Never Been to Europe, Help Narrowing Down Destinations?
Jun 22, 2016, 3:12 pm
#31
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bregenz, Austria
Programs: AA, BAEC, Alaska, Flying Blue, United, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 2,950
You have chosen a good and sensibly paced itinerary. There are countless day-trip possibilities from the cities you are visiting.
As mentioned, the Dutch train system is fast, easy and efficient. If you are heading over the border to Belgium, I would recommend Bruges over Brussels every time. With your itinerary, you could squeeze in an overnight there, en-route from Paris to Amsterdam.
Florence or Pisa would be good day trips from Rome, on the fast trains. Book online in advance to get the best fares.
As others have mentioned, it is a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local languages, particularly in France (if you don't already speak French).
English is very widely spoken in Europe, particularly by people employed in the tourist industry, but a little French and Italian will be widely appreciated. The exception is The Netherlands, where English is an almost universal second language, and is treated as the default language of international communication. That said, a sentence or two of Dutch will raise a few eyebrows (in a positive way).
As mentioned, the Dutch train system is fast, easy and efficient. If you are heading over the border to Belgium, I would recommend Bruges over Brussels every time. With your itinerary, you could squeeze in an overnight there, en-route from Paris to Amsterdam.
Florence or Pisa would be good day trips from Rome, on the fast trains. Book online in advance to get the best fares.
As others have mentioned, it is a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local languages, particularly in France (if you don't already speak French).
English is very widely spoken in Europe, particularly by people employed in the tourist industry, but a little French and Italian will be widely appreciated. The exception is The Netherlands, where English is an almost universal second language, and is treated as the default language of international communication. That said, a sentence or two of Dutch will raise a few eyebrows (in a positive way).
Last edited by The_Bouncer; Jun 22, 2016 at 3:13 pm Reason: Typos
Jun 22, 2016, 3:40 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
With day trips, the luggage is safely back at the hotel, relieving the OP from lugging bags while trying to experiencing the city.
Jun 23, 2016, 8:31 am
#34
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bregenz, Austria
Programs: AA, BAEC, Alaska, Flying Blue, United, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 2,950
Jun 23, 2016, 9:04 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
Jun 23, 2016, 9:13 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
It IS very much worth the visit.
Jun 23, 2016, 2:51 pm
#37
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bregenz, Austria
Programs: AA, BAEC, Alaska, Flying Blue, United, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 2,950
Another option with a shorter and easier journey from Amsterdam would be Antwerp - a hugely under-rated city.
Last edited by The_Bouncer; Jun 23, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Jun 23, 2016, 6:32 pm
#38
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AA, UA lowly commoner
Posts: 780
I agree about Antwerp. I prefer it to Brussels, and while it's not as cute as Bruges, it's not nearly as touristy, either. And the Antwerp central station is quite a piece of architecture, though unfortunately not in the most interesting part of the city.