which technology has been progressing, you will want to make sure you have the latest electronic devices that are available. This includes your desktop computer, laptop, tablet and mobile phone. These items change very rapidly and new and improved models are constantly coming out on the market. Smartphones have become one of the hottest sellers in the world and more people are using them for personal and business use. It is almost required now that you get a new phone every year if not sooner to keep up with the latest and greatest . That is fine, but, what do you do with your old phone? This dilemma has many people stumped.

Trade In For A New Model

You could talk to your service provider and see if they will allow you to trade in your old phone for a new one. Many times, they will give you credit on an old model to put towards the purchase of a new phone. This is what most people will do since they will also have all of the information transferred from the old one to the new one and while there, they can just turn it in. However, you may not get as much for the phone as you would if you were to sell it privately. But, it is the most convenient way to get rid of it.

Sell Your Mobile Phone

If you prefer to make more from your old phone, then you could sell your mobile online at auction sites such as Ebay. This could potentially generate more money that you could then use to purchase a new phone. Another way to sell your mobile phone would be to list it on sites like Craigslist or mobilephonechecker.co.uk, where local people would have access to it. These are private sales that are conducted in person and many people prefer to use this since you could have cash in hand immediately. No matter which of these options you choose, you will make more money to use for a new purchase than you would by trading it in. If you place an advertisement in the newspaper, you could generate a lot of interest in your old phones and other electronic devices. There is a small charge to advertise this way, but, you could return quite a bit of money from it. Family and friends may also be interested in purchasing your phone and you may want to check with them. If you look online, you may find other companies who will do the same. Many shopping malls have kiosks where you can sell your items and they have a set price point at which they will purchase them.

When you get a new mobile device, you should not just throw away the old one as there are now regulations in place that place fines on people who do this. They must be recycled in some way. Why not try to make some money on your old devices if you can instead of tossing it out or just leaving it laying around. In fact, many people now collect devices that can be sold for parts and have become quite successful at it. They can take them apart and sell the individual pieces for quite a bit of money. This includes, computers, tablets and mobile phones.

June 12, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

How to Plan Your Next Luxurious Private Couple Getaway

If you are planning a luxurious private couple getaway then you have landed on the right page. Planning such a is not as easy as it may sound.

There are several things involved that have to be taken care of so that you can have fun when you take out on your next trip. To help you in this regard, given below are some valuable tips on how to plan your next luxurious private couple get away.

Now without wasting anymore time, let’s move to the tips:

1. Check Your Schedules

The most important thing is the schedule here. When you take off for a holiday you would need bulk dates. This can be troublesome if you both have work or other commitments.

Many couples make the mistake of planning a surprise trip but only for it to backfire. Imagine booking a trip for your and your partner only to find out that he or she has a business meeting to attend on the same dates.

This will not only cause all your plan to go to waste but may also result in a disagreement. To avoid this from happening, sit down with your partner and make a schedule according to the availability.

Of course, surprises have their own charm as well, but you can keep them for later.

2. Decide Your Budget

Budget should be decided beforehand as it can ruin plans. Your budget will decide everything from where you will go to where you will stay to for how many days.

If you are a smart couple, you must have already made some savings for your next trip, but if such is not the case then have a good look at your financial condition and see how much you can afford to spend on this holiday.

3. Be On The Same Page Regarding The Location

The next most important questions is – ‘where to go?’

Again, take this decision with your partner. You both should be on the same page regarding the destination so that you both can have a good time.

This is of huge importance because people are different. You might be a fan of beaches and serenity, but your partner might prefer the hustle and bustle of cities.

You both again need to sit down and pick a destination that you both agree on. An easy option is to pick a country or city that you two have never been to so that you can have something new to explore.

Moreover, you can also search for things to do in a specific city and make a list of all that you intend to do there so that no time is wasted once you reach the destination.

4. Choose Your Resort or Hotel

While hotels have their own benefits, we suggest that you stay at a resort since it offers more bang for your bucks.

A resort is a serene place that comes with tons of amenities. You can book a resort specifically designed for couples to enjoy great intimacy and amenities.

Just go on the internet and look for reviews to make sure you pick a resort that is known to provide quality services. Third-party reviews can help you judge a resort well.

5. Make All The Booking

Finalize everything and make all the bookings, form airline tickets to resort to activities that you intend to enjoy.

Booking about a month in advance can help you save money. Also, compare different options and pick one that is the cheapest.

Plus, try to book tickets and rooms that are flexible so that you can change the date later in case your plan changes.

6. Pack Everything Carefully

Make a checklist and pack all that you need so that you don’t forget anything. Always double check to be on the safe side.

Follow this to plan your next amazing trip!

April 24, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Tips On How You Can Turn That Dream Vacation Into a Reality

Ask anyone and they will be able to tell you their dream vacation in the drop of a hat, perhaps a trip to the glorious Seychelles, a round the world cruise or maybe even a luxury trip to a style capital like Paris, Milan or New York. Ask the same people if they think that they can one day achieve their dream, and most will tell you that it is unlikely. This however, does not have to be the case and with some sacrifice and some smart saving, you can find a way to take that trip which you have always dreamed of, and here are some tips to get you on your way.

Focus

If this really is a dream trip for you then in order to achieve it you must be focused on your goal, and let the idea of actually realizing your dream consume you entirely. In terms of maintaining your focus, you should try to surround yourself with ideas of the trip, place a photo in your purse or wallet, put photos of your destination on the walls of your office and bedroom, all of which will serve as a constant reminder of why you are living the way that you are.

Sacrifice

It is called a dream vacation for a reason and if it was easy to achieve then everyone would be able to. With this in mind you must understand the sacrifices which you will have to make, in order to finally get yourself on that trip of a lifetime. The key to getting there is going to come down to how seriously you take your plans, and how much you are willing to sacrifice. When we discuss sacrifice we refer to those meals and nights out with friends, buying those new boots, that new phone, or any other extra spend which you have been thinking about. In avoiding these sporadic spending sprees, you can get yourself much closer to actually booking that trip.

Savings Plan

When it comes to putting a savings plan in place, this is best done through a little bit of reverse engineering. First you need to plan the trip as if you were going in 10 months, check out flight prices, hotel prices, and any other activities which you plan to do on your trip. Naturally the prices which you look at today could comfortably change by the time you are ready to book, but it serves as a great yardstick in terms of your savings.

Once you have the overall figure totted up, you will be able to see the size of your challenge. Using this figure you should then break down how much you can feasibly save each month, assuming that you are prepared to sacrifice, and then work out just how long it will take you to save up. Don’t be discouraged if it looks as though it will take a long time to save up, it will all be worth it in the end as long as you stay committed and be strong with your plans.

April 24, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

T.L.C. to the Max – A Spa Hotel Holiday

Spa Hotels are a well sought out holiday where indulging in a good pampering session is routine. No one would turn down the idea of having a place where you can be rejuvenated and well looked after, and a spa hotel provides just that. No more trying to find a tedious way to make yourself feel more comfortable, spas can offer instant relaxation.

The spa experience reels in billions and it’s solely because many have come to understand the benefits of general wellness and maintenance that spas seek to promote. With the spa treatments, wellness facilities, pampering sessions and activities that are provided in spas, it’s no wonder that many have seen how this recreation can improve lifestyle. Stay in a spa hotel and experience the countless advantages that it has to offer. Here are just some of them.

Health and Wellbeing

No doubt one of the main reasons that spas are profitable is because of its salubrious effect on the body. Everybody likes the idea of feeling better and that’s exactly what this leisure does. It’s not just about a one of healthy experience, but you can learn things that you can take away with you in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you return home. Let the experience kindle a love for your body, so that you can treat it with better care from day to day.

De-stress with some Thai chi, or some therapeutic massages. Don’t let your mental health become overwhelmed and out of control. Settle you anxieties and worries with some spa treatment that serves to make you more mentally revitalised. It’s not only bad thinking that can be dealt with but this experience can also increase confidence and self-esteem.

Aches and pains are one of the biggest hindrances in everyday life. Trying to carry out those daily duties with a crick in your neck or a twinge in your back makes the tasks almost unachievable. Provide relief for those tense knots that have been developing in your body, combat those aches with a spa treatment that tackles the problem head on.

Not only will the spa treatment help you to overcome any nagging health issues but it can prevent any on coming issues. Taking care of your body in this way will definitely work for your future wellbeing and will eliminate any reoccurring ailments.

Suits All

This type of holiday suits everybody. Whether a couple’s getaway, a girls weekend trip, or a family affair, you can all enjoy it. It’s a time to disengage from the norm, leave all the hustle and bustle behind and unwind in the most luxurious way. Bath in a bubbling hot tub, mask in a mud chamber, or treat yourself to some therapy. Spoil yourselves and get educated on how to alleviate stress.

Spas are a great place to spend that quality time with the people you value most: improving on those relationships that can so often be hindered by the day to day distractions.

April 22, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Cruise Into Summer With These Hot Vacation Ideas

Source

Have you been wondering what you should do for your summer holidays this year? Maybe you haven’t quite decided and are open to suggestions of new and interesting things to do. While more and more people are opting to stay close to home and partake in things like camping, many people are taking advantage of summer airfare deals and heading abroad. Whatever your plans in summers past, here are a couple of great ideas for summer vacations that you can check out this year!

Cruises

Cruises are a great way to get out and see the world with minimal effort. All you do is board the boat and away you go with excursions optional and organised by professionals to create the perfect memorable and luxurious holiday experience. One of the best ways to catch one of these great trips is on a cruise that leaves from Southampton in the UK. Southampton is well connected, so for those from outside the UK getting there is easy and it offers a whole host of fantastic cruising options from the north sea, Scandinavia, Mediterranean and regional cruises to name but a few. Which will you choose?

European Tours

Tours of all kind throughout Europe (including cruises down the likes of the Rhine or to the coastal regions of Belgium and the like) are fantastic ways to see the optimum amount of culture and experience fantastic architecture, food, music and scenery in a short space of time. With numerous organised European tours to choose from, it’s easy to see why Europe has always been a favourite for many people to travel to and explore. From castles perched high on cliff sides to back alleys offering the best in local cuisines, Europe is one long exposure to new and wonderful places, people and things.

Road Trips Through North America

A seriously great option for a summer getaway is to take to the open road in the likes of North America. With both Canada and the United States offering some of the best in trip-worthy roads and routes, it’s a given that this is a great option for many adventure seekers who want to get out and see as much of the country as possible. Two main routes that you can take in canada include the Western Loop from Vancouver through the mountains to Edmonton, south to Calgary and then back to Vancouver or the eastern route which can take you from Toronto through the maritimes and around the historical Cabot Trail on the island of Nova Scotia. Perhaps the most popular and famous route in all of the US is Historic Route 66 which stretches from Chicago in Illinois all the way down to Santa Monica in LA. Which route (or routes!) will you pick?

So there you have some truly spectacular options for this summer’s ultimate getaways. With so many options out there nowadays for amazing trips and experiences how will you know which to choose? Time to get those bags packed and get out there! Enjoy!

March 20, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

A Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

The world has a lot to offer. And with air travel, you can go to these places yourself and experience their culture and their practices. But before you can even think about hopping onto that plane, you must first know that international travel is a lot different from a domestic one.

A Beginner’s Guide

Packing your bags and fixing your itinerary is the easy part of your journey. Aside from that, you will need to do other preparations like making sure your passport is up to date. To help first-time international travelers, here is a short guide that can give you an idea of what else you must watch out for before the day of your trip.

Check Immigration Requirements

Each country has a different policy when it comes to visitors. A bit of research on the country you will visit can go a long way.

Make sure that you have all the necessary documents you will need to enter and use the country’s public transport. The list of requirements for your entrance can often be found on the country’s website for your reference.

Photocopy Everything

There’s a saying that goes: It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. So, to be on the safe side, it is essential to have a photocopy of all your documents, from your passport to your boarding passes. Once that’s done, you can then store it in a separate place from your official documents to keep them safe.

Doing this prepares you for the scenario that you lose your documents. This way, you can at least prove your identity and reason for your stay should the local officials come knocking on your door.

Check Airline Baggage Requirements

Take the time to make sure that you are in line with your airline’s baggage requirements and that includes staying within the weight limit. A good tip is to pack as light as you can and to leave a bit of room for any souvenirs or other purchases you might come across on your travels.

Remember not to bring any prohibited items on the airplane because this can lead to more inspections and delayed flights.

For Countries that Require an Arrival Card, Take it Seriously

Some countries require you to fill up an immigration card which will tell officials why you are visiting, and where you will be staying. Now, not all countries require this to be filled up. Countries like the United States and Malaysia do not require this, but countries like Russia do. So, to avoid the hassle, check the country you will visit if they have the arrival card as part of the requirement before you enter.

Avoid Exchanging Money at the Airport

To get the best rates when you exchange your money for the local currency, it is best to check online for trusted facilities in the area, or you can get your money exchanged before your flight so you don’t have to worry once you arrive.

Travelling overseas is a fun experience that people need to experience at least once in their lives. And to enjoy it even more, you need to be smart and prepared.

Furthermore, travelling is best experienced when you drive your own car. So, it’s important to find a service like Alpha Car Hire to get the best deals on good quality cars.

March 19, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Reasons for Using Long Term Accommodation

There are a few reasons why long term or “long stay” accommodation types are a fantastic option when travelling. Their benefits range from spacious and home-like comfort through to necessary facilities such as kitchens and laundries, making them a widely sought-after accommodation type.

Cheap long term accommodation is completely possible with the likes of furnished apartments and other long stay choices. Thanks to the growing number of options available through accommodation sites and suppliers, everyone from students and businesspeople through to those going on extended holidays have a variety of choices for comfortable, affordable and conveniently located accommodation.

Here is why opting for cheap long term accommodation is such a great choice.

Flexible and Functional

Long term accommodation is a perfect option for those who need somewhere flexible and functional to stay for an extended period of time. Whether you’re between houses, travelling for work or university, or you have only just moved interstate, the available cheap long term accommodation options are endless. With a quick online search, you will be provided with accommodation types that are suited to your intended stay and can provide you with a temporary home that’s just as comfortable as a real one.

It can be uncomfortable to stay in accommodation like hotels or bed and breakfasts for a long period of time. But with cheap long term accommodation, you’ll be provided with kitchen facilities, a laundry, and enough space so you won’t feel like you’re living in a shoe box out of a suitcase.

A Better Way to Travel

Beyond their practicality and convenience, cheap long term accommodation types are generally a better way to travel and see a city. It’s possible to book long term apartments around the world that are conveniently located, close to public transport options, and a short walk to a number of popular sites. This convenience, paired with a homely experience, means that you can have a completely comfortable and satisfying holiday stay.

Whatever the nature of your travels, whether it’s a small romantic getaway, a business trip or a family holiday, long term apartments offer a more rewarding and relaxed way to travel when staying in a new city. You’ll be relieved to know that the many options for cheap long term accommodation means that tiny hotels are no longer the only choice available.

A More Homely Experience

People often opt for hotels or hostels for the “fun” aspect while they travel. For some people like families, business people and students, the noise of these accommodation types makes them less than ideal. Cheap long term accommodation provides travellers with a quieter, more private and homely experience.

With access to amenities, weekly cleaning services, and a variety of inclusive features, staying in a serviced apartment means travelling or staying away from home doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable experience. From regular everyday travellers through to more long term travellers, long term accommodation is a realistic and suitable option for all jet-setter types. Depending on your specific circumstances, providers should be able to offer you cheap long term accommodation packages and deals.

December 19, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Businesses You Can Start Tomorrow to Work Anywhere

Moving abroad can be an exhilarating undertaking. It can also raise the question of financial security; just where will your money come from in order to support your new nomadic lifestyle? You may think that starting a business to cover these costs is impossible on the road, but it is actually feasible so long as you choose the right kind of business.

So, which business should you set up tomorrow in order to work anywhere your heart takes you?

Blogging

Setting up and writing blogs for a website may seem like a lot of effort with little reward. And it is, to begin with. However, the more you grow your audience and develop loyal followers of your content the better opportunities you will find to make money.

Making money on your blog can be achieved via selling a product, affiliate marketing or even taking it a step further and writing a book that you then sell on the blog. To make the most of your travelling it could pay to make your blog travel-related, but that isn’t necessarily vital.

With 3.5 billion Google searches per day, your blog could offer the exact content that they are looking for. At least, you never know until you try!

Or Vlogging

Do you have a way with words, but not the ability to write them down in a cohesive manner? Then instead of blogging, you might be better suited to the art of vlogging.

Vlogging is particularly suited to a traveller, as you can even focus more on the exotic place that you are in rather than yourself in many cases. Plenty of people want to go travelling but never have the chance, so they could easily seek out your site in order to live vicariously through you.

However, that still leaves the big question: how do you make money from this? Simple, the ads before a YouTube video are where your money comes from. But, you do need an overall of 10,000 visits to your channel before this is available. Create a loyal, engaged, audience first and the monetisation of your channel will come eventually.

Sell Stuff

Have you found something that is amazing whilst on your travels? Or are you a dab hand at your own arts and crafts projects? Either way, you could make a profit from this by setting up your own online store. People pay premium money for unique items, so it can be a great way to make money even if you are travelling.

Simply make sure the supplies you need are available everywhere you go and posting them to another country would be relatively cost-effective. Once you can be sure of that, you have the means to make a great income whilst still on the move.

Contract Work

Plenty of people are moving to outsource work online. From design to writing, if you have an in-demand talent then you have the ability to make money from it online. Using sites like Upwork and Fiverr you can easily make a good wage whilst on the move.

If you only worked as you travelled you would still be able to make a decent amount. Long trains, planes and automobile rides are nothing new to travellers – so, why not make some money during them to stave off the boredom?

Make sure you know what’s up when it comes to taxes and insurance, however, as you need the right indemnity insurance to cover yourself in all business proceedings. Moving from contract to contract may also make you liable to invest in your contractors insurance also, otherwise, employers may refuse to hire you due to the risk. Cover your bases well and freelancing or contracting your way around the globe is a great possibility.

Photography

Are you venturing into scenic vista after scenic vista? Is every day you wake up a better picture than the last? Then you could be making money via the pictures you take, either by selling them online or even getting sponsorship deals via platforms like Instagram. Plenty of stock image sites are willing to pay you for every download of your image. Some even offer a fee to buy the image from you outright, depending on their platform.

Alternatively, you could keep the photograph for yourself and post it to Instagram and still earn money. If you have a lot of followers, then brands will be willing to pay you to mention their product in your image text or even sponsor the post as a whole. To make this work you need at least 1,000 followers. But, the more niche your reach the more some brands may be willing to overlook your follower count.

And there you have it! The best businesses that you can set up tomorrow in order to make money as you travel. Not all of them make instant money, but given enough time and effort could easily fund many legs to your journey. Simply choose the right one for your skillsets and get going!

December 13, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Moving Your Furniture Abroad With You

So you’ve finally decided to take the leap and move overseas. A trip you may have been planning for a while now, possibly for a new job, loved one or just a new adventure. As exciting as the move is, once the initial thrilling decision has worn off, it may have just dawned on you that you have a lot to sort to make this happen. Setting up abroad can be a daunting, scary and even lonely process so taking your belongings with you is a sure-fire way of making things feel more familiar even if you’re away from your home. One of the biggest and underappreciated parts of our lives is our furniture. Something that we all invest a lot of money into, by taking your pieces away with you, you can effectively recreate your home but in a new location. So, to make moving your pieces across easier, we’ve put together all of the advice you need when moving your furniture abroad.

How Much Will Shipping Cost

It pays here to shop around. Get a variety of quotes to ensure that you get the most-effective deal and company to move your furniture overseas. There are businesses out there that work to save you time and money, comparing quotes in the sector so you can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages whilst making a decision on which company is best to go with. When choosing an international removal company, part of your decision will be whether to pack your furniture yourself or whether to use specialist packers. You may wish to save on costs by doing it yourself, but it’s worth considering whether you want to risk irreplaceable items being damaged.

Tips for International Furniture Shipping

Start by measuring the furniture you want to ship to get an idea of how much you’ll need to move.
Make sure you take extra pictures of your ranges to ensure that you have the condition documented so that you’re covered if anything is lost or damaged.
Make sure you protect your sharp corners with cut off corners of cardboard boxes. If you have wicker furniture that will be fragile, wrap the pieces in foam or shrink wrap to prevent damage.
If you’re packing yourself, ensure that you label each box with what it contains, especially if its fragile items.
Take apart whatever you can (beds, desks, wardrobes) and flat-pack them. Ensure that you tape screws and fixings to the individual items.
Remember to pack cushions, sofa covers and bedding in plastic bin bags or specialist storage bags so they’re safe from dust, grime or dirt.

What to Consider When Packing

Time

When you have a set moving date, make sure you book your removal company. Popular places around Europe can be highly busy from a transport viewpoint so the make sure you book as earlier as possible to avoid disappointment. A good cost saver is that if you only have a few bits that don’t equate to a full load, your shipping may be shared with someone else’s, making it much cheaper.

When it comes to deciding how much you wish to ship, establish what size shipping container is right for you. Shipping containers come in two sizes: 20ft and 40ft. A 20ft container could fit the contents of a two-bedroom house with a car. A 40ft container could easily fit the contents of a 4-bedroom house, including larger items such as a piano. If you don’t have the contents of an FCL (full container load) you’ll be able to ship your belongings in an LCL (less than full container load). This will may take longer but will cost less.

The Tough Decision

When you start a new life you, unfortunately, have to leave some things behind. Even though you may love your garden deck chair, you need to get tough and only keep what you need to or simply can’t part with. In a lot of cases, it will cost more to ship some chest of draws or a bed, than to just buy a new one when you get there using the money you got for selling them before you leave. As they say, out with the old and in with the new so embrace the new adventure and only take what you must!

Look Long Term

This is where you need to be practical. You may just be moving short term for work or a new experience. In this case, it’s not worth taking all of your furniture in case you decide to return. Look at opting for storage units to house all of your furniture. Ensure you treat your furniture before you put it away and cover it effectively so that mould, damp or insects don’t damage your piece if you’re leaving it unattended for a long period.

December 1, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Family first: Important things to know about healthcare when moving to the Netherlands with your family

When moving to the Netherlands with your family, there are many new aspects of day-to-day life to familiarise yourself with. Because healthcare is one of the most important, this guide provides you with useful information on the services available to you and your family.

The Netherlands has a very high standard of healthcare, ranking top of the Euro Health Consumer Index 2016 with a record-breaking score of 927 out of 1000. What’s more, the country has consistently ranked within the top three places of any European Index since 2005 according to the Health Consumer Powerhouse. The availability of doctors is also impressive, scoring better than the EU average of 3.6, with roughly 3.4 doctors per 1,000 citizens.

Before moving here, families should be aware that purchasing Dutch health insurance is a mandatory requirement of residents and expats. You must have this in place before you can access the country’s healthcare system.

Healthcare in the Netherlands is typically divided into three sections:

Basic and essential medical carefor covering GP appointments, specialist procedures and short hospital stays.
Long-term medical carefor covering chronic conditions.
Supplementary carefor covering dental care, physiotherapy and cosmetic surgery.

Children under the age of 18 are usually covered for dental work under the basic Dutch policy. Otherwise, supplementary care is not usually covered by basic health insurance policies, so you may find yourself paying out of pocket fees. To ensure your whole family is covered, it can be a sensible option to take out international health insurance.

How to access services

Once you have your health insurance plans in place, it is important to register with your nearest doctor or general practitioner, preferably before you require their services as the waiting lists can be long. After you’ve registered with a practice, this will become your primary contact if you have any non-emergency health concerns. Family doctors can refer you to the other services including specialists, home midwifery, physiotherapy or a hospital.

It is possible to choose a specific doctor providing they are not fully booked, and it’s often a good idea to arrange an appointment to see if they would be suitable before committing. Alternatively, you can find a list of local doctors in a variety of ways, including flicking through The Yellow Pages (‘Gouden Gids’) phone book and looking under ‘Artsen – huisartsen’.

Luckily, many doctors and general practitioners speak English, which helps with communication when it comes to explaining your needs.

A useful number to note down is 035 6928222, which is the central doctor’s service. It is available for any urgent advice if your GP is shut and a member of your family is in need (even on public holidays).

What to do in an emergency

Should you or anyone around you find themselves in a life-threatening medical situation, dialling 122 will get you through to the ambulance service, free of charge. If you need to instruct someone to call an ambulance ‘bel een ambulance’ or alternatively, if you’re able to take a taxi, ask for the ‘spoedeisende hulp’ to be taken to the nearest emergency facilities. If you have a speech or hearing impairment, dial 0800 8112 and type your message, stating where you are and the service you require.

Hospitals

If you or your family require hospital care, you’ll be relieved to know that the standard in the Netherlands are high-quality, ranking 17^th on the World Health Organisation’s efficiency list.

Here are a few things to know before you relocate with your family:

You’ll receive a registration card (‘ponsplaatje’) to show on your visits. This allows administrators to easily find your details and be able to pass any bills on to your insurer.
You may end up in a mixed gender ward or shared room. If you’d prefer a private room, then private insurance would be the way to go.
A TV and phone will probably be available for use, but at a charge.
Dutch hospitals enforce visiting hours, like others, but these times vary between hospitals.

Pharmacies

There are two types of pharmacies in the Netherlands: ‘drogist’ and ‘apotheek’. The first sells non-prescription medication along with toiletries and cosmetics, also useful if you require any baby products.

But if you need to pick up a prescription following a doctor’s appointment, then you should head to an apotheek. These pharmacies sell over the counter medicine and prescription drugs, and are also useful in advising on minor ailments. You should be aware that some non-prescription medication taken in your home country may require a prescription in the Netherlands.

To find your nearest 24-hour pharmacy you can call 020 694 8709 or look in the free local newspaper under ‘medische diensten’ (medical assistance).

While living abroad in the Netherlands, there are many aspects of Dutch life to enjoy with the whole family. Just make sure you take out the correct type of insurance so you can be safe in the knowledge that experts are on hand should you ever need medical assistance.