Headline: Vakantieparken: Het nieuwjaarsvuurwerk ontvluchten steeds populair bij van mens en hond
Alt text for image 1: Families enjoying a peaceful holiday at a firework-free vacation park with their dogs.
Alt text for image 2: A relaxed dog named Lobke enjoying its time at a vacation park, away from noisy fireworks.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the skies across the Netherlands. However, for many people and their pets, this annual spectacle is more alarming than celebratory. In response, an increasing number of individuals are opting to spend the eve of the new year at firework-free vacation parks, providing a tranquil sanctuary for both humans and their four-legged companions.
The Growing Trend
Eelco Stienstra, manager of RCN Vakantiepark het Grote Bos on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, has witnessed a surge in demand for such getaways. "Our cabins are already booked up well in advance, and we’re seeing more campers each year," he reveals. The allure of these retreats extends beyond pet owners seeking respite for their anxiety-prone animals. Stienstra notes, "We’re even starting to see bookings for next year from people who just want some peace and quiet."
A Haven for Pets
For pet owners like Lobke’s family from Amerongen, these vacation spots offer a much-needed reprieve from the explosive symphony that typically greets the new year. Lobke, a Friese stabij, is famously fearful of fireworks, a sentiment shared by many pets across the country. Her owner enthuses, "She’s really at ease here. We can’t be at home because of all the noise, but here, she can run around freely and enjoy herself."
Firework-Free Zones on the Rise
The growing preference for quiet new year’s celebrations is reflected in the increasing number of municipalities implementing firework bans. This year, 19 Dutch municipalities have introduced such prohibitions, up from 16 last year. Moreover, several municipalities have expressed their ambition to become entirely firework-free in the coming years.
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where RCN Vakantiepark het Grote Bos is situated, has had a firework ban since 2022. On New Year’s Eve, the park will implement surveillance to enforce this restriction and ensure a peaceful environment for its guests.
So, as the calendar flips to a new year, more and more people are trading in the traditional bangs and booms for a quieter, more tranquil holiday – a trend that seems set to continue for years to come.
