Lifestyle News in English

Latest lifestyle headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

NU+ | Taking a 'ballot selfie'? What is and isn't allowed at the polling station
nu

NU+ | Taking a 'ballot selfie'? What is and isn't allowed at the polling station

Ahead of the Dutch general elections this Wednesday, voters are being informed of the specific rules and regulations to follow at polling stations. These guidelines cover permissible actions such as t...

Homebuyers increasingly skipping structural inspections: 'Don't buy if in doubt'
nu

Homebuyers increasingly skipping structural inspections: 'Don't buy if in doubt'

Due to high pressure in the housing market, an increasing number of homebuyers are choosing to skip structural inspections to secure properties. However, experts warn that this practice can lead to si...

NU+ | The elections are around the corner: how do you decide who to vote for?
nu

NU+ | The elections are around the corner: how do you decide who to vote for?

With the Dutch House of Representatives elections scheduled to take place in less than a week, voters are currently navigating a wide array of political positions and voting aids. This article explore...

NU+ | Voting in another municipality? You must arrange a voter pass now
nu

NU+ | Voting in another municipality? You must arrange a voter pass now

Voters wishing to cast their ballot in a different municipality during the Dutch general elections must apply for a special voter pass now. Since standard polling cards only permit voting within one's...

The thumping of ADE: what can you do about noise pollution?
nu

The thumping of ADE: what can you do about noise pollution?

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), currently taking place in Amsterdam as the world's largest electronic music festival, is causing significant noise pollution for local residents. While thousands atten...

Guilt after divorce: 'Don't burden your child with it'
nu

Guilt after divorce: 'Don't burden your child with it'

Dutch actress Jelka van Houten has shared her personal struggle with long-term guilt following her divorce and her journey toward letting those feelings go. The article explores the common phenomenon ...

NU+ | Reorganization or mass layoffs at your company: how to survive?
nu

NU+ | Reorganization or mass layoffs at your company: how to survive?

Major companies such as Nestlé, ING, and NPO have announced significant layoffs and reorganizations, with some positions being replaced by artificial intelligence. The article explores effective stra...

NU+ | Not like in Maarheeze: how to safely dispose of fireworks
nu

NU+ | Not like in Maarheeze: how to safely dispose of fireworks

A gas station in Maarheeze was evacuated this week after two high-powered "cobra" fireworks were found soaked in water, a method the police warn is dangerous rather than safe. The incident highlights ...

NU+ | Sustainable flying or organic coffee: how reliable are such claims?
nu

NU+ | Sustainable flying or organic coffee: how reliable are such claims?

The Dutch consumer organization Consumentenbond recently reprimanded travel company Corendon for making vague sustainability claims regarding its flights. This incident highlights ongoing concerns abo...

How to prevent your luggage from getting lost on a flight: ‘A strap around your suitcase increases the risk’
ad

How to prevent your luggage from getting lost on a flight: ‘A strap around your suitcase increases the risk’

Travel experts offer advice on how to prevent luggage from being lost or accidentally taken by other passengers at the airport. They warn that while colorful identifiers are common, adding an external...

NU+ | Power outages will be more frequent this winter: what should you do?
nu

NU+ | Power outages will be more frequent this winter: what should you do?

Dutch grid operator Enexis has warned that power outages are more likely to occur this winter, advising residents to prepare by keeping flashlights easily accessible. The utility provider is offering ...

NU+ | What is your Pokémon card, Barbie or action figure worth now?
nu

NU+ | What is your Pokémon card, Barbie or action figure worth now?

Vintage toys such as Pokémon cards, Barbies, and G.I. Joe action figures are currently reaching values of hundreds of euros due to high demand driven by nostalgia. Dealer Andy Chen notes that the mar...

Hidden for centuries, secret imperial tunnel under the Colosseum opens to the public
ad

Hidden for centuries, secret imperial tunnel under the Colosseum opens to the public

A secret imperial tunnel under Rome's Colosseum, known as the "Passage of Commodus," will open to the public for the first time later this month. Historically used by emperors to enter and exit the am...

Better not buy your ski pass at the ticket window: 'Everyone will use dynamic pricing within five years'
ad

Better not buy your ski pass at the ticket window: 'Everyone will use dynamic pricing within five years'

Ski resorts are increasingly adopting dynamic pricing models, making on-site ticket purchases significantly more expensive as demand reaches record highs. Experts predict that most slopes will impleme...

South Tyrol hotel owners fear empty rooms due to unusual tax
ad

South Tyrol hotel owners fear empty rooms due to unusual tax

Starting in 2026, the Italian region of South Tyrol plans to introduce a tourist tax for dogs brought along by vacationers. Local hotel owners are expressing concern that the new fee will lead to vaca...

Domestic holidays to become much more expensive next year, Efteling also affected
ad

Domestic holidays to become much more expensive next year, Efteling also affected

Domestic holidays and overnight stays in the Netherlands will become significantly more expensive starting in January due to a substantial tax increase. This change affects various accommodations such...

Gijs experiences unprecedented ice adventures during arduous sailing trip impossible for years: ‘It was magical’
ad

Gijs experiences unprecedented ice adventures during arduous sailing trip impossible for years: ‘It was magical’

Skipper Gijs Sluik and his crew completed a 52-day sailing expedition through icy waters, encountering polar bears and severe storms along the way. The journey, which was historically impossible but i...

Ryanair and Wizz Air in court: dozens of passengers in Eindhoven with fake passports or without visas
ad

Ryanair and Wizz Air in court: dozens of passengers in Eindhoven with fake passports or without visas

Ryanair and Wizz Air are facing legal action in a Den Bosch court for transporting dozens of passengers with invalid documentation to Eindhoven Airport. The airlines are accused of flying foreign nati...

Het Parool is looking for Amsterdammers living in small spaces – and their clever solutions
parool

Het Parool is looking for Amsterdammers living in small spaces – and their clever solutions

The Amsterdam newspaper *Het Parool* is seeking local residents who live in tiny spaces to share their creative housing solutions for its video series "Kleinbehuisd." Participants are invited to show ...

KLM ground staff to strike: canceled flights will be rebooked, here is how it works
ad

KLM ground staff to strike: canceled flights will be rebooked, here is how it works

KLM ground staff are scheduled to strike at Schiphol Airport this Wednesday, leading to potential flight cancellations and disruptions. Passengers affected by the strike will have their flights rebook...

These are the 7 most beautiful specialty shops in Amsterdam
parool

These are the 7 most beautiful specialty shops in Amsterdam

This article profiles seven unique specialty shops in Amsterdam that offer niche products and historical charm, ranging from the 18th-century drugstore Jacob Hooy to the button specialist De Knopenwin...

Transavia and easyJet fall short in assisting stranded travelers, Consumers' Association complains to inspectorate
ad

Transavia and easyJet fall short in assisting stranded travelers, Consumers' Association complains to inspectorate

The Dutch Consumers' Association has filed a complaint with the national aviation authority against airlines Transavia and easyJet. The organization alleges that both companies are failing to comply w...

Stitches needed for bites to legs: emergency center reports rise in aggressive sea bass attacks
ad

Stitches needed for bites to legs: emergency center reports rise in aggressive sea bass attacks

The VHD Emergency Center in Deventer reports that dozens of tourists required medical attention this summer due to bites from aggressive sea bass and other fish in the Mediterranean Sea. Some victims ...

By bike on the tracks: pedaling along Europe’s most beautiful old railway lines
ad

By bike on the tracks: pedaling along Europe’s most beautiful old railway lines

Numerous former European railway lines have been converted into scenic bicycle paths that traverse historic bridges, tunnels, and old train stations. This article highlights eleven of the most beautif...

Suitcase row escalates at Eindhoven Airport: five-year ban from Transavia and KLM
ad

Suitcase row escalates at Eindhoven Airport: five-year ban from Transavia and KLM

A Belgian passenger has been banned from flying with Transavia and KLM for five years following a dispute over a trolley suitcase at Eindhoven Airport last year. The conflict with ground staff escalat...

These are the cheapest destinations for a last-minute holiday
ad

These are the cheapest destinations for a last-minute holiday

Booking a last-minute holiday can be significantly cheaper than a pre-planned trip as the peak summer season concludes. However, the potential for savings depends heavily on a traveler's flexibility a...

Tourists rave about the Netherlands: 'Highest number of visitors since corona'
ad

Tourists rave about the Netherlands: 'Highest number of visitors since corona'

In June, the Netherlands saw its highest number of foreign tourists since the pandemic, with nearly 2.4 million visitors staying in hotels and holiday parks. This represents a significant increase com...

How the Dutch can better understand the French: ‘Don’t move chairs around on the terrace’
ad

How the Dutch can better understand the French: ‘Don’t move chairs around on the terrace’

Francophile Dewi van Deurzen investigates the complex love-hate relationship between Dutch tourists and French locals for the weekend magazine Mezza. The article explores why millions of Dutch visitor...

From refugees to flirting Dutch: Lesbos back in the spotlight
ad

From refugees to flirting Dutch: Lesbos back in the spotlight

The Greek island of Lesbos is experiencing a shift in public perception, moving away from its long-standing association with the refugee crisis toward becoming a popular destination for Dutch tourists...

It is nearly 39 degrees in Spain's 'coolest' region: how is the country coping?
ad

It is nearly 39 degrees in Spain's 'coolest' region: how is the country coping?

Spain has been experiencing a heatwave for ten days, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius across the country, including typically cooler regions. The extreme weather is expected to pers...