A cup of coffee in one hand, cellphone in the other with the special ‘Dutch public transport app’ installed… I’m being a ‘domestic tourist’ today: I’m traveling in my own country.
From the crowded Randstad (the most urbanized, western part of the Netherlands) to the quieter Zeeland on the southwestern coast.
Being a Tourist in My Own Country
I’ve just boarded a crowded train.
I thankfully managed to find a seat, a window seat even, so I’ll be able to enjoy the view.
Around me, on the train, I can hear at least four different languages.
I love people-watching and listening in on conversations (don’t we all?) and I’m disappointed I can’t understand a word of what the people around me in those foreign languages are saying. But I enjoy it anyway: The Netherlands’ interesting mix of people taking the train, often on a daily basis. From students to businessmen, expats, tourists, retirees, and sometimes entire families.
As my journey continues and we slowly leave the core of the Randstad, stopping at train station after train station, I see the people around me changing. I hear more and more Dutch and see fewer foreigners.
From crowded it goes to quiet until eventually, it feels like I’m the only person left on the train.
At the same time when I look out of the window, I see fewer houses by the minute and more green, more farms, scattered wind turbines, and some cows, horses, and sheep. Too bad this is not the time of year to see the beautiful tulip fields the Netherlands is so famous for.
Also Read: Is It the Netherlands or Holland?
Why I Love Traveling in My Own Country
It’s nice to look at my own country as a tourist for once.
‘It’s quite a pretty country’, I find myself thinking as I’m staring out of the train window.
In our busy lives we often forget to look at the beauty around us and only seem to admire places when we’re away from home, ideally on some exotic vacation.
I think it’s great to stop, take some time out of our daily routine and enjoy our surroundings. Even if it’s just for a day trip to a nearby town, a national park, or a beach.
Right now I’m on my way to spend the weekend in a small city called Vlissingen, and I can’t wait to just wander around and take in the sights.
Maybe I’ve finally discovered how being an outsider is a good thing: all the traveling I’ve done, and the time I’ve spent living abroad has made it easier for me to look at the Netherlands in a more objective and more appreciative way.
I now take time to enjoy the scenery, look at historical buildings I normally used to rush past and observe Dutch people as if I were observing a foreign culture.
Also Read: 10 Places to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam
Can You Be a Tourist in Your Own Country?
Absolutely! Being a tourist in your own country is about exploring familiar places with fresh eyes or discovering areas you may have overlooked.
Think of it as a chance to dig deeper into local history, visit landmarks you might typically pass by, or even try activities that are popular with visitors but off your regular radar.
Explore different cities, take guided tours in museums, visit famous sites, or even book a night at a unique accommodation nearby for a “mini-vacation” feel. It’s a great way to better understand your country’s culture, history, and natural beauty—and you’ll probably pick up some local tips to share with actual tourists along the way!
Whether it’s for a day or a weekend, being a tourist in your own country is an easy way to break up routine without needing time off or a big budget. And you may even develop a new appreciation for the place you call home.
Also Read: How to Plan a Weekend Trip
What is a Domestic Tourist?
A domestic tourist is a tourist who travels in their own country.
A growing trend here is a ‘staycation‘, which is a vacation spent in the same region as where the tourist lives.
So yes, next time you want to go on a trip but can’t go abroad, be a tourist in your own country! It’s great to take the time to explore a part of your own country.
Also Read: What is Ecotourism?