I've lived in the Netherlands for 10 years. Here are the 6 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

I've lived in the Netherlands for 10 years and see tourists make many of the same mistakes.Taiga/ShutterstockI'm an American who's lived in the Netherlands for 10 years.I think visitors should expand their Dutch travel itineraries beyond just Amsterdam.Expecting small talk and American-style customer service are other mistakes I see frequently.Wandering into a Dutch bike lane is a fast track to two things: a near-death experience and an unexpected lesson in Dutch curse words.After living in the Netherlands for the past decade, I've seen tourists repeatedly make this mistake — and many others.Whether you're spending a weekend in Amsterdam or venturing farther north to Groningen, knowing what not to do can make all the difference. Here are the six biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit the Netherlands.Only visiting AmsterdamI recommend visiting other Dutch cities like Groningen during your trip.Sarah VeldmanIf your entire Dutch travel itinerary is based in Amsterdam, I think you're making a mistake.Sure, the iconic city is featured in travel guides for a reason — romantic canals, the Van Gogh Museum, and an army of bikers with zero fear, come to mind — but there's so much more to the Netherlands.Instead, I recommend visiting cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Groningen. Like Amsterdam, they have adorable Dutch houses and lots of charm, but are generally quieter and see fewer groups of tourists.Traveling to popular tourist destinations without planning aheadI recommend purchasing tickets for popular tourist attractions ahead of time.AaronChenPS2/ShutterstockIf your plan is to wing it in the Netherlands, you'll likely be disappointed.I recommend booking tickets for popular tourist excursions like Keukenhof (one of the world's most famous gardens, best known for its tulips) or the Anne Frank House ahead of your trip.Otherwise, you risk spending the majority of your trip in line with the other hopefuls.Expecting small talkIn my experience, many people in the Netherlands don't engage in small talk — although, the weather is exempt from this, as complaining about the rain, or the lack thereof, is basically a national sport.However, this tends to surprise many first-time visitors. I've noticed people here don't typically ask how your day's going while bagging your groceries, unless it looks like your day has been a dumpster fire. Even then, I wouldn't expect a lot of sympathy.The Dutch are known for their efficiency and getting to the point, and once you get used to it, the directness is kind of refreshing.Walking in the bike laneTourists should avoid walking in the bike lanes.Hadrian/ShutterstockThose red paths at the side of the road aren't decorative — they're high-speed lanes for cyclists with zero patience. Most importantly, they're not safe for pedestrians. Pro tip: If you hear a bell, move, and make it quick.Anticipating American-style customer serviceIf you're used to American-style customer service where the waiter checks on you every five minutes, the Dutch approach might feel way more hands-off.In my experience, servers won't typically try to upsell you the truffle fries or ask if you're "still working on that." Instead, it's common for patrons to just flag waiters if they need something.I also wouldn't stress about tipping. Rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated, but not expected.Booking accommodations in the city centerI recommend staying in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam.Jason Wells/ShutterstockBooking a place to stay in the middle of the city might seem like a good idea. However, there will likely be lots of noise.Cities like Amsterdam have quieter neighborhoods, like De Pijp or Jordaan, with all the charm but fewer crowds (and significantly less yelling at 3 a.m.). In my experience, you'll also find more locals, better coffee, and aesthetic shops.Staying just a little outside the chaos means you can still get the vibe you're looking for, but with a good night's sleep. Your future jet-lagged self will thank you.Read the original article on Business Insider

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