When and Where to see Tulips in the Netherlands

Seeing tulips in the Netherlands is a draw for many travelers. These colorful flowers symbolize a change in seasons, are synonymous with the history of the Netherlands, and are a current global export. They are a must see!

One question we hear year after year:

When is the best time to see the tulips in the Netherlands?

Mid-April is the textbook answer. However, many people don’t realize that tulip time actually spans from late March through mid-May. You will see tulips in varying amounts through these 8 or so weeks. This means that spring break travelers, cruise travelers, and even early May vacationers will all have an opportunity to see tulips.

Why? The tulip season in my local area doesn’t last that long.

The secret to this unusually long tulip season is the more than 3,000 varieties of tulips spanning 150 species. Over the years, a spectrum of growing periods has evolved. A savvy gardener anywhere can have tulips from March to May. The Dutch have perfected this tulip cultivation strategy in the Netherlands, so you can be sure to see tulips at a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens anytime over the spring—in fact, they guarantee it! This Park has over 7 million tulip bulbs and is the best place to see the many different varieties of tulips.

If you’re heading to the bulb fields in Noord Holland, you’ll still see flowers, but early travelers may see blanketed fields of crocus, hyacinths, or other early spring flowers. The optimum time for seeing tulips in the fields is mid-April.

Red and orange tulip fields in the Netherlands

Not coming to the Netherlands in the Spring?

Even if you plan to visit sometime other than spring, you’ll still be able to see tulips in the Netherlands if you know where to look. The tulip is a commodity that is bought and sold daily. Head to the Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer to see the international flower market as buyers and sellers vie to stock floral shops all over Europe. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of the flower. They also have a bunch of growing guides if you feel inspired to cultivate this iconic flower in your own garden. If you want to mix tulips and souvenirs, the Floating Flower Market or Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam has tulips and bulbs for sale year-round.

If you visit the Netherlands in September, you’ll have the pick of flower parades. While they may not showcase tulips, they certainly highlight the Dutch history and love for flowers. The Flower Parade in Zundert is held on the first Sunday in September, and the Flower Parade in Lichtenvoorde is held on the second Sunday in September. The Flower Parade in Winkel is the fourth Sunday of the month. All have giant themed floats colored by flowers, are quite the site to see, and advanced tickets are needed.

Are you ready to book your Spring travel to the Netherlands?

We offer a variety of group tours and vacation packages to choose from, so contact us today to start planning!

A Message to our Valued Clients:

We are here for you. During this time of uncertainty, we understand that your trip is very important to you. You’ve invested in your travel and have been anticipating an amazing experience. We want you to be reassured that your trip is very important to us, too.

We are here for you to take your questions, address your concerns, advocate for you in our communications with suppliers, and to find a solution that best serves you. Our team is working extremely hard to provide you with information and updates as quickly as possible. With many variables to consider for each client’s reservation and evolving policy changes from suppliers, we appreciate your patience and understanding if our turnarounds are longer than usual to return your call or provide answers.

We are here for you. Our Grand Rapids team continues to operate during our usual business hours, although we have temporarily closed our office doors to visitors as a precaution. In the meantime, we have done everything necessary so that we can maintain the same high quality of service that has been our standard since 1975.

Many of you face challenges of your own as a result of this global event, and you are at the top of our minds. We are here for you, to manage booking adjustments on your behalf so that you can focus on taking care of your own needs.

We are here for you. You are the reason we are here, working around the clock to react quickly to the latest developments. And you are the reason we continue to be here, providing exceptional travel experiences to individuals and groups in West Michigan and beyond, for more than 45 years. We value you, and we are grateful for your business and your continued support.

The REAL ID Act

Flying after January 22, 2018?

Be prepared, identification rules are changing on domestic flights.

(Note this information is up-to-date as of 11/10/2017)

Who is affected by this?

Everyone. If you are flying within the United States you will need to be aware of the new rules.

What is changing?

Anyone traveling domestically will need a REAL-ID compliant state-issued driver’s license or ID to pass security and board an airplane, otherwise, alternate forms of identification are needed.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued form of identification that passes certain security standards set by Congress. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.

Do I have a REAL ID?

If your driver’s license or ID card has a gold star in a circle on it you have a REAL-ID compliant driver’s. Most often this is found on the top right. Enhanced driver’s licenses are also REAL-ID compliant.

Do the rules apply to me?

Not if you live in Michigan. Michigan has an extension to October 1, 2020. If you live in another state you can check your state’s compliance deadlines here.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Does this just affect flights?

No. After the deadline, a REAL ID-compliant license or ID will be required for domestic air travel or entering a military base, nuclear power plant and certain federal buildings.

What happens to my Standard License or ID after the deadlines?

Nothing. You can still use your standard driver’s license for driving. Both standard licenses and state ID’s will still be accepted as identification for voting, applying for or receiving Federal benefits, cashing checks, renting vehicles, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, or entering casinos.

What do the different cards look like?

You can see images of a Michigan standard card, a REAL ID-compliant card, and an enhanced card by clicking here.

How do I Apply for a REAL ID?

If you are applying for your first Michigan driver’s license or ID card visit a Secretary of State office and provide the proper forms of identification required.
If you are renewing a Michigan driver’s license or ID card check your renewal notice, it will say whether your card is REAL ID compliant. If your renewal notice says you are compliant your new card will have a star printed on it. If your renewal notice says you are not compliant you will have to visit a Secretary of State office to provide more forms of identification. Read your renewal notice carefully to see what documentation you will need to bring with you. You cannot apply for a REAL ID online or via mail.

What does a REAL ID cost?

In Michigan, if you are up for a standard license or ID card renewal or are applying for your first card, standard driver’s license and ID card fees apply. If you apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID outside of your normal renewal cycle a correction fee will be charged.

Do minors need a REAL ID?

TSA doesn’t require children under 18 to provide identification if they are traveling with a companion. The companion will need acceptable identification.

What if I have a passport card?

TSA considers passport cards an acceptable form of identification. After the deadlines, you can use this instead of a REAL-ID for domestic travel. Click here for a list of other acceptable forms of identification.

For the latest information visit the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Act website.

Linking Cruises: Combining two (or more) cruise itineraries

Did you know that you can “link” cruises together? In other words, you can combine itineraries to turn, for example, a 7-day cruise into a 14-day or 21-day (or longer) cruise. My husband and I frequently link on Princess Cruises. In recent years, we have linked Eastern and Southern, Eastern and Western and, most recently, Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean cruises during the month of January. A few years ago, we linked a British Isles cruise with a Trans-Atlantic cruise on the Royal Princess in October. The first time we did this, we learned how common it is – especially among seasoned cruisers.

Here’s an example of how to link cruises together:

Begin with a Trans-Atlantic cruise itinerary in the spring or fall. To link another cruise to this itinerary, find another cruise that ends on the first day the Trans-Atlantic cruise departs. The key is to make sure both cruises are on the same ship. Linking cruises is quite popular, and it works best if the cabin you select on cruise #1 is also open on the cruise you’re linking to. I recommend booking six months or more in advance – and watch for cruise sales! The best sale on Princess is the Anniversary Sale (early December through the end of February).

Cruise to St. John, US Virgin Islands — Who wouldn’t want to spend more time cruising through the Caribbean? (St. John, US Virgin Islands)

So how do you transfer from one cruise itinerary to the next?

On the night before the last day of the first completed cruise, you will receive a customs form and a transit card, as well as instructions explaining the transition to the next voyage and indicating where and what time to meet. You’ll probably be asked to bring your passport, transit card, current cruise card and your completed customs form.
On the day of “transit”, you will meet at the time and place indicated in your instructions, and a cruise attendant will swipe your cruise card. Once all of the transit guests are accounted for, everyone will depart the assigned area by row. A U.S. Immigration Officer will look at your passport and cruise card, and swipe your cruise card again.
It’s that easy! You don’t even have to leave the ship! Depending on how many people are “linking” cruises, this process takes approximately one hour. Of course, transit times and procedures will vary a bit, depending on the destination.

Docking in Bonaire during a Caribbean cruise — Docking in Bonaire.

Rent a condo for the winter? Or, cruise for one or two months?

On our January 2017 cruise, approximately 400 people linked two or more cruises. We also heard of a couple from Boston who stayed on the ship from January until March. They preferred cruising over renting a condo in Florida or Arizona for the winter!
A few advantages of cruising over renting a condo:

The scenery changes every day.
You don’t need a car.
All meals, entertainment, cabin cleaning, and transportation are taken care of. And there’s all kinds of activities onboard and onshore that are already planned for you.
Plus, if you’re at the highest frequent traveler level, your laundry is done for free. Otherwise, there are laundry facilities located on each passenger deck.
While in port, you have the option to explore on your own, have lunch, play a round of golf, shop, join a ship excursion, go sailing, or just stay on board the ship! The options are endless!
And the best part … you meet wonderful people from all over the world.

Are you ready to book your next back-to-back cruise? Give us a call at 800 GO WITTE (800-469-4883) or fill out our Contact Form to connect with a Certified Cruise Specialist!

Photo courtesy of kansasphoto.

Baggage Allowance and Fee Information

Each airline has their own baggage allowance and fees for checked bags, oversized/overweight bags and instruments. Click on the airlines below for more information. Note these links will take you off the Witte Travel website.

Luther’s Legacy

Experience the Heritage of the Lutheran Faith

A Lutheran heritage tour gives believers an opportunity to enrich their spiritual lives in unexpected ways. Walk in Luther’s humble footsteps across Germany. You can see the house in Eisleben where he was born to the cell in the Fortress of Wartburg where he translated the New Testament into German. Or, visit the Castle Church in Wittenberg where he nailed his 95 Theses. Experience the rich heritage of your Lutheran faith as you visit the world’s largest Reformation memorial in Worms, or stand in St. Thomas Church where Luther first introduced the Reformation in Leipzig in 1539. Travelers return from Lutheran heritage tour refreshed in mind, body, and spirit; ready to share how the tour deepened their faith and enriched their lives.

In 2017, Germany celebrated the Reformation Jubilee, the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation. More than 500 years later you can still go and celebrate Martin Luther’s remarkable legacy in the places where it all began!

Where to go:

Eisleben | Where Martin Luther was born, baptized and died.

Eisenach | In 1522, Luther hid from persecution in Wartburg Castle. During his time here he translated the New Testament from Latin to German.

Erfurt | in July 1505, Martin Luther dedicated his life to God, joining the Augustinian Monastery.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg | Where Martin Luther, lived and worked for 35 years. It was on the doors of the Wittenberg Castle Church doors that he posted his 95 theses.

Plan a Lutheran heritage tour today!

Flying Over the Holidays – Can I Bring That on a Plane?

Are you flying over the holidays?

Are you bringing your signature Thanksgiving dish to share? Do you know if your dish is allowed on a plane?

Flying over the holidays is stressful. It can seem hard to keep up with changing flight regulations. But flying over the holidays doesn’t need to be difficult. As of the date of this post (11/18/2016), here are some common Thanksgiving dishes and TSA’s rules regarding bringing them on a plane.

flying over the holidays with a turkey — Photo by Steve Johnson
Easy Turkey Thanksgiving

Can I bring a turkey on a plane? (You have to search for meat.)

Cooked Meat, Seafood and Vegetable (No Liquid)

Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes

“You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”

Fresh Meat and Seafood

Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
Checked Bags: Yes

“Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.”

Can I carry on a pumpkin pie?

Pies and Cakes

Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes

Can I bring two loaves of homemade bread with me when flying home?

Bread

Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes

“Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Looking for another dish? Or do you have questions on bringing knitting needles (yes), wrapped presents (no) or other items with you as you fly?

Check out TSA’s What Can I Bring tool. Here you’ll find up-to-date information on rules and regulations for flying over the holidays. If your item is not listed, you can send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Please remember TSA gate agents have the most up to date information and the final say on what is allowed through security.

Everyone at Witte Travel & Tours wishes you a terrific Thanksgiving. Here is to happy and safe travels!

Post updated 11/21/2018 for accuracy. Quotes come directly from TSA.

Traveling in Europe by Train

Have you ever decided to do something while traveling and then wondered if that was a good decision?
Recently, I planned a trip for my family to travel around Europe by train. We planned on visiting four countries during our vacation. After considering the pros and cons of renting a car or traveling by train, train travel stood out as the best choice for us. I have traveled by train in Europe without my family in the past and really enjoyed it, but that was years ago. What if traveling with a family was more difficult? What if I didn’t remember how to do it or screwed up and got on the wrong train or off at the wrong destination and lead my family astray? These questions swirled around in my mind.
Because we were going to several different destinations, I decided to purchase Eurail passes for each of us. Eurail offers quite a few options for passes, so you can pick the best-fitting one based on how many countries you will visit and how many days you want to travel. We purchased the Eurail Select Pass, which worked perfectly with our itinerary because it would allow us to travel throughout 4 bordering countries of our choice. Next, I looked at all of the train departure times and made reservations on the trains that required a reservation. I also downloaded the Eurail “Rail Planner” app on my phone. This app gave me access to rail schedules, made it easy to locate train stations, displayed city maps, and much more. We were well prepared before we left for Europe.

Waiting at the train platform in Salzburg, Austria

Once we arrived in Europe, we walked to the train station that was located right at the airport. By looking at the train arrival/departure monitors, we could see which track our train would come in on, as well as the exact time it was scheduled to depart. All we had to do was head to the platform and wait for the train. Once we loaded our luggage on the train, we were able to relax and enjoy the ride. After a long night of sitting cooped up on an airplane, it felt so nice to be on the train; we could get up and walk around as much as we wanted or enjoy the comfortable train seats. And the views out the windows were a great way to acclimate ourselves to our current location.

Enjoying the big windows and roomy seats on the train after a cramped overnight flight.

My family embraced riding on the train. Our teenagers were excited to discover that the “the train was just like the trains used in the Harry Potter movies.” They loved that there was a food car on most of the trains as well, and that we were served a meal on the long train rides. Traveling in Europe by train with my family was just as good as it had been when I traveled alone. The extensive rail network in Europe made it simple to transfer from one destination to the next, and getting on and off the train was much easier than I remembered. There was no reason for me to be worried at all and I will definitely plan to travel by train in Europe again.
If the ease, comfort, and convenience of train travel appeals to you, let us know and we can help you arrange rail tickets and passes for your next vacation. Witte Travel & Tours is the only agency in West Michigan that has a direct link to Rail Europe’s reservation system, so we can process rail passes quickly while avoiding costly shipping fees.
What has been your experience with traveling by train? Share your stories with us onFacebook, or let us know what you think in the comments!