So you have made Rotterdam your new home. Smart choice. This city has extraordinary energy, the architecture, the port, the food scene, the sheer diversity of people from every corner of the world. But let us be honest: after a few months of Dutch rain, you will start thinking about somewhere warm.

The good news? You are in one of the best-positioned cities in Europe for travel. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is right on your doorstep, Amsterdam Schiphol is just 40 minutes away by train, and Brussels and Düsseldorf are easy alternatives for even more options.

Here is your complete guide to travelling from Rotterdam, wherever in the world you originally come from.

Why Rotterdam is the perfect base for travel in Europe

Rotterdam sits at the heart of a metro region of over 2.7 million people, with excellent transport connections in every direction. The city is home to over 180 nationalities and consistently ranks as one of the most English-friendly cities in the world. You do not need to speak Dutch to book a holiday here, we speak your language.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport connects you directly to dozens of destinations across Europe and beyond. For intercontinental flights, Schiphol is a 40-minute train ride and one of Europe's best-connected hubs.

Top 5 holiday destinations from Rotterdam for expats in 2026

1. Southern Europe, the classics, for good reason

Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal remain the top choices. Warm weather from May onwards, direct flights from Rotterdam, excellent food and a relaxed pace of life. For expats who want guaranteed sunshine without a long journey, these destinations deliver every time.

Try the Algarve in Portugal if you have not been, it is less crowded than Spain, strikingly beautiful and remarkably affordable.

2. Turkey, unbeatable value

Turkey consistently offers the best price-to-quality ratio of any Mediterranean destination. All-inclusive resorts in Antalya, Bodrum and Alanya are genuinely impressive. Flight time from the Netherlands is under four hours. No visa required for EU residents, easy and convenient.

3. Morocco, just next door

Air Arabia Maroc flies direct from Rotterdam to Tangier multiple times a week. For expats from North Africa or those curious about Morocco, this is a remarkable convenience. From Tangier, Fes, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains are all easily reachable.

4. Southeast Asia, when you want to go further

Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan are pulling growing numbers of international travellers based in the Netherlands. These destinations require a connection via Schiphol but are absolutely worth the journey. We can put together a full itinerary, flights, hotels, local transfers, the lot.

5. The Caribbean, for those long holidays

The Netherlands has direct flights from Schiphol to Curacao, Aruba, Suriname and beyond. For expats who want to explore further afield, or visit family abroad, these connections are invaluable. We handle all the logistics, in English.

Practical travel information for expats in Rotterdam

Travel documents and visas

Depending on your nationality, different visa requirements may apply for different destinations. As an EU resident but non-EU national, some requirements differ from Dutch passport holders. We navigate this for every client, no surprises at the airport.

Dutch public holidays, your hidden travel weapon

In 2026, King's Day on April 27th, Liberation Day on May 5th, Ascension Day and Pentecost all fall close together. With smart planning, you can take a 10-day holiday using minimal annual leave. We map this out for every client who asks.

We speak your language literally

Our team at this Rotterdam travel agency works with clients from all over the world. Whether you prefer to communicate in English, Arabic, Turkish or Dutch, we accommodate you fully. Travel should be enjoyable from the very first conversation.

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Frequently asked questions, expat travel from Rotterdam