I'm planning a family(+7 pers) vacation through Europe from Amsterdam. We have 3 weeks and want to see more cities as possible. Which is the cheapest way to do this. Was thinking of renting an RV?
Pls advice

I wouldn't recommend an RV if you want to visit cities. You'll have a great deal of trouble driving and parking it in cities. An RV for 7 people would be quite large.

I think that trying to visit five countries in three weeks is a bit optimistic, unless some of them you just want to drive through.

I suggest that you narrow down your plans to the point that you can tell us exactly which cities you want to visit, and how many nights you would like to spend in each. Remember that you need two nights in a city if you want to spend one full day there. Also remember that when traveling great distances you will spend nearly a whole day, or more on travel.

Once you have some more specific plans, we can help you with the transportation.

I've done RV trips staying in Europe's many campgrounds that are on the edges of large cities with good transports to their centres - and really liked it.

All large cities have several such camps just about - and campsites - mainly full of RVs a great way to see and interact with average Europwans and are really great for families - kids of all ages have things to do - there is usually a swimming pool - camp cafe and store, etc.

But commuting a half-hour or so to the centre each way for some is too much. But there are some really really neat camps I have stayed in - a new one in Amsterdam lets you park your RV right on a cement pad overlooking the harbor.

RVs are used to go camp to camp not drive around large cities.

Trains are great too - for lots about them check these IMO superb sources: www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. If traveling on several long train rides and especially international ones look at some kind of railpass - kids under 15 or so often get a free pass to match what the adults buy and you can in most countries just hop on any train anytime- some countries you must pay for a seat reservation/supplement along with using the pass (mainly France, Italy and Spain but only on high-speed trains usually not local trains which you can just hop on.

Planning travel for 7 people on a modest budget requires a large amount of work. How you get from city to city is only one part of the task.

Assuming some of the 7 are juveniles, you might be able to get some substantial fare discounts on trains, but you'll need to buy tickets early and not change your mind about the itinerary and timing of your transfers from point to point.

Apartments would probably be more economical than hotels for a large group. Finding places that will work for your family, be within your budget constraints and be located close to what you want to see/do means doing lots of research, checking maps, etc.

Deciding how many cities you visit and how much time you spend in each means being realistic about your family. Generally, you can only travel as fast as the slowest person. Don't underestimate how much time it takes to get 7 people from place to place. If some are very young, they can't do some things without assistance, like boarding trains and carrying luggage. Every adult dealing with little ones is one less adult available to hoist luggage onto trains, carry an extra bag, etc.

It would probably be more time efficient if you flew into Amsterdam but out of another city to avoid having to backtrack/repeat.

It would help to know when you are planning this trip - I assume for next year given the complexity.

Also please tell us who is in the group - ages of kids, are there any seniors?

And what are your major interests? Outdoors/scenery? Cities? Historic sights? Beaches? And assume you are not doing any night life or fine dining?

Any languages you speak?

What are your favorite cities?

Yes more info about the group -makes a difference on cost of say train fares - ages - or railpasses, etc.

I do think you have a major task planning a trip for seven for three weeks. Can't see the RV but would favor trains, buses. So what do people in your party want to see and do? I'd start there to make it inclusive (you began with I am planning). I think everyone should have some say because planning is part of the fun of travel.

It does matter alot about ages and mobility and interests. The guy who love to hike in the woods may not want to waste time in an art gallery. This is double with teens and certainly small children. As to the last please don't overdue on the sightseeing thingy!