Netherlands - or the importance of light traveling - PairPlanes

Light traveling is such a cliché nowadays – some want it, some dread it. We have found it to be a necessity.

Picture this: two freshly married adults lugging around some huge backpacks (one of them even weighing 18 kg…) through the Dutch countryside. Not exactly the vision we had when booking a romantic getaway right after our wedding. But that’s exactly what happened – and through the weight of those backpacks, both literal and figurative, we discovered the vital importance of packing light and traveling light.

An insight into how we think

I have to start by admitting that we are pragmatic people. Or at least one of us is. So it seemed like a no-brainer to go without checked luggage for a trip of only 4 days. In my mind (Alex here), there was no justifiable reason for us to pay extra for checked luggage when all I needed was 4 t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and clean underwear for each day. However, what I failed to communicate to my lovely wife was this minimalist utopic vision of light traveling that I was having. So naturally, we ended up with far more outfits than needed – resulting in the fabulous 28 kg of luggage distributed in two tired old backpacks. We were a sight to behold – and not in the good way.

The problems of light traveling incorrectly

While it’s absolutely okay to go all-in on the luggage front, choosing to travel light but not packing accordingly has some major drawbacks. You lose space for the essentials – like medication, for instance. You also end up compromising comfort in favor of fashion. Let’s just say, hiking across train platforms with a bag bursting at the seams and no room for a single granola bar is not ideal. Light traveling can be both about practicality and comfort, but we were to learn that the hard way.

Stop no.1 : Eindhoven

Our journey began at Eindhoven Airport. A small and efficient hub that’s a great alternative to Amsterdam Schiphol – especially if you’re flying in from other parts of Europe. We hopped on the 401 bus that takes you straight from the airport to the central train station.

From there, our real adventure began. Aboard the sleek Dutch trains, we were whisked away to Amsterdam Centraal.
💡 Small tip: Flights are often cheaper to Eindhoven than Amsterdam Schiphol, and thanks to the trains, it’s still super easy to reach the capital.

Stop no.2 : Amsterdam

Ah, Amsterdam – the city of canals, art, bicycles, and stroopwafels. We spent two full days exploring this stunning city and still felt like we barely scratched the surface.

Our highlights included:

Dam Square – always buzzing with life
Rijksmuseum – a time capsule of Dutch history and art
Van Gogh Museum – emotional, intimate, and unforgettable
EyeFilm Museum – quirky and modern, just across the river
Vondelpark – perfect for lazy afternoon strolls

And of course, the canals. You’ve never really seen Amsterdam until you’ve wandered aimlessly along its watery veins, camera in hand, trying not to fall into the water while admiring a perfect reflection.

A lesser-known gem? De Pijp. This trendy neighborhood is full of stylish cafes, cozy streets, and the picturesque Lomanstraat, one of the most Instagrammable streets in the city.

One aspect of Amsterdam that is not talked about enough, however, is the food aspect: Tony’s Chocolate factory ( where you can make your own chocolate 😲 ), Manneken fries, the Stroopwaffel, or the amazing brunch places, such as Jacob’s Juice.

But Amsterdam also marked the start of our troubles. I (Lory) started feeling extremely unwell – nausea, fatigue, the works. And, as luck would have it, we hadn’t packed even the most basic medication. Priorities, right?

The lesson? Light traveling, yes – but also smart packing.

Stop no. 3: Zaandam

We made a quick stop in Zaandam on our way to Rotterdam. Just 15 minutes north of Amsterdam by train, Zaandam is like stepping into a fairytale. Think giant green wooden houses with white trim, charming bridges, and a calm pace of life.

If you’ve got a spare hour or two, it’s 100% worth a stop – especially for those Instagram-worthy snaps.

Stop no.4 : Rotterdam

Rotterdam was a complete vibe shift. Sleek, modern, and bursting with creativity, it felt like stepping into the future.

Our hotel near the Erasmus Bridge gave us one of the best views of the whole Netherlands trip. Waking up to the skyline of Rotterdam was something else.

Our top picks:

Euromast Tower – for panoramic views (and a mild adrenaline rush if you dare to abseil)
Markthal – a food lover’s paradise and architectural masterpiece
Cube Houses – fascinating to look at, mildly nausea-inducing to tour (or maybe that was just me… still not fully recovered)

Rotterdam’s energy is contagious – it’s a place that invites you to look forward.

Stop no.5: The Hague

Our final stop was The Hague – a short, sweet farewell to this amazing country. The city has a certain elegance that contrasts nicely with the techy buzz of Rotterdam.

We didn’t have much time here, but we made the most of it. That included one final 3-kilometer march with those 28-kg backpacks. Trust me, the backs were sore, but the memories? Totally worth it.

And perhaps the greatest highlight? A simple, soul-saving lasagna from a little Italian restaurant next to our hotel that finally cured me (Lory) of my travel-induced misery. Sometimes, comfort comes in layers – of pasta.

Final conclusions on our Netherlands experience

While we learned our lesson the hard way, the Netherlands train-trip was one of our most memorable trips ever, as it set us on a path of discovery and self-improvement when it comes to the way we travel.

From the storybook charm of canal-laced cities to the peaceful rhythm of the countryside, the Netherlands is a destination that blends culture, history, and natural beauty with effortless grace.

And the best part? Thanks to the country’s efficient and scenic rail network, the easiest—and most enjoyable—way to explore it all is by train. It’s fast, eco-friendly, and offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing Dutch landscape.

Ready to start planning your own Dutch escape? Here are the hotels we stayed at during our journey: