Holland can be an expensive destination, and although it is well worth it, I would rather not be one of those paying more than I absolutely have to. So I have developed some special moves that never fail to save me a satisfying amount of money when I travel to Amsterdam.

Most obviously, the most expensive time to visit Holland is in April and May when the tulips are in bloom. Traveling off-season will help you save money on both accommodation and airfare. So book your trip in fall or winter (except Christmas time). Always scour the internet for your own flight bargains; I found out that Amsterdam is a stopover hub for most Asian airlines - and that you can really get a bargain traveling this way.

You can get around absurdly high hotel phone charges by either arranging with your cellphone carrier to make calls while you are in Europe, or just use apps like Skype and Vyber to make calls using the free wifi available at many cafes, and at libraries. Also before you leave, get around airport parking lot costs by using stay123.com for park and fly packages, where you book a nite at a hotel and your vacation parking is then free. I typically save about half on parking costs this way.

When actually in Amsterdam the first thing you should do is purchase I amsterdam Card. It offers a lot of benefits for its owners. There are 24, 48 or 72 hour I amsterdam cards to choose from. They are available for purchasing online with your credit card. It can also be bought at some museums and hotels, the Centraal Station, the City Transport Company or a travel agency in Amsterdam. It gives you an opportunity for free use of public transport, free canal cruise and free or discounted admission to many Amsterdam's top museums. It also offers 25% discount for various restaurants and attractions.

Together with your card you will get a free city guide and a map. There is also a list of attractions which you can visit for free including those places where you can get a discount.

Hotels in Holland are extremely expensive, but you can always book a hostel. They are way cheaper than hotels and the majority of them boast of a pretty good location close to the city center. Boutique hotels are smaller, but almost always a great price compared to larger hotels; for example Hotel Keizershof starting at $85 (!) and Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South, also surprisingly affordable at $124.

The Dutch are well-known for their love of biking. It is believed that in Holland there are more bikes than people. It is the cheapest form of transportation, and iit is safe and fast. Besides that it gives you an opportunity to experience the country up close.

In Holland and especially in Amsterdam you will see a lot of open-air markets. These are the best places to shop for souvenirs - the prices are much better than in shops. None of these ideas should interfere with your trip being an enjoyable one. Speaking for myself I always have a better time if I am able to get more, and pay less

10.05.2017