Hello all! After figuring out that D16 and S18 will have Spring Break the same week we have decided to go to Europe. Our flights are booked, but that is all.
We have never been there. I need all the help you can give.
The thought is Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, possibly Luxembourg, then back to Paris.
In one week? OMG, yes. It’s a vacation, not If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium. You could spend a week (or more) in just London or Paris or Amsterdam (each with a sidetrip or two outside the city). Since you’ve never been, I’d stick to 2 cities at most .
Well…I love Ferris wheels…so I would say the London Eye is a must.
When in the spring? If the timing is right you might hit Amsterdam in tulip season. Even without the tulips I love Amsterdam. Also depends on where your flights are in and out of. My first trip I’d maybe visit Paris and Amsterdam. You can easily take a train between them.
For the love of all things holy, please do not go to all those cities in one week! A week would be glorious in Paris. A week would be wonderful in London, with maybe a day trip to Cambridge. A week would be fun in Amsterdam, but with day trips around Holland (Edam is lovely). But if you try to hit all of those places in one week, your head will be spinning and your memories will be fuzzed up.
You mention that your flights are booked. What European cities are you flying in and out of? How many non-travel days do you have? And, I’m sorry to say, you really can’t make it to all those cities in the time you have. While you could most definitely spend the full week in one location, I might consider two locations, since it’s your first time in Europe. I would think about how you and your family like to travel and your goals for the trip. Is anyone hoping to relax or is this a group up for getting up early each day and seeing as much as possible?
@JenJenJenJen :)) This is exactly why I am asking. I have zero clue.
@mom60 end of March.
@skieurope thanks. We just booked the flight last night. I think the movie Eurotrip had me thinking we could do it all! =))
I agree - way too many cities in too short a time. Pick two if you insist on seeing more then one city.
What kinds of things does your family like to do? I would do Paris and London. So much history, museums, great places to eat and shop.
Echoing others, 2 cities at most, please. Because you’re hitting major cities, I think you can look at major guidebooks to get some sense of what they recommend. But one person’s “art museums are the best!” is another person’s “ugh! another room of pictures?”…
@showmom858 we are definitely outdoorsy, adventurous types.
@cardinal2020mom, I find when planning a trip it’s helpful to think of it as the first time you’re going to be visiting a place instead of the only. That way you won’t be temped to try to cram everything you think you need to do into the limited time you’re there. Make a priority list of the things you absolutely want to do but be prepared to miss out on a few of the things commonly considered “must sees.” You’ll enjoy your time in any of these cities more if you take some time to stroll, people watch, and relax in a park or cafe without exhausting yourself.
https://tulipsinholland.com/faq-tulips-and-keukenhof/best-time-to-visit-keukenhof/
I think that might be on the early side for Keukenhof. It looks like they start blooming some years in Mid March. We went late April and it was spectacular.
Just realized, @cardinal2020mom, that you will be flying in and out of Paris. I would either spend the entire time in Paris and it’s surroundings (lots of wonderful day trips) or, if you really want to add a second city/country, I’d add London if you’re up for the Eurostar which only takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. I thought Amsterdam would be another good option but it’s 5+ hours by train and I’d definitely want to pick a place that minimizes my travel time.
What city are you flying into? You said you booked the flight.
@Sue22 those are some very insightful words. We will definitely have to take those words to heart. I can see how it does make it for a more enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
@brantly Paris
It looks as if you are flying in/out of Paris?? I agree with the above suggestion of Paris and London. Those 2 cities will be manageable in one week - although you could easily spend a week in each!
We just spent 6 days in London and still feel as if we didn’t see everything, much less take a day trip!
Have a blast!
OK, then make it a trip to France instead of a trip to “Europe.” There’s PLENTY to do in Paris and surrounding areas.
It’s essentially half a day of effort each time you change locations. Paris is worth a week in itself. Forget Luxembourg. Brussels is the closest but less interesting than either London or Amsterdam.
Like others have said, Paris alone or Paris plus one other.