Hey all,

It is going to be my first time traveling to Europe in December. I am going with a group of four, ages 20-24. We are flying into Brussels and are in Europe for 8 days. We want to visit Paris, Amsterdam, and possibly London. I know this will not be enough time at any of these places but we are working with the time we have. We want to spend atleast 3 days in Paris and then maybe go over to London. After that maybe over to Antwerp and a day trip to Amsterdam. Do you think this is to many cities in the time we have? If so, which cities should we make priority? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay for people of our age and budget? Interesting sites to see or things to do? What is the best way to purchase a train ticket to get to each of these locations? Is there a site we can get them on now or should we wait to buy them once we get overseas? Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!!!

<< Do you think this is to many cities in the time we have? >>

Yes.

<< If so, which cities should we make priority? >>

London and Paris - - if for no other reason than the fact that _you_ mention them first.

<< Also, does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay for people of our age and budget? >>

Start with www.eurocheapo.com and tell us what you think about what you read there. Priceline is also a decent option for London.

See also the "Thorn Tree" board(s) of www.lonelyplanet.com - - a much more youth-centric forum than here.

Best wishes,

Rex

For just eight days, remembering you'll lose one to jet lag, I would stick to "Brussels -Paris -Amsterdam -Brussels"
Otherwise you'll spend more time travelling than seeeing, which wouldb e a pity.
Leave London for a whole new trip.

Normally I would say London/Paris. But since you are flying in to (and I assume, out of) Brussels - I would do Brussels/Bruges/Paris - or - Amsterdam/Paris

Those are about all you have time for.

I agree with those who recommend skipping London this time. Thalys trains are fast and expensive. Fortunately for you and your friends, you qualify for youth fares (under 26) and you don't have to book them in advance. All seats are reserved on Thalys trains. If you wish, you can book all your routes when you arrive in Brussels. Brussels-Paris is E37.50. Paris-Amsterdam is E49.00. Amsterdam-Brussels is E22.00. See www.bahn.de for the timetables. The stations you want are Brussels Midi, Paris Nord, and Amsterdam Centraal.

In my last post, when I said you don't have to book tickets in advance, I meant you don't have to do it from home before you leave. However, after you get to Brussels, it would be wise to book each leg as soon as you know the date and time you wish to travel.

Given your age group I would skip Bruges, and go with annhig sussgestion. Brussels -Paris -Amsterdam -Brussels. You could maybe fit in a day trip to Antwerp, but I would play that by ear and decide when you are there.

I think the general concensus is right...I would love it if you had time to do London and Paris (and you could do both if you weren't losing travel time getting to/from Brussels) as those are two of most people's favorite cities.

I would recommend buying a couple of guide books -- Rick Steves Europe Through The Back Door is very good for the budget traveler, and has a lot of good information on travel skills from everything on safety, money, how to pack light, etc, as well as some good recommendations on budget hotels.

Lonely Planet is for the younger traveler too, so you might like that as much or more. I find Fodors useful, and I stay away from Frommers books entirely.

For hotels, London is expensive, Paris extremely affordable by comparison. You'll want to make reservations soon, and stay close to the city centers so you reduce the time you have to "commute" to the sites.

When you arrive, you'll probably be tired, but you can still go out and see plenty. Just stay up as late as you can til your normal bedtime the first day, and when you wake up the next morning you will be all but adjusted.

As for what to see -- the sights are plentiful -- take a look at a guidebook or two, and check out the travel video section of your public library and look at the cities you want to visit and you'll find what you're interested in. Everybody's different (for example, my husband loves museums, I'm not a huge fan), so plan for a little time away from each other during the day for alone time if you want it -- you'll find you won't regret it.

Have a great time, and let us know if you have specific questions.

Jules

Thank you guys so much for all the info!

Once we get to Brussels is there a booth outside the airport where we can book all these train tickets? Are those always the prices or do they fluctuate? Would it be beneficial to get a youth pass (the one that allows you to travel to 3 countries unlimited for a certain number of days)? Thanks again for everything!!!

Hey, Ashleysmu,
I'd also suggest you get the Let's Go Books, written by Harvard students. Very geared toward the college crowd.

See if your local public library has Rick Steves Videos of Paris and Amsterdam. The visuals really help me prioritize. Or an Eyewitness Guide or Fodor's Top Ten has some pictures.

It always helps wherever you post if you list your interests. Also, did you take a language before? If not I'd sign up for a community ed class late for French. You can still get in.

Like Jules, I recommend _Europe Through the Back Door_ as a planning guide and Lonely Planet guidebooks. You can read articles which summarize what's in ETBD in the Travel Tips section of www.ricksteves.com. The Western Europe branch of the Thorn Tree message board at www.lonelyplanet.com would be a good place to post some questions.

The youth fare prices I quoted above are fixed. Since the train from the Brussels airport to the city center is run by Belgian Rail, you should be able to buy all your train tickets at the airport if you wish. The lines will most likely be shorter than at the Brussels Midi station.

For the trips you'll be taking, point-to-point tickets are cheaper than a pass.

Hi A,

I agree with Brussels/Paris/Amsterdam/Brussels.

Tim has given you the costs for train travel. You can compare that to the price of a railpass + supplements for THALYS.

You only have 8 days. You don't want unlimited travel unless you plan on spending your 8 days on trains.

Enjoy your visit.