Episode 12: Gerrit Van den Berg - Amsterdam & The Netherlands
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Gerrit van den Berg, a Dutch local and founder of Hidden Holland, who shares his passion for showing travellers the authentic Netherlands beyond the tourist traps. We dive deep into what makes Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands so special and why authentic local experiences trump typical tourist activities every time.
What We Discuss
- Gerrit's story: What makes HiddenHolland different to other tours
- Discovering the Real Netherlands: Why real authentic experiences are what motivates him
- The Highlights:
- Hidden gems in Amsterdam away from the crowds
- Charming medieval cities like Amersfoort and Deventer
- Cultural insights into Dutch directness and local customs
- Postcard-perfect photography spots tourists miss
- Practical Bits: Where to find authentic experiences along with local tips
- Local Insights: "Those things you only know when you live somewhere" - the insider knowledge that transforms ordinary trips
Key Takeaways
- The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss: Exploring beyond Amsterdam to discover medieval Dutch cities
- Discovering the best time to travel to the Netherlands.
- How to experience the Netherlands like a local: Focus on authentic cultural experiences rather than tourist clichés
- Common mistakes travellers make and how to overcome them.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Best time to travel: Most people do not realise that it is a all year round destination.
- Attractions: Medieval cities, the (real) Tulip season, hidden Amsterdam gems.
- Useful Apps/Websites:
- Hidden Holland - hiddenholland.com - Comprehensive guide to authentic Dutch experiences
- Truly Expat Travel - My 7 day Itinerary
Connect with Gerrit van den Berg
- Website: hiddenholland.com
- Services: Travel advice, vacation coaching, private tours
- Contact: Available for 1-on-1 video calls to create personalised Netherlands itineraries
Next Week I'll be chatting with Amanda about her love affair with Salemi - you won't want to miss her story about how she ended up moving there fulltime.
Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com - I'd love to hear your story!
Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please l
If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.
Travel with peace of mind: SafetyWingsGet covered in 180+ countries with flexible monthly subscriptions starting at just $45.08.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Find me on:
Website: Truly Expat Travel
Facebook: Truly Expat
Instagram: Truly Expat Travel
TikTok: Truly Expat
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.