Like travelling to any city your'e not familiar with, it can be difficult to save cash, mainly because you sn unsure of where to go to purchase day-to-day goods at a reasonable price (as opposed to over-inflated tourist levels). This issue has become much more pointed in 2009, with the pound weakening against the Euro.

There are however, some steps that can be taken in Amsterdam to save some moolah:

1. Getting around - Bicycle or tram (Strippenkaart)

A great method of travel around Amsterdam is to hire a bike. There are numerous bike hire points throughout the city. See this site for more info (http://www.amsterdam.info/transport/bike-rentals/) If cycling is a little energetic for you then travelling by tram is by far the best way to get around Amsterdam. If you plan to use the tram, its a good idea to invest in a Strippenkaart. This enables travel around Amsterdam transport zones for just a set price. They can be purchased throughout the city.

2. Try and buy groceries from a supermarket

You can save some cash buying your food (and drink!) from a supermarket. Many offer substantial discounts on multipack deals.

3. Do your research if you plan to eat out

Planning to eat out? We weould advise that you shop around and compare prices. Those areas that are most popular with tourists (i.e.Damrak,Dam Sq,Damstraat) contain establishments that aren't afraid to charge!. Try venturing down some of the smaller streets - there are bargains to be had in these areas.

4. Museumkaart - A must for Art Afficionados

These are probably best value for those who regularly travel to Amsterdam or Holland. A Museumkaart lasts a yaer and entitles you to free entry to around 400 museums accross Holland (many of which are in and around Amsterdam).

5. Use your hotel

If your hotel offers any meals inclusive then try and take advantage of it. In particular, breakfast is 'the most important meal of the day' and will set you up for a hard days tourism! You could use this time to plan the day ahead and perhaps converse with the staff as to what they would do if they could, their local knowledge could be invaluable.

6. Save money getting to Amsterdam!

There are many operators offering a cheap ferry crossing to Amsterdam, as well as reasonable air travel tariffs. Do your research and you might save some Euros.

Holland is a hugely populated area where up to 60% of the residents stay in the coastal area's of the country. Holland is bordered by Belgium, Germany and the mighty North Sea. The low lying area of the Dutch coastal zone makes it vulnerable to natural defense erosion which can cause flooding during storms and with the effects of global warming see levels are rising, The Dutch have tackled the problem and have built the biggest and most extensive coastal defense systems in the world in which dams, and dikes protect nearly one half of the 451 kilometers (280miles) of the coastline. If you ever travel by ferry crossing to Holland you can see the extent the Dutch have went to protect there land against the ever violent North Sea.