YLBB's favorite Schiphol travel hacks & more tips for a carefree vacation

In the (almost!) 15 years that Your Little Black Book has existed, I have been on countless times Schiphol Airport been. And although I can find my way blindfolded by now, even I still discover new things in every phase of my life that make traveling via Schiphol easier, more fun, or simply more comfortable. In this new guide, I’m going to share them all with you! Call them travel tips, call them travel hacks; they are all tips designed to ensure you travel in a relaxed manner. Now that I’m traveling solo more often again, I recently discovered a number of premium services that I’ve put high on my bucket list to test someday. I don’t use gatekeeping, so I’m sharing those tips with you right away as well. 

Save this guide for your next flight, forward it to friends, and benefit from it immediately. Happy travels! 

 | TIP: Also check out the YLBB shortlists here for: the best coffee at Schiphol, tasty breakfasts, new shops and restaurants and All the tips you want to know when flying within Europe. 

Today is the day © Your Little Black Book

9 Schiphol tips every traveler should know

Book a free security time slot

This is perhaps the Schiphol tip I share most often with friends and family. Did you know that you can reserve a time slot for security for free? That way, you know exactly when you will go through security and use a separate (and faster) line.

The great thing is that it costs nothing and is arranged within a few minutes. You can reserve a time slot starting three days before departure via the Schiphol website or app. Especially during holiday periods or on busy travel days, I find this one of the most convenient ways to leave stress-free.

Do you have plenty of time for a afterwards? coffee, something to eat and just a little bit shopping before you board.

© Your Little Black Book

Download the Schiphol App

If the Schiphol app is not yet on your phone, I would download it right now (available for Apple & Android). I always use it when I fly. The map, for example, is very handy to all new spots easy to find. You will also find current gate information there and you can book a time slot or a book a parking space. 

Must download: the Schiphol app © Your Little Black Book

Know the best restaurants and bars per departure area

I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of all the tips I’ve gathered about Schiphol. Of course, knowing exactly where to go for good food is the most valuable thing for me (as a foodie), haha. Over the past few months, I’ve specifically gone to the airport earlier to personally test all the new spots for you. If you follow the YLBB shortlists, you can be sure that your holiday starts right after security. Schiphol now has so many great restaurants, coffee bars, and cocktail spots that there is something tasty to get for every moment of the day and for every group. No more searching, just head straight for your target. Whether it’s the cannolo from Eataly is whether the lobster roll with BubblesBe sure to read through the articles below before your next trip. You can also find the exact locations in the Schiphol app! 

• The best coffee spots before and after security (even on a very early flight, some locations are now open 24 hours a day!) >>
• The tastiest breakfasts at Schiphol that we have personally tested >>
• Our favorite restaurants for dinner at Schiphol >>
• All the spots you want to know when flying within Europe >>

Cannolo at Eataly © Your Little Black Book

Reserve a parking spot at P3 in advance.

Personally, I usually travel to Schiphol by train or Uber, but for those coming by car, this is a tip you'll want to remember. By booking in advance parking spot at P3 By making a reservation, you know exactly what to expect and are guaranteed a spot. P3 is the most affordable covered parking option at Schiphol, and with the free shuttle, you will be at Schiphol Plaza within a few minutes. TIP: I would definitely arrange this well in advance, especially during holidays or busy travel periods. Read all about parking at Schiphol here >>

Score travel-size beauty products at Today Duty Free

Do you like traveling with travel-size minis in your hand luggage? Promise me one thing… don’t buy these at your regular drugstore in town. Because believe me, you won’t believe your eyes when you walk past the travel-mini beauty bar at the new Today Duty Free storesIt's giving Sephora in Asia or New York vibes. All your favorite brands and new brands to discover in travel-size formats. Sure, if you do the math, it is a bit more expensive than a full size (which you can of course also buy on Schiphol Airport buy), but these minis are truly my happy pleasure. I removed the word 'guilty pleasure' from my vocabulary years ago ;-). Just zoom in on the photo below and judge for yourself. 

Travel Mini's heaven ;-) © Your Little Black Book

Discover the quietest spots at Schiphol

Schiphol can be busy, but fortunately there are plenty of places where you can escape the crowds for a while. One of my favorite spots? Right at the end of the D-gates, where you have a beautiful view of the planes. I can sit there for hours watching all the aircraft take off and arrive.

Behind the Holland Boulevard, you will also find very comfortable lounge chairs where you can sit quietly. And are you traveling within Europe? Then take a stroll up to the upper floor, where there are also various lounge chairs. Perfect for reading a book, catching up on emails, or simply enjoying the anticipation of your trip.

© Your Little Black Book

Rent a power bank if your battery is almost empty.

Nothing is more annoying than a phone that is almost out of battery when you still have hours to wait for your flight. Especially since everything is on your phone these days: from your boarding pass to hotel reservations and directions.

Good to know: you can easily borrow a power bank at Schiphol. A service that surprisingly few people know exists. Perfect if you want to be able to move freely before departure, but still want to charge your phone. See here where you can buy power banks (for a fee) >>

Rent a power bank at The Butcher at Schiphol © Your Little Black Book

Have your luggage sealed before departure

Especially for long-haul trips, new suitcases, or special luggage, it can be nice to have your luggage sealed. At Schiphol, this can be done within a few minutes. It is a service that many people are unaware of, but which can be convenient when traveling with a lot of gear. Certainly, for example with a stroller that you only use once during a holiday, this is a cheaper option than buying a special travel bag to check in. I have had it done myself once when we had a layover in South America. 

Bring something tasty on board

My final tip for every traveler: buy something tasty before boarding. Especially on longer flights, I'm always glad to have something on hand in case the food on board is disappointing. My personal favorites? A Tunacado from Joe & The Juice, sushi from Kebaya or some of the snacks with it STACH. 

Sushi to-go at Kebaya Deli © Your Little Black Book

4 Premium Travel Hacks for a relaxed trip

Consider Privium if you fly often.

This is probably the travel hack you hear most often from people who fly regularly. I used to have Privium myself, and now that I'm traveling more often without my family again for Your Little Black Book, I want to become a member again. Especially for the luxurious Privium Lounges, but also simply because it saves a lot of time when Schiphol can be busy.

With Privium, you use a separate lane at security and can pass through passport control faster on both the outbound and return journeys. Depending on the membership, you also gain access to the Privium Lounges (including food and drinks) and extra parking benefits. Especially if you fly via Schiphol multiple times a year, this is something you really should treat yourself to. View all the benefits of Privium here >>

Choose P6 Valet Parking if you want to leave comfortably.

Personally, I usually travel to Schiphol by train or Uber, but I completely understand why so many people are fans of P6 Valet Parking. Especially if you are traveling with children, have a lot of luggage, or need to catch an early flight.

You drive directly to the valet location, hand over your car keys, and then walk straight to the terminal. Meanwhile, your car is parked for you in a secure location. Isn't that the ultimate luxury? Not necessary, but certainly very pleasant ;-). More information about P6 >>

The ultimate luxury hack: Schiphol VIP Service

Okay, this tip falls into the category of: I want to experience this someday. Many people think that the VIP Service is only intended for celebrities or business travelers, but anyone can book this service.

Your journey starts in the VIP Centre, located right next to the terminal. While you relax in a private lounge, they handle your check-in and baggage claim. Passport control takes place in your lounge. Next, you go through private security and are taken to the plane in a luxury car. Not cheap, but definitely an experience high on my travel bucket list. Especially for a special trip or occasion, this seems like the ultimate way to start a vacation. View the rates here >>

Treat yourself to a moment at Mind Oasis

This is perhaps one of Schiphol's best-kept secrets. The Mind Oasis by Rituals It is a unique wellness experience that you can book in advance. They offer various treatments, such as a hydromassage or brain massage (without a therapist and fully clothed!). And although this is a wonderful premium service, I find the rates really very reasonable. Read all about the treatments here and book directly >>

Rituals Mind Oasis © Your Little Black Book

3 x Family Travel Hacks for Schiphol

Let children burn off some energy at the kids playground.

When Manuel was smaller, we made regular use of this. And believe me: a child who has been able to play for a bit before departure often makes the flight much more pleasant for everyone.

The Kids Playground is specially designed for families with children and is a fun place to burn off some energy before boarding. Especially on longer flights or in the event of delays, this is a facility you will want to keep in mind as a parent. View the location here >>

Remember the Baby Care Lounge

This is without a doubt one of the most valuable Schiphol tips for parents with a baby. When Manuel was little, I used this too, and I remember well how nice it was to have a quiet place for a moment amidst all the hustle and bustle of the airport.

In Baby Care Lounge You can feed, change, and bathe your baby, and even let them sleep in one of the special sleeping cabins. Meanwhile, you can take a moment to relax before the journey begins. A tip that many parents are not yet aware of, but which can make a world of difference when traveling with a baby.

Know the kid-friendly restaurants at Schiphol

My biggest tip when traveling with children? Make sure everyone has eaten before boarding. You'll want to take your time with this, especially with picky eaters. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants at Schiphol that make children just as happy as adults. And there are now several restaurants that even have a special (and affordable!) kids' menu. 

At Grand Café Salon for example, they have a special children's menu. At The Butcher are the crispy chicken tenders with fries a big success and at Eataly . new Carluccios You can actually never go wrong with pizza. My personal hack? At Kebaya I often order a portion of gyoza with golden fried rice from the sides for Manuel. Not officially a kids' menu, but a combination that always works. Ultimately, a restaurant doesn't need a special kids' concept to be kid-friendly. Thank me later ;-)!

© Your Little Black Book

Never head to the gate stressed again with these Schiphol tips.

Hopefully, the tips in this guide have given you plenty of inspiration for your next trip via Schiphol. Whether you are traveling solo, going on a trip with the kids, or looking for ultimate luxury… it is all possible! In any case, I would say: leave home a little earlier next time, allow some extra time at the airport, and let your holiday truly begin at Schiphol. 

Happy travels!

Today is the Day © Your Little Black Book

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