Andrew

Sap, I generally don't recommend people wait as long as I do to book their airline tickets! But I've booked my tickets to Europe less than six weeks out numerous times now - and in many cases I was able to take advantage of fantastic fare sales. The reason I wait so long isn't because I'm banking on a better deal, it's because I'm a bit indecisive. In one case, I start looking in May for September and considered planning my whole trip around direct, convenient Lufthansa flights that were later canceled, before I booked. By waiting I was able to re-plan around more convenient flights.

tds0212

haha!! Thanks guys! Everyone is so full of knowledge!! I suppose I will wait until closer to time...checking the prices over the next several months. All of your points are very valid. I get a little impulsive at times, thanks for being the voice of reason We are planning May 5th-18th...i don't want to think about any volcanos sap! haha! I am going to stay in my little bubble and get my tickets a few months ahead of time unless they plummet one month, then maybe i will snag them up!

PalenQ

My experience is like Andrew's - always book just before flying a month or so - usually because i don't make up my mind as to exactly when i'll leave until shortly before the trip - but i also go in off-season and then cheap fares are often available until the day of the plane practically and yes if seats remain unsold good sales can crop up.

But summer travel is more expensive than ever it seems as airlines have cut back capacity a lot. Early May and late May return may save lots of money over say leaving a month later - or it may not - it's all a matter of supply and demand.

suze

Just chiming in with a vote to keep Amsterdam on your itinerary. I was not 'wowed' by it or fall in love, but it is a very interesting city to see. I would go there first and use it to get over your jet lag. A couple days there. I did love Paris, and have not been to London (other than thru the airport many times) but think these 3 cities on an 11 day trip is a fine plan. For me, if I was cutting time, I'd take it from London (even though I know there's a lifetime of things to see and do there it personally doesn't interest me like Paris does, for whatever reason. Your milage may vary on this!)

tds0212

I know this post is so old....but before I start a new one just wanted to ask a few more random questions.

I have been reading and trying to find the way to get from place to place. So far I have this in mind...

Flying into LGW stay 4 nights, Eurostar to Paris stay 4 nights, then Thalys to Amsterdam stay 3 nights.

It wouldnt let me price for May 2011 so I just did September 2010 since they are both in "shoulder season"
Eurostar 260 USD
Thalys 208 USD
This is economy/standard/2nd class/CHEAPEST! haha
Then of course open-jaw air fare into LGW out of Amsterdam

I know once I get into the city I will have to take other trains/tubes to get to where i'm going. will figure that out soon. Just wanted to be on the right track to get to where I need to be.

If there seems to be a better way let me know. This is the price for BOTH my husband and I...not per person.

greg

Where did you get your Thalys price? The www.voyages-sncf.com is showing 35EU/person Paris-Amsterdam for 9/9/2010 for early morning departures and 45EU/person for late morning departures. These are "SMOOVE" fares.

Andrew

You're checking for a busy time not far in advance, so September prices are no doubt going to seem high. Don't wait til April to book for May - book as soon as Eurostar bookings open up for May to get cheaper fares. Just keep checking I guess.

tds0212

greg...i got my prices off of raileurope.com. Maybe I should check your site above!

Andrew- I will keep checking, thanks! It said on the web that they usually wont let you book more than 60 days in advance. I will keep up to date on it though and get them as soon as i can!

Just wanted to make sure that ppl thought this route was the best option and not flying from paris to amsterdam?? Thought the train might be easier than going through the whole airport ordeal, but I could be wrong.

kimhe

Ì would've stayed with your husband and some days in Madrid, living the life of this fabulous city that hardly goes to sleep. Plaza Santa Ana would be the perfect location, whether you want to stay in luxurios Reina Victoria or in more basic Hostal Persal just off the square.
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-santa-ana.html

The great jazz venue Café Central would either way be on your doorstep, and two of Madrid's best flamenco "tablaos", Cardamomo and Casa Patas, are both three mins away. As is one of Madrid's best tapas districts in and around Calle Cava Baja. And perhaps check out the terrace in 6th floor Casa Granada close by for lunch or some tapas: http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Vide...ada-Video.html

I think you shouldn't miss out on the sunset views from El Ventorillo in Las Vistillas park (10-15 mins walk from Plaza Santa Ana): http://11870.com/pro/restaurante-ven...ideos/d9dafee0

Go to the second floor of the Reina Sofia museum if you want to blow your minds off with Dalí, Picasso etc. plus films, posters and photos from two of the mayor civilizational breakdowns of the 20th Century, The Spaniah Civil War and WWII.

Andrew

I have both flown between Paris and Amsterdam and trained between them. Honestly, flying wasn't so bad - but there were no weather delays and everything was on time. I admit that I love train travel and in Europe especially, train travel is a lot of fun - a huge step up from Amtrak in the US. And the Thalys trains as I recall (this was a few years ago now) are really nice.

I don't think flying is going to save you tons of time if any, since you have to get from city center to/from the airport plus allow extra time for security (longer than for a train, especially in Paris). And I happen to think taking the trains is a big part of the "European" experience.

Did you look at the Thalys website at www.thalys.com ? Apparently fares are 35 Euro per person "Comfort 2" for 30-day advanced booking. I wouldn't even consider flying if I could take the train for that price.

PalenQ

"I have both flown between Paris and Amsterdam and trained between them."

Well since the launch of the new high-speed line between Brussels and Amsterdam - few folks will by flying this route as trains now do it in not much more than 3 hours - quicker than a plane figuring trains take you from city center to city center and schlepping out to the airport - going thru security - boarding - waiting for bags - taking a cab or bus or train then into the city center - and if the flight is late - if some volcano blows its top, etc.

The train on this route makes infinitely more sense to me.

tds0212

thanks!

tds0212

Ok. So the train it is. Now...my next thing is I have been watching open jaw tickets into LGW out of Amsterdam. I have checked 3 or 4 separate times...Non-stop flight, good times for departure and arrival but everytime I look the price has gone up a little. Not much, not like hundreds or anything. I was going to wait until Oct or Nov to purchase tix...just from what ppl say, what ive read in travel books...BUT will the price keep climbing or is there a chance it may go back down?? I can purchase them now, just thought I was supposed to wait?????

greg

Does it have to be in LGW, out AMS? Can it be in AMS, out LGW? How about in LHR, out AMS or even BRU?

I include all key costs into the itinerary planning: air, ground, and lodging to come up with options. Some added airfare can be easily compensated by larger discounts in other areas such as staying in expensive cities on weekends instead of on business days.

rs899

This is for next May? I think you are way too early. I would be seriously shopping about 3-4 months before.

tds0212

greg...it can be anyway BUT it was cheaper to fly into LGW and out of AMS...that's y I chose that route. For some reason London is cheaper. Plus i will be arriving at 7am in LGW and leaving AMS around 1 or 2 pm, if i remember correctly. I'd have to double check.

rs899...yes it is for May 2011. This coming May. I know it is early, but another poster said she bought her tix like 10 months in advance. Others said to wait as you did. Just wondering if the price would cont to climb or possible drop. Not really in a tizz about it just yet. Just dont want to miss out on a cheaper flight now and have to pay a lot more closer to time. ? Live and learn I guess.

Andrew

Yes, of course the price could continue to climb, or it could fall below what it's been the last few months. No one here can predict that. The real payoff of waiting is flexibility. You may between now and the end of the year, say, find out something that causes you to alter your itinerary: add a city, change the week, you travel, etc. What if there's some family or work issue between now and, say, January that comes up? Why lock yourself in now just out of fear that the fare might go up?

I'd assume you WILL pay more if you book, say, early next year, in exchange for not locking yourself in too early. And if by chance there's a big fare sale later instead that saves you money, consider it a bonus.

PalenQ

About the Thalys train - heed warnings above to buy your ticket as early as possible as if you just show up you could literally pay $100 or more more than like the Smoove (sp?) early bird booking fare - there are several fare levels with a certain number of tickets sold at each level so booking early is the key - but those tickets are not refundable nor changeable so be sure of your times.

Check www.thalys.com and www.voyages-sncf.com.

alexislovesspain

Don't assume this will be your ONE AND ONLY trip .... if you think that way .. you'll make yourself crazy

And don't discount the idea of travelling with small children later on. Kids fly (or at least they did in 2004) for free, on your lap, you only have to pay the taxes. so our daughter flew to Spain for $100 and since she was wlking, we spent very little time in our seats anyway.

We also, did a BabyMoon (before they were popular) to Paris. 6months pregnant and walking the Champes Elysee was great .. just would have liked to enjoy the wine


Where ever you go .... enjoy!