Finances in the Netherlands

Karen, Currency in the Netherlands is the Euro, and it's easy to obtain cash at ATM's. I'd suggest packing along ~€100 for "travel expenses" during the trip for meals or whatever until they get settled in the Hotel (check with your financial institution). That's the method I always use. I'd recommend taking at least two ATM cards, in case there are any problems with the primary card (I've had that happen). Note that funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. Be sure to notify the Bank that they'll be travelling with the card, so they don't "freeze" the account when they detect use in Europe. The topic of credit cards is a bit more complicated. It would be a good idea to take at least one Visa or MasterCard, but use may be limited to Hotels and restaurants. Many merchants there are converting to "Chip & PIN" cards, and if buying rail tickets at Amsterdam Centraal, those are the ONLY type of credit cards that are accepted. When will this trip be taking place? If this is their first trip to Europe, it would be a really good idea to have a look at Europe Through The Back Door prior to the trip. They may find it helpful to pack along a copy of the Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels Guidebook, as there's a LOT of good information there. I don't have any information on "cautions for young women", so will have to defer to others to answer that question. I believe that topic is addressed in the Guidebook. Please extend wishes for "happy travels"!

Ken has given excellent advice on finance. As a former young woman who spent time alone in Europe, my advice on "cautions" is to NOT GET DRUNK OR HIGH. The stupidest things I did when traveling around in Europe as a teenager/20-something were done when... drum roll... drunk or high. For some reason, going to Europe at that age just brings out the party animal in a lot of people. I know as a parent it sometimes seems like you are talking into a wind tunnel or a black hole, but I think a few stern words to the wise are in order. At the most basic, one of the 4 should try and stay sober per night - not a designated driver, since they probably won't be driving (?) - but a designated responsible person! When you aren't under the influence, it is easier to make good decisions about what clubs you go to, what guys you let pick up on you, etc., etc. Otherwise, just act sensible - precisely as they would in the States.

Hmmm, don't have to go to Europe to see drunk, partying 20 year-olds making stupid decisions. It's happening right here in NYC. I've been assured by young co-workers that most college students here have easy access to fake ID's. ; ) Reading the guide books is a good idea. But little things like, carry the card of your hotel with you. It makes it easier to get home. Don't feel that you have to do absolutely everything together. Plan to split up for a few hours. I would take a cell phone. If it's a smart phone turn off the data. They can stay in touch with each other, contact their hotel, or call home in an emergency. If you or someone else in the family has some contacts in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe who would be a good emergency contact, then set that up. My dad did that for me and, yes, I actually used one of them! It was in Athens. Pam

I think Ken and Kira are dead on target. Having two ATM cards is very important, a few years ago Bank of America messed up when my wife called in to clear her card for overseas use and increased withdrawl amounts. The result of their screw up was that not only was her card no good in Europe, it was no good in the US, forunately we had mine from a different institution. I hope the girls have a good time and control themselves.

um, if the girls are determined to get drunk or stoned, i doubt a stern lecture from grandma will have any effect on the outcome, but if that's not in their plans they might find it kind of insulting. i was just hanging out with some nice guys from the netherlands last night and we talked a lot about safety in big european cities. in general europe is safer than the U.S., although one has to watch out for scam artists. i would give young women traveling abroad the same advice i'd give them anywhere - if you're at a bar, watch your drink at all times. they're traveling in a group so they should always be with another person when they go out at night, and even if they split up during the day, they should tell each other when they plan on checking in with each other, that sort of thing. if they do plan on 'indulging' it's a good idea to have the address, name, and phone number written down on a peice of paper (or several) that they carry in a pocket, another in their purse, whatever. that way if they get lost or - perhaps a little tipsy - they can hand it to their cab driver and get home safely. i never thought i'd need something like this, but found myself fairly intoxicated in a cab in munich last week, totally blanking on my hotel name. luckily my husband had grabbed the card the hotel provided for us for just such an event. they'll be fine - don't worry! i'm sure they'll have a blast.