Travel information

Introduction
On the West coast of The Netherlands, you will find the most beautiful beaches against the backdrop of the highest dunes, woods, heathlands, North Sea and sand drifts. Beyond the dunes there are vast polders, which in the spring are covered with colourful fields of flowers.  

But here you can also visit historical cities and towns with picturesque canals. Great for shopping, cultural outings and relaxing at an outdoor café. Walk through the centuries-old alleys and beautiful streets.

Everything is located conveniently nearby: in just forty minutes you can drive from the North Sea to the IJsselmeer coast and the capital of Amsterdam is located within a stone's throw.

Egmond aan Zee
Over fifty years ago, 'bleekneusjes' or sickly children were sent to the fishing village of Egmond aan Zee to recuperate. The salty sea air was said to work wonders. Nowadays, the beach is a populair place for all kinds of people. With its big white lighthouse (the 'Jan van Speijk'), the beach at Egmond aan Zee always appeals to the imagination. In the cosy village of Egmond aan Zee you will find restaurants, terraces and lovely shops with a variety of clothing, accessories and must-haves. 

Bulb District
The Yearly spring festival in the Bulb area comprises almost a week of activities all connected to the colour and fragrance of the hyacinths, daffodils and tulips from the famous Bulb District. You can enjoy this spectacle in 2024 from 17th until 21st April. The highlight of this week is the parade on Saturday, when colorful floats and richly flower-decorated cars make their 42 km journey toward Haarlem. On Saturday, April 20th 2024, the 77th edition of the Flower Parade of the Bulb Region starts in Noordwijk. This fragrant and colourful spectactle is celebrated by more than a million people in one week. Lively music and exciting entertainment makes the flower parade an unique experience!

Kings Day (Koningsdag)
On 27th April, the Dutch people celebrate Kings Day. The date marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. During this national holiday there are many festivities throughout The Netherlands. Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt ("free market"), at which the Dutch sell their used items. It is also an opportunity for "orange madness" or oranjegekte, a kind of frenzy named for the national colour. A great experience to witness, especially in Amsterdam!​

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General information regarding ISSjD and your stay at hotel Zuiderduin

Clothing
The dresscode for the ISSjD is business casual. 
Please check the accurate weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing based on the actual weather conditions for the social program. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes as well. 

Expenses during event
All hotel, official program, food and beverage costs during the program are covered by the organisation with the following exceptions:

- Food & drinks after closing of official program 
- Drinks from minibar in your room
- Phone calls made with the hotel phone from your room

Telephone call with family at home
Please be aware that using the phone in your room or mobile for international calls comes with significant costs and at your own expense. We recommend you use Wi-Fi calls as this is free of charge. 

Wi-Fi
In the hotel standard internet access is provided free of charge. 
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General information when travelling to The Netherlands

Currency
In The Netherlands you can pay with the Euro. 

Drinking water
You can safely drink water directly from the tap. 

Electricity
The Netherlands uses the Type F electrical plug. This plug has two round pins, spaced about 2 cm apart, and is the same as those used in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230-volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

Emergency number
The general emergency number in The Netherlands is 112.

Health 
Please check your local recommendations when travelling to The Netherlands.

Language
The people in The Netherlands speak Dutch. Most of them also speak English. 

Passport & Visa
A valid passport or valid identity card is required for travelling to The Netherlands. Please make sure you carry one of these with you at all times. Before travelling to The Netherlands, please check whether you need a visa or not.

Medicines
In case you use (special) medicines, we strongly recommend you to ask your doctor or pharmacy for a prescription that is known internationally. 

Time
In The Netherlands, the standard time is Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March (02:00 CET) to the last Sunday in October (03:00 CEST).