According to a comprehensive survey of 7,000 adults across seven European countries (UK, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Germany), the Dutch overwhelmingly prefer spending weekends away with just their partner (57%), followed by with children (28%) or friends (20%). They favor destinations within their own country. If choosing a celebrity companion, top picks are Chantal Janzen, Humberto Tan, Johnny de Mol, and Anouk. Key barriers include money (43%), lack of time (23%), and work (14%).
The Dutch rank as the least spontaneous among the seven nations when planning ideal weekends. Top activities include dining out (47%), meeting friends and family (37%), or going for walks (34%).
Dutch respondents envision a perfect weekend balancing activity (50%) and relaxation (50%), unlike other countries where relaxation dominates (63% vs. 37% activity). Bad weather is the primary spoiler, with a preferred temperature of 22°C—2 degrees cooler than the European average. Temperatures of 30°C or higher feel too hot. Money and time shortages also hinder enjoyment.
A great Dutch weekend averages $182 in spending. Men allocate 39% more than women ($211 vs. $152). In the Randstad region, it's slightly higher at €206 on average, while the east spends the least at €161.
Enjoy affordable getaways without breaking the bank or your schedule—a short road trip by car is ideal. Handy travel apps can save significantly on costs, time, and hassles.
