Travel Makers 2025 Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise

Fringed by the North Sea, the Netherlands is a country in northwestern Europe known for its colourful tulip fields, windmills, UNESCO- listed canals and endless cycling routes. More than half the country lies below sea level, and these famed Dutch windmills have helped to pump water over the dykes since the 13th century. The Netherlands boasts one of the most striking coastlines in Northern Europe. Visitors can look forward to exploring the beautiful capital of Amsterdam featuring the Rijksmuseum, the famous Van Gogh Museum and the world-renowned Anne Frank’s house; cycle along almost 32000 kilometres of bike routes through the scenic flat-as-a-pancake landscapes, and visit one of the laid-back atmospheric cafes known for their cozy corners and warm conversations filling the air.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: KLM, Transavia 
International Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 
Domestic Airports: Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Dutch cuisine reflects its maritime history and includes dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and haring (herring). Notable local drinks include Dutch beer, jenever (Dutch gin), and Dutch liqueurs like advocaat. 
Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: 700 - 900 mm 
Average temperature: 10°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 22°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 6°C 
Average lows: 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit the Netherlands is from April to October when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring cities and countryside. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Stretching from the Alps to the Baltic and North Seas, Germany makes for inspiring, fascinating and invigorating travel. Spend one day exploring half-timbered medieval towns and spectacular baroque palaces in Bavaria, and the next immersing yourself in fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Metropolises such as Berlin provide a world of variety, with renowned historic attractions Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin wall right next to the top techno clubs on earth. Art and design explode in continual evolution, with Weimar providing the mecca for fans of Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus Movement, and forward-thinking galleries dotted all over the country. Nature lovers have a paradise to explore, including pristine Alpine pistes, huge glimmering lakes, and thousands of miles of dense forest dotted with curative thermal springs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Germany's world-famous beer, sausage, and 'stollen'.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings 
International Airports: Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport 
Domestic Airports: Berlin Tegel Airport, Hamburg Airport, Düsseldorf Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

German cuisine is diverse and hearty, known for dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Beer is a significant part of German culture, with a wide variety of styles brewed across the country. Notable local drinks include beer (especially wheat beer), Riesling wine, and schnapps. 
Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: 700 - 1100 mm 
Average temperature: 9.6°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20-25°C 
Average lows: 10-15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0-5°C 
Average lows: -5 to 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Germany is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are plentiful. Christmas markets in December also offer a festive atmosphere. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Austrian Airlines 
International Airports: Vienna International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Salzburg Airport, Innsbruck Airport, Graz Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Austrian cuisine is diverse and hearty, influenced by its neighboring countries. It includes dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Notable local drinks include Austrian wine, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and Stiegl beer. 
Tipping: Around 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by season 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0°C 
Average lows: -5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Winter is also popular for skiing and enjoying Christmas markets. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Slovakia is a landlocked nation in the heart of Central Europe, bordered by Poland and the Czech Republic to the north, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west and Ukraine to the east. Known for its fascinating old cities, its preponderance of historic castles and its immense natural beauty, visitors of every persuasion are sure to find something enchanting about Slovakia - one of Europe’s best-kept tourist secrets. From the compact, cosmopolitan capital of Bratislava, with its picturesque old town and buzzing nightlife, it is easy to make trips to the primeval forests and rugged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains to the north, and to the scenic regions of the east, where the countryside is dotted with historic chateaux, and medieval towns are presided over by majestic castles.

Currency 

The currency of Slovakia is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h00-18h00 

Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa and Maestro and Visa Electron debit cards are widely accepted.

ATMs are widely available in Slovakia and machines are generally reliable.

American Express, Thomas Cook and Visa traveller's cheques are accepted in banks and at bureaux de change. Exchange rate charges are at least 1% of the nominal cheque value. To avoid additional charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Czech Airlines runs domestic flights within Slovakia. Since distances are not too great, it’s generally easier and better value to use the excellent bus and rail network.

The major routes run from Bratislava to Presov and Kosice, via Kralovany and Poprad. The network of roads and supporting services is dense and reliable. Motorways are equipped with emergency telephones every half a mile or less.

Travellers’ can book self-drive cars through the tourist office in main towns and resorts, or at Bratislava airport. Drivers must be over 18 (although some companies require the driver to be over 21).

These are available in all the main towns and are metered and cheap; higher fares are charged at night.

Slovakia's size and comparatively quiet roads make it relatively easy for visitors to get around under their own steam, either by car, motorbike or bicycle. Cycling in Slovakia is one of the best ways to see the sights through rolling countryside and forests and by the side of lakes, rivers and vineyards. Several companies offer mountain-bike tours and it‘s possible to hire mountain or road bikes in all major cities.

Buses are more expensive than trains, although weekend bus fares are sharply reduced. Slovak Lines is the country’s major bus service provider with connections to many domestic and international destinations.

Buses, trolleybuses and trams exist in Bratislava and several other towns. All the cities operate flat-fare systems, and pre-purchase passes are available. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is usually required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service.

InterRail One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Slovakia. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by an adult using an Adult Pass. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Eurail Slovakia Pass: offers travel for three, four, five or eight days in one month within Slovakia. Available to non-EU nationals from Eurail.

Traditional Slovak eating and drinking habits date back to the old Slavic period influenced later by Austrian, German and Hungarian cooking. Slovak food revolves around a variety of soups, gruels, boiled and stewed vegetables, roast and smoked meats and dairy products. The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialities include both sweet and savoury dishes made with flour, including dumplings.

Popular drinks include Slovak beer, wine and mineral waters. Wine from the Tokaj region and sparkling wine from the Bratislava region are particular specialities. Restaurants and other catering establishments are many and varied, including cafés, buffets, snack bars, inns, alehouses and wine taverns. All restaurants are graded according to quality. The main meal of the day is usually lunch, comprising soup, a main dish, and dessert.

A 5 to 10% tip is usual.

Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Tap water is generally regarded as safe to drink.

Slovakia lies in a moderate zone and possesses a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average daily temperature in Bratislava in winter is -2°C (31°F), rising to 21°C (70°F) in the summer. January is the coldest month, the hottest being July and August. The highest peaks are snow-capped 130 days a year.

Electrical sockets in Guyana are one of two electrical socket types:  Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type E (CEE 7/5 Schuko).  If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Guyana usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

More than 2000 years of turbulent history have resulted in a fascinating country that boasts a wealth of historical attractions within the Hungarian countryside and in its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. No European tour would be complete with a trip to this sophisticated capital, a bohemian metropolis with an array of attractions in the form of museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings as well as a thriving nightlife and numerous gastronomic establishments that thrill food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Beyond the cities, Hungary’s natural beauty unfolds in all its glorious splendour. The countryside is strewn with charming towns and villages adorned with medieval squares and picturesque castles. Visitors can take in the panoramic views of the vineyards around Eger, relax in the thermal mineral baths of Balatonfured, or stroll around the charming old-world towns of the gorgeous Danube Bend. Hungary's remarkable landscapes and its array of cultural delights make it a wonderful addition to any European holiday itinerary.

Currency 

Local currency: Hungarian Forint 
Symbol: Ft 
ISO code: HUF 
Subunit: Filler 
Banknotes: Ft500, Ft1000, Ft2000, Ft5000, Ft10000, Ft20000 
Coins: Ft5, Ft10, Ft20, Ft50, Ft100, Ft200 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (varied hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair 
International Airports: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Debrecen International Airport, Hévíz-Balaton Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Hungarian cuisine boasts hearty dishes like goulash, paprika chicken, and lángos (deep-fried flatbread). Traditional desserts include dobos torte and kürtőskalács (chimney cake). Notable local drinks include pálinka (fruit brandy), Tokaji wine, and Unicum liqueur. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 600 - 800 mm 
Average temperature: 11°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 2°C 
Average lows: -4°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Hungary is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.