Hi,<BR><BR>Please don't flame me as I'm totally overwhelmed and don't know where to start planning this trip.<BR><BR>We would like to take two weeks either in Jan/Feb or June/July (those are the four months I am off) and do a whirlwind tour.<BR><BR>Our two must sees are France (probably Paris) and the Netherlands (home of my ancestors--Friesland, to be exact).<BR><BR>Where do I begin? Should we go in Jan/Feb or June/July? What are some good books and sites to get me started?<BR><BR>Should we go with a TA or tour company or go it alone?<BR><BR>We are in our late 20's and enjoy active pursuits. For example, our recent trip to Oahu included not only a hike up Diamond Head, but a six mile hike through the Makiki Valley and Manoa Cliffs area. We also enjoy fine dining and wine. Shopping is not big on our list.<BR><BR>Help--please?!?!<BR><BR>TIA<BR><BR>deb

Go visit the Netherlands and France in June or July. It is better in the summer. January and February can be very cold and wet.

Welcome to Fodors forums!<BR><BR>First trips are a special pleasure to see, as plans take shape here, through the advice of others.<BR><BR>You have a ton of options. There may be a tour that suits a large portion (but not all) of your interests, and typically, you can extend for additional days to be on your own.<BR><BR>The vast majority of "regulars" here will encourage you to "use us" to gain the confidence you need to do it ALL on your own.<BR><BR>A small group trip is another option. Somewhere between doing it all independent and taking a "tour". Custom, or semi-custom, depends on who might help put it together with you/for you.<BR><BR>You already seem to have much of the first essential ingredient - - a "vision" of what Europe should include, what will mean something to you. Now it might make sense to sprinkle in some places (maybe just one other destination) that make a good fit with France and Holland, and might add a dimension you had not thought of before.<BR><BR>Countries that come readily to mind include Belgium, England, Ireland or Germany. I would recommend just one of these, unless you are planning to spend more than 15 days (and I do NOT typically recommend such an extended trip your first time). <BR><BR>The next step is BOOK time - - not as in booking your plans - - but rather as in digging through books. Ideally, PICTURE books, more than facts. I recommend a trip to your public library - - maybe even multiple. The goal is to get your mouth watering, get your fantasies filled in, your imagination revved up. You'll make a list - - usually WAY too long - -of places you want to go. And then the forum can help you pare down, and maybe add in a place or two.<BR><BR>I have to think that you will enjoy June a lot more than Jan, Feb or July. It is more expensive than those winter months, but the days are almost twice as long. I'd rather have 10 days at 14 hrs of sunlight, than 14 days with 8. And lower hotel costs to start with a 10 day trip!<BR><BR>You don't NEED a third country to make a great 10-14 day trip, but if you want one, think about whether any one of these previously mentioned might appeal to you.<BR><BR>And if not, it won't be hard to make a great trip out of France and Holland. France, in particular is like ten countries in one, after all!<BR><BR>Come back repeatedly and often, to share with us your discoveries and your questions - - and "we" will be delighted to help you put it together.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR>

Thank you, Rex for your thoughtful reply.<BR><BR>I have to head to the bookstore today to pick up something to read by the pool during my last week of vacation before school starts (I am a high school counselor), so I will start paging through the books. I especially like your suggestion of looking through the picture books, not necessarily the travel guides.<BR><BR>I will come back often with more questions as they arise. <BR><BR>We were already leaning towards June for Europe and may go visit my brother in Big Sky, Montana for some winter skiing in Jan/Feb instead.<BR><BR>We see these as our last "big" trips before we try to become parents.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>Deb<BR>Los Angeles<BR>

And nothing wrong with trying to make your trip to Europe serve the dual purpose of working on becming parents at the same time! wink...<BR>

Rex is totally right when he says France is like 10 countries in one. Try not to see all of Europe in 2 weeks like some people do (we European can't understand this), but certainly see France (and not only Paris).<BR>www.trotty.com can be a good site to prepare your visit to Europe.

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ttt