London, Paris, Amsterdam & Oktoberfest?
Nov 2nd, 2015, 12:15 PM
#1
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London, Paris, Amsterdam & Oktoberfest?
Hi travelers,
I just booked a one way ticket to London for my Wife and I on September 16, 2016. Hell of a deal that I couldn't pass up. She and I have been wanting to do a western Euro trip for a long time. We want some opinions on if doing London, Paris, Amsterdam and then shooting over to Munich for a day or two to do Oktoberfest is do-able in a two week span.
We are leaving San Francisco on 9/16 and will be getting to London on Saturday morning, 9/17. Ideally we are back in SF by 10/1. I have been to London before, but my Wife hasn't. She definitely wants to go, but is more interested in Paris and Amsterdam. Our budget is pretty open and we'll likely be doing AirBNBs.
We'd like to spend the majority of our time in London, Paris and Amsterdam and then shoot over to Munich for a few days before we head home so we can experience Oktoberfest. Realistic? All ideas and opinions are welcome.
Cheers!
Paul
I just booked a one way ticket to London for my Wife and I on September 16, 2016. Hell of a deal that I couldn't pass up. She and I have been wanting to do a western Euro trip for a long time. We want some opinions on if doing London, Paris, Amsterdam and then shooting over to Munich for a day or two to do Oktoberfest is do-able in a two week span.
We are leaving San Francisco on 9/16 and will be getting to London on Saturday morning, 9/17. Ideally we are back in SF by 10/1. I have been to London before, but my Wife hasn't. She definitely wants to go, but is more interested in Paris and Amsterdam. Our budget is pretty open and we'll likely be doing AirBNBs.
We'd like to spend the majority of our time in London, Paris and Amsterdam and then shoot over to Munich for a few days before we head home so we can experience Oktoberfest. Realistic? All ideas and opinions are welcome.
Cheers!
Paul
Nov 2nd, 2015, 12:43 PM
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Why did you book a one-way ticket? That's potentially really problematic these days. Be prepared to be put aside and questioned by border authorities.
Otherwise it sounds do-able, though fast. You are planning open-jaw tickets ultimately, right? You will have return tickets when you arrive in Europe? if not, expect a hellstorm.
Note that loads of AirBnb apartments are illegal. Might want to educate yourselves on this breaking story so you don't end up with no place to stay.
Otherwise it sounds do-able, though fast. You are planning open-jaw tickets ultimately, right? You will have return tickets when you arrive in Europe? if not, expect a hellstorm.
Note that loads of AirBnb apartments are illegal. Might want to educate yourselves on this breaking story so you don't end up with no place to stay.
Nov 2nd, 2015, 12:48 PM
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Hello Bay Area neighbor!
Keep in mind with your current plan, the day you arrive and the day you leave gets sucked away from the airport (also baggage claim, passport control, etc.) to hotel/Airbnb. So, your 15 days is closer to 13. Also, the time spent traveling from location to location also sucks up a huge amount of time, again traveling to/from airport/train station and checking in/out.
That being said, I did a similar trip two years ago to Munich (for Oktoberfest), Salzburg, Paris, London and some additional day trips. Verdict: NEVER again. And I’m an experienced, fast-paced traveler who has gone to London and Paris multiple times previously.
Personally, for two weeks…make it three cities max. I think for this trip, consider London, Paris and Amsterdam if you must do all three. Depending on what you want to see or do, you may need to scale back, but those three can be done fairly well in a two week trip. They are fairly close together, making trains an option to travel between.
If you must go to Munich for a “day or two,” you should really consider cutting one of the other three cities, IMHO. By the time you get to Munich for that “day or two,” you will have only a half day or one day there. Also, don’t underestimate the crowds at Oktoberfest and Munich in general. I do suggest going to Oktoberfest, it is pretty spectacular; however for your plan, you might need to make concessions.
Keep in mind with your current plan, the day you arrive and the day you leave gets sucked away from the airport (also baggage claim, passport control, etc.) to hotel/Airbnb. So, your 15 days is closer to 13. Also, the time spent traveling from location to location also sucks up a huge amount of time, again traveling to/from airport/train station and checking in/out.
That being said, I did a similar trip two years ago to Munich (for Oktoberfest), Salzburg, Paris, London and some additional day trips. Verdict: NEVER again. And I’m an experienced, fast-paced traveler who has gone to London and Paris multiple times previously.
Personally, for two weeks…make it three cities max. I think for this trip, consider London, Paris and Amsterdam if you must do all three. Depending on what you want to see or do, you may need to scale back, but those three can be done fairly well in a two week trip. They are fairly close together, making trains an option to travel between.
If you must go to Munich for a “day or two,” you should really consider cutting one of the other three cities, IMHO. By the time you get to Munich for that “day or two,” you will have only a half day or one day there. Also, don’t underestimate the crowds at Oktoberfest and Munich in general. I do suggest going to Oktoberfest, it is pretty spectacular; however for your plan, you might need to make concessions.
Nov 2nd, 2015, 01:40 PM
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Thank you both for your replies. This is exactly what I was looking for. I booked a one way to London only until we figure out an itinerary so we know which city we want to fly back in from. Will definitely be cautious with AirBNB and will adjust if need be. Sounds like the Oktoberfest trip may have to wait for another time, as London, Paris & Amsterdam are the priorities right now. Thanks, again!
Nov 2nd, 2015, 09:55 PM
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London Paris Amsterdam is quite easy
Book trains for Eurostar London- Paris as soon as they are available (90 or 120 days before travel ) and thalys Paris - Amsterdam 90 days in advance for cheapest prices.
I would spend same amount of time in London and Paris and half I Amsterdam.
Book trains for Eurostar London- Paris as soon as they are available (90 or 120 days before travel ) and thalys Paris - Amsterdam 90 days in advance for cheapest prices.
I would spend same amount of time in London and Paris and half I Amsterdam.
