Hello fellow Fodorites, I need your help. I've researched already and bought books but still I would like to know your feedback/comments before we make our decision. My husband, myself and 13-year old daughter will be traveling to London, Brussels and Amsterdam. Following are my questions: Is it better to do tour package (i.e, hotel,air, minimal sightseeing) or do an independent tour. If independent, should we fly from London to Brussels and Brussels to Amsterdam or is it better to take the train? Also, should we purchase a round-trip US-London or US-London then Amsterdam-US? Lastly, we are looking for an inexpensive/moderate, center-of-city hotel in London, Brussels and Amsterdam and will appreciate your recommendations. During our last 2 European tours, the recommendations I got from this forum were more reliable than what we got from guide books we bought. Thanks a million!

You don't need any tour company for this adventure - tres easy. <BR> <BR>Fly in to London, take ferry or Eurostar to Brussels, train to Amsterdam, fly home from Amsterdam; or do it in reverse. <BR> <BR>Any good guidebook (or this forum if you do a search, or Fodor's MiniGuide on the home page) will give you the sights to see in each city. <BR>

Thanks Elvira. I love your trip reports esp. Paris and Venice. Hotel recommendations please anyone.

Is it possible to buy train tickets between London-Brussels and Brussels to Amsterdam in Europe as against doing it here in US? How much cheaper is it?

Check out raileurope.com for schedules and prices. If you're travelling during the tourist season it's a good idea to buy in advance to save lines and possible full trains. Also recommend buying reserved seats.

We went to Amsterdam in 2000 via SkyAuction.com, and their package put us in a Best Western property called AMS Terdam, about 2 blocks off Leidseplein. I thought it was a great location - walking distance to both great museums (Rjkesmuseum, Van Gogh), the Vondelpark, the canal cruise dock, a Hard Rock cafe, and the cinema at Leidseplein. The Circle-20 tram runs right there (as do others). Glad we weren't staying near the Dam Square or Red Light District. Here is a link to the hotel: http://www.hotels-holland.com/amsterdam/terdam.htm The hotel itself was clean, modern and on a small side street. We flew in, so took a shuttle bus that deposited us in front of Hilton (I think), one block over. Another frequently recommended hotel was next door, called the Owl.http://www.hotels-holland.com/amsterdam/owl.htm

Its possible to fly very cheaply London/A'dam.(try easyjet or ryanair)