If you are looking for an exciting weekend getaway outside of the US, this is it. Occasionally, you’ll come across flight tickets to Europe for the same price as it will be for domestic flights within the United States.
Make sure to use the map feature within Google maps, set the desire range of flight costs, and let the destination choose you.
Traditionally, my international weekend getaways cost me no more than $1,000 flight-inclusive. I deviated from this budget for this trip (due to last-minute booking and food splurging). However, it is totally possible to visit 2-3 countries in Europe from the U.S over a weekend and I’ll tell you how.
Check out my itinerary below. I hope this inspires you to get out of the US for a weekend and hop onto adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & Amsterdam
✈️ We departed Newark Airport in NJ at approximately 6PM. I was able to get some work done throughout the day and free up my afternoon to catch this flight comfortably.
Taking into consideration flight duration, points of departure and time zone differences, will easily allow you to maximize a weekend internationally.
Flight Duration : 6 Hours
Time Difference (NJ, USA to Amsterdam, Netherlands) : 6 Hours
7AM —📍Arrive to Schipol Airport & Transportation to Amsterdam City Centre
There are multiple transportation options from the Airport to the city center. It is recommended to use public transportation for convenience and costs.
I used Google Maps to guide me in finding the best public transportation route and this consisted of taking a bus right outside the airport to a bus stop just a few blocks away from our hotel.
Public transportation in Amsterdam is reliable, punctual and efficient. You can use your credit card to tap in and out of most trams or busses. DO NOT forget to tap out as this will allow the system to automatically calculate your fare.
8AM —🎒 Drop-off bags at Hotel
10AM —🥪 Breakfast at Chun Cafe
11AM - 4PM —📸 Zaandam & Zaanse-Schans
4-6PM - Dinner at Cafe Sonneveld
8PM - Christmas Market
252 (Triple Room - 1 Night)
https://reservations.cubilis.eu/dikker-and-thijs-fenice-hotel-amsterdam
Check in starts in the afternoon. However, you can drop off bags early to get exploring!
🥞 Breakfast at Chun Cafe Berenstraat (Opens 10AM)
📍Berenstraat 8, 1016 GH Amsterdam, Netherlands
🛤️ Zaandam & Zaanse Schans
- Go by train ($3 ticket)
- Zaandam - Architecture (Inntel Hotel)
- Takes Bus 67 to Zaanse Schans
The Zaanseschans.com is run by the heritage collective and their sights are free to visit.
This includes the Cheese Farm, the wooden shoe workshop, the Albert Heijn and Bakery Museums, as well as the shops and restaurants on site.
🍽️4:30PM - Cafe Sonneveld ⭐ RESERVATION
8PM - Boat Tour
🚆🇫🇷 Off to Paris!
St Christopher's Inn Paris Canal, 159 Rue de Crimée, 75019 Paris, France
FOOD
- Fabel Friets (Truffle Sauce & Parmesan Fries)
- Dutch pancakes at Albert Cuyp Market
- Italian Restaurant: Linguini
- Bakers and Roasters (brunch)
- Ted’s (brunch)
- Maijard Smash Burgers
- Chun Café
- Van Stapele ⭐ Cookies
- Cafe Sonnevels ⭐
Pure boats Amsterdam or Friendship boats
Noodermarket Flee market
Adam Lookout
Ice Bar Museum
Photo Dump & Videos of our 3-Day International Weekend Getaway.
Paris
- Luxembourg Gardens (Free)
- Pink Mamma OR Mamma Primi
- & No entry dinner
- Chausee d’ Antin Lafayette
- Line 9 Franklin D Roosevelt
- Beef bar restaurant 🌟
Name | Number | Type | Multi-select | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1,177.23 | Shared/Split | Paid | Transport | Flights for 3 | |
$1,082.00 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Transport | 3 Roundtrip Tickets purchased less than 1 week in advance. | |
$268.79 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Accomodations | Comfortable Triple Room | |
$160.12 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Accomodations | 4 bunk bed private | |
$111.00 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Accomodations | Amazing Location near Amsterdam Central with Canal View | |
$125.00 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Food | ||
$86.43 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Transport | 3 trips ( hotel to Intel Hotel, Zanndan - Zaanse Schans to Cafe Sonneveld & Cancelled Trip ) | |
$40.00 | Individual | Transport | |||
$55.58 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Entertainment | ||
$15.00 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Entertainment | ||
$105.31 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Food | ||
$104.21 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Food | ||
$104.00 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Food | ||
$64.46 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Food | ||
$26.84 | Unpaid | Food | |||
$107.03 | Shared/Split | Unpaid | Transport | ||
$20.00 | Unpaid | Food |
Travel Diary
