We've been planning a Netherlands/Belgium visit during tulip time (end of April). With current events we are thinking it may not be the smartest time to visit Brussels/Belgium. We are 2 gay/lesbian couples in our 50's/60's. We've travelled together several time. We like to spend enough time in a place to get a feel for the daily life. We're thinking about still doing 5 or 6 nights in Amsterdam and day trips in the surrounding area (Haarlem, Gouda, Rotterdam, etc) --we already have booked an Apartment in Amsterdam via VRBO. Now we're thinking instead of our driving trip through Belgium and a few days in Bruges and Brussels, we should fly to some other city--Berlin? Prague? We don't want to go to Paris or London again. Any suggestions?

Barcelona? A $120 flight on Klm

Maybe it IS the best time to go to Belgium . I would still go . We did Amsterdam then, Brussels , Bruges and day trips . Belgium is beautiful .

Who knows what it will be like in Belgium next April. If you want to go to Belgium then go.
If however you are feeling too scared maybe consider getting the train to Berlin in stead.

I prefer to pair places that are geographically close -- I find the differences between areas that are near each other intriguing. So I would hold out to see if there really are reasons to skip that area when you are likely to go. JMO.

I think a lot depends on why you picked Amsterdam and what you are planning to actually do there. You have rather prominently mentioned your sexual orientation. Why? Does that have some bearing on your ultimate destinations?

I ask, as a Gay man, because for some of my Gay friends, their sexuality drives a lot of where they travel.

I think for an absolute contrast you might thoroughly enjoy Prague. For an absolutely varied nightlife scene there are few cities like Berlin. I can also visualize you in Barcelona but again your interests are important.

Barcelona, or head south to northern Italy. I always think its nice if you have the opportunity to visit more than one place to choose destinations that have some distinct differences in landscape, climate, architecture and cuisine. Go for maximum contrast with minimum travel distance.

I would head for Berlin - not to be missed if you have never been there. Has a great nightlife vibe but is really a wonderful cultural center with incredible museums.

I agree that it is too early to draw conclusions about Belgium next April, and I would also point out that Brussels alone has been the main focus of police activity, and Belgium is much more than just Brussels.

If you are willing to fly, it is quite easy to find cheap flights from Amsterdam to Italy, whether it be Venice, Pisa/Florence or Rome, and still more destinations. I think Venice makes an interesting combination with Amsterdam, both for their respective pasts and their futures (they cooperate on engineering issues regarding rising sea levels).