Paris, Amsterdam, Montreux jazz?

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tasha007
tasha007

Hi guys,

My friend and I are planning to come to Europe last week of June to July 4th for my birthday (approx. 10 days).

I am thinking to fly into Paris from US/San Francisco since I can get cheaper flight compared to Amsterdam. I've already been to Paris but it'd be fun to spend couple days there and head to Amsterdam for 3 days (first time and super excited!). And then thinking to end our trip by visiting Montreuz Jazz - I have never been to Switzerland - is the jazz fest must see? worth it??

I need your help/advise on transportation and planning - should we take train/plane from Paris to Amsterdam?

Netherlands to Switzerland - train or plane?

And then we will have to go back to Paris to take a flight back to San Francisco.

Am I too off for the order of the countries? It is my first time to Netherlands and Switzerland - so any tips would be helpful!

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tasha007
tasha007

Or we can also rent a car and drive if it's safe and great way to enjoy the places?

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aribo
aribo

I answered most of your questions on your other thread, but just to add a few comments on car rental:
- keep in mind that international one-way rentals are extremely pricey, because the car has to be repatriated to the country of origin
- a car is useful if you plan to explore the countryside, where train and bus services are limited; local public transport is generally very good to outstanding, parking fees in city centers are very high - if you can find a place to park in the first place - and hotels in convenient (= central) locations in the cities do not offer free parking (€20/night or more is common), if any at all.

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anniedaribelanda
anniedaribelanda

Hello Tasha,

Do you know there is a jazz festival taking place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on 8, 9 and 10 July?
Here's the link: http://www.northseajazz.com/en

You can travel from Paris to Amsterdam by plane, train and bus. The best way to get from the Netherlands to Switzerland is by plane, because it's quite a distance when travelling overland.

Have a great time in Europe!

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tasha007
tasha007

This is very helpful guys! I think we are dropping the idea of renting a car, will just take a train from Paris to Amsterdam. I will look for cheap flights from Amsterdam to Switzerland if there are any - should I try ryanair or easyjet?

Also should we rent a car while we are in Switzerland to do couple day trips?

annemarie143 - thanks a ton for details on jazz fest in rotterdam, unfortunately we have to be back in states by July 4th, so will have to miss it!!

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cecilia
cecilia

Train tickets between Paris and Amsterdam tend to be quite expensive, especially when bought on short notice. Try to get them as far in advance as possible, or maybe find some on the internet from people who bought tickets but can't go (and want to sell their tickets lastminute).

If money is an issue, you may want to take a Eurolines bus instead, it takes much longer (about 8 hours instead of 3:20 by train) and is less comfortable, but can be much cheaper... about EUR 25 - EUR 52 one way per person.

You will find recommendations for things to see and do in Amsterdam on my website under Travel.

Veel plezier, have fun,
Cécile
Amsterdam

Travel tales, tips, photos and videos on my website (Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa)
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tasha007
tasha007

Thanks Cecilia. I think we're better off taking train from Paris to Amsterdam, I will buy my tickets next week before price goes up. Thinking to take overnight train from Amsterdam to Switzerland.

I will check out your website. Thanks!

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