Incidentally, what is Amsterdam and surrounding towns like in July for weather? Seems pretty cool and nice. I may end up going there after all and just have to find a way to connect through at another time for Kukenhof!

Bumping ... curious if people can comment on what the weather would be like in July (seems quite mild) and whether it would be too mobbed to enjoy properly.

Weather in July depends on whether northern Europe is at any time dominated by low pressure systems from Iceland or high pressure systems from the Azores - - could be 60's & rain, could be 80's and sun - - right now it is pretty nice: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/NLXX0002

And, from a crowd perspective, is it stupid to go at this time? I'm sure it will be mobbed, but hopefully buying tickets in advance and taking advantage of the late nights will help.

- could be 60's & rain, could be 80's and sun - - right now it is pretty nice

After spending many a July in Amsterdam/Holland it is more likely to be in the 60s than 80s - they can go thru a whole summer and never reach 80 - yet 60s would IME not be unsual -

and yes Amsterdam is crowded at this time but the city itself here IMO is the lure - and only a few major sites like the main museums will have long lines - the National Museum Card can give priority entrance at some - don't lets crowds deter you - I've seen more tourist mobs scenes in Paris and Rome than in Amsterdam.

So, it's looking like I will have 6 full days here in July/August 2014, over Pride Week. I'm staying at the airport one night and Pulitzer the other 5. Is there a day trip or two I should take directly from the airport? (Won't be able to do Kukenhof, sadly)

Haarlem is a 20 minute bus ride away from Schiphol.