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Scheveningen from above. The Hague, Ntherlands
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Ask a Travel Agent: Slow Travel in Northern Europe

I’d love to explore more of northern Europe this summer with my family as a change from heading to the Med – I was thinking we could get the Eurostar then pick up a hire car and head to perhaps the coast of Holland and Germany, but I don’t really know where to begin. What would you suggest? We’re a fairly active family with two young teens.

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I’d love to explore more of northern Europe this summer with my family as a change from heading to the Med – I was thinking we could get the Eurostar then pick up a hire car and head to perhaps the coast of Holland and Germany, but I don’t really know where to begin. What would you suggest? We’re a fairly active family with two young teens.

Mike O'Hagen

Melissa: Getting away on a northern European adventure is a great idea for your active family, not least because you can travel in a low-carbon way. Start with a Eurostar journey from London to Brussels before picking up a hire car to drive to The Netherlands coastline. Renting an EV car is a great option because charging stations are widespread and easy, but make sure you avoid one-way rental fees by building in time to get back to where you started.

Alternatively, you can travel by train and really relax. The coastal towns of Scheveningen (accessed via The Hague by train) and Noordwijk (via Leiden by train) are perfect for a few days of cycling and water sports suitable for your young teens. Next, head towards Germany’s North Sea coast, driving or by train to Hamburg, Germany and onwards from there. Spend several days exploring the Frisian Islands, an archipelago that runs along the coast of the Netherlands, Germany and into Denmark, including the picturesque Sylt, known for its sandy beaches and thatched houses. Here, you can indulge in hiking, beach activities and experiencing the unique island culture. They’re a little challenging to visit by public transport, but it’s possible by bus and ferry, from ports such as Norddeich or Dagebüll. Whether you drive or take the train finish your trip with a few days in Hamburg, a city teeming with maritime history and attractions. 

Let a travel agent help you with the planning, hotels, car rental and rail too because you’ll have the accountability and support that a travel professional can provide.

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This is a feature from Issue 20 of Charitable Traveller.
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