My son is planning a trip to Paris and Berlin in May after graduation. Between job hunting and school he has not done much planning and have asked me for some help. He (been to Italy and extensive travel experience in US) and a childhood buddy (no travel experience) are flying into Paris on a Thursday, morning arrival and leaving from Berlin 2 weeks later. They want a somewhat spontaneous trip and are now thinking they need to do some planning. Areas of concern are lodging....do college kids still do hostels? I feel they should find a place in Paris....what area? They do not need much for lodging (be close to public transportation) and would prefer to spend money on experiences, food and wine. Also how should they get to Berlin? train or fly? If by train is there some where in between they should stop. He has several books and we are getting together this weekend. I know they are interested in World History, dont mind a few Churches, WW II history and are open to having fun before the start their "real job". Thanks for any advice you can give me. And the reason he is going to Berlin is because it sounded like fun and the flights were really cheap...... They haven't set a budget yet....my son is spending his own money. Suggestions for a budget?

You can go Paris Nord to Cologne from €35 at www.b-europe.com

Cologne is a great place for a stop

Then Cologne to Berlin from €29.90 www.bahn.de/en

Although at short notice it'll be more expensive, just like flights.

You can also go Paris-Amsterdam in 3h20 from €35, www.b-europe.com, overnight there, then go Amsterdam to Berlin in 6h20 from €39.90 also booked at www.bahn.de/en

There's lots to see on the way, https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-ro...in.htm#journey

those fares Man in Seat 61 gives are available often only if you book weeks/months in advance and are non-changeable from a specific train. Fine for most folks. Amsterdam would be a great stop and then maybe Cologne. In addition to www.seat61.com (Man in Seat 61's commecial site-excellent site for general info where to go by trains and such check www.budgeteruopetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am suggestion 3 full days in Paris for them. I am partial to suggesting Amsterdam for them since I was an exchange student to the Netherlands and partial to Dutch.

I'm partial to Dutch too (I married one) ;0)

They can also fly between Paris and Berlin in less than two hours. ADDING the time to get to Paris Orly and security there to the flight time is still considerably less than the 9 hours suggested above.

i like trains in Europe a LOT but sometimes time really is of the essence.

Locals on fodors say Amsterdam has been completely ruined by too many tourists and is now a Disneyland to be avoided!

Traveling in May 2018?
It is not clear if you are aware of the ongoing frequent SNCF railroad workers and Air France strikes. Rail strike in France
While no one knows if they continue the trend into May, SNCF unions have not have abandoned their intent to strike into May. I don't know how they are flying into France or if they are flying between Paris and Berlin. The Air France strikes, if they also continue into May, could impact both legs. Also aware that the Paris airport control staffs and German airport workers had much limited one day strikes this year impacting all carriers.
They might be only thinking of having fun and saving money, but the existence of the means of travel itself is a key concern for this May.
If the trip is in 2018, the minimum they need to do is to avoid traveling on published strike dates.