Not a packed activity program or busy boulevard, but rather silence, space, and relaxation are increasingly determining the holiday choices of Dutch people over 50. The annual holiday survey conducted by Voordeeluitjes.nl in May 2026 among 1.015 Dutch respondents from PanelWizard shows that peace and quiet are now considered more important than activities, entertainment, and even price.
With an average score of 8,22 out of 10, peace and quiet are the most important factor when choosing a holiday within the country. Activities and liveliness follow at a considerable distance with a score of 6,26.
Busy hotspots becoming less popular
The results show that the way Dutch people view holidays is changing. Whereas in the past the experience often revolved around crowds and activities, the emphasis is now increasingly on relaxation and space.
Other factors also confirm this picture: avoiding crowds scores 7,52, while walking and cycling are highly valued by people over 50, with a score of 7,82.
We can conclude that we have enough hustle and bustle in everyday life. That our existence is already hectic enough, and that we are therefore seeking ways en masse to restore balance. And what do most people do then? They choose a quiet destination where they can 'recharge' for a while.
Quiet provinces are preferred
That preference for tranquility translates directly into the most popular destinations. Provinces known for nature and a relaxed atmosphere are chosen most often.
Limburg is the favorite with nearly 30% of the preferences, followed by Zeeland, Gelderland, and Drenthe. Together, these four provinces account for over 72% of all choices.
Price plays a role, but is not decisive.
Price remains a factor in holiday choices, but weighs less heavily than rest and relaxation. The rating for price is around 8,06, just below rest (8). Women appear to be slightly more price-sensitive than men and also attach more value to avoiding the high season.
Crowds? Many Dutch people don't need that anymore.
“What we are seeing is that peace and quiet are no longer an added benefit, but truly a decisive factor in the choice of location. The Dutch want to get away for a while to recharge. You can see this reflected immediately in the most popular destinations. A fun holiday is increasingly less linked to hotspots or activities, and more often to silence, nature, and space.”
Joeri van Zijl, CEO Voordeeluitjes.nl.
Rest is increasingly determining holiday choices.
The picture is clear: Dutch people over 50 are choosing their holidays increasingly consciously based on relaxation and surroundings. The focus is not on what you do, but rather on how a destination or location feels.
It should come as no surprise that Limburg, Zeeland, Gelderland, and Drenthe receive the most votes as holiday destinations. These are pre-eminently the provinces with abundant and unique nature. Zeeland boasts wide sandy beaches, and Limburg beautiful Maasduinen and the Heuvelland. In Gelderland and Drenthe, you can walk through the forests and across the heath for hours without encountering a single soul.
Source and more information: www.voordeeluitjes.nl