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Itinerary Advice for Solo Trip - London, Paris, Brussels/Bruges & Amsterdam

Hi, I’m planning my first solo trip to Europe in mid-October. I’ve been to Europe before, but travelled with a group previously. I would like some advice on my itinerary to ensure I’m not packing the schedule too tight and/or underestimating the logistics of traveling to each locale. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

Day 1 – Flight from US to London

Day 2 – Arrive in London

Day 3 – London

Day 4 – London

Day 5 – London

Day 6 – Eurostar to Paris (2hr 30min)

Day 7 – Paris

Day 8 – Paris

Day 9 – Paris

Day 10 – Paris

Day 11 – Thalys to Brussels (1hr 25min)

Day 12 – Brussels/Daytrip to Bruges

Day 13 – Thalys to Amsterdam (1hr 50 min)

Day 14 – Amsterdam

Day 15 – Amsterdam

Day 16 – Flight from Amsterdam to US

Posted by
11613 posts

Looks good to me for the time you have. I would spend the nights in Brugge or Gent rather than Brussels.

Posted by
923 posts

I concur with Zoe. I don't think you are trying to do too much but I'd rather stay in Brugges.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply! I appreciate your honest feedback. Based on the suggestions, it sounds like I'm doing fine with my planning so far, and I'll look into staying at Bruges for that portion of the trip.

Ray - I picked up Rick's Best of Europe book just this week, so I'll definitely check out the planned itineraries you mentioned.

Thanks again!

Posted by
15777 posts

Echoing Zoe, Bruges and Ghent are smaller and generally more interesting. I prefer staying in Ghent and day tripping to Bruges because Ghent, for me, is less kitsch-y. The hotels are cheaper and the old town is beautiful at night when the Gothic buildings and bridges are floodlit. It's about half-way between Bruges and Brussels, so a little more convenient too.