Netherlands sees summer heat cut vacations and disrupt sleep

Hot summer nights make it harder for Dutch people to fall asleep and stay asleep. Body temperature must drop for deep sleep, but warm rooms keep the body working to cool down, leading to shorter, lighter sleep and next‑day fatigue. Simple measures such as keeping the bedroom cool, using fans, and choosing breathable bedding help mitigate the problem.

At the same time, a recent ANWB vacation monitor shows that extreme heat and rising travel costs are prompting a sharp drop in traditional summer travel. The share of Dutch travellers heading abroad in July‑August fell from about 73 % in 2024 to roughly half in 2026. About 60 % say high temperatures deter them from holidaying in hot destinations, while half cite price as the main barrier. More people are opting for short, car‑based trips within 1,000–1,250 km, and overall European travel now accounts for over 90 % of trips, with intercontinental journeys declining sharply.