Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Hi I am new!

Country forums / Western Europe / Netherlands

Hi everyone.

I am a 30/m planning to visit Amsterdam in early Sept. through (???) thinking of doing a tour of Europe by train as well.
I will be backpacking alone, which is a little bit intimidating, but very exciting as I know this is something I have needed to do for some time.

If anyone has any tips, recommendations, experiences, dos - donts, etc... to share that would be very very appreciated! And if you think you will be in the area during that time, lets chat!

Thanks!
J

Hi and welcome to TT.

If you're looking for travel companions, you may want to post as well in the Travel Companions branch. I also recommend that you join Couchsurfing and Hospitality Club. They've always been great resources for me when I have travelled solo. Just be sure to use them for cultural exchange, and not just to get a free bed.

Since you mention trains, Man in Seat 61 is the first website you need to visit. Click here.

If you're looking for more advice, you may want to give us more information. As a new TTer you'll find that the more specific you are, the greatest and most useful advice you'll get. Would you like to tell us, where exactly in Europe are you thinking of going, how long are you planning to travel, your interests and your budget (in euros)? That way, you'll help us to help you.

If you don't have any specific questions, I recommend that you browse past threads started by other people asking for general information on do's and dont's, how to plan their first trip to Europe and the like.

Looking forward to hearing more about your travel plans.

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The only thing I'd add to #1 is to also check out http://www.bahn.co.uk - english language europe wide train timetable.

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From Amsterdam you can get trains to England (via France), France, Belgium and Germany.

When you take the ICE train to Germany, get out in Arnhem and take a look in the city centre. Quite historic, much things that remember Operation Market Garden during WWII. Get in the train and go out for your next stop in Cologne. Nice city, friendly people. Train will end in Frankfurt an Main, with its nice skyline.

When you go to Belgium, take a look in Ghent. Get out underways in Rotterdam, much different from Amsterdam with itts modern architecture. Much better than Bruges, less crowded with tourists.

More info at hispeed.nl (the international train of the dutch railways)

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wow thanks for the help and resource links!
I will post a more specific itinerary once I have things finalized.

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