For the longest time, I’ve had an idea sitting on my to-do list — something I’ve wanted to bring to life since I first started Expat Things. As a makelaar and relocation partner helping expats in the Netherlands go From Searching to Settled, I see every day that there’s so much more to moving abroad than finding a house.
There are the things beyond the house — the people, services, and experiences that come together to shape a smooth landing and a happy life here. From the first airport pickup to the first grocery run, from the first trip to IKEA to that first bike ride — it all intertwines.
That’s what inspired my new interview series, Beyond the House. Each edition will spotlight someone who plays a meaningful role in an expat’s journey — the trusted partners, the small businesses, and the kind-hearted professionals who help make the Netherlands feel like home.
And I couldn’t imagine a better person to launch it with than Chris O’Connell.
If you’ve followed Expat Things for a while, you’ve probably already heard me mention Chris — because I recommend him with complete confidence. Chris runs O’Connell Tours (@oconnelltoursnl), a business built on genuine care, reliability, and heart.
He’s the one I trust with my clients — and their pets — when they first arrive at Schiphol after a long international flight. He’s also the friendly face who turns what could be a stressful arrival into a warm welcome. His work sits at a very special part of the relocation journey: that moment between the airport and the new home.
I sat down with Chris to learn more about his story and what drives him. Here’s what he shared.
Chris and his family made the leap in early 2024, moving from the U.S. to the Netherlands within just 44 days. “We chose the Netherlands for several reasons,” he explains, “including safety for our queer kids and the entrepreneur visa opportunity. In order to qualify for the DAFT visa, I had to start my own business.”
That business became O’Connell Tours, inspired by his long-held dream of running wine tours — but adapted to his new home. “When I discovered the Netherlands has over 180 vineyards, I knew this would be the start of my business,” he says. What began with wine tours has since grown to include city walks, windmills, cheese farms, castles, and even airport arrival services to help newcomers settle in.
When asked about the most common feeling he sees when picking up expats from the airport, Chris smiles. “Relief,” he says. “There’s a feeling of relief knowing they’re being greeted by someone who was in their shoes not too long ago.”
He describes those first few hours after landing — tired, emotional, overwhelmed — and how a simple gesture can change everything. “I’ve had clients tell me they were so happy this was the one stage in the move they didn’t have to worry about. They knew I’d be there to shuttle them to their new home and share any information I could about life here along the way.”
Starting a business in a new country is no small feat, even under the supportive DAFT visa framework. Chris laughs when recalling his early marketing attempts: “I tried what worked for me in California and Oregon, and quickly learned that’s not how business is done here!”
He soon discovered the value of community. “I began posting occasionally on local Facebook groups and attending small business networking events. These, along with my growing list of referral partners, proved invaluable.”
His openness to collaboration — and genuine care for others — is exactly what makes working with him such a pleasure for those of us supporting expats in the Utrecht, Hilversum, Amersfoort, and Almere regions.
Chris goes above and beyond in ways that truly reflect his heart. “Sometimes I’ll snap a picture of a client’s plane landing — it makes for a unique arrival,” he says. “Then I meet them at arrivals, waving from the window as they collect their luggage.”
He helps push carts stacked with bags, offers stops for snacks or to buy an OV-chipkaart, waits patiently while car seats are installed, or makes extra stops for pet owners. “IKEA pick-ups, pet store runs, whatever’s needed — I try to think of the small details that make a big difference.”
As he puts it: “There’s a special connection in seeing the Netherlands through fresh eyes. I’m still in awe of this country, and I love sharing that enthusiasm with my guests.”
Every expat arrival, Chris says, carries its own story. “Some have had tough starts — bouncing between Airbnbs with kids, pets, and luggage. Others jump straight into Dutch life, riding their bikes through town within hours.”
He recalls helping a family after a medical emergency at the airport: “They needed stitches, and were amazed by how good and affordable the care was. I was just glad I had the time to help them.”
And there are light-hearted memories too — like a family tour to a castle and cheese farm, where two little kids fed cows for the first time. “Seeing their joy made my day,” he says. “Hopefully that’s a core memory for them.”
As someone who helps people find homes and build their new lives here, I can honestly say that partners like Chris make all the difference. Our work connects at a key moment: when my clients have secured their homes through Expat Things and are ready for that next big step — arriving. Knowing they’re in such capable, caring hands gives me peace of mind, and gives them the best possible start.
It’s people like Chris who remind me why I started Expat Things — because no one thing exists in isolation. The moving parts of an expat’s journey all weave together — the makelaar, the relocation services, the airport pickup, the first tour, the new community. Together, they form the experience of truly settling in.
I couldn’t have chosen a better person to begin this series with. Thank you, Chris, for showing that genuine care and kindness still lead the way.
Want to get in touch with Chris to organise your airport shuttle or a memorable tour in the Netherlands? Reach him at:
Call/Whatsapp: +31 65 106 8096
Email: chris@oconnelltours.com
New to the Netherlands or struggling with your move?
At Expat Things, we help expats go From Searching to Settled. Explore our blog for expert insights, or get in touch for one-on-one assistance.
Call/WhatsApp: +31 68 799 0631
Email: info@expatthings.nl
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