Truly Expat Travel
Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.
Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.
Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.
What you'll discover:
• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats
• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences
• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad
• Real stories from expats around the world
🌍 New episodes weekly
✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration
📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com
Truly Expat Travel
Amsterdam
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Episode 12: Gerrit Van den Berg - Amsterdam & The Netherlands
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Gerrit van den Berg, a Dutch local and founder of Hidden Holland, who shares his passion for showing travellers the authentic Netherlands beyond the tourist traps. We dive deep into what makes Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands so special and why authentic local experiences trump typical tourist activities every time.
What We Discuss
- Gerrit's story: What makes HiddenHolland different to other tours
- Discovering the Real Netherlands: Why real authentic experiences are what motivates him
- The Highlights:
- Hidden gems in Amsterdam away from the crowds
- Charming medieval cities like Amersfoort and Deventer
- Cultural insights into Dutch directness and local customs
- Postcard-perfect photography spots tourists miss
- Practical Bits: Where to find authentic experiences along with local tips
- Local Insights: "Those things you only know when you live somewhere" - the insider knowledge that transforms ordinary trips
Key Takeaways
- The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss: Exploring beyond Amsterdam to discover medieval Dutch cities
- Discovering the best time to travel to the Netherlands.
- How to experience the Netherlands like a local: Focus on authentic cultural experiences rather than tourist clichés
- Common mistakes travellers make and how to overcome them.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Best time to travel: Most people do not realise that it is a all year round destination.
- Attractions: Medieval cities, the (real) Tulip season, hidden Amsterdam gems.
- Useful Apps/Websites:
- Hidden Holland - hiddenholland.com - Comprehensive guide to authentic Dutch experiences
- Truly Expat Travel - My 7 day Itinerary
Connect with Gerrit van den Berg
- Website: hiddenholland.com
- Services: Travel advice, vacation coaching, private tours
- Contact: Available for 1-on-1 video calls to create personalised Netherlands itineraries
Next Week I'll be chatting with Amanda about her love affair with Salemi - you won't want to miss her story about how she ended up moving there fulltime.
Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com - I'd love to hear your story!
Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review - it really helps other expats discover the show.
If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.
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