The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe, which is one of the founding members of the European Union. The red-light district, fields of tulips and unconventional cafes are what most people think of when planning a trip to the Netherlands. However, the country can give you much more than you imagine.

How to get to the Netherlands?

You can get to the country any way you like: by bus or car, by train or ferry and, of course, by plane. No doubt the last option is the most convenient and fastest. Airfares mainly depend on the flight (direct/indirect), the country of departure and the time of year.

Estimated prices for direct flights:

• seasonal period: spring-summer, September and Christmas. Starting price for a single ticket is USD 270;

• low season: prices start to fall from October to June (except during the holidays). Prices reach their lowest point in January. The starting price for a single ticket is USD 120.

The main airport in the country is Schiphol.

Also, a fairly common travel option is by bus or car, or more precisely, road travel. Bus tours in Europe have been gaining popularity in recent years since they've got a lot of advantages:

• cheap: the cost of a four-day tour starts at $70;

• scope: bus tours are designed for several neighbouring countries. You can travel from three to ten countries during one trip;

• no planning: from collecting documents and planning your itinerary to booking hotels and tours, the travel agent will do everything for you;

• company: even if you don't have a friend who wants to travel with you, you won't be on the trip alone.

However, there are also disadvantages to such trips, including the long journey, the lack of free time in each country, and tying in with the tour programme.

Customs control

Some of the country's customs control rules:

• Personal items can be carried in hand luggage without declaration: laptop, camera, sports equipment, as long as the total value does not exceed USD 150;

• Importation of up to 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of strong spirit, and 2 litres of wine (18+) is allowed;

• It is not possible to import/export cash of €10,000 or more;

• If you are travelling with a pet, the animal must be microchipped and vaccinated and registered on you.

How to apply for a tourist visa

As the Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Agreement and a member of the European Union, the country's visa policy here follows the same rules. All EU and Schengen citizens have visa-free entry to the country.

If you want to visit the Netherlands for a short period (up to 90 days), you will need a visa. How to apply for a visa depends on your country. A legal advisor will help you determine whether you need a visa and, if so, which type.

A basic list of documents you may need:

• passport;

• two passport photographs;

• a completed visa application form;

• bank statement as proof of solvency;

• medical insurance;

• reservations or purchased return tickets;

• proof of accommodation booking;

• payment of the visa fee.

Where to go and what to see in the Netherlands? 

The Netherlands is not just about Amsterdam. Of course, a visit to the capital should be on your wish list, but don't forget that there is much more to see here.

• Alkmaar and Gouda: there's a reason why the two cities share the same position. Alkmaar is a cheese city that is famous for its cheese market. The historic city has 399 national heritage sites and 700 municipal monuments. Great for a day trip. Surprisingly, Gouda is also a cheese city. Probably everyone has been worth a Gouda and has heard of it at least once in their life. And even though the town's houses are made of brick and not cheese, it's a must-visit.

• The Frisian Islands: on one of the 5 islands, also known as the Watt Islands, you can enjoy beautiful nature, beaches and a real sense of originality. However, in summer, the island of Terschelling is very popular as a party destination for young people in the Netherlands.

• Kinderdijk: a village in the south of the Netherlands, world-famous for its mills. These 19 mills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the most important tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

• Lisse: an area in the south of the country where the world-famous Keukenhof flower park is located. Keukenhof attracts more than 900,000 visitors each year with its tulips.

In addition to everything mentioned above, the country has many national parks, architectural monuments, castles, museums and institutions that every tourist should visit.