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Lostmymind Nov 16th, 2005 06:57 PM

Now What?!?!?!
 
OK, I just booked a ticket for a 14 night mid-life crisis backpacking tour of Europe. I will start in Amsterdam, and I am thinking 3 days then on the train I go. I did paris earlier this year so i dont have to worry about that. I will be traveling alone, and staying in cheap hotels or hostels. So is 3 days enough for Amsterdam?

Psus Nov 16th, 2005 07:19 PM

You need a better title to your question. I'm new at this, but saw someone else give this same advise.

Something like "Amsterdam, 3 days enough?" Or add backpacking.

The previous advice I heard was, start again.

Good luck

cymbeline Nov 16th, 2005 08:05 PM

I've been to Amsterdam twice. It's subjective, but, me, I'd go 4 nights, 3 days.

You will have a blast. Sit down with travel guides at a big bookstore and get vibes. You need vibes for a mid-life crisis so you can get in touch with where you want to be. Not what to see -- where to be.

PatrickLondon Nov 17th, 2005 02:29 AM

Depends on what you think the solution to your mid-life crisis might be, but if you want to tour, three days in Amsterdam is about right to get your breath and change your mindset. It's certainly possible to spend longer there, use it as a base for daytrips elsewhere in the Netherlands and so on, but I get the impression you're looking for more variety of experiences.

If it were me, I'd try to get some additional ideas together before leaving home. You don't need to tie yourself down to a rigid plan, but some alternatives would probably be helpful to you. Do you want a high-culture experience, or high-energy outdoorsy things, or beaches, or people-watching in different countries?

rbnwdln Nov 17th, 2005 04:07 AM

Except for the backpacking part - what a great way to live through a mid-life crisis! Travel gives whole new meaning to our lives and can put all things in perspective, expecially time spent alone. I, personally, would go the 5 star hotel route through Europe to soothe a mid-life crisis! (Champagne tastes, beer budget, that's me! LOL)

minceta Nov 17th, 2005 04:21 AM

There is nothing wrong with backpacking. It's a wonderful way to travel, to have an open mind, to meet people, and to enjoy new life experiences.

I will always be a backpacker. The backpacking style gave me an opportunity to really travel the world and it profoundly changed my life.

Give me 5 weeks of travel on a backpacking budget vs. 1 week on a 5* budget anytime.

Have fun, OP! You're doing the right thing.

suze Nov 17th, 2005 06:37 AM

I would suggest 5 days for Amsterdam. Anytime in planning/traveling the day you arrive a city and the day you leave a city are necessarily taken up somewhat by transpo from the train, hotel/hostel check in, etc. So to my mind 3 days ends up more like 1-1/2 for being out and looking around.

Congrats on the trip you haven't lost your mind you've found a bit of adventure is all! Also solo travel is the best and most enjoyable for me. Have at it!!

Travelnut Nov 17th, 2005 06:53 AM

There's much more to France than Paris.

We enjoyed a route by train from Amsterdam to Cologne, Koblenz, St Goar, Frieburg (sp), Basel, Lucerne, Zurich in 11 days, incl. the flight days.

FainaAgain Nov 17th, 2005 10:41 AM

LOL sorry can't advise, but love your nickname and tour description :)


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