There are non-stops from Dallas to Amsterdam that aren't any longer than Dallas to Paris. If you aren't going to museums, it leaves time for a daytrip to Antwerp to eat chocolate & waffles or beer & moules & frites.

Nothing against Mexico, just pointing this out.

I love Mexico but wouldn't go there with only 3-5 days.

OP is all over the board or globe it seems.

How about let Mum decide-it's her trip gift.

But there are only so many non-stops out of Dallas, so that does limit the options. Also, if 9+ hours is the max for flying, that also limits the options further. Anyway, it doesn't appear to be the case that mum is not deciding in the end, whatever suggestions are made.

Ok. Thanks all for the input. As expected, forum turned rude. Never fails to happen to people it seems so it's my turn.
I thank everyone for their advice, took it to heart, limited the list (as mom asked) and have given her the reigns to choose from here.

Omg just reread the last reply and I had misread it. Thought you were implying I wasn't letting mom decide! She totally is. Asked me to help narrow down. Many apologies.

*reins