Are you planning a vacation soon? You are not alone. This coming weekend, the roads and airports will be busy again. So-called wildcard days can help spread the crowds and reduce holiday congestion. Travel organizations advocate for their implementation.
During the summer period, many people go on vacation. Black Saturdays are the busiest days for holiday traffic, especially on the roads. But many people also depart for their destination on other days. This leads to long traffic jams and queues at airports. Fenny Koppen, CEO of the travel organization Riksja Travel, advocates for wildcard days so that families can also go on vacation at other times.
“We work with many families. And they are really stuck to the holidays,” she tells Metro. “That is exactly the reason why prices are much higher in the summer. We notice that in the hotels we work with, they are fully booked in the summer and have plenty of space outside the peak seasons. The crowds should be better spread out.”
In various countries, parents can use wildcard days. Children can then take a certain number of days off per year at a time that suits them. “Ideally, you would let parents plan the holidays completely on their own, but of course, that is not possible. By giving them, for example, five wildcard days, you already have much more spread.” Did you know that you can recognize Dutch tourists by a certain piece of clothing? Metro explained earlier how that works.
Koppen’s company also has to charge high prices to customers who travel with them in the summer. According to her, the travel organization cannot do anything about it. “It is market forces, so we have little influence on it. It is a shame because it is not necessary at all.”
After this Friday, the North region will also have holidays. This means that all schools in the country are closed. The summer holidays in the Middle and South regions recently started. “This means that it will be mega busy at, for example, Schiphol. It will be almost impossible to get through.”
Koppen also advocates for her own parish a bit. She herself has two children who go to school. “We also go away during the busy period because there is no other option.” Does she have any tips to make the trip as easy as possible? “We always ask for a ‘fastpass’. This way, you can get through the baggage check faster. And the most important tip: let it come over you. It is part of the journey. Do not worry too much about holiday congestion.”
During the summer, most families go on vacation. But also, in the May holiday, many people get in the car or on the plane. There is a lot to be gained here. Because “many schools give a two-week May holiday. They often announce this late in the year. If they do it earlier, people can already book their holidays then.”
The Christmas holiday, which lasts two weeks, is not such a popular holiday period. “Couples still go away then. But families want to celebrate Christmas with their grandparents. If they go away, it is often for a ski holiday or a beach holiday.”
Wildcard days work well in Germany
Wildcard days could provide a lot of breathing space during peak holiday periods. In Germany, the days are already being used for this reason, with success. However, the Dutch government seems not to be interested in it yet. “Travel organization ANVR also wants it. They have already discussed it with the government. But so far, without results,” explains the travel expert.
Another factor is that our holiday destinations are changing. Previously, the Dutch always sought the sun. But because it is often very hot in the south, more and more people are heading north. “Nature destinations are very popular with our customers. Scandinavia, for example.” Metro previously tipped other cooler holiday destinations.
Get ahead of the holiday crowds: prepare well
Earlier, Metro gave tips on how to survive black Saturday as a driver. But how can you ensure you can travel by plane relaxed? Here are some tips:
– Leave well in advance. It is better to be early than late. Be at least 2 hours before departure for a European flight and at least 3 hours before departure for an intercontinental flight.
– Take the train. You won’t be stuck in traffic and won’t have to pay for a parking spot;
– Are you still going by car? Reserve a parking spot online;
– Travel with hand luggage if possible, this saves a lot of time;
– Download the app of the airport you depart from, it often provides up-to-date information on crowds and departure times;
– Check the rules, for example, regarding the transport of liquids. This way, you prevent hassle at customs.
Here are more tips for those going on a flight vacation.
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